Holiday Recipes & Entertaining guide

Find holiday recipes and entertaining ideas, from Thanksgiving turkey and sides to party appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks.

Holiday Entertaining is more manageable when recipes and planning help are easy to find. Browse our holiday collections by occasion, or find ideas for appetizers, salads and side dishes, desserts, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks. We’re gathering recipes and helpful posts from across the site to help you plan celebrations and choose dishes to make or bring.

holiday recipes on a table set with holiday dinner recipes and drinks

Plan a Holiday Menu That Fits Your Day

A holiday menu is easier to manage when you plan the cooking as well as the dishes. Start with the gathering: how many people are coming, what can be made ahead, and which foods need attention just before serving. Choose a mix of holiday recipes that stick to your party theme, use different appliances and can be finished at different times.

Before settling on the menu, check your refrigerator space and think through oven and stovetop use. A crowded oven or too many last-minute dishes can make an enjoyable meal feel rushed. Make a short prep list, note what can be prepared the day before, and ask guests to bring a specific ready-to-serve dish or help with a simple task.

Easy Food for Gatherings All Year

Every holiday has food, drinks and hungry guests. Sometimes we host and general the entire party plan and other times we are invited guests that volunteer to bring a dish, drinks and experience to help.

Many gatherings require a dish that travels well, a recipe that doesn’t take up oven space, or drinks that can be kept chilled in a cooler. Let us help with ideas. Browse our recipes for potlucks, game days, picnics, beach parties, and camping trips, along with make-ahead appetizers, shareable desserts, and drinks for a crowd.

The purpose of this page is to help you find recipes that fit those occasions easily.

Keep Food Safe for Holidays and Gatherings.

You’re protecting the food and your guests, rather than the recipes Whether you’re serving a meal at home or bringing food to a gathering, plan how you’ll transport and store it safely. Perishable foods left warm for too long can allow harmful bacteria to grow. See FoodSafety.gov’s food safety guidance by event and season.

Quick tip: Keep raw meat and poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods, use a food thermometer to check doneness, and refrigerate perishable foods promptly. For holiday meal advice, visit FoodSafety.gov’s holiday food safety tips.

roasted turkey — Buttermilk Brined turkey

Thanksgiving and Holiday Recipes and Planning Guides

Planning Thanksgiving? Start with our collection of turkey recipes, timing and menu-planning guides, side dishes, desserts, appetizers, and drinks. Use the guides to plan a meal that fits your schedule, oven space, and guests.

Maple Pumpkin Pie Dip — Maple Pumpkin Pie party Dip

Brown Butter Maple Bacon Whipped Goat Cheese — Maple Pumpkin Pie party Dip

Holiday Appetizers and Party Food

Find dips, finger foods, baked appetizers, and party menus for holiday gatherings all year long, potlucks, and family celebrations. Browse our Appetizers and Party Food collections.

Apples Medley Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Mediterranean bean salad — Apples Medley Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Holiday Side Dishes

Build your menu with potatoes, casseroles, vegetables, salads, cranberry favorites, and other sides. Browse our side dish and salad collection for recipes to serve with turkey, ham, or your holiday main dish.

No Bake Easter Cheesecake cups — Easter Egg Cheesecake Cups

layered pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes — Easter Egg Cheesecake Cups

Holiday Desserts and Cookies

Choose from pies, cheesecakes, cakes, bars, candies, and cookies. These recipes work for holiday dinners, dessert tables, cookie trays, and treats to bring to a gathering.