Taste The Holidays: Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Ideas To Try

The holiday season is about to kick off in full force. A beautiful wreath hangs on your front door and your table is beautifully set with seasonal decorations. You’re done writing cards and wrapping presents—what else could be missing?

The holiday will never be complete without a dinner feast. Nothing beats the scent of biscuits & cookies baking in the oven, paired with the sizzling sound of searing wagyu beef. It’s the scent of love simmering, of spices enveloping the kitchen with warmth.

This year, it’s your chance to take the holiday season to a new level through food. Whether you’re preparing roast turkey, cakes, or a gingerbread house, you can give your loved ones the festive season of their lives.

Explore our top Thanksgiving and Christmas food ideas and make the holiday seasons count with festive appetisers, main courses, side dishes, desserts and drinks. And for a stress-free holiday, you can also make your choice from our Christmas e-catalogue, featuring a variety of menus to savour this festive season.

Scroll down to get started!

Appetiser Ideas

Preparing a holiday feast is never a walk in the park. You’re constantly in the kitchen ticking off recipes and ensuring everything goes according to plan. When you’re stuck with a mixing bowl and a whisk, how can you set the mood for the perfect festive meal?

This is where appetisers come into play. Festive bite-sized treats, charcuterie boards or spreads & dips make the perfect crowd-pleasers! Take a look at some of the best Thanksgiving and Christmas appetiser ideas you can make below:

Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip

Inspired by a North African lamb sausage called merguez, these meatballs are seasoned with cumin, harissa and garlic, among other herbs and spices. They are paired with a creamy green goddess dip made with cilantro, parsley and chives, perfectly balancing all the heat.

This appetiser is one of the best food ideas because they’re easy to make ahead of time. You can freeze them for a month, defrost and let them reach room temperature before baking.

Here’s a basic recipe you can try:

For Spicy Lamb Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel
• ½ cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1 large beaten egg
• 2 tablespoons harissa
• ⅓ cup minced shallot
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup of water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Canola oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 205°C.
2. Make the meatball mixture. Combine harissa with ¼ cup of water in a medium bowl and whisk them together. Mix in breadcrumbs and let it stand for five minutes.
3. Add ground lamb, cilantro, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, egg coriander, fennel, salt and pepper. Stir well and shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a 13- x 9-inch baking dish greased with canola oil. Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs are browned.

For Green Goddess Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup of chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley and cilantro
• 2 minced anchovy fillets
• 1 minced clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream or yoghurt, fresh herbs, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper using a blender or food processor.
2. Blend for a minute or until a smooth dip forms.

Classic Savoury Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs should be on your list of Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes because they make the perfect holiday party appetiser. Filled with a creamy and savoury mixture, they are not only delightful but also visually appealing. It only takes ten minutes to prepare!

Prepare this simple yet elegant dish and wow the crowd. Take a look at this easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved
• ¼ cup of mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 12 sprigs of fresh dill
• ½ teaspoon of chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. If you want something healthier, you can try free-range eggs.
3. Carefully scoop the yolks and place them in a bowl. Mash them using a fork.
4. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of chopped dill, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder and salt to the mashed yolks. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
6. Garnish with dill sprigs, if desired.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Fun Santa Vegetable Tray

If you want to go the DIY route and skip the store-bought platters, fun Santa vegetable trays are for you! This adds a jolly and healthy touch to your holiday feast, proving that eating vegetables doesn’t have to be boring. 

A festive platter resembling Santa will certainly attract children to indulge in fresh and crisp veggies. To get started, refer to this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 2 black olives

Instructions:

1. Using all of the vegetables, create a Santa face. Arrange the cauliflower for the beard, red bell peppers for the hat and mouth and cucumber slices for the face.
2. Create a round face with cucumber slices. For Santa’s nose and shoulders, add a bright cherry tomato. The remaining pair of black olives are for the eyes.
3. Serve immediately.

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Indulge in the cheesy goodness and irresistible crunch of cheddar cheese straws! Considered a Southern staple, it’s packed with a bursting cheddar flavour that will keep everyone asking for more. 

