31 Delicious Things To Cook In December

Introduction

December brings chilly nights, festive gatherings, and a craving for heartwarming meals and special treats. This curated collection of 31 delicious things to cook in December delivers a variety of comforting dinners, impressive holiday mains, and crave-worthy desserts, ensuring that you’ll never run out of inspiration for every day of the month. Whether you’re seeking simple weeknight suppers or show-stopping party dishes, this list covers all your December cooking needs.

Why These December Recipes Stand Out

From cozy stews to classic cookies, each recipe shines with seasonal ingredients and bold flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays. Variety is the secret—think slow-roasted meats, one-pan dinners, a mix of nostalgic and new cookie recipes, and easy breakfasts perfect for busy mornings or family brunches. These recipes don’t just fill your belly—they create moments to celebrate and memories to savor.

31 Delicious Recipes for December

1. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
2. Beef Bourguignon
3. Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
4. Classic Lasagna
5. Gingerbread Cookies
6. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
7. Winter Citrus Salad
8. Spiced Hot Chocolate
9. Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
11. Honey-Glazed Ham
12. Chicken Alfredo Bake
13. Rosemary Garlic Focaccia
14. Sticky Toffee Pudding
15. Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
16. Apple Cranberry Crisp
17. Butternut Squash Tomato Soup
18. Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast
19. Holiday Sugar Cookies
20. French Onion Soup
21. Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
22. Peppermint Bark
23. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
24. Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
25. Eggnog Bread Pudding
26. Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
27. Potato Gratin
28. Peanut Butter Blossoms
29. Spaghetti Carbonara
30. Mulled Wine
31. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

For a typical week of December meals, you might need:
– 2 lbs chicken breast
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1-2 salmon fillets
– 1-2 cups wild rice
– Seasonal vegetables (Brussels sprouts, squash, potatoes, carrots, onions)
– Pasta (lasagna noodles, spaghetti)
– Baking staples (flour, sugar, yeast, baking soda, baking powder)
– Holiday spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
– Butter, eggs, and milk or dairy alternatives
– Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan)
– Olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard
– Ham or prime rib (for holidays)
– Chocolate, cocoa powder, peppermint extract

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe collection to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions (Sample Week)

1. Pick 7 recipes, one for each night, based on your family’s preferences.
2. Check your pantry and fridge to see what ingredients you already have on hand.
3. Compile needed ingredients for your chosen recipes.
4. Shop for fresh, seasonal produce and protein early in the week.
5. Prepare soups, casseroles, or doughs ahead of time for easier weeknight cooking.
6. Enjoy holiday baking on weekends; involve kids or guests for a fun activity.
7. Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy meals or quick lunches.

Weekly Meal Planning

With so many tempting choices, planning ahead is key. Save and schedule these December recipes to easily rotate your menu throughout the month and generate smart shopping lists for each week.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned recipes
– Organizes your grocery list by store aisles for speed and convenience
– Prevents shopping duplicates and missing essentials
– Makes December meal prep efficient and festive

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes so ingredients are consolidated. If you bake several cookies or prep multiple dinners with overlapping ingredients, the app tallies everything up, saving you time and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep and cook times vary by recipe. For most weeknight dinners:
Prep Time: 15-25 minutes
Cook Time: 25-40 minutes
Holiday bakes or roasting (prime rib, ham) may require 2 to 3 hours including prep.
Batches of cookies or desserts can be made in 30–60 minutes.

Make December Delicious and Organized

With this list of 31 delicious things to cook in December, every night can be joyful, warm, and stress-free. From comfort food classics to new holiday favorites, your kitchen will be the heart of seasonal celebrations. Happy cooking!