7 Crowd-Pleasing No Bake Holiday Dessert Ideas

The holidays just aren’t the holidays without something sweet to share with your family and friends. But with a bunch of dishes on the menu at every meal from Friendsgiving to New Year’s Eve, there might not be much room in the oven for dessert. No need to break out your vintage Easy Bake Oven, though—there are a plethora of no bake desserts that are perfect for serving to a crowd this holiday season.

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Dessert Nachos

You might associate nachos more with Cinco de Mayo and football Sundays, but the highly customizable food can easily transition to after dinner. Much like your traditional cheesy nachos, dessert nachos can be tweaked depending on your favorite toppings, whether that’s nuts, chocolate sauce, or fruit.

Protein Balls

Need some fuel for your Turkey Trot or holiday shopping? Then easy-to-make protein balls, which take only a few moments to throw together, are an ideal food to tote along. Add in some chocolate chips, honey, or coconut flakes for a bit more sweetness.

Banana Pudding

Give your favorite instant pudding mix an upgrade by transforming it into drool-worthy banana pudding. In addition to using vanilla wafers in the dish, up your presentation by crushing some cookies to top your pudding with. We promise you’ll hardly be able to wait to dig in.

Fruit “Cake”

No, we’re not talking about the dusty fruitcake that you’ve had to choke down at your grandparents’ house for the last 20 years. We’re talking about an assortment of fruit arranged as an actual cake. Large fruits like watermelon or pineapple serve as a nice base for the center while strawberries, grapes, and berries work well for decor.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Why wait for someone else to buy them for you on Valentine’s Day? Swap out milk chocolate for white chocolate for a twist on the traditional dipped strawberry.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This oldie but goodie deserves a slot in your dessert rotation. Take your favorite fruit, douse it with vanilla yogurt and shredded coconut, and boom, dessert is ready. Take the time you’ve saved mixing and measuring to enjoy another glass of wine before your guests arrive.

Cake in a Mug

The fun trick of “baking” a mini cake in the microwave is a tried and true hassle-free way to make dessert by just pushing a few buttons. Sure, it won’t exactly feed the entirety of your holiday party guestlist, but why not make it for yourself to enjoy during your prep time? You deserve it, after all.

Looking for some more specific inspiration? Read ahead for some no-bake recipes.

Cookie Dough Dip

Homemade Hooplah

Chips and dip get a sweet makeover in this recipe. Graham crackers are the ideal vehicle for scooping up this creamy dessert dip. Get the Cookie Dough Dip recipe.

The Best No-Bake Cheesecake

lettucecelebrate on allrecipes.com

You’ll never want to go store-bought again after making this impressive cheesecake which takes only about 15 minutes to put together. Top it with berries or a fruit sauce to complement the mildly tangy flavor and rich texture of the cake. Get The Best No-Bake Cheesecake recipe.

Easy Tiramisu

Kitchen Nostalgia

For anyone who is a fan of coffee and cocoa, this tiramisu is everything you could ever want. Amaretto or rum adds some additional flavor to this layered confection. Get the Easy Tiramisu recipe.

Polar Bear Cookies

Noshing with the Nolands

Want to add a bit of festiveness to your office potluck or your kids’ bake sale? These polar bear cookies are sure to be a hit. They’re almost too cute to eat…almost. Get the Polar Bear Cookies recipe.

Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad

Cooking Classy

This isn’t your grocery store’s fruit salad. A creamy dressing elevates this dish to the ideal fall recipe. Get the Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad recipe.

Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies

Craft Create Cook

Get your PSL fix via these no-bake cookies, which are essentially like autumn in a bite. Vanilla extract, peanut butter, and pumpkin pie spice make for the ideal blend of savory and sweet. Get the Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies recipe.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Mom Endeavors

What spells the holidays more than peppermint? You and your nearest and dearest will love digging into these mini cheesecakes that feature the winning combination of chocolate and mint. Get the Dark Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes recipe.

Cinnamon Dessert Nachos with Salted Caramel Dip

The Flavor Bender

Upgrade your dessert nachos with a salted caramel dip as a stand-in for salsa. Get the Cinnamon Dessert Nachos with Salted Caramel Dip recipe.

Related Video: How to Make No-Bake Vegan Brownies

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How to Host a Bangin’ BBQ Christmas

If you’re like us and you take food at WAY more than face value, then you probably consider it as much a part of Christmas as the gift-giving, song-singing, and general good time-having. If you’re also a serial host or hostess, it’s only natural to want to try something new and exciting, buck tradition, and throw a wrench in the “done” and “done some more” holiday menus of yore.

