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‘Tis the season to celebrate joy, togetherness and delicious food in this collection of recipes perfect for Christmas. From the highly-popular roasted turkey that never goes wrong to our essential appetizers, sides, drinks and desserts, we have everything you need for a successful day of festivities. Plus, these dishes have earned four- and five-star ratings fromEatingWellreaders, so we’re sure you and your loved ones are going to enjoy them, too. Recipes like our Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & Pomegranate and Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown Butter will be the talk of the town this Christmas.
01of 30EatingWell Crudité Vegetable Wreath with Ranch DipTake your veggies and dip to the next level with this colorful crudité wreath. This vegetable appetizer is a stunner with white cauliflower, red tomatoes and green broccoli, green beans, snap peas, kale and Brussels sprouts. It’s also a delicious way to start your celebration with veggies (which there are rarely enough of at parties and holidays). The homemade ranch dip, which uses nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, takes just a few minutes to make, or you can use a healthy store-bought dip.View Recipe
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EatingWell Crudité Vegetable Wreath with Ranch Dip
Take your veggies and dip to the next level with this colorful crudité wreath. This vegetable appetizer is a stunner with white cauliflower, red tomatoes and green broccoli, green beans, snap peas, kale and Brussels sprouts. It’s also a delicious way to start your celebration with veggies (which there are rarely enough of at parties and holidays). The homemade ranch dip, which uses nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, takes just a few minutes to make, or you can use a healthy store-bought dip.
View Recipe
02of 30Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & PomegranateBrie PassanoThis gorgeous warm salad with nutty roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds and creamy goat cheese is perfect for any winter meal—from a weeknight dinner to Christmas dinner or any other holiday celebration. The recipe is easily doubled if you are entertaining a crowd: just be sure to spread the sprouts out (use 2 pans if necessary) so they roast instead of steaming.View Recipe
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & Pomegranate
Brie Passano
This gorgeous warm salad with nutty roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds and creamy goat cheese is perfect for any winter meal—from a weeknight dinner to Christmas dinner or any other holiday celebration. The recipe is easily doubled if you are entertaining a crowd: just be sure to spread the sprouts out (use 2 pans if necessary) so they roast instead of steaming.
03of 30Herb-Roasted TurkeyThis easy method produces all the good looks and moist flavor you dream of in an oven-roasted turkey. Make sure you show this beauty off at the table before you carve it. Garnish your serving platter with fresh herb sprigs and citrus wedges for a showstopping Thanksgiving turkey.View Recipe
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Herb-Roasted Turkey
This easy method produces all the good looks and moist flavor you dream of in an oven-roasted turkey. Make sure you show this beauty off at the table before you carve it. Garnish your serving platter with fresh herb sprigs and citrus wedges for a showstopping Thanksgiving turkey.
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Peppermint-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
05of 30Cranberry-Orange PunchThis gorgeous fruity punch is perfect for any party—serve it on its own for a fun mocktail that will please kids and adults alike.View Recipe
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Cranberry-Orange Punch
This gorgeous fruity punch is perfect for any party—serve it on its own for a fun mocktail that will please kids and adults alike.
06of 30Caramelized Onion & Apple StuffingCaramelized onions are a sweet and savory addition to this healthy stuffing recipe. Choose an apple that becomes tender yet holds its shape when cooked—try Jonagold or Cortland.View Recipe
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Caramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing
Caramelized onions are a sweet and savory addition to this healthy stuffing recipe. Choose an apple that becomes tender yet holds its shape when cooked—try Jonagold or Cortland.
07of 30Crispy Roast ChickenClassic and delicious, this roast chicken recipe will shine on the table fresh from the oven, served with any side. And this oven-roasted chicken is basic enough to play well in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.View Recipe
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Crispy Roast Chicken
Classic and delicious, this roast chicken recipe will shine on the table fresh from the oven, served with any side. And this oven-roasted chicken is basic enough to play well in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
08of 30Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with BurrataThis beautiful butternut squash salad with creamy burrata cheese and peppery arugula is perfect for fall entertaining. For the best flavor and texture, remove the burrata from the refrigerator about an hour before use and assemble the salad while the squash is still warm from roasting so the cheese will melt slightly. Feel free to use precut butternut squash to make this recipe easier. If you can find pomegranates, the arils add a bright pop of color and flavor to this healthy salad, but it’s just as good—and almost as impressive-looking—without them.View Recipe
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Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata
This beautiful butternut squash salad with creamy burrata cheese and peppery arugula is perfect for fall entertaining. For the best flavor and texture, remove the burrata from the refrigerator about an hour before use and assemble the salad while the squash is still warm from roasting so the cheese will melt slightly. Feel free to use precut butternut squash to make this recipe easier. If you can find pomegranates, the arils add a bright pop of color and flavor to this healthy salad, but it’s just as good—and almost as impressive-looking—without them.
