17 Best Christmas Recipes, Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen : Thermocookery

Christmas recipes straight from grandma’s kitchen hold a special kind of magic, combining timeless flavors with heartwarming traditions. These 17 dishes remind us of simpler times when every meal was made with care and shared with love. From nostalgic baked goods to hearty mains, each recipe carries the spirit of the holidays and the comfort of family. This Christmas, let these recipes bring the warmth and joy of grandma’s kitchen to your table.

Several poppy seed filled kolacky on a white plate with red and gold ribbons in the background. — Kolacky. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

A plate of roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with chopped green herbs. Beside the chicken are sliced potatoes and mushrooms. An ornate fork is placed on the plate, which has a decorative floral pattern. — One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This one-pot buttermilk chicken and potatoes casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that feels like it was made for family gatherings. The tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and tangy buttermilk marinade reflect the cozy simplicity of grandma’s holiday meals. It’s easy to prepare yet delivers a satisfying richness perfect for Christmas. This dish brings everyone to the table, just like grandma always did.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

Pouding Chômeur with Date Syrup

A bowl of dessert features a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with pieces of chopped dates. Surrounding the ice cream are slices of yellow and purple fruits, along with dark grapes. A spoon rests in the bowl. — Pouding Chômeur with Date Syrup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Pouding Chômeur is a traditional Quebec dessert that embodies the spirit of grandma’s holiday baking. The rich maple syrup poured over the cake creates a moist, indulgent treat that feels timeless. Its simplicity and history make it a standout dessert for Christmas celebrations. This dish reminds us that some of the best recipes are the ones with a story to tell.
Get the Recipe: Pouding Chômeur with Date Syrup

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet potato casserole with hazelnuts brings a comforting balance of creamy, earthy, and nutty flavors that feel like holiday magic. Topped with toasted hazelnuts, it’s both a side dish and a memory of grandma’s attention to detail. Its rich texture and festive appeal make it a centerpiece-worthy addition to any table. This dish reminds us that some recipes are better because they feel like home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Spicy Gingerbread Granola Cookies

Spicy gingerbread granola cookies combine bold ginger flavors with the hearty crunch of granola, creating a unique holiday treat. Their festive aroma and satisfying texture feel like a recipe handed down from grandma’s cherished collection. Perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings, they bring a sense of tradition to the table. These cookies remind us that holiday baking is about sharing joy with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gingerbread Granola Cookies

French Onion Chicken Skillet

A close-up of a baked dish in a skillet featuring melted cheese, onions, and herbs. A serving spoon is lifting a portion, highlighting the golden-brown cheese and caramelized onions on top. — French Onion Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This French onion chicken skillet combines the comforting flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese into a dish worthy of grandma’s holiday table. Its rich, savory profile evokes the warmth and heartiness of home-cooked meals from generations past. Easy to prepare but full of flavor, it’s perfect for bringing everyone together at Christmas. This dish feels like a family recipe passed down through the years.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet

Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Side view of a stack of cookies. — Pistachio Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pistachio cranberry cookies bring together vibrant red and green ingredients, creating a festive treat that feels like Christmas. Their nutty richness and tart cranberry flavor reflect the thoughtfulness of grandma’s holiday baking. Beautiful and easy to make, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones. These cookies are a reminder that the holidays are about the little joys baked into each recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Sweet Potato Stuffing

A baking dish filled with a baked oat and fruit mixture, topped with a sprig of rosemary. A spoon rests in the dish. Oats and cranberries are scattered on the table, and a small bowl of cranberries is visible in the background. — Sweet Potato Stuffing. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet potato stuffing takes the traditional stuffing concept and gives it a warm, comforting twist perfect for Christmas dinners. The sweet and savory combination mirrors the creative and resourceful spirit of grandma’s cooking. It’s a dish that adds depth and personality to the holiday spread while feeling deeply familiar. This stuffing brings back memories of the family table, where everyone gathered for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Stuffing

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

A close-up image of a casserole dish filled with a cheesy cabbage casserole. The top is golden brown and crispy, with a serving spoon lifting a portion, revealing melted cheese and tender cabbage underneath. — Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This cheesy cabbage casserole is the epitome of comfort food straight from grandma’s kitchen. The tender cabbage, creamy cheese sauce, and crunchy cracker topping create a dish that feels nostalgic and holiday-perfect. It’s hearty, simple to prepare, and brings back the charm of traditional home-cooked meals. This casserole reminds us why grandma’s recipes are always the most memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

