The holidays are officially here, and so is the season of cozy gatherings, comfort food, and celebrating around the table. To make your planning a little easier (and a lot more delicious), my favorite festive holiday recipe round-up—all dietitian-approved, nourishing, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish, or just looking for inspiration, this collection has something for every celebration.
It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year! This holiday recipe round-up is filled with easy brunch ideas, crowd-pleasing appetizers, standout sides, decadent desserts, and festive cocktails. You can enjoy these recipes all season long, but they’re especially helpful now that we’re deep into December. If you’re still pulling your menu together, I’ve got you covered. What are you most excited to make? Tag me when you create your dish—I can’t wait to see your holiday cooking!
Every year, I find myself returning to these holiday recipes that bring warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of magic to the holiday season. This round-up brings together my most loved dishes—the ones I make for my own family and friends. I can’t wait for you to bring them into your kitchen and create new traditions of your own.
Blood Orange Mocktail
This winter mocktail made with blood orange juice, lime juice, sage, and a simple syrup is a refreshing winter spritzer. This Blood Orange Mocktail is a perfect drink for Dry January/Sober October, and is super simple to make! Cheers!
Champagne Sorbet Cocktail
2 ingredients make this Champagne Sorbet Cocktail. Substitute the sorbet for different flavors to change it up. Raspberry is my favorite & a great choice for Valentine’s Day! Cheers!
Matcha Martini
If you love a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is energizing, this Matcha Martini is the perfect blend of elegance and flavor. Made with vibrant matcha green tea powder, a touch of sweetness, and your favorite vodka, this drink delivers a smooth, earthy taste with a hint of natural caffeine. It’s a fun twist on a classic martini — perfect for happy hour, brunch, or a cozy night in. In this post, I’ll show you how to make a Matcha Martini at home, plus share tips for achieving that perfect frothy top and balanced flavor every time.
Rosemary Marcona Almonds
There’s something magical about the combination of Marcona almonds and fresh rosemary—simple ingredients that deliver big flavor with almost no effort. These rosemary Marcona almonds are the perfect blend of savory, aromatic, and lightly crisp, making them an effortless snack for entertaining or elevating your everyday grazing board. They come together in minutes but taste like something you’d grab from a specialty market… only better (and fresher!).
Marinated Feta
This marinated feta is filled with simple flavors that make an easy appetizer recipe. Fresh garlic, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and quality olive oil are what make this recipe so delicious.
Mushroom Polenta Bites
These crispy Mushroom Polenta Bites are the perfect quick and easy bite-sized appetizer recipe! Packed with flavor and easy to make, these mushroom polenta bites will surely be a hit with every dinner guest!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Leftover cranberry sauce? These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect simple but beautiful appetizer. Made with phyllo dough, brie, cranberry sauce, and a sprig of rosemary. Serve them at your next holiday get-together!
How To Build An Epic Cheeseboard
I’ve been making a cheeseboard for Thanksgiving the last few years. And even though this year is different, I still wanted to create one. During this pandemic one of my outlets has been creating epic spreads of whatever I’m making, writing a recipe from it, and photographing the finished product. So this cheese board was
Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk Biscuits just like my grandma used to make. With just a few simple ingredients and in less than 30 minutes you can have fresh, warm biscuits on the table — perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, a simple supper, or served with jam and a cup of afternoon tea.
Easy French Toast
My go-to recipe for Easy French Toast. Easy. So easy you can make it during the weekday!
Savory Crepes with Egg, Spinach, and Cheese
These savory crepes are a delicious and versatile breakfast, lunch, or light dinner option. Filled with fresh, flavorful ingredients and wrapped in a delicate, golden crepe, they’re perfect for a satisfying, restaurant-style meal at home. Customize with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins for endless combinations.
Breakfast Tacos
Scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and avocado make this breakfast tacos recipe a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or brinner in less than 30 minutes.
Caprese Christmas Wreath
Caprese Christmas Wreath- With just 5 ingredients and less than 10 minutes, you can make this beautiful Christmas salad. A perfect addition for holiday parties that’s festive and fun!
Kale Brussels Salad
This Kale Brussels Salad is my take on a favorite I used to grab from Whole Foods—fresh, crunchy, and perfect for make-ahead lunches. It’s packed with fiber, flavor, and a bright, zesty dressing that brings everything together for a nourishing and satisfying salad.
Roasted Carrots – Garlic, Walnuts & Goat Cheese
Roasted Carrots with Garlicky Walnuts and Goat Cheese. These delicious Roasted Carrots make the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Roasting them at a high temperature brings out their natural sweetness and gives them the perfect caramelized edges and tender-crisp texture.
Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash, often the forgotten squash, but one that truly should be remembered. Roasted acorn squash, goat cheese, & pomegranate arils, are the perfect go-to flavor combo! Add this to your Thanksgiving dishes!
Melting Sweet Potatoes
Golden, caramelized, and perfectly tender—these Melting Sweet Potatoes are a simple side dish that truly lives up to their name. Roasted until buttery-soft on the inside and crisp on the edges, they make an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal—from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
Easy Peppermint Bark
This Easy Peppermint Bark recipe is made with just 4 ingredients: dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, and candy canes. An easy and delicious no-bake holiday treat that you’ll never have to buy again!
Vanilla Panna Cotta
This vanilla panna cotta is a classic recipe for authentic Italian panna cotta. If you need a simple and impressive dessert, this recipe will be your go-to! Serve in individual portions, top with a simple strawberry sauce, eat, and enjoy!
Strawberry Pavlova
Today’s recipe is extra special—both because it’s my birthday and because I’m sharing a dessert inspired by the famous Key Biscayne pavlova! This cloud-like treat has a crisp meringue shell, a soft, marshmallowy center, and just the right crunch from walnuts. It’s festive, light, and the perfect way to celebrate life’s sweet moments.
Affogato
Affogato—pour espresso over vanilla gelato or ice cream, and you’ve got coffee, dessert, and an after-dinner drink all in one!
Here we are—some of my very favorite holiday recipes to make during the holiday season. The holidays are all about coming together, sharing food, and creating meaningful memories. As a dietitian, I’m always encouraging people to be present and truly enjoy those moments. Food is so much more than fuel—it’s social, celebratory, cultural, and deeply connective. And if you’re living with a chronic health condition, you still deserve joy at the table. Savor the season, enjoy the food you love, and embrace the people around you.
While this post highlights my go-to holiday recipes, I also love giving experiences as gifts. If you’re looking to create memories rather than wrap another item, consider sharing an activity or special moment with someone you care about. I’ve included a few ideas in this alternative gift-giving guide.
Happy Holidays, friends!
1 thought on “Holiday Recipe Round-Up 2025”
Now to start planning my menu! Thanks for the inspo!