You can pair it with your favourite dip or serve it as a standalone treat. Check out this recipe to begin:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup of water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 205°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, flour, salt and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Gradually add water until the dough comes together.
4. Shape portions of dough into sticks slightly thicker than a pencil on a lightly floured surface. Cut these sticks into lengths of four to five inches. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

The rich, savoury flavour of smoked salmon, paired with the crisp and refreshing bite of cucumber makes it a delightful addition to your holiday celebration! Perfectly bite-sized, it also makes a perfect appetiser before indulging in the festive main courses.

Let’s cook this delightful appetiser!

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup of sliced smoked salmon
• ¼ cup of chopped red onions
• 1 cup of herb garlic cheese spread
• 1 zested lemon
• A handful of chives

Instructions:

1. Cut cucumber into thin slices, but make sure they’re thick enough to support the toppings. Pat dry the sliced cucumber with kitchen paper to absorb excess water.
2. Whip the herb garlic cheese spread until it becomes light and fluffy.
3. Take a teaspoon of whipped herb garlic cheese spread and place it on top of each cucumber slice.
4. Carefully assemble the sliced smoked salmon and chopped red onions on top of whipped herb garlic cheese spread.
5. Finish with a sprinkle of cut chives and lemon zest.

Festive Main Courses

The holiday season is the perfect time to impress everyone with your most elegant and festive main dish. Whether you’re serving a roasted duck, turkey or seafood, you can give your dinner a splash of seasonal flavours and culinary delights.

Let your festive main courses be the centrepiece of a joyous celebration. Here are some of the best entrées you can prepare for a warmth-filled feast:

Roast Turkey with Rosemary and Lemon

Combine the aromatic flavours of rosemary and citrus with a show-stopping holiday centrepiece—a roast turkey with rosemary and lemon. The buttery herb texture, tucked right under the skin, gives each bite a rich flavour.

For ultimate convenience, you can purchase a ready-to-serve roast turkey from our Christmas e-catalogue or you can make it yourself at home. When cooked just right, it can be the star of your holiday. Check out this holiday recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12 pounds), should be thawed if frozen, neck and giblets removed, rinsed and patted dry.
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced
• ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 7 wide strips of lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 4 cups mushroom and walnut stuffing
• ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into 8 wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 205°C and place the rack in the lower third position. Heat rosemary, garlic, lemon zest and oil in a small saucepan. 
2. For about a minute, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the garlic is softened and the lemon zest is slightly shrivelled. Turn the heat off and let the rosemary-lemon oil cool down.
3. Tuck the turkey wing tips under the body. Season it inside with salt and pepper. Stuff the large and neck cavities with stuffing and fold the neck skin over the opening. Then, secure the legs together with kitchen twine.
4. Brush the turkey with 1/2 cup of the cooled rosemary-lemon oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place a quartered onion in a roasting pan. Set a roasting rack over the onion with the turkey on top. Roast for 45 minutes to one hour or until the turkey becomes golden brown. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 190°C and add one cup of water to the pan.
6. Baste the turkey with the remaining rosemary-lemon oil every 30 minutes until 73°C.
7. Place the turkey on a platter and cover it with foil. Make sure to let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Honey-Glazed Ham

One of the best Thanksgiving and Christmas food ideas as the entrée is a plate of honey-glazed ham. Every slice boasts a perfect balance of tenderness, sweetness and savoury notes with a beautifully caramelised exterior. It only takes an hour to prepare, so grab some hams at the nearest grocery store. Or, for an even simpler option, choose our ready-to-eat ham from our Christmas e-catalogue.

