Feast Your Eyes: 35 Easy Elegant Holiday Recipes

The holidays are when you can really go to town, making the most delicious and exquisite dishes. Whether you like making classic dishes, family favorites or some traditional and others new, there are elegant holiday recipes to suit every palate, occasion and budget. Sometimes the simplest of meals can be the most elegant, as well as the most delicious looking, making them ideal for Instagram. A beautiful beef Wellington, sheet pan crab legs or a golden roasted chicken with crisp skin can make not only beautiful photos but also gorgeous flavors and happy holiday memories.

The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken

Thanksgiving main dish featuring succulent roasted chicken seasoned with fragrant rosemary and zesty lemons, elegantly presented on a plate. This is one of the best Thanksgiving main dishes. — The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The key to the best holiday roasted chicken might lie in the simplicity of the recipe. Also ideal for a regular weeknight dinner when you want something a little fancier, this no-fuss, one-pot whole chicken is a real winner. Garlic, lemon, and rosemary add subtle, delicious flavors, and you will find just about any festive side dishes that go perfectly alongside this juicy chicken. Add this Thanksgiving or Christmas roast chicken to your holiday menu!
Get the Recipe: The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken

Italian Struffoli

A plate with a wreath of nuts and lemons on it, perfect for Christmas recipes. — Italian Struffoli. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Homemade Italian struffoli is so good during the holidays. These fried dough balls with honey are sweet and tasty. Whether you know them as Christmas honey balls or fried cookies with honey glaze and sprinkles, they’re a wonderful addition to your festive menu. This is the best struffoli recipe!
Get the Recipe: Italian Struffoli

Holiday Beef Wellington

Beef wellington on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs. — Holiday Beef Wellington. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

What about making holiday beef Wellington for Thanksgiving dinner this year? It’s made with beef tenderloin, the most tender cut of beef, along with flavourful ingredients such as prosciutto parma ham, rosemary, thyme, mushrooms, shallot, and more. This Thanksgiving or Christmas beef Wellington recipe is straightforward to make and it’s a wonderfully decadent meal for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Christmas chocolate holly balls on a plate with holly leaves. — Chocolate Covered Cherries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These homemade Christmas chocolate-covered cherries are made with maraschino cherries, a creamy center, and delicious dark chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Cherries

Easy Italian Christmas Zuccotto Cake

A Christmas cake is sitting on a white plate in front of a Christmas tree. — Easy Italian Christmas Zuccotto Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella

Traditional Italian desserts like this easy Italian Christmas zuccotto cake are the perfect treat for after dinner. This beautiful Italian dessert is made with pound loaf (pound cake), mascarpone cheese, chocolate, and more. There are only nine ingredients in this simple Italian liqueur cake and the multicolor sprinkles give it a fun look.
Get the Recipe: Easy Italian Christmas Zuccotto Cake

Sheet Pan Crab Legs

Crab legs on a baking sheet with lemon slices, perfect for a seafood Thanksgiving feast. — Sheet Pan Crab Legs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Flavored with Old Bay, butter, garlic, and lemon, these juicy crab legs are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Crab has a distinctive taste and these snow crab legs are always a nice treat.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Crab Legs

Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

A festive Christmas charcuterie platter of meats and vegetables elegantly displayed on a rustic wooden table. — Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Why not let this Italian antipasto board appetizer, or holiday antipasto wreath, to become a new traditional treat around the holidays? It’s a delicious party appetizer platter which offers something for every palate, including cheese, deli meats, vegetables and a garlicky herb dressing.
Get the Recipe: Italian Antipasto Board Appetizer

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

A beef brisket with rosemary and cranberries on a wooden table. — Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cranberry holiday beef brisket is seriously amazing. It’s a lovely dish for the holiday season, Jewish holidays or any time of year you’re feeling festive. A large brisket with fresh cranberries or cranberry jelly is a great recipe for any holiday, special occasion or simply because it’s delicious enough to have any day!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Dirty Martini Dip Recipe

A bowl with a dirty martini dip topped with sliced olives. — Dirty Martini Dip Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re looking for a dip recipe that’s creamy, tasty and pairs beautifully with any kind of dippers from pita chips to crackers, consider this dirty martini dip. Contrary to the name, it’s alcohol free, and it gets its moniker from the inclusion of stuffed olives, like you’d find in the classic cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Martini Dip Recipe

