Tradition reigns supreme in this collection of Christmas recipes, filled with the types of holiday foods many of us grew up eating. There's a time and a place for experimentation, but for many people, Christmas just isn't it. The recipes here are among the most loved by our readers this time of year, and each one is a testament to how much we all seem to lean into customs during the holidays. From prime rib and all kinds of cookies to eggnog and hot chocolate, these beloved recipes are tried-and-true classics guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends—this year and every year
Pavlova Wreath
Our most popular Christmas recipes include a number of sweet treats, but this pavlova is a standout because it's not a cookie (or a cream puff). It's also an outstanding dessert, as beautiful as it is light, airy, and delicious. Pavlovas are often rustic rounds; for the holidays, we go fancy, piping mounds that form a wreath, one for each guest.
Candy Cane Cocktail
Minty, fruity, tart, and sweet, this candy-striped cocktail puts the "merry" in Merry Christmas. Use a cocktail muddler to crush the peppermint sticks for rimming the cocktail glasses, and make a toast to finally finding a way to use up all those candy canes.
Prime Rib
To make this holiday-worthy roast, remember to leave the beef at room temperature for about two hours before cooking, as this will help it roast more evenly. Another tip? For optimum flavor, do not use a nonstick pan since it'll yield fewer bits that enhance the juices.
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy, classic, and so delicious, scalloped potatoes are a delight for diners and for the chef—especially because the dish can be largely assembled ahead. Just leave off the last portion of cheese, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake as instructed.
Devil's on Horseback
A party classic, these bacon-wrapped dates go down easily and pair well with sparkling wine, beer, or just about any beverage.
Classic Cream Puffs
These delicate choux pastry puffs are filled with a rich vanilla pastry cream, but that's just the start. You can fill your puffs with any other custard flavor, lemon curd, Chantilly cream, or even savory fillings like smoked salmon spread or crab salad—just the thing for a holiday party.
Macaroni and Cheese
A crowd pleaser, macaroni and cheese is a comforting dish that makes its way onto our holiday tables as well as being a weeknight favorite. This rich version uses two cheeses: sharp white cheddar and Gruyère.
Sugar Cookies
The possibilities are truly endless with this go-to cookie dough. It turns out wonderfully crisp cookies that aren't overly sweet (which means they're ready to be swooshed with royal icing and sprinkles).
Martha's Classic Eggnog
This eggnog is not for the faint of heart: It includes plenty of bourbon, cognac, dark rum, heavy cream, and six eggs. The good news is that it is delicious and serves a crowd.
Easy Creamed Spinach
Our take on the classic creamed spinach side dish uses fresh spinach and cream cheese as a thickener. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that's great with a range of entrées, from glazed ham to roasted turkey.
Spinach and Cheddar Slab Quiche
Feed a crowd during the holidays with this big-batch, make-ahead quiche, which is baked in a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet or shallow baking dish. It teams a rich sesame seed-studded crust with a cheesy spinach filling.
Basic Gingerbread Cookies
Here's a quintessential holiday recipe, perfect for making cutout cookies in various shapes. Our favorites are gingerbread boys and girls in different sizes, decorated with white royal icing and currant "buttons."
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate mix is a wintertime staple, and this version is refreshingly simple. It contains only cocoa, sugar, and salt (plus milk) and tastes rich and creamy.
Cookie-Press Cookies
Rich, buttery, and made with lots of vanilla, these cookies look impressive but aren't difficult to make. You just need a cookie press —a hollow tube fitted with a decorative nozzle at one end and a plunger at the other—to press the dough directly onto the baking sheet, making pretty shapes.
Roasted Red Potatoes
You can't go wrong with earthy roasted potatoes accented with woodsy fresh rosemary. Serve them alongside a rib roast, leg of lamb, beed Wellington, or any other meaty main.
Marshmallow Fudg
Who could resist a square or two of this decadent homemade fudge? It makes a wonderful gift but it's also handy to have on hand around Christmas to enjoy while watching Christmas movies or to sample at the end of a meal.