This simple recipe can kickstart the holiday season with a burst of flavours. Check out the cooking instructions below:

Ingredients:

• 1 5-pound fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
• ¼ cup of whole cloves
• 2 cups of honey
• ¼ cup of dark corn syrup
• ⅔ cup of butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 162°C. Score the ham and insert whole cloves into the surface. Place it in a pan lined with foil.
2. Heat the corn syrup, honey and butter in the upper half of a double boiler. Keep the glaze warm as the ham bakes.
3. Brush the ham generously with the honey glaze. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
4. Baste the ham with glaze every 10 to 15 minutes. In the last four to five minutes, switch the broiler on to caramelise the glaze. Remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cioppino

Taste the sea with Cioppino, a delicious Italian-American seafood stew. Its rich, tomato-based broth and various shellfish can add to the joyous atmosphere of the holiday season. You can serve it in a large pot and bring people together around the table!

If you’re looking for a holiday recipe that brings out the spirit of togetherness, you’ll never go wrong with Cioppino. Follow the steps below:

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter
• 2 onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 ½ pounds cod fillets, cubed
• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp
• 1 ½ pounds bay scallops
• 18 small clams
• 18 mussels
• 1 ½ cups crabmeat
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
• 2 cans of chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups white wine
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add onions, parsley and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, around three to four minutes.
2. Break tomatoes into chunks as you add them to the pot. Stir in wine, water, chicken broth, basil, bay leaves, thyme and oregano. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
3. Mix in code, scallops, clams, mussels, shrimp and crabmeat. Let it boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the clams open up. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom stroganoff is the ideal festive main dish for vegetarians, offering a rich and hearty alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavour. The savoury and umami-y goodness of mushrooms, combined with the creamy soup, can be a meat-free alternative during your holiday feast.

It only takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook! Check out this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 300g of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 150ml low-sodium beef or vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, or vegetarian alternative
• 3 tablespoons of half-fat soured cream
• Fresh parsley for garnish, roughly chopped
• 250g pouch cooked wild rice

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about five minutes or until it softens.
2. Add the garlic along with paprika and continue cooking for another minute. Add the mushrooms, cook over high heat and stir frequently for five minutes.
3. Pour the vegetable stock and sauce into the mixture. Let it boil and simmer for five minutes until the sauce has thickened. Then, turn the heat off so the sauce doesn’t split. Carefully stir in the parsley and the soured cream.
4. Follow the package instructions when you’re heating the wild rice. Mix in the remaining chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Holiday Desserts

‘Tis the season to enjoy festive sweetness! Ready your baking skills and give your loved ones something to look forward to—or make things easy by picking up some delights like winterberry cakes, grand log cakes, festive pies, and pastry bites from our Christmas e-catalogue!

Desserts during the holiday season are more than just confections; they balance flavours and ease digestion. When you’re stuffed with plates of ham, turkey and cheese straws, you’ll certainly need something sweet!

Check out these ideas for your holiday sweets: 

Panna Cotta

Serve a classic Italian dessert known for its velvety texture and delicate sweetness: panna cotta! This pudding-like dessert can be topped off with raspberry sauce, caramel or fresh fruits for extra sweetness.

Perfect for the holiday season, panna cotta is a delightful finale to your meal. Let’s check out this quick recipe below:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups of heavy cream
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 packet of unflavoured gelatin
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons of cold water

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat until it simmers and stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Turn the heat off and add vanilla extract.
3. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a separate bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until it blooms.
4. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture. Stir until the gelatin dissolves completely.
5. Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving glasses or moulds.
6. Refrigerate for at least four to five hours or until set.
7. Serve chilled. You can garnish with chocolate ganache, fresh berries, lemon curd or toasted nuts, whichever you prefer.

Basque Cheesecake

If you want to give a unique twist on the classic cheesecake, the basque cheesecake recipe is worth a try. With an extra creamy interior and a signature ‘burnt’ surface, it is enjoyed for its simplicity, rich flavour and unique texture. It requires minimal effort, making it the perfect festive treat for your loved ones!