You could go Italian, sure, and try a Feast of The Seven Fishes, but good luck getting that smell out of the drapes. There’s Asian, which would be a hit no doubt, but Chinese food on Christmas feels like it already belongs to those who don’t celebrate. And I guess you could throw a Moroccan Christmas, a la Michael Scott, but if yours turns out anything like his, you’ll be the talk of the fam for all the wrong reasons.

So what’s left? How about a food style that’s long on feel-good vibes but short on formalities, has the ability – all on its own – to raise the collective spirit of an affair, AND is considered one of the only true American culinary traditions? It’s BBQ, of course!

Pig Bleecker Chef Matt Abdoo

Yes, a BBQ Christmas is just the thing to ignite the magic of an aged Christmas or Christmas Eve dinner routine—but you’re not about to half-ass this, and just because you’re going, pardon the pun, “whole hog” doesn’t mean you don’t want it to feel like Christmas too. We asked for help from BBQ fusion master Matt Abdoo, who heads New York’s Pig Bleecker (Manhattan) and Pig Beach (Brooklyn) and re-envisioning BBQ with globally-inspired offerings, like truffled brisket ravioli and Vietnamese BBQ pork belly buns, on a menu that respects tradition but showcases imagination.

Abdoo, former chef de cuisine at powerhouse Italian outpost Del Posto, seems able to BBQ-ify just about anything. Below are a few of his tangiest, smokiest and stickiest ideas on how to spin holiday classics with a BBQ bent.

Satisfying Starters:

Deviled Eggs at Pig Bleecker

BBQ mixed nuts or popcorn are a great salty snack to have out when guests arrive. Make (or buy) your favorite BBQ rub and toss with freshly cooked popcorn or toasted nuts for a fun, easy, munchable snack with a smoky flavor.

Deviled eggs are an unexpected crowd-pleaser. For a special occasion, like Christmas, Abdoo elevates his deviled eggs by topping each with a dollop of smoked trout roe or caviar and a drizzle of black truffle honey.

Smoked sausage, cut up and served on toothpicks with a little BBQ mustard, is a fun passed appetizer. Go for something like the smoked Yankee red hot, served ar both Pig Bleecker & Pig Beach, made with provolone and cherry peppers, but “any good cheddar and jalapeño sausage” will get the job done.

Live-fire grilled or smoked mushrooms are a delicious option to make as a holiday side, or chop and serve as a vegetarian crostini with whipped goat cheese.

Smoking’s Cool Again:

Smoking the main course is no-brainer for imparting instant and undeniable BBQ flavor into Christmas dinner. “I love smoking a whole turkey or prime rib roast for a crowd,” says Abdoo; “the flavor added from the smoker alone will totally wow guests.” Bonus: cooking your main in a smoker frees up the rest of the oven for pies, sides, and whatever else you need it for.

For a turkey, Abdoo makes a rub of salt, pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, thyme, and a little ground hatch chili powder and stuffs the cavity with some fresh garlic cloves, bay leaves, and fresh thyme.   

As for prime rib, “always opt for bone-in, when entertaining, because it’s just so visually beautiful.”  Abdoo preps his roast with a wet rub of a beef based paste, yellow mustard, brown sugar, chili flakes, fresh rosemary, and black pepper, then smears it over the outside before smoking.

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A Beautiful Brisket:

Another way to go is a Texas-style brisket for your holiday main course. Briskets can be tricky, Abdoo warns, but if you follow his basic tips, you and your brisket should be in good (and tender) shape.

1. Use only prime quality meat (or better).
2. Smear with yellow mustard and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook at 250 degrees for about an hour per pound until the internal temp reaches 198-200 degrees.
4. Wrap in butcher paper and allow it to rest in a warm place for at least an hour before slicing, or until the internal temp drops to 150 degrees.

*Use a high-tech, wireless meat thermometer like The MEATER.

Choosing Sides:

Chowhound

Pecan-topped candied yams. You can never go wrong with yams around the holidays, but Abdoo suggests topping them with some BBQ spiced pecans for “texture and a very familiar holiday flavor that pairs well with the yams. Take crushed pecan pieces and toss them in a little egg white with some clove, nutmeg, allspice, and cayenne and place in your smoker for about 35-40 minutes at 250 to create the perfect BBQ holiday spiced nut that’s not only great on candied yams but salads or chopped and added to your next graham cracker-based pie crust!

