The ultimate holiday meal: 60 mouthwatering recipes - Today's Parent (2024)

Sheet pan recipes are here to make your life easier. Throw an egg on top of this simple hash and breakfast for the masses is ready in just 30 minutes. Or, you could scramble eggs instead and add salsa and avocado to the hash for breakfast burritos. Get the recipe:Sheet Pan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Hash

Strata is a warm, casserole-style breakfast that can be made ahead and popped in the oven once the coffee is on. This one is made with toasted croissants, sausage and plenty of cheese.Get the recipe: Cheese and Sausage Croissant Strata

Photo: Roberto Caruso

A little sweet, a little savoury, it’s perfect (and easy) for a special holiday morning meal.Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Waffles

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Photo: Jodi Pudge

Oatmeal isn’t the only grain that makes for great porridge. Barley is a slightly chewy and nutty-tasting option, chock full of fibre. It’s the perfect hearty make-ahead meal for a hectic holiday morning.Get the recipe:Overnight Barley Porridge

Photo: Maya Visnyea

Irresistable monkey bread for breakfast is totally par for the course on a holiday.Gather your little helpers and tighten your apron strings; this monkey bread is fun to make as a team.Get the recipe: Apple-Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Yes, your kids are eating veggies for breakfast in this yummy spin on oatmeal! (Now keep it to your smug self.) It’s a perfect dish to serve to hungry houseguests, too.Get the recipe:Spiced Apple Oatmeal in Squash Rings

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Do you want to build a snowman? Of course you do! Especially when it’s delicious snowman pancakes!Get the recipe: Snowman Pancakes

Photo: Maya Visnyei

The perfect make-ahead dish for a crowd, this sweet breakfast stays crisp on the outside and keeps a tender, blueberry- and cream-cheese-filled centre. Get the recipe:Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast

A savoury twist on a breakfast favourite, these scones would also work well alongside your holiday feast. Get the recipe:Cheddar and Bacon Scones

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Want breakfast ready when you get up? This French toast recipe cooks overnight and will greet you in the morning. Get the recipe:Maple-Bacon French Toast

Photo: Roberto Caruso

To save time, you can make the dish ahead and warm in the oven, or simply serve at room temperature.Get the recipe:Spanish Chorizo Frittata

This pancake is so easy—it’s made in the oven! Kids will love it.Get the recipe:Puffy Pear Pancake

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated just because you have a house bursting with guests.The genius of an omelette is it works with virtually any leftover (read: forgotten, wilted) veggies hiding in the fridge.Get the recipe: Kitchen Sink Omelette

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Traditionally called pannekoeken, these crepe-like pancakes originated in Belgium and the Netherlands. Try them stuffed with caramelized apples, ham and cheese or jam!Get the recipe: Dutch Pancakes

Photo: Maya Visnyea

A delicious way to sneak greens into your kid’s diet—chop the kale finely and it will blend into the filling.Get the recipe:Quick Kale and Bacon Tart

Photo: Andrew Grinton

Try this maple hot chocolate for a classic winter drink with a syrupy-sweet vanilla twist. Get the recipe:Maple Hot Chocolate

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Stir up a fizzy, sweet-tart mocktail for guests of every age to enjoy.Get the recipe:Sangria Berry Mocktail

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Cranberry juice is a party staple, but it falls a little flat on the festive front. Our three twists on easy cranberry co*cktail recipes will delight everyone (of drinking age) at your party!Get the recipe: Cranberry co*cktail

Photo: Maya Visnyei

These super-easy mini baked potatoes are ready for a party.Get the recipe:Baby Potato Bites

Photo: Roberto Caruso

If you make crab dip, you’re pretty muchthe greatesthost/guest ever.Get the recipe here:The Best Hot Crab Dip

Photo: Ryan Szulc

If your kids find regular beets a bit intimidating, introduce them to golden beets (their milder flavour is closer to carrots) or super-cool striped candy-cane beets.Get the recipe:Beets and ”Greens Pestos” Tart

Photo: Jodi Pudge

This three-ingredient cheese dip is as quick to make as it is to eat! It’s just as perfect for an after-school snack as it is for entertaining.Get the recipe:Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Dip

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Stick a toothpick in each meatball for a delicious appetizer your guests will be sure to gobble up.Get the recipe: Tandoori Turkey Meatballs

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Stumped about how to assemble the perfect cheese platter? We’ve got you covered.Get the instructions: Ultimate Cheese Plate

Photo: Andrew Grinton

These Greek-style pockets make for a tasty appetizer.Get the recipe: Spinach Pie Bites

Photo: Jodi Pudge

We love this satisfyingsoup. Our favourite part? The slow cooker does most of the work.Get the recipe:Sweet Potato and Apple Soup

Photo: Andrew Grinton

Photo: Maya Visnyea

This oh-so-creamy soup is sure to become a family favourite. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or as an easy go-to mealGet the recipe:Roasted Squash and Coconut Soup

Photo: Maya Visnyei

The perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, serve this easy-to-prepare roasted beet and apple salad as a side, or even as a meal.Get the recipe:Roasted Beet and Apple Salad

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Even the pickest of eaters might be persauded to try these crispy roasted greens. Get the recipe: Zesty Roasted Broccoli

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Easy fried latkes are a holiday staple.Try it with smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream on top or with homemade applesauce on the side. Get the recipe:Lacey-Edged Latkes

Photo: Erik Putz

Ratatouille called, it’s ready to be your super-simple, in-season side. Harvest veg like butternut squash and leeks get nice and toasty in this one-pan recipe before being drizzled with a delicious olive oil, lemon and garlic dressing. Get the recipe:Sheet Pan Ratatouille

Move over, canned cranberries! This simple-as-anything gourmet compote will be the star of your holiday feast from now on.Get the recipe:Triple-Cranberry and Maple Compote

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Not much beats mashed potatoes—except a cheesy mashed potato casserole studded with golden breadcrumbs.Get the recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Add a new spin to classic stuffing with this easy and delicious rustic dressing.Get the recipe:Rustic Kale and Bacon Stuffing

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Try this fresh new twist on a dinnertime staple. Omit the ginger if your little ones are nervous about spice.Get the recipe:Sweet Potato Mash with Ginger

Photo: Andrew Grinton

Nothing says comfort food like mashed potatoes. It’s the go-to for most holiday dinners, and the beauty of this recipe—you can make it ahead of time for easy entertaining.Get the recipe:Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Don’t let the Brussels sprouts turn you away, when roasted, they take on a sweet flavour.Get the recipe:Pan-Roasted Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Satisfy any vegetarian or vegan guests at your table with thisflavourful but not-too-spicy curry.Get the recipe:Coconut Chickpea Curry

Photo: Maya Visnyea

Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also make-ahead. Your day just got easier.Get the recipe:Simple Braised Brisket with Lemon-Parsley Garnish

Photo: Jodi Pudge

Need something impressive—and secretly easy—to feed a crowd? Glazed ham goes a long way. Serve it sliced and drizzled with sauce or pile slices on squishy buns for the kids.Get the recipe:Cranberry-Cider Glazed Ham

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Photo: Maya Visnyei

If you prefer to serve fish at your holiday table,this super-simple Parmesan- and panko-crusted trout recipe is a real winner.Get the recipe:Crispy Oven-Baked Trout

Photo: Maya Visnyei

If you’re playing host to a smaller crowd, this juicy roasted chicken is a quick and easy solution to tackling a big turkey with all the fixings.Get the recipe:Rosemary and Garlic Roast Chicken

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Want to know the easiest holiday meal ever? This roasted perch and squash dish. The whole thing is ready in 25 minutes. Who said prepping for a big meal has to be stressful? Get the recipe:Roasted Perch Fillets and Squash with Cilantro Lime Drizzle

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Forgo a traditional cake in favour of this festive cookie cake!Get the recipe: Holiday Chip Cookie Cake

Photo: Tony Lanz

Prevent the battle of who got the bigger piece with these individual mini pumpkin pie tarts. They’re as delicious as they are adorable.Get the recipe:Mini Pumpkin Pie Tarts

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Don’t fear the upsidedown factor! Place a serving plate over the pan and flip the cake before it cools completely. Replace any cranberries left behind on the parchment paper, and no one will know!Get the recipe:Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Who can resist these sweet little cheesecakes with a tart cherry sauce? We sure can’t.Get the recipe: Mini Cheesecakes with Cherry Sauce

Photo: Jodi Pudge

This super chocolatey pie is a snap to put together and it’s a great one for kids to help with. Chocolate shavings add an elegant touch.Get the recipe:Triple-Chocolate Ice Cream Pie

Photo: Jodi Pudge

Turn to your faithful slow-cooker to churn out this comforting brown betty. The pectin in the apple peel will help to thicken the dish. Get the recipe:Apple-Berry Brown Betty

Photo: Roberto Caruso

The nutty flavour of brown butter is a modern twist on this quintessential Christmas cookie. But, diehard traditionalists, don’t fret! You can make a great classic shortbread simply by skipping the brown butter prep and using room-temp butter in its place.Get the recipe:Brown Butter Shortbread

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Short on time?Substitute storebought meringues and cranberry sauce to make this dessert super quickly.Get the recipe:Cranberry and Maple Eton Mess

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Dense and chewy like a brownie, this cake tastes as if it came from a European pastry shop (but is easily stirred together in one bowl).Get the recipe:Almond Butter Cake

Photo: Maya Visnyei

A cute minature of the classic, lemon meringue.Get the recipe: Mini Meringue Tarts

Photo: Jodi Pudge

Read more:11 satisfying winter breakfast recipes10 freezer-friendly cookie recipes10 comforting casserole recipes