6 Most Popular Holiday Recipes (With Photos)

The holidays are here, and nothing brings families together quite like the smell of favorite recipes wafting from the kitchen. Whether you're hosting your first holiday dinner or you're a seasoned pro looking to add some classics to your menu, these six recipes have stood the test of time for a reason. They're the dishes that everyone asks for, the ones that create lasting memories, and the recipes that get passed down through generations.

From sweet treats that make the kids' eyes light up to hearty comfort foods that warm everyone's heart, these popular holiday favorites will help you create a feast that no one will forget.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Nothing says holidays quite like decorated sugar cookies. These buttery, sweet treats are perfect for decorating with the kids and make beautiful gifts for neighbors and friends. The secret to the best sugar cookies? Don't overwork the dough, and chill it well before rolling.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.

6. Roll out on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.

7. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing or colored sugar.

2. Honey Glazed Ham

A glazed ham is often the star of the holiday table, and for good reason. This recipe creates a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. The key is starting with a good quality ham and not over-baking it – remember, most hams are already fully cooked!

Ingredients:

• 8-10 lb spiral-cut ham

• 1 cup honey

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Place ham cut-side down in roasting pan with 1/2 cup water.

3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound.

4. Meanwhile, whisk together honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves for glaze.

5. Remove foil during last 30 minutes and brush with glaze every 10 minutes.

6. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.

7. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

3. Green Bean Casserole

This beloved side dish has been gracing holiday tables since the 1950s, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. While you can certainly use the classic canned ingredients, this version uses fresh green beans and homemade mushroom sauce for an elevated take on the traditional favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided

• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.

3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

4. In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.

5. If using fresh mushrooms, sauté them first until golden.

6. Stir in green beans, mushrooms, and 2/3 cup fried onions.

7. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.

8. Bake 25 minutes, then top with remaining onions and bake 5 minutes more.

4. Classic Pecan Pie

Rich, sweet, and absolutely irresistible, pecan pie is the ultimate holiday dessert. The trick to a perfect pecan pie is using the right ratio of eggs to corn syrup and not overbaking – the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1/3 cup melted butter

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Place pie crust in pie pan and crimp edges decoratively.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

4. Arrange pecan halves in the bottom of pie crust.

5. Pour filling over pecans.

6. Bake 50-60 minutes until center is set but still slightly jiggly.

7. Cool completely on wire rack before serving.

8. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

5. Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are non-negotiable at any holiday meal. The secret to restaurant-quality mashed potatoes at home? Use the right type of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets), don't skip the warming of your milk and butter, and never use a food processor or you'll end up with glue!

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup warm whole milk

• Salt and white pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water.

2. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Drain thoroughly and let sit for 2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

4. Warm milk and butter in a small saucepan.

5. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.

6. Gradually add warm milk mixture until desired consistency is reached.

7. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

8. Stir in cream cheese if using for extra richness.

6. Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These aren't the hard gingerbread men you might remember – these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices that make the whole house smell like Christmas. They're perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with a cup of hot cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2/3 cup molasses

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

3. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla.

4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

5. Wrap dough and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.

6. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.

7. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.

8. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

These six recipes represent the heart of holiday cooking – they're the dishes that bring comfort, joy, and togetherness to your holiday table. Each one has been tested by time and loved by countless families. Whether you're making them for the first time or the fiftieth, they're sure to create delicious memories that will last long after the last crumb is gone.

Article by Sarah Mitchell, Ghost Writer for Amerishop Services