Try baby carrots seasoned with za’atar (a middle eastern spice), either grilled or cooked in the smoker and topped with dollops of labne or Greek yogurt that’s been seasoned with microplaned garlic, good olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.

Mac and cheese is always a hit and great because you can make it the day before and simply reheat the day of. Abdoo suggests mixing in some fire-roasted tomatoes or diced smoked bacon for a fun twist on the classic. At his restaurants, chef tops the mac with goldfish crackers—something whimsical and memorable!

Large Batch Southern Cocktail:

You’re certainly not getting away with BBQ Christmas without delivering a fabulous bourbon cocktail. The Holiday Kiss is easy and perfect for making in large batches. Then all you have to do is pour over ice for guests as they arrive, and leave in a pitcher or spouted jug for refills (they’ll want refills). The recipe, courtesy of Everett Taylor, Bar Manager at Pig Bleecker, goes as follows.

• 1.5 ounces good bourbon
• .75 ounce spiced pear liqueur
• .50 ounce apple brandy
• .50 ounce lemon juice
• .50 ounce simple syrup

Stir all ingredients and serve individually over ice with lemon wheels for garnish.

That should be all you need to get started on your first (of many) holiday BBQ bash. And hey, if you feel like phoning it in this year (and honestly, who could blame you?), Abdoo’s team is taking holiday feast orders.

Related Video: The Best BBQ in Every State

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How to Make Christmas Sangria

For those who are wondering if a pitcher of sangria deserves a spot at the holiday table, let me ask you this: Wine not?

Though the Spanish and Portuguese drink seems like a summer staple, don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to put a Christmas spin on your favorite punch, and they’re definitely cause for a holly, jolly celebration. Chances are, once you start experimenting in the kitchen, Santa will request a glass of your concoction in lieu of milk, and we can’t say we blame him.

If you’ve had one too many sips of eggnog and the hot chocolate isn’t cutting it at this point, the time is officially wine o’ clock. Here are a few ways to make sangria taste a little more appropriate for the winter season.

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First things first: Get bubbly.

The combination of red wine, brandy, simple syrup, and oranges that comprises sangria is certainly beloved, but that’s no reason you can’t spice things up with a new take on the recipe. The holiday season is definitely a time of celebration—and a time when a sparkling drink is in order. Instead of using a Merlot as your base, try a little Prosecco or champagne instead.

Take this recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron for example. Denise, the creator of the make ahead meal prep site, uses a white wine and champagne for her Apple, Pear, and Pomegranate Sangria—completely winterizing the formula. The teaspoon of ground nutmeg really adds a perfect touch.

Sweet Peas and Saffron

Get the Apple, Pear, and Pomegranate Sangria recipe.

Bakeaholic Mama’s take on sangria calls for white wine, simple syrup, and Triple Sec, along with rosemary, oranges, and lemons. It just screams “Merry Christmas,” if you ask me.

Bakeaholic Mama

Get the Pomegranate and Rosemary White Sangria recipe.

Step two: Embrace seasonal favorites.

Just as the fall gets the pumpkin treatment, winter experiences a blast of cinnamon from all directions. Use that to your advantage when making your sangria. Joyful Healthy Eats uses the traditional red wine as the main ingredient for the sangria, but tops everything off with wintery goodness such as pomegranates, pears, and—most importantly—two sticks of cinnamon. Swirl the sweet, fruity goodness around with one of these babies and you’re in business.

Joyful Healthy Eats

Get the Ultimate Winter Snagria recipe.

Step three: Find new fruit.

Just because the classic sangria recipe calls for oranges doesn’t mean you need to put them in your recipe. When cranberries, apples, pears, and pomegranates make their seasonal debut on the food scene, now’s the time to switch things up.

Cake N’ Knife’s Christmas Sangria (with white wine) calls for cranberries and Granny Smith apples, if you’re looking for an alternative to oranges.

Cake N Knife

Get the Christmas Sangria recipe.

Likewise, WhitBit’s Kitchen’s White Christmas Sangria recipe includes pears and apples and tops off the festive punch with jicama.

WhitBit

Get the White Christmas Sangria recipe.

Step four: Swap out the brandy.

The red wine-brandy combo in sangria isn’t strict—especially if you’re looking for a different approach to the drink. Flavour & Savour’s Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria actually requires Triple Sec or another orange liqueur instead of brandy, so this is proof that rules were made to be broken. In the name of a wintery punch, we’re willing to let a few things slide.

