The holiday season is fun for many reasons, and the wonderful, seasonal recipes to enjoy are among the top reasons to look forward to this time of year. Whether you’re planning to host or have a long list of parties to attend, you may be on the search for crave-worthy recipes that aren’t too complicated to put together. Here, we share a few of our favorite holiday bites that are sure to help you savor and enjoy the season:
Smoked Salmon Dip
Looking for an appetizer to bring to a party or serve at your own festivities? Ina Garten’s smoked salmon dip definitely fits the bill. It’s fancy enough to feel worthy of the holidays, but is super easy to make (and, according to Ina, tastes even better the next day). With a few simple ingredients, this dip takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Big Festive Salad
The holidays are known for decadent food, but if you’re ready for something a little lighter, this big festive salad won’t disappoint. It’s packed with complex flavors and will look beautiful on any table. With a base of arugula, spinach, and kale, this salad is topped with mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and more!
Herb-Crusted Roasted Leg of Lamb
If you want to serve a centerpiece dish that’s show-stopping but also easy to make, look no further than herb-crusted roasted leg of lamb. Lamb is often regarded as more elegant than ham, but it’s also available at most grocers and pairs well with traditional holiday sides. This main course takes just 20 minutes of prep time before cooking low and slow and finishing up on high heat to form that beautiful crust.
Sugar Cookie Bars
The dessert table typically gets the most attention at holiday parties, and these sugar cookie bars are well worth coming back for seconds. They’re moist, buttery, and dressed up in whatever festive toppings you like. As an added bonus, they’re simple to prepare and just require one pan–no need to roll the dough and wait for it to chill.
Eggnog
Eggnog gets a bad rap, and it’s typically because the store-bought stuff isn’t as good as the classic recipe. If you have a little extra time on your hands and want to wow guests, try creating this cozy and comforting beverage. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, and can be made non-alcoholic if you prefer.
Food is a big part of sharing joy during the holiday season, and we hope you enjoy the recipes highlighted here. If you’re looking forward to celebrating the holidays in the comfort of a brand new home, we have excellent options for you at Independence. Located in Elizabeth, Colorado, our community offers small-town charm combined with modern design. To learn more about available homes, please contact our team. Happy holidays!