11 Holiday Party Menus That Wow From Start to Finish

Planning the perfect holiday party starts with a menu that impresses from the first bite to the last. Whether you’re serving classic dishes with a twist or offering something fresh and exciting, the key is balancing indulgent flavors with lighter options. With thoughtful preparation, you can create a spread that not only delights guests but also makes your celebration unforgettable. From savory mains to delectable sides and sweet treats, these menus are designed to bring flavor and elegance to your holiday table.

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Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Gravy

A classic roast turkey is a crowd-pleaser that will always impress at a holiday party. The key to a perfect turkey is seasoning it with fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus to ensure a juicy and flavorful roast. Begin by rubbing the turkey inside and out with a blend of olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage, then add minced garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of salt and pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, stuff the turkey cavity with quartered onions, fresh herbs, and lemon halves. Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting periodically with its own juices to keep it moist.

For the herb gravy, make a simple stock by simmering the turkey giblets with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery. Once the turkey is done roasting, deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly pour in the turkey stock and cook until thickened. This gravy can be prepared a day ahead, so reheating it before serving allows for a smoother, less hectic preparation. Serve the turkey with sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, and cranberry-orange relish for a well-rounded and festive meal.

Beef Wellington with Wild Mushroom Filling

Beef Wellington is a luxurious, elegant dish that is perfect for special occasions. To prepare this, begin by searing a 4-5 lb beef tenderloin in a hot pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring that the meat is browned on all sides but still rare in the center. After allowing it to cool, brush the beef with Dijon mustard, which adds a sharp contrast to the rich flavors. For the filling, sauté wild mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms with shallots and garlic until the mixture is dry and fragrant. Let the mushroom mixture cool before spreading it over the beef tenderloin.

Next, lay out a sheet of puff pastry and spread a thin layer of prosciutto over it. Place the beef (with the mushroom filling) on top and wrap the pastry around the meat, sealing the edges. Brush the pastry with egg wash to give it a golden finish as it bakes. Bake the Wellington in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the beef reaches your desired level of doneness. Make sure to let it rest before slicing. A red wine reduction sauce or a mustard cream sauce can be served on the side to complement the richness of the beef.

Lobster Tail with Garlic Herb Butter

Lobster tail is a luxurious option that brings elegance to any holiday meal. To prepare it, start by cutting the top of the lobster shell lengthwise with kitchen scissors, pulling back the meat slightly so that it rests on top of the shell. Season the lobster with a blend of melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes or until the meat is opaque and firm.

To elevate the dish further, prepare a garlic herb butter by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, as well as minced garlic. This butter can be brushed over the lobster before baking and served as a dip on the side for extra flavor. Pair the lobster with roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, and potatoes for a balanced and indulgent meal. This dish can be prepped in advance by preparing the garlic butter and cutting the lobster tails, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience on the day of the party.

Vegetarian Stuffed Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries

For a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian option, stuffed squash makes for a delightful holiday dish. Begin by roasting halved acorn or butternut squash, brushing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until tender. While the squash roasts, cook quinoa according to package instructions. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and chopped celery in olive oil until softened, then add in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. Stuff the roasted squash halves with this mixture, drizzle with a balsamic glaze, and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. The sweet and savory stuffing paired with the roasted squash provides a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying dish that even non-vegetarians will enjoy. You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and just stuff and bake the squash before serving to save time.

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic

Crispy roast potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a fluffy interior. To achieve this, start by peeling and cutting russet potatoes into even-sized chunks. Parboil them in salted water for 10 minutes to soften slightly, then drain and rough up the edges by shaking them in a colander. This helps achieve the signature crispy texture. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, garlic, and fresh rosemary, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Roast the potatoes on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure an even golden-brown color. Serve them with a sprinkle of sea salt and a few extra sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch. The great thing about these potatoes is that they can be prepared in advance by parboiling and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them, making it an easy dish to manage alongside other menu items.

Honey Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard

A honey-glazed ham is a traditional yet always impressive dish for holiday parties. To prepare it, start with a fully cooked ham and score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze seep into the meat. For the glaze, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze generously over the ham and bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes to develop a deep, caramelized coating.

The ham is ready when the exterior is golden brown, and the meat is tender and juicy. To complete the dish, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and a tangy apple chutney. The ham can be prepped and glazed a day ahead, allowing for an easy final bake and serving on the day of the party, which ensures more time to enjoy the festivities with guests.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Salmon is a fresh and elegant alternative for a lighter, flavorful holiday entrée. Begin by seasoning a fresh salmon fillet with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then roast it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For the lemon dill sauce, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic and salt. Serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it over the salmon for a refreshing, creamy addition.

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables and a citrusy arugula salad, offering a well-rounded, refreshing meal that balances richness and lightness. The sauce can be prepared a day ahead, and the salmon can be roasted and served at room temperature, making this a perfect dish for preparing in advance and enjoying during your holiday gathering.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer to kick off your holiday party menu. To make them, clean large white or cremini mushrooms and remove the stems. For the filling, mix cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap and top with extra Parmesan for a golden, crispy finish. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.

These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and offer a satisfying blend of creamy cheese and earthy mushrooms. To make prep easier, the mushrooms can be stuffed a day ahead and baked just before serving. They pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine, making them an ideal starter for any holiday party.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts are a holiday classic, and this recipe takes them to the next level with crispy edges and a savory sweetness. Start by trimming and halving Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. While they roast, cook diced bacon in a pan until crispy, then toss the crispy bacon with the roasted Brussels sprouts. Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

This dish provides a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, making it a standout side that pairs well with both rich meats like turkey and lighter proteins like salmon. The Brussels sprouts can be roasted ahead of time, and the bacon can be cooked and kept warm until you’re ready to serve, making this an easy and delicious addition to your holiday menu.

Spiced Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, and this dish takes them to the next level with warm spices and a gooey marshmallow topping. To prepare, peel and cube sweet potatoes, then boil them until tender. Mash them with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with a layer of mini marshmallows and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

This dish combines the richness of mashed sweet potatoes with the nostalgic sweetness of marshmallows, offering both a comforting and indulgent option for your guests. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture in advance and top it with marshmallows just before baking, ensuring minimal prep time on the day of your event.

Roasted Vegetable Medley with Garlic and Herbs

A colorful roasted vegetable medley is an easy way to add both variety and flavor to your holiday spread. For this dish, choose a mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a touch of salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

This dish is not only visually appealing but also full of rich, earthy flavors that complement heavier proteins like roast turkey or beef. You can prep the vegetables in advance, and just roast them before your guests arrive, keeping the process simple while still delivering a delicious side.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.