Follow this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• Parchment paper
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Butter and flour for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 205°C. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan with butter and dust with flour.
2. Place a parchment paper larger than the pan’s diameter on the bottom.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until creamy and combined.
4. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. 
5. Pour in heavy cream, flour, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the parchment-lined springform pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheesecake is puffed, deeply browned and almost caramelised at the edges. This should take about 50 to 55 minutes. For the last ten minutes, increase the oven temperature to 218°C.
8. Let the cheesecake cool in the pan. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.

Rum Balls

Indulge in a festive and boozy delight this holiday season with rum balls! Featuring a blend of nuts, cocoa, vanilla wafers and a splash of dark rum, these bite-sized treats require no baking. They just take several minutes to put together, and they’re ready to be served in no time.

Make these homemade treats and add a touch of merriment to your feast. Here’s a basic recipe to keep you guided:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups of vanilla wafer crumbs (about one box of vanilla wafers)
• 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup of chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup of dark rum
• ¼ cup of light corn syrup
• Powdered sugar or cocoa powder for rolling

Instructions:

1. Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, chopped nuts and cocoa powder in a large bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix rum and corn syrup together.
3. Add the rum mixture to the dry ingredients and stir well until combined.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one to two hours or until firm.
5. Once chilled, shape the mixture into small balls. They can be one inch in diameter, depending on your preference.
6. Coat the balls with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for coating.
7. Place the rum balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another hour.
8. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve when ready.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Getting in the holiday spirit doesn’t mean hangovers and regrets. From festive punch recipes to mocktails, these drinks will keep you refreshed all December long. The best part? You won’t be waking up with a debilitating headache.

These non-alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed by your loved ones who are underage, going sober and designated drivers. Check them out below:

Jingle Juice Punch

Make an easy party drink with a non-alcoholic rendition of Jingle Juice Punch! Serve a bubble concoction for your guests that blends orange, cranberry, pineapple and pomegranate juices, topped with your choice of garnish.

Let’s get started below:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cranberry juice
• 2 cups of orange juice
• 1 cup of pineapple juice
• 1 cup of pomegranate juice
• 1 litre of club soda or ginger ale, chilled
• Fresh cranberries, orange slices and mint for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and pomegranate juice in a large punch bowl. Stir well.
2. Add chilled ginger ale or club soda to the punch bowl before serving. This will ensure the carbonation stays fizzy.
3. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices and mint.
4. Add ice cubes to keep it cool.
5. Stir gently before serving.

Irish Cream and Coffee

Irish cream is a holiday favourite, but if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version to enjoy with family, this recipe will help you create a delicious, alcohol-free alternative everyone can savour:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix heavy cream, condensed milk, and whole milk in a blender.
2. Add the chocolate syrup, instant coffee, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
3. Blend on low speed for 20 – 30 seconds until everything is fully blended and smooth.
4. Taste and adjust the flavour as desired.
5. Add ice cubes to glasses.
6. Pour the mixture into glasses.

Alcoholic Beverages

While non-alcoholic beverages are always a great choice, adding some alcoholic options can be perfect to elevate your gatherings. As long as everyone is of legal age and no one needs to drive, a glass or two can add a little extra sparkle to the moment.

Choose from a selection of sparkling wines, beers, and cocktails from your trusted online grocery store. Our top pick is the Reserve Brut Sparkling; it has a crisp taste, with a floral aroma, white stone fruit flavour, and a hint of brioche.

Final Thoughts

Imagine the aroma of roasted turkey through the air, the clinking of glasses, the appetising trays of apple pie on the table. Your loved ones are enjoying the simple pleasure of good food and good company, and you couldn’t ask for more. 

As you welcome the holiday season with open arms, may the Thanksgiving and Christmas food ideas above create a delightful and meaningful feast in your home. And if this is your first time being a party host, we have you covered.

You can easily find all your desired ingredients in our online grocery store. From organic butchery to seafood and baking needs, we can help you prepare a stress-free holiday celebration. We’ll deliver all your needs right to your doorstep so you can start right away.

Or, if you’re in the mood for a ready-made feast, desserts, or festive hampers, explore our Thanksgiving specials and Christmas e-catalogue for a range of delightful options  Happy holidays!

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