Flavour and Savour

Get the Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria recipe.

Step five: Enjoy it all.

Chowhound offers a way to make a delightful Spiced Cranberry Sangria, and it’s certainly a great way to utilize the above steps and turn the summer drink on its head. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Chowhound

Get our Spiced Cranberry Sangria recipe.

For more tips, hacks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas and Holiday Entertaining Headquarters.

Related Video: How to Make Delicious Sangria Using Cranberry Sauce

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Is Orange Wine the New Rosé?

You Can Take A Cooking Lesson from the Pros for Way Less Than You Think

Let’s face it, even the most seasoned home chefs (including us) could benefit from taking a lesson from the pros. Sure you can sign up for a local cooking class in your city, but those classes are usually pretty pricey (a lot we’ve seen are more than $100/class) and there can be a lot of distractions with a room full of people (usually having loud side conversations fueled by the often included generous wine pour). But what if we told you you could take a lesson from a pro like Thomas Keller in the comfort of your own kitchen? Sounds like a dream we never want to wake up from, but with MasterClass that dream can become a reality.

MasterClass is an online platform that curates an impressive list of instructors who are known for being the best in their field (we’re talking Stephen Curry, Martin Scorsese, and Diane Von Furstenberg to name a few). These amazing instructors put together exclusive video lessons covering a variety of topics ranging from cooking and music to acting and sports. After perusing the MasterClass website, we can tell you that the video quality looks incredible and we are definitely going to try a class during our Christmas break. Our pick is Thomas Keller’s “Cooking Techniques I: Vegetables, Pasta and Eggs.” In this on-demand video, Thomas gets back to the basics and teaches some of his favorite tried-and-true techniques that he uses in his restaurants like The French Laundry and Per Se.

If you’re interested in taking a class but can’t decide which one to take (we can’t blame you – how can you choose between Thomas Keller, Alice Waters, and Gordon Ramsay?), we have good news for you. MasterClass is currently running a BOGO promotion on their All Access Pass subscription (purchase one for $180, receive another subscription to gift to someone for free) and this promotion runs through midnight on December, 27. With the All Access Pass you receive unlimited access to their roster of over 45 instructors to take as many classes as you want for an entire year. Watch each video as many times as you’d like, and you’ll also have access to new classes (added monthly). And with this BOGO deal, you can have one for yourself (score!) and finally check off the last remaining person you still have to buy a gift for this Christmas. It’s a Christmas miracle!

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Go Beyond Boring Cheese Boards This Holiday Season with These Festive Ideas

We’re all social butterflies during the holiday season. You get to wear some killer looks and indulge in all that is festive and delicious. These cheese platters are a fast and easy addition to your own get-together. They’ll add that effortless touch of holiday magic to your dining scene. Oh, and don’t forget the wine!

1. Baked Brie Wreath

A warm, gooey baked brie with brown sugar is a foodie match made in holiday heaven. After baking, I top off the edges of the brie with fresh rosemary leaves, honey roasted pecans, and cranberries so it looks like a wreath! Made of brie! Serve this up on toasted baguette or crackers, paired with green apple slices.

Recipe:

• 1 round of brie
• 2-3 tbsps brown sugar
• 4-5 rosemary stems, de-stemmed 
• a handful of honey roasted pecans (or any other nuts that tickle your fancy)
• cranberries for decoration 
• green apple, grapes, baguette, crackers

Directions:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Put the whole brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking tray.
• Cover the top with a layer of brown sugar.
• Bake for 20 minutes. You will notice the brie inflate a little, and the sugar beginning to melt.
• Let the brie cool 5 minutes once out of the oven. Arrange rosemary leaves on the edges of the brie. The warmth of the cheese will make the rosemary fragrant.
• Sprinkle pieces of honey roasted pecans (or nuts of your choosing) in the rosemary. Finish with a few cranberries on top. It will look like a wreath!
• Arrange green apple slices, toasted baguette, crackers and other accouterments around the brie.

If you don’t have time to make a festive brie (I get it… adulting is hard) you can always order one on Amazon. It’s pre-made; all you have to do is bake it! Genius. 

1. Christmas Tree Ball

Cafe Delites

Let your inner sculptor shine! The great thing about a cheese ball is that you can mold it into any shape you like. Since cream cheese is the main base, you have a lot of flexibility to make this festive. Plus, you can make this days in advance! This recipe from Betty Crocker uses two cheeses: cream and shredded cheddar, all rolled with herbs, nuts, and spices. The parsley acts as the leaves of the tree, and the red bell peppers are the ornaments. In the end, it’s all about the gorgeous presentation. You can serve this up on a white marble cheese board, so it looks like the cheese tree is on a base of snow. How pretty! 

