Browse some creative and delicious dish ideas you can bring to a holiday potluck or that you can serve at your own festive party.
It’s nearly the end of 2024. The skies are darker and, for many of us, it’s getting colder. But that’s OK, because we can make our own light and warmth. We call it “the festive season” for a reason, and there are few things more festive than a wonderful holiday party. But whether you’re hosting or attending, there’s often one thorny question: What do you do about food?
Festive Food
There’s so much about holiday parties that’s fun. Gift-giving, roaring fires and just spending time with family and friends. But what many of us love most is the delicious food.Maybe you roast a big turkey, prepare a festive ham, or even cook a goose! Maybe you prepare a delicious meal rooted in your own culture or a tasty vegetarian alternative. The holidays are a time of tradition, so whatever you do with your family, we’re sure it’s amazing.The holidays are also a time for parties. Some of those parties are potlucks, and the hosts will expect you to bring a dish. Or maybe you just want to be considerate and bring a little something with you. Whatever your circumstances, here are eight ideas for what you can bring to the holiday party:
1. Holiday Antipasto
Antipasto is great if your job is to bring a starter or something small. Antipasto is also relatively healthy, which can be valuable during a time of year when many of us aren’t following the healthiest of diets.
You can use colorful greens — such as romaine lettuce, spinach, and/or arugula. Place your greens on a large platter or cutting board and perhaps shape it like a “tree.” Then you can even add “ornaments.” Consider cherry tomatoes, red peppers, and pecans.
2. Fresh Crudité
If you’re not sure if you should bring anything, or you don’t have much time, a platter of vegetables is always welcome. It’s also a healthy option. Try to pick the greenest and reddest vegetables to stay on theme, such as celery, cucumbers, green peppers, red peppers, tomatoes, and beets. Consider bringing an artichoke dip so it has a greenish hue, as well.
3. Holiday Salsa
Maybe you’re less “Merry Christmas” and more “Feliz Navidad.” No worries, you have plenty of options for holiday dishes with a Latin twist! Salsa is relatively easy to make, and you can put a festive spin on it. How about a cheesy salsa with cilantro, jalapeños, and cranberries? Yes, cranberries — ‘tis the season!
4. Guacamole Trees
Sticking with the Latin theme, another dish you can make consists of “guacamole trees.” You can shape store-bought pizza dough into the form of a coniferous tree. After baking the dough, add some vibrant green guacamole. Your “ornaments” here can be anything you want, including jalapeños, banana peppers, onions, or various types of tomatoes.
5. Mashed Potatoes
Sometimes there’s no need to complicate things. Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple for a reason. Add garlic, parsley, or chives to taste. Use lots of butter or cream cheese to make them creamy, or use margarine to make them vegan.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Love potatoes but want to be a little unorthodox? Try baking sweet potatoes. If you want to be even more adventurous, try baking them twice and topping them with a buttery oat crumble and a drizzle of honey.
7. Eggnog Bread Pudding
Combine two holiday favorites in one with this recipe. You can use| soft brioche bread to soak up eggnog custard and warm spices. For a finishing touch, consider drizzling some buttery rum syrup on top.
8. Gingerbread Men
Or you can just bake gingerbread men! These tasty guys are holiday classics. They’re also suitable projects to make with kids. If you have the time, consider going all out and making a full gingerbread house.
Whether you love candy canes, big roast dinners, Chinese food, latkes, samosas, or vegan protein shakes, the festive season is a time to enjoy the foods you love with the people you love. Happy Holidays!