09of 30Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown ButterPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterThe filling of these flaky apple turnovers is made with browned butter, giving it a nutty flavor. Granny Smith apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart, plus they hold their shape when cooked for a pleasant texture. If you want your turnovers sweeter without increasing the sugar, swap them out for a sweeter apple like Gala or Honeycrisp.View Recipe
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Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown Butter
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
The filling of these flaky apple turnovers is made with browned butter, giving it a nutty flavor. Granny Smith apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart, plus they hold their shape when cooked for a pleasant texture. If you want your turnovers sweeter without increasing the sugar, swap them out for a sweeter apple like Gala or Honeycrisp.
10of 30Rosemary-Ginger French 75Rosemary and ginger add a flavorful twist to a classic citrusy gin cocktail topped with a little bubbly for a festive libation.View Recipe
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Rosemary-Ginger French 75
Rosemary and ginger add a flavorful twist to a classic citrusy gin cocktail topped with a little bubbly for a festive libation.
11of 30Cranberry-Brie Bites with Puff PastrySara HaasFestive for any holiday gathering, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner party, these cranberry-Brie bites are the perfect appetizer. Made with just three ingredients, these bites come together quickly and present beautifully.View Recipe
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Cranberry-Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Sara Haas
Festive for any holiday gathering, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner party, these cranberry-Brie bites are the perfect appetizer. Made with just three ingredients, these bites come together quickly and present beautifully.
12of 30Carrot Casserole Is an Easy Side Dish for Any OccasionPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessCarrot casserole is a great holiday side dish that’s both creamy and savory with just a touch of sweetness from the carrots. Coriander and dry mustard add lovely background flavors to the cream sauce. Microwaving the carrots gives them a jump-start in the cooking process and ensures that they’re cooked through. The carrots should all be sliced thinly so they cook evenly. If you have one, a mandoline can make quick work of the slicing, but a good sharp knife will also do the trick.View Recipe
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Carrot Casserole Is an Easy Side Dish for Any Occasion
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Carrot casserole is a great holiday side dish that’s both creamy and savory with just a touch of sweetness from the carrots. Coriander and dry mustard add lovely background flavors to the cream sauce. Microwaving the carrots gives them a jump-start in the cooking process and ensures that they’re cooked through. The carrots should all be sliced thinly so they cook evenly. If you have one, a mandoline can make quick work of the slicing, but a good sharp knife will also do the trick.
13of 30Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with Horseradish SauceThe eye of round is a lean, boneless cut of beef that’s less expensive than a tenderloin or rib roast but just as delicious. It’s best served medium-rare–when cooked to higher temperatures it can become tough. Topping it with a finger-licking-good horseradish sauce makes this roast beef holiday-worthy.View Recipe
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Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce
The eye of round is a lean, boneless cut of beef that’s less expensive than a tenderloin or rib roast but just as delicious. It’s best served medium-rare–when cooked to higher temperatures it can become tough. Topping it with a finger-licking-good horseradish sauce makes this roast beef holiday-worthy.
14of 30Cranberry-Lemon Cheesecake BarsAlexandra ShytsmanThese festive cheesecake bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Cranberries add a pop of color and tang.View Recipe
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Cranberry-Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Alexandra Shytsman
These festive cheesecake bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Cranberries add a pop of color and tang.
15of 30Cranberry-Prosecco CocktailA splash of cranberry juice in sparkling wine and a garnish of cranberries and rosemary sprigs make an exceptionally festive party-ready cocktail that’s easy to make, too.View Recipe
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Cranberry-Prosecco Cocktail
A splash of cranberry juice in sparkling wine and a garnish of cranberries and rosemary sprigs make an exceptionally festive party-ready cocktail that’s easy to make, too.
16of 30Pear-Pecan Cheese BallSweet pear, salty Cheddar cheese and crunchy nuts make this healthy cheese ball recipe an alluring holiday treat. Serve with an array of crudités and crisp party crackers.View Recipe
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Pear-Pecan Cheese Ball
Sweet pear, salty Cheddar cheese and crunchy nuts make this healthy cheese ball recipe an alluring holiday treat. Serve with an array of crudités and crisp party crackers.
