30 Simple Christmas Recipes for First-Time Cooks to Try

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and of course, great food. If you're a first-time cook looking to impress your loved ones with a delicious homemade meal this holiday season, you're in the right place. In this list, I’ve gathered 30 simple Christmas recipes for first-time cooks to try, with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-find ingredients.

Whether you’re planning a festive dinner, preparing sweet treats, or looking for side dishes, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. Get ready to make your first Christmas cooking experience stress-free and full of holiday cheer!

1. Classic Roasted Turkey

Roast turkey is a staple of any Christmas dinner, and it’s easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub it with butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs.
4. Place the turkey on a roasting pan and roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan juices.
5. Check the internal temperature—when it reaches 165°F, remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic—perfect to serve alongside any Christmas meal.

Ingredients:

• 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the cream and butter over low heat until warm.
3. Drain the potatoes and mash them with the garlic, cream, and butter.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

3. Crispy Brussel Sprouts

These roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

4. Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tender carrots with a honey glaze are the perfect side dish to balance out the savory flavors of Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the carrots in salted water for about 10 minutes or until tender.
2. Drain and return the carrots to the pot.
3. Stir in the honey, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens, and serve.

5. Classic Stuffing

A delicious stuffing that’s flavorful and simple to make—perfect for first-time cooks.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft.
3. Add the bread cubes, herbs, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Nothing beats homemade cranberry sauce—it’s easy and adds a festive touch to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Let it cool before serving.

7. Mini Pumpkin Pies

These mini pumpkin pies are a cute and easy dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 eggs
• 1 package pie crusts (or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, cream, sugar, spices, and eggs.
3. Roll out the pie crust and cut into circles to fit into a muffin tin.
4. Fill with the pumpkin mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set.

8. Christmas Sugar Cookies

These simple sugar cookies are perfect for holiday decorating and sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Cream together butter and sugar in a separate bowl, then add egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Roll dough into balls, flatten, and sprinkle with colored sugar.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden.

9. Chocolate Yule Log

A festive chocolate yule log is a delicious and eye-catching dessert for Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and bake in a jelly roll pan.
3. Once cooled, roll the cake in a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
5. Unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream over it.
6. Roll back up, frost with cocoa powder, and slice.

10. Eggnog

Homemade eggnog is a creamy and festive drink that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup bourbon or rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk mixture to the egg mixture, then return to the pot and cook until thickened.
4. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg and alcohol (if using), and chill before serving.

11. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

This sweet and savory ham is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (6-8 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix the brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar to make the glaze.
3. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake for 15-18 minutes per pound, basting occasionally.
4. Once done, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

12. Pecan Pie

This sweet, nutty dessert is a Christmas classic that’s simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Stir in the pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set.

13. Beef Wellington

A festive and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare for first-time cooks.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles (finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and herbs)
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sear the beef tenderloin in a hot pan with olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Spread mushroom duxelles over the beef, then wrap it in puff pastry.
4. Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the beef reaches desired doneness.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

14. Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

A creamy and cheesy appetizer that’s always a hit at holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the artichokes, spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
4. Serve with crackers or bread.

15. Christmas Fruitcake

A rich and flavorful fruitcake that’s perfect for holiday gifting or serving after dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries)
• 1 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the dried fruit, nuts, flour, and spices.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add the eggs.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients and brandy, then pour into the pan.
5. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.

16. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a starter.

Ingredients:

• 20 large mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2 lb sausage (pork or turkey)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly.
3. Mix the sausage with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley.
4. Stuff the mushrooms with the sausage mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.

17. Chocolate Mint Brownies

Fudgy brownies with a minty twist, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1/4 cup mint extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix directions.
2. Prepare the brownie mix and add mint extract to the batter.
3. Bake as directed and let the brownies cool.
4. Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownies.
5. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into squares.

18. Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These adorable cupcakes are easy to make and fun to decorate.

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1/2 cup green frosting
• Sprinkles or candy decorations
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (for tree trunks)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vanilla cupcakes according to package instructions and bake.
2. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
3. Frost each cupcake with green frosting, shaping it into a tree shape.
4. Decorate with sprinkles or candies to create ornaments, and use chocolate chips for the tree trunks.

19. Pomegranate Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This juicy pork tenderloin with a sweet and tart pomegranate glaze is a showstopper.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. In a saucepan, simmer pomegranate juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until thickened.
4. Roast the pork for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze.
5. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

20. Shrimp Cocktail

A classic, easy-to-make appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cocktail sauce
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through, then cool.
2. Arrange shrimp on a platter with lemon slices and garnish with parsley.
3. Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping.

21. Sweet Potato Casserole

A cozy and comforting side dish with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, milk, and cinnamon.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with marshmallows, if desired.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.

22. Mulled Wine

A warm, spiced drink that’s perfect for cozying up during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine wine, brandy, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices.
2. Heat over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add honey to taste, then serve warm.

23. Classic Pigs in a Blanket

Mini sausages wrapped in dough—this easy appetizer is always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 package cocktail sausages
• 1 package crescent roll dough

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the crescent roll dough into small triangles.
3. Place a sausage at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

24. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These creamy, caramel apple bars are a delicious twist on classic cheesecake.

Ingredients:

• 1 package graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup apples, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, then spread over the crust.
4. Top with diced apples and caramel sauce.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then chill before serving.

25. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

A simple, flavorful roasted chicken that will impress guests without stressing the cook.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic, and herbs.
4. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, basting occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

26. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

A warm, gooey brie topped with cranberry sauce makes for an elegant appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of brie cheese
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp chopped pecans
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C
2. Place the brie on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until soft.
3. Top with cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary before serving.

27. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Crispy, golden potatoes with a garlic Parmesan crust—simple, but full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

28. Spiced Nuts

A quick and easy holiday snack that’s sweet, salty, and spiced just right.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed nuts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne.
3. Toss the nuts in the sugar mixture, then spread them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown.

29. Chocolate Truffles

Rich, indulgent chocolate truffles that melt in your mouth, perfect for holiday gifting.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Heat the cream until simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate.
2. Stir until smooth, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
3. Roll the chilled chocolate into balls and coat in cocoa powder.
4. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

30. Eggnog

A classic holiday drink that’s creamy, spiced, and perfectly festive.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup bourbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until thickened.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking.
4. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over low heat until thickened.
5. Stir in nutmeg, vanilla, and bourbon (if using). Serve chilled.

Conclusion

These 30 holiday recipes offer something for every taste and occasion, from savory appetizers to sweet desserts. Whether you're hosting a gathering or looking for the perfect gift, these dishes will add a festive touch and create lasting memories with friends and family. Happy cooking and celebrating!