Evermore’s Favorite Holiday Recipes

As the holidays approach, we often find ourselves looking for recipes that evoke warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of comfort. Whether it’s a creamy mac and cheese, a delicious bread, or a family recipe passed down through generations, these dishes bring people together. Here are some of my favorite holiday recipes that will make your holiday table shine!

 

Chef Sebastian’s Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

“The holidays are hard, but mac and cheese is good.”

Nothing says comfort like a rich and creamy mac and cheese, and Chef Sebastian’s recipe is a beloved one. This dish is perfect for any family gathering, providing that perfect comfort we all crave during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 12 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 pound grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian herbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons butter until melted.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter, then add flour and whisk to form a paste. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the cheddar cheese and continue whisking until smooth. Stir in hot sauce, mustard, garlic, and onion powder. Season with salt to taste.
4. Toss pasta in the cheese sauce, then add Gruyère. Transfer to a baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
5. Combine panko, parmesan, Italian herbs, and melted butter. Spread over the pasta and bake for 45 minutes or until browned and bubbling.
6. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Kirsten M.’s Bread: A Pandemic Discovery

“Bread is always a winner! During the pandemic, I learned how to make toilet paper and bread. It takes less work than green bean casserole.”

This bread is simple yet delicious and will make your kitchen smell amazing. The long resting time ensures it’s perfectly fluffy with a slight tang.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• Scant 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• Cornmeal, semolina, or wheat bran for dusting

Directions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add 2 cups water and stir until blended. Cover and let rest for about 18 hours.
2. Flour your surface and fold the dough once or twice. Let rest for 15 minutes.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, then let rise for about 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F. Heat a covered pot in the oven. Once the dough is ready, turn it into the pot and bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20–30 minutes until browned.
5. Cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Grannie’s Thanksgiving Dressing: A Family Heirloom

This recipe is a true family tradition and, though it may seem simple, it’s packed with flavor and love. Grannie’s instructions were always a little loose, but that’s part of the charm.

Ingredients:

• 3 onions
• 6–7 stalks of celery
• 2 packages of yellow corn bread mix
• 1 package Pepperidge Farm seasoned breadcrumbs
• 3–4 slices of bread, dried and crumbled
• Poultry seasoning, salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil onions and celery until tender.
2. Prepare the corn bread according to the package instructions, then crumble it.
3. Moisten the corn bread, breadcrumbs, and dried bread with boiling water and turkey juice.
4. Add onions, celery, seasoning, and adjust moisture if needed.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes until the top is golden brown.

 

Russ’ Mom’s Cranberry Salad: A Sweet and Savory Classic

“This is from my first love’s mom. I make it every year at Thanksgiving.”

This cranberry salad is tart, sweet, and a perfect balance of textures. It’s a festive side dish that will impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag fresh cranberries
• 2 stalks of celery
• Apples, chopped
• Pecans
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin

Directions:

1. Sprinkle sugar over cranberries and let sit.
2. Chop apples, celery, and pecans into equal parts.
3. Dissolve the gelatin in orange juice by heating it gently.
4. Combine all ingredients and chill overnight for the best flavor.

Roasted Vegetables: A Simple Yet Impressive Side

“These roasted vegetables will make it seem like you worked really hard, but they’re simple and delicious.”

This recipe is great for any occasion and looks impressive on the table. The blend of root vegetables and cheese makes it hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Small potatoes, sweet potato, turnip, rutabaga, garlic, onion, carrots, yellow beets
• White sharp cheddar cheese
• Soy sauce, Bragg’s, or a little water

Directions:

1. Cut vegetables into chunks and place in a casserole dish. Add a bit of water and soy sauce, then cover tightly.
2. Roast at 450°F for 45 minutes to an hour. Stir in shredded cheese when you remove it from the oven. The cheese will melt into the vegetables, adding an amazing flavor.

Nana’s Pumpkin Bars: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

“Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!” – Nana

These pumpkin bars are moist and flavorful, topped with a creamy icing. They’re perfect for a sweet ending to your holiday meal.

Ingredients for Bars:

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 ounces of pumpkin
• 2 cups of flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda

Ingredients for Icing:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 13×10-inch pan.
2. Mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until fluffy. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool before icing.
4. Beat together icing ingredients and spread over cooled bars.

Sweet Potato Casserole: A Heartwarming Dish

“This casserole has been part of our holiday table for over 30 years.” – Traci M.

Rich and creamy with a sweet, nutty topping, this sweet potato casserole could easily pass as a dessert!

Ingredients for Filling:

• 3 cups of sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Ingredients for Topping:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour into a baking dish.
2. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
3. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

These recipes will surely bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet family dinner, these dishes offer warmth, flavor, and that special touch that makes holiday meals memorable. Enjoy!