17of 30Winter Cobb SaladJennifer CauseyThis seasonal twist on a traditional Cobb salad swaps in kale for lettuce and spiced butternut squash for chicken but keeps the essential avocado, blue cheese, bacon and egg.View Recipe
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Winter Cobb Salad
Jennifer Causey
This seasonal twist on a traditional Cobb salad swaps in kale for lettuce and spiced butternut squash for chicken but keeps the essential avocado, blue cheese, bacon and egg.
18of 30Perfect Prime RibCooking prime rib can be intimidating–it’s such a big piece of meat and you’re usually making it for a special occasion, like Christmas or a formal dinner, so you want to get it just right. But it needn’t be stressful: This easy prime rib recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients and lays out how to cook prime rib so it’s juicy, tender and full of flavor, without a lot of fuss. Cooking the prime rib low and slow safeguards the meat from cooking unevenly. See the Tips section below for more advice on making the perfect prime rib. And if you have leftovers, they make a killer sandwich!View Recipe
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Perfect Prime Rib
Cooking prime rib can be intimidating–it’s such a big piece of meat and you’re usually making it for a special occasion, like Christmas or a formal dinner, so you want to get it just right. But it needn’t be stressful: This easy prime rib recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients and lays out how to cook prime rib so it’s juicy, tender and full of flavor, without a lot of fuss. Cooking the prime rib low and slow safeguards the meat from cooking unevenly. See the Tips section below for more advice on making the perfect prime rib. And if you have leftovers, they make a killer sandwich!
19of 30The Best No-Sugar-Added Apple PiePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessThis no-sugar-added apple pie gets its natural sweetness from antioxidant- and fiber-rich dates. Cider vinegar helps to enhance the flavor. We like Gala apples for their sweetness and crisp texture, but any sweet, firm apple will work well. If you like your apple pie on the tart side, add a Granny Smith to the mix. We use frozen pie crusts for the bottom and top of the pie. The dough should release easily from the tin for the top crust within about 10 minutes out of the freezer. If not, let it sit out a bit longer until it releases easily.View Recipe
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The Best No-Sugar-Added Apple Pie
This no-sugar-added apple pie gets its natural sweetness from antioxidant- and fiber-rich dates. Cider vinegar helps to enhance the flavor. We like Gala apples for their sweetness and crisp texture, but any sweet, firm apple will work well. If you like your apple pie on the tart side, add a Granny Smith to the mix. We use frozen pie crusts for the bottom and top of the pie. The dough should release easily from the tin for the top crust within about 10 minutes out of the freezer. If not, let it sit out a bit longer until it releases easily.
20of 30Baileys & Chambord Spiked Hot CocoaJamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.Who doesn’t love a good boozy hot chocolate? Here we amped up hot chocolate with Baileys Irish Cream and Chambord, which is a raspberry liqueur. While it’s certainly delicious as is, garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows or another favorite topping to take this festive drink to the next level.View Recipe
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Baileys & Chambord Spiked Hot Cocoa
Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.
Who doesn’t love a good boozy hot chocolate? Here we amped up hot chocolate with Baileys Irish Cream and Chambord, which is a raspberry liqueur. While it’s certainly delicious as is, garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows or another favorite topping to take this festive drink to the next level.
21of 30Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie BruschettaMake this simple festive appetizer for your holiday guests. Toasted baguette slices with creamy, melted brie are topped with an orange-cranberry-pomegranate mixture–each bite delivers an explosion of flavor and texture!View Recipe
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Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta
Make this simple festive appetizer for your holiday guests. Toasted baguette slices with creamy, melted brie are topped with an orange-cranberry-pomegranate mixture–each bite delivers an explosion of flavor and texture!
22of 30Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Is the Side Dish of Your DreamsPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterThis crowd-pleasing mashed potato casserole is made for entertaining. You can prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Waxy Yukon Gold potatoes yield a creamier texture than more starchy russets. Leaving their thin skin on instead of peeling them cuts down on prep time and also offers a boost of fiber.View Recipe
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Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Is the Side Dish of Your Dreams
This crowd-pleasing mashed potato casserole is made for entertaining. You can prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Waxy Yukon Gold potatoes yield a creamier texture than more starchy russets. Leaving their thin skin on instead of peeling them cuts down on prep time and also offers a boost of fiber.