Also, try the antipasto Christmas tree cheese ball (pictured above) if you love olives. It’s a showstopper! 

1. Goat Cheese Yule Log

Peas and Crayons

Nothing says the holidays like cranberries. This goat cheese log is covered in every festive ingredient you can think of: walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, and of course, cranberries. All you have to do is roll a log of goat cheese in these ingredients, wrap it, set it, and forget it. Serve the log on top of a smear of your favorite craft jelly.

1. Cheese Ornaments

Amazon

Kids can get in on this one. It’s just like making cookies with festive cookie cutters, but with cheese instead! Slice into some of your favorite cheese blocks and use mini cookie cutters to make ornaments (or any other shapes for the season—snowflakes, stars, Christmas trees… you name it!) You can either make an assorted cheese board with the different shapes or scatter them on top of veggies. Like icing a cookie, you can have you guests “ice” their cheese with different spreads and jellies! 

27 Favorites Food Gift from The Swiss Colony, $29.99 on Amazon

Cheese, and much more, in this festive holiday box of nibbles!

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If you don’t have time, you can always buy a holiday platter of cheese and meats online and this gift set includes a variety of cheeses, sausages, mixed nuts, fruit spreads, and sweet treats.

Related Video: How to Make a Cookie Butter Cheese Ball

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9 Trader Joe’s Peppermint Items You Need This Christmas

I don’t mean to alarm you, but the pumpkin spice season is coming to a close. You might want to take the last bites of that autumn taste because winter is officially ready to make its debut and bring along new snacks in the process.

But don’t sweat it. PSLs might be harder to find and the pumpkin muffins at your local bakery might not be available anymore, but when the door to one festive flavor closes, another one opens. Now, we’ve officially entered all-peppermint-everything season, and it’s only appropriate to indulge. Stocking stuffers, desserts, and décor just got a lot sweeter with this refreshing flavor.

Naturally, Trader Joe’s is welcoming the holidays with open arms and plenty of peppermint treats to go around, be it drinks, cookies, or candies. During your next grocery outing, make like the guy in the red suit and stock up on these peppermint items for friends and family (and don’t forget yourself). The weather outside might be frightful, but your peppermint party will be oh-so-delightful.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Trader Joe’s

No winter is complete without a warm drink. Blankets, books, and hot chocolate are essential when the temperature dips. Thanks to Trader Joe’s, you can enjoy a mugful of bittersweet chocolate and a dash of peppermint to put a fun spin on a Christmas classic. To make the most out of this fireside snack, add whipped cream and of course, go back for seconds. The item is available in an 8-ounce canister, so stock up.See It

Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars

Trader Joe’s

These shortbread cookies add some holiday pizazz with a hint of mint, white sprinkles, and a shape to resemble your Christmas tree star. The 10-ounce box of small sweets provides lots of opportunities for dunking, but to make sure you’re really embracing the spirit of the season, purchase several boxes of the minty goodness. How disastrous would it be to run out during Christmas dessert?See It

Peppermint Pretzel Slims

Trader Joe’s

Who doesn’t love a chocolate-covered pretzel? Now the irresistible snack is getting the Christmas treatment with white chocolate and crushed peppermints. If you didn’t know any better, you might mistake these lovely little treats for holiday décor—they’re almost too pretty to eat (the keyword here being “almost”). Might we suggest pairing that 6-ounce bag of pretzels with peppermint hot chocolate? You’d be in for a double whammy.  See It

Peppermint Cremes

Trader Joe’s

You’ll just want these for your own, more than you could ever know. Make your wish come true with a box of 15 peppermint crèmes. The soft, chocolaty, minty bites will make you say, “All I want for Christmas is you.” Have fun digging in.See It

Dark Chocolate Minty Mallows

S’mores are getting a December makeover. These minty marshmallows—which come in packs of three—are chock full of chocolate and gooey taste that go perfectly with graham crackers. How about enjoying these bad boys with a warm drink, a cozy fireplace, and loved ones? That summer bonfire has to be taken indoors during this frigid time of year, and now you have the perfect excuse. See It

Candy Cane Joe Joes

Trader Joe’s

Akin to Oreos, Candy Cane Joe Joes put a peppermint twist on milk’s favorite cookie. If he hasn’t already, Santa will request a dish of these when he makes his annual pit stop down your chimney. Obviously milk is a must, so don’t forget a tall glass. Put some aside for your family because they’re too tasty and you can’t have Jolly Old Saint Nick stealing them all for himself.See It

