What To Cook In December

December keeps my kitchen busy with Christmas cookies, festive dinners, cozy weeknight meals, and holiday treats. I look forward to cooking with cranberries, citrus, winter vegetables, warm spices, and all the seasonal flavors that make this month feel special.

If you are wondering what to cook in December, I have gathered plenty of ideas for Christmas morning, holiday parties, cozy weeknights, and New Year's Eve.

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What's In Season In December?

Whether you need an easy winter dinner, a festive appetizer, a holiday side dish, or something sweet to share, these December recipes are a great place to start.

What To Cook In December

Christmas Cookies 🍪

What's in season:

• Chocolate
• Cranberries
• Peppermint
• Nuts

More Recipe ideas:

• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Chocolate Cupcakes
• Lemon Sugar Cookies

Christmas Morning Breakfast 🎄

I like Christmas breakfast to feel special but easy. Simple pastries, coffee cakes, and make-ahead brunch recipes keep the morning calm while the holiday meal comes together.

Flaky Puff Pastry Waffles

Waffles with puff pastry are buttery, flaky, and ready in 15 minutes. Serve sweet or savory-perfect for brunch or busy mornings!

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More Recipe ideas:

• Gluten-Free Latkes 
• Banana Bread With Dried Cranberries
• Chocolate Rice Pudding
• Apple Cinnamon Scones

Winter Vegetables and Sides 🥕

I roast root vegetables often in December. Carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, and winter squash make easy sides, and the leftovers are perfect for grain bowls or lunch.

Carrots In Air Fryer

Honey Glazed Air Fryer Carrots - Looking for an easy, flavorful side dish? These honey glazed carrots are the perfect answer.

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More Recipe ideas:

• Mashed Cauliflower and Potatoes
• Crispy Miso Cauliflower
• Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
• Spicy Skillet Potatoes

Holiday Appetizers and New Year's Eve Bites 🎉

I love easy appetizers that guests can pick up and share. Cheesy, spicy, and crispy bites work perfectly for both Christmas parties and New Year's Eve.

Crispy Miso Cauliflower

These jalapeno poppers are loaded with rich and flavorful cream cheese mixture, the right amount of seasonings, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips.

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BBQ Fried Chicken Bites

Discover the ultimate Korean BBQ Fried Chicken Bites made easy in the air fryer. Crispy, flavorful, and healthier - perfect for a quick, delicious meal.

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are one of my favorite ways to enjoy buffalo chicken without feeling weighed down afterward

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Recipe ideas:

• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
• Juicy Air Fryer Ribs
• Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Christmas Dinner Mains 🍽️

I choose a special but simple Christmas main, like pork, chicken, or baked fish. Then I build an easy menu around it.

Pork Tenderloin

This tender Pork Tenderloin recipe is sure to win over any crowd! Experience the succulence of juicy pork slices, delicately coated in a flavorful mix of herbs and spices before being expertly pan-seared.

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Baked Lemon Chicken Breasts

Baked Lemon Chicken Breasts are juicy, easy, and ready in 30 minutes. This healthy lemon garlic chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.

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Baked Trout In Oven

Preparing this baked trout with lemon and sauce couldn't be simpler. Fish fillets glazed in honey mustard, soy, and sesame sauce, turns tender and flavorful in our quick 20-minute trout recipe.

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Baked Cod In Foil

Delicious baked cod fillets, seasoned to perfection and wrapped in foil with a variety of colorful and tender vegetables. 

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Recipe ideas:

• Air Fryer Whole Chicken
• Honey Miso Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Parmesan

Cozy December Dinners ❄️

On busy December nights, I rely on soups, casseroles, pasta, and other cozy meals with plenty of leftovers.

Chicken Divan

Looking for a comforting and easy casserole? Try Chicken Divan with tender chicken, broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a buttery cracker topping. Made from scratch with all homemade ingredients!

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Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs and a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it's easy to make and great for freezing!

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Turkey Meatball Soup

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of homemade soup? This Turkey Meatball Soup is a lighter twist on a family favorite.

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Olive Garden's Baked Ziti

Layers of penne pasta and ground meat smothered in ultra-rich marinara sauce topped with plenty of cheeses (but not too many), and a flavorful spices combination.

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Recipe ideas:

• Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Stroganoff
• Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
• Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Christmas Desserts and Candy 🍫

I love easy festive desserts that work for parties or gift boxes. I usually include one no-bake treat to keep the oven free.

Gluten Free Christmas Brownies

Christmas Brownies are a great alternative to traditional Christmas cookies. With minimal mess, no rolling the dough or cutting out the shapes, and then endlessly decorating.

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Christmas Reindeer Chocolate Bark

This easy Reindeer Chocolate Bark recipe is a festive no-bake Christmas dessert made with chocolate, pretzels, and candy. Perfect holiday treat for parties, gifts, and kids.