23of 30Instant Pot Garlic & Rosemary Roast Pork LoinJulia EstradaUsing an Instant Pot is a game changer for this pork loin recipe. The gravy is rich and flavorful, the meat is moist and perfectly cooked, and it all comes together in a fraction of the time compared to oven roasting.View Recipe
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Instant Pot Garlic & Rosemary Roast Pork Loin
Julia Estrada
Using an Instant Pot is a game changer for this pork loin recipe. The gravy is rich and flavorful, the meat is moist and perfectly cooked, and it all comes together in a fraction of the time compared to oven roasting.
24of 30Cornbread & Oyster-Mushroom StuffingMushrooms are a rich, meaty addition in this healthy cornbread stuffing recipe. Here we use oyster mushrooms, but you can use any variety you like. If you have time, bake the cornbread a day or two in advance so it has time to dry out a bit, which lets it absorb the flavors more readily.View Recipe
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Cornbread & Oyster-Mushroom Stuffing
Mushrooms are a rich, meaty addition in this healthy cornbread stuffing recipe. Here we use oyster mushrooms, but you can use any variety you like. If you have time, bake the cornbread a day or two in advance so it has time to dry out a bit, which lets it absorb the flavors more readily.
25of 30Hot Cider with Apple Brandy & SpicesA natural, cloudy apple cider is delicious for this exotically spicy and aromatic winter warmer, but if you desire a sparkling-clear drink, apple juice can be substituted. Calvados, which is a French apple brandy, adds richness. If you wish to omit it, just add more cider or juice.View Recipe
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Hot Cider with Apple Brandy & Spices
A natural, cloudy apple cider is delicious for this exotically spicy and aromatic winter warmer, but if you desire a sparkling-clear drink, apple juice can be substituted. Calvados, which is a French apple brandy, adds richness. If you wish to omit it, just add more cider or juice.
26of 30Chicken Ballotine with Creamy Leek & Chestnut StuffingThis chicken ballotine is a delicious, impressive meal for the holidays. Deboning a chicken takes time and skill. Our recommendation: Get your butcher to debone it, then you can stuff and roll it.View Recipe
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Chicken Ballotine with Creamy Leek & Chestnut Stuffing
This chicken ballotine is a delicious, impressive meal for the holidays. Deboning a chicken takes time and skill. Our recommendation: Get your butcher to debone it, then you can stuff and roll it.
27of 30The Best Mashed Sweet PotatoesThis healthy mashed sweet potato recipe has just 5 ingredients and is dinner-ready in 20 minutes. Using sweet potatoes for this classic side dish adds color to your plate along with a little sweetness and a boost of vitamin A. With classic and simple flavors, it can easily be paired with any of your favorite dishes.View Recipe
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The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This healthy mashed sweet potato recipe has just 5 ingredients and is dinner-ready in 20 minutes. Using sweet potatoes for this classic side dish adds color to your plate along with a little sweetness and a boost of vitamin A. With classic and simple flavors, it can easily be paired with any of your favorite dishes.
28of 30Wild Rice Stuffing with Apple & SausageThis amazing wild-rice stuffing recipe is bursting with fall flavors, including rye bread, sausage, apples, dried cherries, pecans and fresh herbs.View Recipe
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Wild Rice Stuffing with Apple & Sausage
This amazing wild-rice stuffing recipe is bursting with fall flavors, including rye bread, sausage, apples, dried cherries, pecans and fresh herbs.
29of 30Anthony Anderson’s Sweet Potato Home Fries with Cranberry-Hazelnut CrumblePhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine KeelyThese home fries are made with sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber as well as vitamin A, a nutrient which can help support a healthy immune system. Actor Anthony Anderson likes sprinkling a cranberry-hazelnut crumble on top for an easy but delicious upgrade.View Recipe
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Anthony Anderson’s Sweet Potato Home Fries with Cranberry-Hazelnut Crumble
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
These home fries are made with sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber as well as vitamin A, a nutrient which can help support a healthy immune system. Actor Anthony Anderson likes sprinkling a cranberry-hazelnut crumble on top for an easy but delicious upgrade.
30of 30Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal CookiesBrittany ConerlyIn this installment ofDiaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris' series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian rings in some changes to the Christmas traditions of her own childhood.View Recipe
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Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
Brittany Conerly
In this installment ofDiaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris' series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian rings in some changes to the Christmas traditions of her own childhood.
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