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar

Trader Joe’s

What’s better than a Chocolate Pecan Pie? It doused in chocolate. Do Willy Wonka a favor and grab a box of these bad boys. You’ll be exploding from the chocolate-pecan taste, so make sure to wash it down with something refreshing.See It

Peppermint Bark

Trader Joe’s

Discovering a box of peppermint bark under the tree is definitely a win. The adorable red, white, and green container doesn’t even need wrapping if you’re planning on giving it as a gift—just grab a bow and you’re good to go.See It

Peppermint Tea

Amazon

You can have Earl Grey anytime of the year. Get your peppermint on this Christmas while having dessert with the family—plus the flavor has its health benefits, too, such as soothing an upset stomach. After one too many candy canes and Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars, a cup of this might not be such a bad idea.See It

Related video: The Ultimate Holiday Present Cake

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12 Ways to Serve Sweet Potatoes at Your Holiday Feast

Photo via Abby on Flickr

If you go crazy over sweet potatoes like many would for a pumpkin spiced latte, you know how to roast them to perfect tenderness. You also know that sweet potatoes don’t have to be served as the traditional diced and roasted side. Break away from the norm this holiday season with these 12 creative sweet potato recipes.

1. Sweet Potato Biscuits

Start your meal off right with these biscuits—a great addition to traditional butternut squash or root vegetable soup as your appetizer. They’re simple and easy to prepare, yielding sweet, buttery biscuits to spice up the traditional holiday buns. Get our Sweet Potato Biscuits recipe.

2. Baked Ginger Sweet Potatoes

You know cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey recipes for the famous sweet potato side—this recipe uses an inventive glaze of freshly squeezed orange juice, apricot preserves, and grated fresh ginger to balance out the sweet root vegetable. Get our Baked Ginger Sweet Potatoes recipe.

3. Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon

This casserole puts a flavorful twist on the traditional mashed sweet potato side—bourbon creates a woody taste to complement the pecan-and-brown-sugar streusel that’s baked on top. Get our Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.

4. Sweet Potato Fries

Have a big kids table in attendance this year? This side will be a hit amongst both young and old. Make restaurant-quality fries in just a few easy steps, and you’ll be in full control of their crunchiness and spiciness. Get our Sweet Potato Fries recipe.

5. Tempura-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Panko

With tempura, panko, and scallions, this easy side adds an Asian twist to traditional baked sweet potatoes. Serve alongside your roasted turkey for an added kick of flavor. Get our Tempura-Glazed Sweet Potatoes recipe.

6. Sweet Potato Crisps

Sweet potato crisps are incredibly easy to bake and a huge crowd-pleaser. Ditch the sub-par store-bought chips and make a large batch to hold your party over until the real feast begins. Get our Sweet Potato Crisps recipe.

7. Pecan and Sweet Potato Bread

This quick, light, and spicy bread only requires about 15 minutes of active preparation and yields a delicious loaf to serve the whole table. Use it as a more flavorful and filling substitute for traditional rolls and buns. Get our Pecan and Sweet Potato Bread recipe.

8. Sweet Potato & Turkey Frittata

This frittata is an impressive breakfast item that only requires 15 minutes of preparation. Make it with your leftover the morning after the holiday, or, better yet, serve it as an inventive side dish or appetizer for the main feast. You’ll be incorporating it into your Saturday morning brunch menu before you know it. Get our Sweet Potato and Turkey Frittata recipe.

9. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These stacks of sweet potatoes are at once elegantly displayed and easily shareable. Get our Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe.

10. Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

These twice-baked sweet potatoes may look complex, but they only require about 15 minutes of active preparation. Use it as an easy, creative side dish for the bacon lovers at your feast. Get our Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.

11. Pecan-Sweet Potato Pie

While we love a good pumpkin pie, try mixing it up this year by making a sweet potato pie topped with molasses-sweetened bourbon and pecans. vegetables for dessert never tasted so good. Get our Pecan-Sweet Potato Pie recipe.

12. Breakfast Sausage & Sweet Potato Muffins

These muffins are the ideal morning-after recipe for leftover mashed sweet potatoes. Feeling really adventurous? Serve them for dessert with a pot of coffee. Get our Breakfast Sausage and Sweet Potato Muffins recipe.

Related video: The Ultimate Holiday Present Cake

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