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Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Rich chocolate flavor meets refreshing peppermint for a festive, bakery-worthy loaf that's perfect for sharing.

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Recipe ideas:

• Sparkling Sugared Cranberries
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Festive Holiday Drinks ☕

Warm spiced drinks and creamy hot chocolate make December evenings feel festive. My family loves adding whipped cream and sprinkles.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Enjoy a fun twist on hot chocolate with Red Velvet Hot Chocolate! It's creamy and sweet and it looks great with whipped cream and sprinkles on top.

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Gingerbread Latte

This homemade gingerbread drink is one of those cozy little treats I make when I want a Starbucks cinnamon latte vibe at home, without the line or the price. It's fast, easy, and totally family friendly.

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Iced Caramel Coffee

Make the best iced caramel coffee in just 5 minutes! Smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet, this easy recipe is perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon treat!

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Recipe ideas:

• Holiday Cocktails
• Tropical Smoothie

Slow Cooker Soups and Stews 🍲

I love slow cooker soups and stews for busy December days. Serve them with warm bread or a simple salad for an easy winter dinner.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Fork tender slow cooker beef stew with rich, thick broth and vegetables that don't turn mushy. Easy prep, deep flavor, and perfect for cozy dinners.

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Beef Barley Soup

Slow-cooker beef barley soup is made with tender beef stew meat, chewy barley, fresh celery, chopped onions, medium carrots, and other nutritious veggies with seasoning and fresh herbs.

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Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

This one-pot creamy cheddar bacon potato soup, brimming with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and potatoes, offers an easy dinner option that's sure to please everyone's palate.

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Recipe ideas:

• Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
• Healthy Zuppa Toscana

Warm Breads for Winter Meals 🍞

I love serving warm bread with winter soups and holiday meals. I usually make extra for toast or sandwiches the next day.

Sourdough Loaf

This homemade sourdough loaf has a crispy golden crust, chewy airy center, and deep bakery-style flavor using just 4 simple ingredients.

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Healthy Lentil Bread (Flourless)

Healthy Lentil Bread is an easy, flourless, protein-packed recipe perfect for snacks, lunches, or light dinners. Simple ingredients, gluten-free, and family-friendly!

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Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

These jalapeño cornbread muffins are tender, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced with sweet and savory flavors.

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Cottage Cheese Flatbread

This cottage cheese flatbread is soft, easy, and high in protein. A quick no-yeast flatbread recipe perfect for wraps, meals, and busy weeknights.

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Recipe ideas:

• Spinach Lentil Bread
• Mediterranean Lentil Bread

Winter Salads 🥗

I like adding a fresh winter salad to balance rich December meals. Beets, cabbage, greens, nuts, and cheese add color and can be prepared ahead.

Beet Salad (With Feta)

Beet salad is a beautiful colorful salad and a very easy fresh summer side dish. 

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Fried Halloumi Salad

This fried halloumi salad with beetroot is tender, crisp and nutritious! The light dijon mustard, vinegar, and olive oil dressing adds the perfect cherry on the top and brings all the flavors together perfectly.

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Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad

This beet goat cheese salad is a crowd-pleaser! Featuring roasted beets, walnuts, and a red vinaigrette dressing, it's perfect for entertaining guests.

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Red Cabbage Salad

Looking for a crunchy salad with a light, tangy dressing? Try this red cabbage salad - it's perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Top it up with some fried chicken or roasted salmon.

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Recipe ideas:

• Chopped Apple Kale Salad

Christmas Eve Seafood Dinners 🐟

Seafood feels special but is quick enough for a busy Christmas Eve. I serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or a winter salad.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is easier than you think, made with wine or without will be the highlight of your dinner table.

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Recipe ideas:

• Salmon Casserole
• Salmon Burgers

Between-the-Holidays Pasta Dinners 🍝

I love simple pasta dinners between Christmas and New Year's Eve. They are comforting, family-friendly, and perfect with salad or warm bread.

What's in season:

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Onions
• Garlic
• Broccoli

Chicken Pasta Bake With Alfredo Sauce

Easy Chicken & Pasta Bake With Alfredo Sauce will become your new staple one-pot pasta dish.

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More Recipe ideas:

• Chicken Fajita Pasta
• Spicy Vodka Pasta
• Creamy Beef Tomato Pasta

Christmas Ham and Leftover Ideas 🍖

I use leftover Christmas ham for easy breakfasts, salads, and skillet dinners during the relaxed days between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice Recipe is an easy one-pan recipe that can be made with leftover holiday ham, cold-stored rice, and frozen vegetables.

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Cabbage Corn Salad (With Ham)

This Cabbage and Corn Salad is crunchy, creamy, and packed with fresh ingredients. A quick and easy side dish or light meal, perfect for busy weeknights!

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