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My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

A delightful slice of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream graces a decorative black and white plate. A fork rests invitingly on the cake while a white and blue cup peeks from the background, almost like the perfect ending to a recipe for an unforgettable carrot casserole. — My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This carrot casserole blends tender carrots with a touch of sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon, creating a dish that feels timeless. Its simplicity and heartwarming flavor make it a perfect addition to Christmas dinners steeped in tradition. Both a side and a sweet treat, it reflects the resourcefulness of grandma’s cooking. This recipe is proof that the best dishes don’t need to be complicated to shine.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness

A wooden bowl filled with melted cheese, chopped peaches, and pecans. A bread slice is seen in the background, and a piece of bread is used to scoop up the cheesy mixture. Pecans are scattered around the bowl. — Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Baked brie with honey and nuts is the perfect balance of creamy cheese and sweet, crunchy toppings that feels like a Christmas classic. This quick appetizer is reminiscent of grandma’s ability to turn simple ingredients into a showstopper. Its warmth and festive presentation make it an essential addition to any holiday spread. This dish proves that grandma’s recipes always steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

Sliced pumpkin bread on a wooden cutting board next to a glass of milk. — Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Pumpkin spice banana bread blends ripe bananas and seasonal spices into a loaf that feels like it’s been baked with love. Its moist texture and fragrant aroma make it a Christmas favorite that’s both simple and meaningful. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s a versatile treat that fits into any holiday celebration. This recipe proves that the most treasured recipes are often the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Mushroom savory pastries reflect the timeless charm of grandma’s appetizers, made with love and simple, authentic ingredients. Their flaky crust and rich filling make them a favorite for holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, they fit perfectly into any Christmas menu. These pastries prove that tradition and flavor go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Easy Baked Oysters Mornay Recipe with Breadcrumbs, Butter, and Garlic

A glass dish filled with baked oysters topped with creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Lemon slices and oyster shells are placed nearby on a wooden surface, along with garlic cloves. — Easy Baked Oysters Mornay Recipe with Breadcrumbs, Butter, and Garlic. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Oysters Mornay is a timeless dish that feels like a treasured holiday tradition passed down through generations. The creamy sauce, fresh oysters, and crispy breadcrumbs make it the perfect indulgent appetizer for Christmas gatherings. Easy to prepare yet undeniably elegant, it captures the warmth of family celebrations. This recipe proves that grandma’s touch makes every dish special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Oysters Mornay Recipe with Breadcrumbs, Butter, and Garlic

Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

A decorative plate holds cookies drizzled with red icing, surrounded by fresh cranberries. Next to the plate are pine needles, additional cranberries, and two lemon halves. — Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies blend buttery richness with a festive hint of rosemary, making them a holiday favorite. Their crisp texture and light citrus flavor feel like a treat straight from grandma’s Christmas baking list. Perfect for gifting or sharing, they embody the spirit of holiday traditions. These cookies remind us that grandma’s recipes always bring joy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Eggnog Crème Brûlée

A serving of eggnog creme brulee with sugared cranberries on top. — Eggnog Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Eggnog crème brûlée transforms a festive drink into a decadent dessert that feels luxurious and nostalgic. The creamy custard and caramelized sugar topping make it a memorable treat perfect for Christmas celebrations. Infused with nutmeg and rum, it brings the holiday spirit to life with every bite. This dessert is a testament to grandma’s talent for making the season special.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Crème Brûlée

Christmas Pavlova Wreath with Raspberry Coulis

The Christmas pavlova wreath is a festive dessert that blends crisp meringue with vibrant raspberry coulis, creating a centerpiece-worthy treat. Its wreath design embodies the joy and unity of holiday gatherings, much like grandma’s thoughtful touches. Light and sweet, it’s a refreshing way to end a hearty meal. This dessert captures the beauty of family traditions during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pavlova Wreath with Raspberry Coulis

Kolacky

Kolacky is a traditional Czech pastry that feels like it came straight from grandma’s holiday baking tray. The flaky pastry and sweet poppy seed filling make it a festive treat perfect for Christmas gatherings. Simple to make, yet full of nostalgic charm, it’s a recipe that brings family together. These pastries remind us that the best Christmas recipes are often the ones passed down through generations.
Get the Recipe: Kolacky