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14 Christmas Must Make Recipes

By: Joanna Cismaru •Last Updated: 12/19/25 Leave a Comment

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Christmas recipes fall into two categories. The ones people say they love, and the ones that actually show up every single year. This list is the second category. These are the 14 Christmas must make recipes that somehow end up on the table no matter what.

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Classic Christmas Recipes

There are a lot of Christmas recipes out there. A lot. But if we’re being honest, only a handful ever really make it to the table. The rest are bookmarked, admired, and quietly ignored once the oven is full and everyone’s hungry.

This list is for the recipes that don’t get skipped. The ones people expect. The ones that show up every single year, whether it’s Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, or that slightly chaotic Christmas dinner where someone’s late and the rolls are somehow already gone. These are the 14 Christmas must make recipes that have earned their place at the table. No trends, no surprises, just the classics we all keep coming back to.

The Line Up

brown sugar cola glazed ham in a black crockpot

Crockpot Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham

This Crockpot Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time to make this incredible brown sugar and cola glaze then pour it over the ham, set it and forget it for a few hours. You'll be rewarded with the most tender and delicious crockpot ham ever.
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prime rib

Prime Rib Roast

This Prime Rib Roast is the holiday showstopper you’ve been dreaming of, juicy, buttery, and cooked to a perfect medium-rare every time. Smothered in a herb-loaded compound butter and paired with rich red wine gravy, this is the kind of feast that gets applause.
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a roast turkey on a turkey platter garnished with herbs and cranberries.

How to Roast a Turkey

How to Roast a Turkey – learn easy techniques to perfectly roast a turkey. Step by step instructions from start to finish.
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green bean casserole in a skillet with a serving spoon.

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This Green Bean Casserole From Scratch is totally made from scratch, super delicious side dish that's a must on your Thanksgiving table. No canned stuff here, only fresh ingredients.
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Close-up of loaded scalloped potatoes in a white dish, topped with cheese and bacon, with a serving spoon.

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes – With generous layers of tender potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, and crunchy bacon, this recipe transforms a classic favorite into pure comfort food bliss.
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sweet potato casserole in a red casserole dish with a spoon inside.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving casserole with a crispy cornflake pecan topping and marshmallows. Sweet, crispy and delicious! A must have on your Thanksgiving table!
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freshly baked bread stuffing in a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon inside.

Easy Stuffing Recipe

This Easy Classic Stuffing is a holiday must-have, combining simple ingredients like day-old bread, celery, onion, and a blend of herbs for a taste of home in every bite. With just the right amount of seasoning and a golden, crispy top, it's the perfect side to complement any festive meal.
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Overhead view of golden crescent breakfast ring filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and peppers on parchment paper.

Crescent Breakfast Ring

This Crescent Breakfast Ring is a pull-apart breakfast made with flaky crescent rolls, bacon, eggs, and cheese, baked until golden and irresistible. It’s easy enough for weekends, impressive enough for brunch, and perfect for feeding a hungry group without much effort.
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a slice of christmas morning wife saver on a plate.

Christmas Morning Wife Saver

This Christmas Morning Wife Saver is the perfect casserole for Christmas morning made with ham and cheese and topped with cornflakes. Just wake up, bake it and enjoy!
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a cinnabon cinnamon roll on a white dessert plate with a cup of coffee in the background.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls – my favorite cinnamon rolls recipe ever and loved by millions. A must make at Christmas!
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iced sugar cookies on a black cooling rack.

Sugar Cookies

These easy no-spread authentic Sugar Cookies are a favorite during the Holidays. The yearly ritual of making and decorating these easy-to-make cut out cookies with the family is a long time tradition.
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beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies on a board.

Gingerbread Cookies

These are the most Perfect Gingerbread Cookies ever! Incredibly easy to make and so much fun to decorate any way you want. Soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, these spiced Gingerbread cookies are loaded with lots of great flavors!
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a slice of pecan pie on a white dessert plate.

Pecan Pie Recipe

This traditional Pecan Pie is sweet and delicious, totally made from scratch, including the pie crust! A classic and old-fashioned dessert that's a must on every Thanksgiving table!
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pieces of microwave chocolate fudge on a piece of parchment paper.

2 Minute Microwave Fudge

Amazingly easy, 2 Minute Microwave Fudge that's totally creamy, decadently chocolatey, melt-in-your-mouth delicious! This fudge couldn't get any easier to make and so worth making for a perfectly sweet dessert.
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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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