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Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
We have a lot to do this holiday season. We have cookies to make, pies to bake, hams to roast, and gingerbread houses to build. But in the meantime, we also have to get meals on the table. In between the trays of treats and antipasto platters, here are the recipes we’ll be adding to our nice list this month.
01
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Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Of course you can pick up the packets and just add water, but we’ll be making the homemade version to sip while we watch all the Christmas movies this season. Recipe creator Jeanie Bean says, “This old-fashioned hot chocolate is so comforting on a dreary day. It makes the kitchen smell wonderful and it’s good for the soul.” It also makes a great base for spiked winter cocktails for the adults as well.
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02
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Eggnog Thumbprints
Though there are countless goodies to bake and enjoy this season, nothing evokes the holidays quite like the flavor of eggnog. This recipe offers a twist on traditional cookies that will be welcome at any swap. So after you get your sugar cookies ready for Santa, treat yourself to these thumbprints. “I have been making these cookies since 2000, and every year, they are my biggest request. My family literally begs me to make them. The cookies are simple, but combined with the flavorful frosting filling, are absolutely spectacular!” says one Allrecipes member.
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03
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Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Provide a counterpoint to eggnog with these chocolate and caramel treats that star our favorite buttery round crackers. Who would have guessed that Ritz crackers would steal the spotlight on our cookie trays this season? As the reviewer Christina says, “You can’t go wrong with this list of ingredients!”
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04
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Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
As the intro to this new recipe by Juliana Hale says, “Use your slow cooker for this comforting Italian sausage soup with ziti pasta and sausage in tomato sauce topped with cheese.” It couldn’t be easier, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect December dish. Serve it with French bread and a side salad, and you’re set.
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05
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French Onion Chicken Meatballs
For a new take on traditional meatballs, try this version with ground chicken and onion soup mix. They sound too good to pass up. Recipe creator fabeveryday helped to convince us, “Richly seasoned meatballs baked with a rich French onion sauce and topped with melted Gruyere cheese make this a meal fit for hosting guests.”
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06
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Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breasts
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
When we need to get a protein-packed dinner on the table to fuel marathons of holiday shopping, baking, and gift-wrapping, but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, we turn to this easy recipe featuring our trusty cast iron pan. The chicken is perfectly seared and seasoned with earthy rosemary and thyme. And it goes with anything, from rice to roasted veggies.
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07
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Chef Sous Chef
Swap out your typical Caesar for this version with homemade dressing and Brussels sprouts. As creator Chef Sous Chef says, “If you’ve never liked Brussels sprouts, you’re going to now.” Reviewer Teddi adds, “This recipe is fantastic! I made this for my family and they couldn’t stop eating it or raving about it!” To save yourself time, you can always use store-bought dressing, but don’t skip the extra lemon.
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08
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Simply the Easiest Beef Brisket
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
You may have a family heirloom recipe for brisket already (or you may not follow a recipe at all) but this “easiest” version is hard to beat, whether it’s for a holiday table or a festive dinner at home. Place the handful of ingredients in a baking dish and let it go in the oven for about 4 hours. It can also be made in a slow cooker according to the 350-plus five-star reviews, and tastes even better the next day.
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09
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Chef John's Cioppino
Chef John
If you go for seven fishes on Christmas Eve, this hearty, comforting fish stew is the best place to start. Take it from Chef John, “When you feel like splurging a little, San Francisco’s famous cioppino is a great choice. This cioppino recipe, a spicy fish and shellfish stew, is a big red bowl of yummy, and when paired with a loaf of crusty sourdough bread, it’s downright otherworldly.” Double up on crab at the store to make crab cakes while you’re at it, too.
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10
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Cacio e Pepe Potato Gratin
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“If you’re searching for a side dish that’s both comforting and elevated, look no further…” the recipe page starts. “Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, but this version—with its peppery, nutty cheeses and crispy golden edges—is guaranteed to stand out. As our Test Kitchen put it, this dish is “luxurious and comforting at the same time—elegantly cozy!'” It’s safe to say this dish would be welcome on any holiday table this month.
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11
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Sloppy Joe Shepherd’s Pie
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty dinner that combines two classics into a one-pot meal. Sauté the tangy meat mixture with a signature sauce, and then top it with creamy mashed potatoes and shredded cheese. Pop it into the oven until bubbly and delicious and tuck in to a steaming plate of comfort.
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12
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Mushroom Stir-Fry
If a lot of your December meals feel heavy, switch things up with an easy and light yet satisfying dish from Allrecipes Allstar France Cevallos. You can customize the mushrooms and vegetables to your liking. “Loved the consistency of the sauce and all the flavors melded beautifully. It came out like [a restaurant dish]! I used a red onion, which gave the dish extra sweetness. Delicious—will make again!” says reviewer Leah. Pro tip: Make extra sauce to coat a side of noodles or rice.
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13
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Breakfast Sausage Casserole
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
We can’t forget about breakfast, and this make-ahead casserole is the perfect choice for your holiday morning or breakfast-for-dinner type of day. With more than 1,500 five-star reviews, it’s sure to be a hit no matter when you serve it. As one Allrecipes member says, “I am constantly being asked for this recipe every time I make it. So easy to put together. Best way to feed many for a stress-free morning meal.” We’re sold.
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14
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No-Bake Cannoli Pie
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
After all that cookie making, you might be looking for a decadent dessert that doesn't require turning on the oven yet again. And this might be just the ticket. Just look at the five-star reviews. "I love a no-bake pie and a sucker for anything Italian. When it comes to cannolis, I am very partial to the citrus and pistachio flavors. This recipe nails it. So many times, I've tried but been let down to find a recipe that is true to the Italian/Sicilian ways…If you're like me, this will not disappoint."
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15
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Mimosa
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What better way to celebrate December than with a classic cocktail? After you’ve had your fill of spiked eggnog, toast the season with something a little lighter. Mimosas couldn’t be easier to make and can be personalized with your favorite juice or garnish—though we always love the traditional combo of orange juice and Champagne. Cheers to what’s to come in 2025!
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