27 (Really Good) Recipes To Make In December
Introduction
December calls for festive gatherings, cozy nights at home, and food that elevates every moment. With chilly weather outside and holiday excitement in the air, crafting delicious meals—and memorable treats—is the perfect way to bring everyone together. This carefully curated list of 27 (really good) recipes covers comforting mains, vibrant side dishes, creative breakfasts, and delectable desserts to create a month full of flavors and joy.
Why These 27 Recipes Stand Out in December
Each recipe has been chosen for its seasonal ingredients, crowd-pleasing flavors, and ability to warm hearts as well as bellies. From wintery root vegetables and hearty stews to seasonal baked goods and show-stopping desserts, these dishes ensure you have something special for every December occasion—be it a quiet family dinner or a celebratory potluck.
Cozy Main Dishes To Warm You Up
1. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
2. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
3. Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna
4. Classic Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
5. Herb-Rubbed Roast Pork Tenderloin
Festive Side Dishes To Complement Any Meal
6. Maple Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts
7. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
8. Winter Farro Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
9. Honey Butter Skillet Corn
10. Caramelized Sweet Potato Wedges
Breakfasts That Make Cold Mornings Special
11. Overnight Gingerbread Oats
12. Cranberry Orange Bread
13. Spinach and Feta Breakfast Casserole
14. Eggnog French Toast Bake
15. Savory Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs
Dazzling Desserts for Holiday Cheer
16. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
17. Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
18. Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding
19. Maple Pecan Pie Bars
20. Mini Cheesecakes with Cranberry Swirl
Show-Stopping Treats and Snacks
21. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
22. Chestnut and Hazelnut Biscotti
23. Caramel Corn Snack Mix
24. White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies
25. Homemade Caramel Apple Dip
26. Festive Cheese Ball Wreath
A December Must-Try: Winter Citrus Salad
27. Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Pistachios
A burst of color and bright flavor, this salad brilliantly cuts through December’s rich dishes. Slices of blood orange, navel orange, and ruby grapefruit are tossed with pomegranate arils, fresh mint, and a drizzle of honey. Chopped pistachios add crunch, making this salad as beautiful as it is refreshing—a perfect starter or palate cleanser.
Ingredients
💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list sorted by store section—perfect for faster, easier December grocery trips and stress-free holiday meal planning.
Instructions
- Arrange orange and grapefruit slices on a large platter.
- Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios.
- Drizzle honey over the top and scatter fresh mint leaves.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a flavor boost.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to one hour.
Weekly Meal Planning
With 27 recipes to explore, December meal planning becomes a breeze. Save and schedule your favorites each week to automatically generate a consolidated, organized shopping list—all you need for successful meal prepping and effortless shopping.
Planning Benefits:
- Keeps all your holiday recipes and shopping lists in one place
- Adds up total ingredient quantities so you don’t miss a thing
- Organizes lists by grocery section for optimal efficiency
- Groups overlapping ingredients to prevent waste and cut costs
Pro tip: When planning several events or family meals, schedule multiple recipes to see where ingredients overlap, streamlining both prep and shopping—an especially smart move during the busy holiday season.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: Varies by recipe (most < 60 minutes)
Total Time: Each recipe averages 30-60 minutes
---
By planning ahead with these 27 (really good) December recipes, you’ll be ready to delight your family, guests, and yourself with satisfying, seasonal meals all month long. Happy cooking!
