The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and most importantly, delicious food! Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner or attending a festive potluck, these five holiday recipes are guaranteed to impress and delight.

1. Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Nothing says holiday feast like a perfectly roasted turkey. The secret to this recipe is the herb-infused butter, which ensures moist, flavorful meat and a golden, crispy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon and 1 onion (quartered)

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Mix butter with herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the turkey’s skin and spread the herb butter underneath and on top. Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion. Roast according to weight (about 15 minutes per pound), basting every 30 minutes. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

This classic side dish is a crowd-pleaser, balancing sweet and savory flavors with a gooey marshmallow topping.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:
Boil and mash sweet potatoes. Mix with sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Spread in a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden.

3. Cranberry-Orange Relish

Bright and tangy, this fresh relish is a perfect accompaniment to rich holiday dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag fresh cranberries (12 oz)
• 1 orange (zest and juice)
• ¾ cup sugar

Instructions:
Pulse cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix with orange zest, juice, and sugar. Chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors mel

4. Gingerbread Cookies

These spiced cookies are fun to make and decorate, making them a perfect family activity.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 egg

Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients. Beat butter, sugar, egg, and molasses, then add dry ingredients. Chill dough for an hour. Roll, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Decorate with icing once cooled.

5. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

End your holiday meal with this indulgent drink, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions:
Heat milk in a saucepan, then whisk in chocolate chips and cocoa powder until smooth. Add peppermint extract. Serve topped with whipped cream and candy canes.

These recipes are easy to make and will fill your home with festive aromas. Try one—or all—of these dishes to create unforgettable holiday memories around the table!