With the holidays in full swing, December calls for meals that feel a little special without being complicated. This month's recipes range from cozy soups and casseroles to party appetizers, festive sides, and showstopping roasts. Whatever you're cooking this season, you'll find plenty of ideas here to make planning your meals a little easier.
Roasted Pork Butt with Garlic and Herbs
A tender, flavorful roast made with a simple blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It's an easy, impressive centerpiece for holiday dinners or weekend meals.
Chestnut Soup
A smooth, velvety soup made with cooked chestnuts for an earthy flavor. It's a satisfying starter that feels just right for the holiday season.
Beef Tips and Mushrooms
Tender beef tips simmered with mushrooms in a homemade brown gravy. It's a filling, homestyle dish that's great over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Mini Turkey Meatloaf
Individual-sized turkey meatloaves that cook quickly and stay tender and flavorful. They're quick to make, simple to serve, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Citrus Dressing
A bright, fresh dressing made with simple ingredients and plenty of citrus flavor. It works well on salads, grain bowls, or drizzled on chicken or fish.
Cuban Roast Pork
A flavorful, tender pork roast marinated with garlic, citrus, and spices. It's a classic Cuban dish that makes an impressive main course for the holidays or any special occasion.
Chestnut Sausage Stuffing
A substantial stuffing made with sausage, cooked chestnuts, onions, and herbs. It's flavorful and great for bringing a festive touch to any holiday meal.
Deviled Eggs
A classic appetizer made with perfectly cooked eggs and a creamy, tangy filling. They're simple to make and always a hit at gatherings and parties.
Ajiaco
A traditional Cuban stew made with a combo of meats, root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It's hearty, rustic, and ideal for a warming meal during the cooler months.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
A super creamy stovetop mac and cheese made with tender broccoli and a smooth cheese sauce. It works wonderfully as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing side.
Sausage Cheese Balls
A classic party appetizer made with sausage, cheese, and simple seasonings. They bake up tender, flavorful, and always disappear fast at gatherings.
Creamy Vegetable Soup
A smooth, blended vegetable soup with a naturally creamy texture. It's light, flavorful, and works well for cold-weather meals.
Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
A substantial breakfast-style casserole made with sausage, shredded hash browns, and plenty of cheese. It's straightforward to assemble, can be made ahead, and is great for Christmas morning or brunch.
Everything Bagel Dip
A creamy, savory dip flavored with everything bagel seasoning. It comes together quickly and is great with crackers, veggies, or pretzels.
Beef and Macaroni Casserole
A classic casserole with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It's filling, easy to make, and great for feeding a crowd.
French Toast Casserole
Thick-cut bread baked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard. It's a simple dish that's ideal for Christmas morning or weekend brunch.
Clam Chowder
A creamy, hearty soup made with tender clams, potatoes, and vegetables. It's a restaurant classic that's easy to make at home.
Herb Orzo Salad
A light, refreshing salad made with tender orzo, fresh herbs, and a simple homemade dressing. It's a bright, flavorful option that's ideal for parties or holiday tables.
Chicken Swedish Meatballs
Tender chicken meatballs simmered in a smooth, savory gravy. They're satisfying, simple to make, and great served over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Smashed small red potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. They're straightforward to make and a crowd-pleasing side for game day or family dinners.
Baked Pasta with Ham
Tender pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with pieces of savory ham. It's a comforting dish that's great for using leftovers or feeding a crowd.
Yuca with Garlic Sauce
Tender boiled yuca topped with a warm garlic and olive oil sauce. It's a classic Cuban side dish that's simple, flavorful, and great for holiday meals.
Pigs in a Blanket
Mini sausages wrapped in soft crescent dough and baked until golden. They're a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that works well for game day or parties.
Chicken Rice and Sausage
A hearty yellow rice dish made with tender dark meat chicken and smoky sausage. It's easy, flavorful, and ideal for a weeknight meal or meal prep.
Mushroom Soup
A simple soup made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and broth. It's earthy, flavorful, and great for an easy cold-weather meal.
Cajun Party Mix
A bold, crunchy snack mix tossed with Cajun seasoning. It's a classic party snack that's easy to make and a crowd favorite.
Easy Moros (Cuban Black Beans & Rice)
A quick, flavorful version of the classic made with canned black beans and long-grain rice. It's a simple, satisfying side dish that pairs well with just about any Cuban meal.
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole made with shredded hash browns and simple pantry ingredients. It's an easy, crowd-friendly side dish that works for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Tapas Platter
A customizable spread of small bites like cheeses, cured meats, olives, and dips. It's simple to assemble and ideal for parties, casual gatherings, or snacking with family.
Turkey and Lentil Soup
A hearty leftover-turkey soup made with tender lentils, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It's nourishing, budget-friendly, and great for the days after a big holiday meal.
Sausage Gravy
A rich, savory gravy made with browned sausage and simple seasonings. It's quick to make and works well over warm biscuits or potatoes for a homestyle meal.
I hope you enjoyed this collection and found a few new dishes to add to your menu. And if you want even more ideas for the colder days ahead, check out my 31 soups and stews recipes to enjoy all winter long.
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