Pot Roast with Red Wine

A crock pot full of roast beef, carrots and potatoes, perfect for Thanksgiving mains. — Pot Roast with Red Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker pot roast with red wine is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for preparing in the morning and letting cook all day. When you return, the mouth-watering aroma that fills your home is just a bonus!
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Red Wine

Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita

festive cranberry margarita with sugar on the rim — Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A cranberry margarita makes a great Thanksgiving or Christmas cocktail. The yummy combination of silver tequila and triple sec, along with seasonal favourites like cranberries and edible fall flowers, results in a very festive cranberry drink that everyone will adore. Add this cranberry cocktail to your party drink list this holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita

Antipasto Christmas Tree

A festive tower of cheese, olives, and meats on a table, perfect for Christmas charcuterie boards. — Antipasto Christmas Tree. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You’ll be feeling festive putting this cute antipasto Christmas tree together, and it’s a recipe that’s both delicious and attractive. If you like antipasto, you’re going to enjoy making (and eating!) this antipasto tree.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Christmas Tree

Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham

A ham, a traditional Thanksgiving main dish, is sitting on a wooden cutting board. — Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked sweet onion honey glazed ham on a pellet grill makes such a delicious meal for a special occasion. Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter would be the perfect time for smoking a ham on a pellet smoker or Traeger grill. This honey ham recipe is juicy, boasting all kinds of rich, wonderful flavours. The glaze ensures it won’t dry out and the flavour is just phenomenal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham

Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer

These festive cranberry cheesecake bites with rosemary sprigs are perfect for your Christmas party appetizers. — Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The creaminess of brie cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet flavour of cranberry sauce in these brie cranberry bites in puff pastry. These delightful little bites are perfect for any season or occasion and each one boasts plenty of wonderful flavour. So, if you like the gooey creaminess of brie cheese along with sweet bottled or homemade cranberry sauce, you’re going to want to make these.
Get the Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer

Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

Pork tenderloin on a plate with potatoes and carrots. This is one of the best Instant Pot recipes. — Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Instant Pot pork loin roast is an especially great recipe because you can make it in a fraction of the time you’d spend using a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pork roast with vegetables makes a very easy dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

An appetizing Thanksgiving main dish featuring a flavorful roast accompanied by the delightful combination of cranberries and fresh herbs, all beautifully presented on a plate. — Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

How does cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak sound as a Thanksgiving dinner dish? Doesn’t the sound of this recipe make your mouth begin to water? It’s such a great recipe for stuffed flank steak and works well as a New Year, Thanksgiving or Christmas steak recipe when you want something both fancy and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

Grilled Turkey

This easy grilled turkey recipe is made with just 10 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients. The results are a perfectly juicy turkey every time!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Turkey

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears With Manchego

Pears with prosciutto wrapping. — Prosciutto Wrapped Pears with Manchego. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

The holidays are getting closer and it’s time to entertain! These Prosciutto Wrapped Pears with Manchego and Arugula are easy to make when last minutes guests arrive. They are two bites of sweet and savory heaven!
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Pears With Manchego

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

A cheese platter with crackers and cranberry sauce. — Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This warm Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is the perfect easy appetizer for any season. It’s just the right amount of tart and sweet!
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin

Bacon wrapped in bacon on a wooden cutting board. — Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Looking for something unique for your Thanksgiving table? This Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin is a smoky, flavorful dish that the family will love. Bacon makes everything better, right?
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin

Gluten Free Chocolate Tart

Close-up of chocolate tart with slice — Gluten Free Chocolate Tart. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Gluten free and full of chocolate flavor, this Chocolate Tart is perfect for holiday entertaining. Serve it with whipped cream and lots of pomegranate arils.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Chocolate Tart

Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes

Cheap cheesy potatoes in a white bowl with parsley, perfect for a potluck or Thanksgiving. — Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

Air fryer scalloped potatoes are an easy, cheesy side dish. The flavors are amazing and this simple recipe is soon to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes

French Macarons

Elegant macarons in a black box on a table. — French Macarons. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

Macarons are the perfect bite-sized treat to make as gifts or serve for your guests. They look as delectable as they taste, and they are fun to bake, too! Whether you’re looking to throw a special event or elevate coffee time, macarons are a culinary challenge worth trying.
Get the Recipe: French Macarons

Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Brioche

A decadent bowl of chocolate creme brulee, perfect for indulging during Thanksgiving. — Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Brioche. Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

