31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (2024)

    It's the final month of the year, so make it a delicious one.

    by Hannah LoewentheilBuzzFeed Staff

    Can you believe it's officially December? While it's easy to look ahead to the new year, let's all take advantage of all the delicious things to cook before we turn the calendar to 2023. Here are 31 comforting, seasonal, and, most of all, delectable things to cook this month.

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (2)

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    1. Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal Baked Pears

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (3)

    Recipe Runner / Via reciperunner.com

    This recipe calls for pears, but you could follow the same steps and try it with apples or even persimmons while they're in season.

    Recipe:Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal Baked Pears

    Skinny Taste / Via skinnytaste.com

    Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or serving Sunday brunch to a crowd, this veggie quiche is always a good idea.

    Recipe: Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

    3. Twice Baked Breakfast Potatoes

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (4)

    Spoon Fork Bacon / Via spoonforkbacon.com

    Make it a bacon, egg, and cheese, but lose the roll and bake everything in a fully loaded potato.

    Recipe:Twice Baked Breakfast Potatoes

    4. Chai Banana Pancakes

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (5)

    Half Baked Harvest / Via halfbakedharvest.com

    The best part of this recipe is that no mixing bowls are required. All your pancake ingredients can go right into the blender. Just whip up the batter and pour it into a non-stick skillet.

    Recipe:Chai Banana Pancakes

    5. Ginger Persimmon Scone Muffins

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (6)

    Love and Olive Oil / Via loveandoliveoil.com

    This breakfast recipe features the very best part of scones and muffins in one: a firm, buttery bottom layer and a moist, flaky top.

    Recipe:Ginger Persimmon Scone Muffins

    6. Pear Pomegranate Salad

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (7)

    Chelsea's Messy Apron / Via chelseasmessyapron.com

    Even if you don't normally get excited about salads, you've got to admit that this one is basically a work of art. And it tastes just as good as it looks.

    Recipe:Pear Pomegranate Salad

    7. Smashed and Crispy Buffalo Potatoes

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (8)

    Platings and Pairings / Via platingsandpairings.com

    Somewhere between nachos and loaded potatoes, these smashed buffalo taters can (and should) be topped with your favorite garnishes, from scallions and avocado to jalapeño and blue cheese.

    Recipe:Smashed and Crispy Buffalo Potatoes

    8. Garlic Mushroom Pasta

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (9)

    Salt and Lavender / Via saltandlavender.com

    You don't need many ingredients to whip up this supremely savory pasta, but there's something about the garlic butter sauce and cremini mushrooms that make it taste fancy.

    Recipe:Garlic Mushroom Pasta

    9. One-Skillet Cabbage Potatoes and Sausage Dinner

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (10)

    Chelsea's Messy Apron / Via chelseasmessyapron.com

    It's hearty, it's cozy, and, best of all, it's wildly easy and comes together in a single skillet.

    Recipe:One-Skillet Cabbage Potatoes and Sausage Dinner

    10. Baked Cauliflower Parmesan

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (11)

    Eat Well 101 / Via eatwell101.com

    This vegetarian-friendly main is guaranteed to please whoever is at your dinner table. If you want to take things to the next level, bread the cauliflower steaks in some panko and get it nice and brown before adding the mozzarella and tomato sauce.

    Recipe:Baked Cauliflower Parmesan

    11. Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (12)

    Gimme Some Oven / Via gimmesomeoven.com

    Prosciuttomakes everything better, and this dish is no exception. It takes baked chicken from an average Tuesday night meal to something that feels worthy of a special occasion.

    Recipe:Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken

    12. Miso-Sesame Glazed Brussels Sprouts

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (13)

    Dishing Out Health / Via dishingouthealth.com

    Take notes: You're going to want to put this miso glaze on everything. And luckily, it's so easy to make. Toss miso paste, Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chile flakes into a blender and pulse until smooth.

    Recipe:Miso-Sesame Glazed Brussels Sprouts

    Half Baked Harvest / Via halfbakedharvest.com

    Soup season is upon us, so take full advantage. This creamy lasagna soup is the definition of heartwarming.

