The Only 17 Holiday Recipes Worth Making, According To Grandma
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Grandma’s go-to holiday recipes stick around for a reason, and they offer a level of ease most of us are craving during the busiest time of year. They cut down on stress because the ingredients are familiar, the steps stay simple, and the results turn out steady every single time. They also help you skip the overwhelm of hunting for new ideas since you get dishes that work, taste comforting, and make hosting feel far less chaotic.
Cinnamon Palmiers
Cinnamon palmiers bring a lightly sweet crunch Grandma always enjoyed setting out with coffee or tea. Puff pastry and cinnamon sugar create swirls that look fancy while staying easy to make at home. It’s a recipe that gives you a quick dessert or snack without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Palmiers
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli casserole always earns a spot on Grandma’s must-make list because it brings that dependable, cozy flavor everyone reaches for first. The tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and buttery cracker topping bake into a dish that feels warm and familiar in the best holiday way. It’s a recipe that gets passed down for a reason, especially when you want something guaranteed to disappear without a single complaint.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Almond Crescent Cookies
Almond crescent cookies carry the gentle holiday charm Grandma always trusted for her cookie trays. Ultra-buttery dough and a soft sugar coating make them look festive while staying incredibly simple to pull together. It’s a recipe that keeps your table looking polished even on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots bring the warm, colorful side dish energy Grandma always added to big holiday meals. Tender slices coated in a quick honey butter mix turn everyday produce into something more special. It’s a recipe that pairs well with almost anything and makes your plate feel complete without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Old Fashioned Fudge
Old fashioned fudge brings back the classic chocolate treat Grandma made in big batches for sharing. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make each piece feel like a small holiday moment. It’s a recipe that helps you handle gifting or feeding a crowd with ease.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Fudge
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Pineapple cheese ball brings the retro party glow Grandma loved putting out for guests. Creamy cheese, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts make a mix that feels upbeat and perfect for sharing. It’s a recipe that adds life to any snack table while keeping your prep pleasantly simple.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball
Drop Biscuits
Drop biscuits carry the same reliable charm Grandma counted on when she needed something warm on the table quickly. A simple stir-and-bake method gives you soft biscuits ready for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy bowl of soup. It’s a recipe that steps in whenever you want homemade comfort without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Parmesan roasted green beans echo the practical, no-nonsense approach Grandma appreciated during holiday prep. Frozen beans roast into crisp, garlicky bites with a cheesy sprinkle that feels both simple and reliable. It’s a recipe that saves time while still giving your table something bright and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Saltine Toffee
Saltine toffee brings the playful sweet and salty combo Grandma always trusted to win over a crowd. Layers of crackers, caramel, chocolate, and nuts create a treat that looks impressive while staying easy to pull together. It’s a recipe that disappears fast and makes holiday snacking feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers offer the fresh, cheerful appetizer energy Grandma liked setting out before a big meal. Juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and basil come together in a bite that feels simple yet polished. It’s a recipe that brightens any table while keeping prep pleasantly minimal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers
Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Homemade non alcoholic eggnog brings the nostalgic holiday cheer Grandma loved sharing with everyone at the table. A smooth blend of gentle spices and creamy sweetness makes each sip feel warm and inviting. It’s a recipe that offers a crowd friendly option for gatherings and keeps things cozy without the booze.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms carry the warm appetizer spirit Grandma relied on for family gatherings. Creamy cheese, herbs, and tender mushrooms bake into a bite that feels cozy and inviting. It’s a recipe that works for parties or quiet nights when you want something tasty and quick.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms
3 Ingredient Fudge
Grandma would smile at how 3 ingredient fudge brings holiday ease without cutting back on that rich, cozy flavor everyone wants. Chocolate, condensed milk, and butter melt together into a treat that feels nostalgic and takes almost no time. It’s a recipe that steps in when you need something sweet, dependable, and gift-ready with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge
Herb Cheese Ball
Herb cheese ball channels the classic party snack energy Grandma often relied on for holidays and potlucks. A creamy blend rolled in herbs gives you a flavorful appetizer that feels fresh without taking much time. It’s a recipe that guests gravitate toward and hosts appreciate for its ease.
Get the Recipe: Herb Cheese Ball
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
3 ingredient peanut butter blossoms deliver the quick holiday magic Grandma relied on when she needed cookies fast. Soft peanut butter dough topped with a chocolate kiss creates that familiar combo everyone reaches for first. It’s a recipe that helps you fill a cookie platter without stress or complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Tiramisu
Tiramisu brings the elegant, no bake charm Grandma appreciated when she wanted a dessert that impressed without complicating her day. Espresso soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone stack into layers that feel smooth and rich. It’s a recipe that turns ordinary evenings into something a little more special with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot chocolate cookies channel the cozy dessert moments Grandma loved creating when the weather turned chilly. Soft cocoa dough, a melty marshmallow, and a light drizzle of chocolate come together for a treat that feels comforting in every bite. It’s a recipe that jumps in when you need an easy dessert that still feels fun and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