Chicken liver parfait is one of those classic, retro appetizers that never really goes out of style. And it seems to be having a moment right now. I can’t think of the last time I went to a trendy restaurant and this wasn’t on the menu – and it’s easy to see why.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Brioche

Cranberry Moscow Mule

A Christmas cocktail infused with the flavors of cranberries and garnished with sprigs of rosemary. — Cranberry Moscow Mule. Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

A cranberry Moscow mule might just be the perfect drink for holiday entertaining. It’s easy, it’s festive, and of course, it’s straight up delicious. Add a cute sugared cranberry garnish, and BAM! You are impressing all over the place.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Moscow Mule

Roasted Beet & Butternut Squash Salad

Elegant beet and goat cheese salad on a white plate, perfect for Thanksgiving. — Roasted Beet & Butternut Squash Salad. Photo credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

Roasted beets and butternut squash are served over spicy arugula and topped with crunchy pepitas, creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. This beautiful salad is a simple gluten-free recipe packed with nutrition and flavor. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as a colorful side dish for your fall and winter holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet & Butternut Squash Salad

Crostini With Fig & Prosciutto

Thanksgiving Recipe: Ham and arugula crostini with balsamic vinaigrette. — Crostini With Fig & Prosciutto. Photo credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

A quick and easy appetizer for your dinner guests to enjoy before any meal or holiday gathering. This crostini has a taste profile that is a little sweet, salty, and savory and so very TASTY! Only 10 minutes to prepare!
Get the Recipe: Crostini With Fig & Prosciutto

Lemon Pan-Fried Potatoes With Chive Pesto

Thanksgiving potatoes with pesto sauce in a bowl. — Lemon Pan-Fried Potatoes With Chive Pesto. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Lemon Pan-Fried Potatoes with Chive Pesto. The perfect side dish for the holidays. Vegan and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pan-Fried Potatoes With Chive Pesto

Polenta Bites With Olive Tapenade

A festive plate of Christmas appetizers with black bean and tomato toppings. — Polenta Bites With Olive Tapenade. Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

If you need a 30-minute vegan appetizer idea, Polenta Bites will do the trick. Polenta is fried until crispy and then topped with a tangy olive spread.
Get the Recipe: Polenta Bites With Olive Tapenade

Warm Farro + Kale Salad With Orange-Miso Dressing

Thanksgiving recipe: Farro with sweet potatoes and kale in a skillet. — Warm Farro + Kale Salad With Orange-Miso Dressing. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Warm Farro, Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Orange Miso Dressing! You are going to love this nourishing vegan dish.
Get the Recipe: Warm Farro + Kale Salad With Orange-Miso Dressing

Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade

An elegant Thanksgiving recipe featuring a turkey stuffed with cranberry sauce, beautifully presented on a plate. — Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This turkey roulade is stuffed with tart cherries, chestnuts and herbs. It’s topped with a red wine soaked cherry sauce and makes for a beautiful (and easy!) holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade

Roasted Butternut Squash, Black Bean And Quinoa Salad

Thanksgiving Recipe: A bowl of squash, black beans and quinoa salad. — Roasted Butternut Squash, Black Bean And Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

This Roasted Butternut Squash, Black Bean And Quinoa Salad is one of the easiest, most flavorful fall salad recipes, full of nutrients and healthy ingredients. Served warm or cold, this delicious salad is also a great make-ahead lunch for work or back to school.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash, Black Bean And Quinoa Salad

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

An elegant Thanksgiving dessert, showcasing two bowls of orange pudding. — Pumpkin Creme Brulee. Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

This delicious Pumpkin Creme Brûlée is a unique twist on the classic dessert, infusing the creamy custard with the rich flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for your holiday table, offering a sophisticated yet comforting end to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Apple Cake

Thanksgiving Apple cinnamon bundt cake recipe. — Apple Cake. Photo credit: Healy Eats Real.

This apple cake is slightly sweet, moist and fluffy with hints of cinnamon. It’s the perfect paleo, gluten free and sugar free dessert for holidays or any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake

Cranberry Curd Tart

A Thanksgiving recipe featuring a red tart with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. — Cranberry Curd Tart. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cranberry curd tart features a smooth sweet and tart cranberry curd filling inside a gluten-free oat and nut-based crust that results in a stunningly delicious and festive holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart