Christmas

There is something so special about sharing food during the holidays – it truly brings people together! From family food traditions to hearty classics (hello Christmas Lasagna!) that can be savored around the dinner table, there’s nothing quite like these Holiday and Christmas recipes!

This little corner of PWWB is dedicated to spreading a little holiday joy through the gift of food with some of my own family’s traditional holiday dishes, festive appetizers, and of course, Christmas treats and sweets recipes. From my table to yours, I can’t wait for you to try these Christmas and Holiday dishes!

Show-Stopping Holiday Mains

These holiday dinner recipes are super impressive and steal the show at the center of your table.

Christmas Eve Lasagna on a small white plate, atop a white surface surrounded by small Christmas ornaments & a glass of red wine.
Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)
An overhead shot of roasted and partially carved medium-rare Prime Rib covered in a Garlic Herb Rub that sits atop a wooden cutting board. Fresh herbs, a sharp kitchen knife, and a carving fork surround the roast and rest alongside on the cutting board. The cutting board rests atop a dark textured surface with a black and white plaid linen napkin and a pinch bowl filled with kosher salt surrounding the cutting board.
Simple, Foolproof Garlic & Herb Prime Rib with Au Jus
Citrus & Maple Glazed ham on a white serving platter, with fresh bay leaves, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, & oranges.
Perfectly Juicy Citrus & Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Individual Beef Wellington, cut in half, one half facing up, on a white ceramic plate, served with mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms. The plate is on a black surface, next to a black plaid linen napkin, gold flatware, a glass of wine and twinkly lights.
Individual Beef Wellington
Best-Ever Ricotta Meatballs simmer in a homemade simple red sauce in a cherry red Staub 13-inch Double Handle Fry Pan. The meatballs have been garnished with freshly chopped basil, parsley, and parmesan cheese and the fry pan sits atop a creamy white cement surface. A blue and white striped linen napkin has been placed underneath the fry pan. A small bouquet of fresh parsley in a wooden container and a small wooden pinch bowl filled with parmesan cheese sit atop the linen napkin, alongside of the fry pan.
Best-Ever Meatballs: Italian-Style Ricotta Meatballs with Simple Tomato Sauce
Baked seafood stuffed shells fill a large white 9x13 baking dish that sits atop a dark gray textured surface. The stuffed seafood shells have been garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley. A large gold serving spoon rests atop the baking dish and the baking dish is surrounded by a stack of plates topped with gold silverware, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, and a red and white muted linen napkin.
Baked Seafood-Stuffed Shells with Béchamel Sauce

Simple & Flavorful Sides

Round out your holiday dinner with easy and totally craveworthy sides. 

An overhead shot of an assembled Christmas salad: arugula, candied nuts, shaved brussels sprouts, and pomegranate goat cheese balls. The salad is in a large white bowl atop a green plaid cloth on an off-white surface.
Christmas Salad with Pomegrante Bejeweled Goat Cheese “Ornaments” and Pancetta Candied Nuts
An overhead shot of parmesan roasted brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. One of the sprouts is resting in small dish of sauce on the pan.
Extra-Crispy Roasted Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan (4 Ingredients)
An overhead shot of roasted caramelized carrots topped with thyme leaves on a white plate atop a white marbled surface.
Seriously Caramelized Roasted Carrots (Never Mushy!)
An overhead shot of garlic mashed potatoes topped with pats of butter and snipped chives in a blue bowl. The bowl sits on a white surface alongside a striped cloth and bowls of chives and pepper.
Blow-Your-Mind Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (8 Ingredients)
An overhead shot of creamed spinach in a large silver skillet with gold handles on a grey surface. The pan is surrounded by a striped cloth, a box of Boursin cheese, a jar of cream, a pepper mill and a bowl of parmesan cheese.
Absolutely Unreal Creamed Spinach with Boursin (20 Minutes)
Finished roasted mushrooms are piled atop a black plate that sits atop a black textured surface. The mushrooms have been finished with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese cheese and fresh herbs. A gold spoon rests atop the plate and the pate is surrounded by a small wooden pinch bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese with a small wooden spoon resting inside and a light gray linen napkin.
Crispy Roasted Mushrooms

How-To Videos

Step-by-step tutorials to make cooking your main dish a total breeze.

Christmas Lasagna
Best-Ever Ricotta Meatballs
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers

No holiday party is complete without a spread of festive and flavorful bites!

bejeweled holiday marinated goat cheese. easy & beautiful appetizer for any holiday party, this bejeweled holiday marinated goat cheese is always a total show stopper. dried fruits (apricots, golden raisins, figs, cranberries) marinated with fresh herbs & pine nuts, then served over a generous portion of goat cheese. this marinated goat cheese recipe only takes 10 minutes to prep & is always a hit! #playswellwithbutter #marinatedgoatcheese #cheeseball #holidayappetizers #crowdpleaserappetizer
Bejeweled Holiday Marinated Goat Cheese
Mini Baked Brie Bites arranged on a platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary. One brie bite is split open revealing gooey melted brie cheese. The platter sits atop a dark textured surface. A black and white plaid linen napkin, a string of sparkling lights, and a glass of sparkling wine rest alongside.
Mini Baked Brie Bites (Festive, 3-Ingredient Holiday Appetizer!)
Homemade marinated olives served in a white dish with scalloped edges. The bowl is atop a white surface, surrounded by fresh rosemary, lemon peel, a small wooden bowl with red chili flakes, & a few glasses of red wine. A woman's hands are reaching into the photo, holding the bowl of olives.
The Easiest Marinated Olives (with Rosemary, Garlic and Lemon)
Overhead image of a hand dipping a blue corn tortilla chip into a bowl of butternut squash hummus. The hummus is in a white bowl topped with pumpkin seeds, pomegranate arils, and herbs. There are chips and crackers surrounding the bowl of hummus. There are sections of pomegranates in the corners of the image for garnish.
Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus
Finished baked feta with Castelvetrano olives is topped with fresh sprigs of thyme and a lemon wedge in a small white Staub baking dish. The baking dish sits atop a blue and white striped linen napkin that sits atop a gray and white marble surface. Pieces of crostini and sprigs of fresh thyme surround the baking dish.
Heavenly Baked Feta with Olives & Thyme
A side angle shot of a Bacon Cheddar Cheese ball sits atop a gray ceramic platter surrounded by a ring of Ritz crackers that have bits of green onion, bacon and shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top. The platter rests atop a gray-blue textured surface. A scoop of the cheese ball has been removed. A pint of amber colored beer and a silver container filled with breadstick crackers sits in the background out of focus.
The Infamous Cheddar Bacon Cheese Ball

Cozy Christmas Morning Breakfast

These festive brunch recipes are easy to prep and enjoy in your pajamas.

Fluffiest Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing
A white mug decorated with a Christmas tree is filled with Christmas Hot Chocolate, topped with whipped cream, & garnished with chocolate shavings & a Christmas tree marshmallow. The mug sits atop a white surface alongside marshmallows, ornaments, & small Christmas decorations.
Seriously Rich & Creamy Christmas Morning Cocoa
A Christmas Kringle Puff Pastry Star sits atop a piece of parchment paper. A string of twinkling lights, fresh raspberries, and a bowl of icing surround the pastry. The pastry sits atop a creamy white textured surface.
Christmas Kringle: Spiced Raspberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Kringle Star
Eggs benedict variations with asparagus, bacon, prosciutto & smoked salmon atop a light blue speckled platter, atop a white surface. Next to the platter are baby's breath flowers & a blue linen napkin.
Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict
An assembled herby dutch baby with smoked salmon, asparagus, and a Boursin cheese fills a large black cast iron skillet. The Dutch baby is garnished with lemon wedges, a lemon butter sauce, and fresh herbs. The skillet sits atop a light gray textured surface surrounded by bowls of toppings and a small glass bowl filled with lemon butter sauce. A light cream linen napkin is tied around the skillet handle and a serving spatula rests alongside.
Savory Dutch Baby with Smoked Salmon & Asparagus
Glazed Chai Scones sit atop a metal baking rack. Next to the rack are a beige linen napkin, a whole cinnamon stick, & a mug with a chai latte in it.
Chai Scones With Maple Chai Glaze

The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Plate

My favorite (and family-approved) holiday cookies to plate up and share.

A side shot of three stacked bittersweet chocolate cookies on a sheet of parchment paper. The top cookie has a bite taken out of it, displaying gooey chocolate chips.
“Lump of Coal” Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies
A side shot of five glazed oatmeal cookies stacked on a drying rack on a tan surface. Two of the cookies have a piece broken off, showing the interior texture.
Thick and Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Chai Glaze
dark chocolate peppermint brownies recipe. extra fudgy dark chocolate brownies topped with homemade peppermint frosting & an easy chocolate glaze. the ultimate easy recipe for a festive holiday dessert! #mintbrowniesrecipe #classicmintbrownies #mintbrowniesfromscratch #mintfrosting #bestmintbrownies #christmascookies #christmasdesserts #darkchocolate #browniesfromscratch #brownieseasy #holidaybaking
the reilly family’s dark chocolate peppermint brownies
A stack of 4 double chocolate thumbprint cookies placed on a copper wire cooling rack. The stack is surrounded by additional cookies & a spoonful of fudgy ganache.
Double Chocolate Espresso Thumbprint Cookies
stuffed dark chocolate dipped pretzels. holiday pretzel rounds get filled with peanut butter, salted caramel, oreos, peppermint candies, or any other fillings you love, & covered in dark chocolate. these stuffed dark chocolate dipped pretzels take chocolate covered pretzels to the next level, & they’re the perfect easy no-bake treat to add to your christmas cookie plates this year! #playswellwithbutter #chocolatepretzels #nobakedessert #chocolatedippedpretzels #stuffedpretzels #howtomakechocolatepretzels
stuffed dark chocolate dipped pretzels
Cut browned butter blondies rest atop a piece of parchment paper.
Brown Butter Blondies with Chocolate Chunks & Walnuts

All Christmas & Holiday Recipes

A fresh arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, pine nuts, and a light green dressing is served on a white plate with a fork. The salad is garnished with cracked black pepper. Everyday Arugula Side Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette (15 Minutes)
A glass bowl filled with creamy green dressing, garnished with fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, and black pepper. A metal spoon rests in the bowl, and basil leaves and a lemon wedge are on the white plate underneath. Gorgeously Light & Lemony Basil Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)
A baking sheet lined with parchment paper holds several round cookies topped with smooth swirls of chocolate. A spatula rests under one cookie, and a plate with more cookies is partially visible on the side. Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Cookies
A side shot of a stack of five white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, two broken in half, on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. A dish of sea salt and additional cookies sit on the counter and on a plate in the background. Brown Butter White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Ginger
An angled shot of tiramisu in a coupe glass. A spoonful of the tiramisu has been removed from the glass. Creamy-Dreamy Individual Tiramisu Cups
Fluffiest Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing
An overhead shot of crepe manicotti in a large casserole dish garnished with fresh basil. The dish sits on a white textured surface alongside dishes of parmesan and pepper, a plate with a fork and spoon, and a side salad. Homemade Crepe Manicotti with Spinach Ricotta Filling
An overhead shot of prepared osso buco garnished with parsley on a white plate atop an off-white textured surface. The plate is surrounded by dishes of parsley, parmesan and pepper, and a glass of red wine. Slowly Braised Beef Osso Buco (Restaurant-Worthy!)
An overhead shot of parmesan roasted brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. One of the sprouts is resting in small dish of sauce on the pan. Extra-Crispy Roasted Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan (4 Ingredients)
A side shot of three stacked bittersweet chocolate cookies on a sheet of parchment paper. The top cookie has a bite taken out of it, displaying gooey chocolate chips. “Lump of Coal” Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies
An overhead shot of roasted caramelized carrots topped with thyme leaves on a white plate atop a white marbled surface. Seriously Caramelized Roasted Carrots (Never Mushy!)
An overhead shot of garlic mashed potatoes topped with pats of butter and snipped chives in a blue bowl. The bowl sits on a white surface alongside a striped cloth and bowls of chives and pepper. Blow-Your-Mind Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (8 Ingredients)
An overhead shot of creamed spinach in a large silver skillet with gold handles on a grey surface. The pan is surrounded by a striped cloth, a box of Boursin cheese, a jar of cream, a pepper mill and a bowl of parmesan cheese. Absolutely Unreal Creamed Spinach with Boursin (20 Minutes)
A side shot of a baked crispy stuffing muffin sitting atop a muffin tin full of other stuffing muffins on a cooling rack. Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins aka, Stuffins! (Individual Portions)
An overhead shot of bourbon orange cranberry sauce garnished with orange zest in a glass bowl atop a pink surface. The bowl is surrounded by golden yellow cloths, an old fashioned, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks and a bouquet of flowers. “Old Fashioned” Bourbon Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Bitters (25 Minutes)
A side shot of five glazed oatmeal cookies stacked on a drying rack on a tan surface. Two of the cookies have a piece broken off, showing the interior texture. Thick and Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Chai Glaze
An overhead shot of turkey meatballs on a bed of pasta with pesto sauce on a white scalloped plate, garnished with basil leaves and shaved parmesan. The plate sits on a grey textured surface alongside a second dish of pasta, dishes of parmesan, pine nuts, basil leaves and tomatoes. Juicy Baked Pesto Meatballs (Turkey or Chicken)
An overhead shot of a serving of kale and brussels sprouts salad topped with parmesan and black pepper on a scalloped brown and white plate atop a white surface. A striped cloth sits alongside the plate. 20-Minute Hearty Kale Brussels Sprout Salad
An overhead shot of a serving of braised beef topped with braising liquid on a bed of potatoes and cooked vegetables on a stoneware plate. The plate sits alongside a beige cloth on a light grey surface. Meltingly Tender Red Wine Braised Beef
A close-up overhead shot of a soy-braised short rib topped with thickened braising liquid in a dark green bowl atop a bed of white rice and steamed bok choy. The bowl sits atop a beige surface alongside a dish of green onions and a bowl of sesame seeds. Succulent Soy Braised Short Ribs