    Recipe: Creamy White Lasagna Soup

    Half Baked Harvest / Via halfbakedharvest.com

    Baking fish in parchment paper is the easiest way to ensure a mess-free, perfectly cooked dish every single time.

    Recipe: Baked Lemon Salmon and Potatoes with Dill Yogurt

    15. Honey Balsamic Pan-Seared Cabbage Steaks

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (14)

    Eat Well 101 / Via eatwell101.com

    Seared until caramelized and crispy, these cauliflower steaks are a little sweet and a little tangy.

    Recipe:Honey Balsamic Pan-Seared Cabbage Steaks

    Carlsbad Cravings / Via carlsbadcravings.com

    Some of the best flavors come from blending together different cuisines, and these Thai-inspired chicken tacos are no exception. Top them with mango slaw to really bring all the flavors together.

    Recipe: Thai Chicken Tacos

    17. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (15)

    The Almond Eater / Via thealmondeater.com

    It's not mac 'n' cheese, but this baked cauliflower casserole is just as comforting.

    Recipe:Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

    Foodie Crush / Via foodiecrush.com

    Winter is all about comfort foods, so why not blend together two of the very best? Here, French onion soup and grilled cheese become the ultimate mash-up meal.

    Recipe: French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    19. Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (16)

    40 Aprons / Via 40aprons.com

    Easy enough for a weeknight meal but sophisticated enough for a place on your holiday table, these cranberry chicken thighs are a definite crowd-pleaser.

    Recipe:Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

    20. Date Night Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (17)

    Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com

    Fact: You can never have too many pasta recipes in your arsenal. This one calls for sausage and kale tossed in a homemade creamy tomato sauce.

    Recipe:Date Night Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale

    From a Chef's Kitchen / Via fromachefskitchen.com

    Whether or not you celebrate Hanukkah, we can all appreciate the delicacy that is fried potato pancakes. This version, made with sweet potatoes, gets a little kick from spicy gochujang-infused mayo.

    Recipe: Sweet Potato Latkes with Gochujang Mayonnaise

    Love and Olive Oil / Via loveandoliveoil.com

    Take dessert to the next level with these adorable cookies made of chocolate shortbread and rich creamy pistachio filling.

    Recipe: Chocolate Pistachio Cream Thumbprints

    23. Cranberry and White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (18)

    The Endless Meal / Via theendlessmeal.com

    Baked in mini canning jars and perfect for holiday entertaining, these individual desserts feature a cookie crumb crust, a layer of cranberry jam, and decadent white chocolate cheesecake filling.

    Recipe:Cranberry and White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes

    24. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (19)

    Sally's Baking Addiction / Via sallysbakingaddiction.com

    These oat and apple cookies drizzled with maple frosting are a festive and easy dessert. Or, if you'd prefer, call it baked oatmeal and eat it for breakfast.

    Recipe:Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

    25. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (20)

    Yellow Bliss Road / Via yellowblissroad.com

    Serve this sweet dessert dip with Nilla wafers, Graham crackers, apple or pear wedges, or, if you like mixing sweet and savory, pretzel sticks.

    Recipe:Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

    26. Gingerbread Loaf

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (21)

    Le Creme de la Crumb / Via lecremedelacrumb.com

    This spiced gingerbread cake is topped with none other than cream cheese frosting.

    Recipe:Gingerbread Loaf

    27. Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (22)

    Le Creme de la Crumb / Via lecremedelacrumb.com

    These dessert bars are so simple that chances are you already have most of the ingredients sitting in your fridge and pantry.

    Recipe:Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

    28. Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (23)

    Cookie and Kate / Via cookieandkate.com

    Here's proof that sangria season knows no bounds. Give this crowd-favorite drink a seasonal twist with blood orange juice, pomegranate seeds, and sparkling rosé.

    Recipe:Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria

    29. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (24)

    A Couple Cooks / Via acouplecooks.com

    You only need five ingredients to whip up this simple cocktail:Bourbon, sweet vermouth, orange juice,unsweetened cranberry juice, and simple syrup or agave.

    Recipe:Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

    30. St. Germain Cocktail

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (25)

    Well Plated / Via wellplated.com

    Whether you're toasting around the holiday table or watching the ball drop, you can always use a Champagne cocktail. This refreshing beverage is made with gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, and sparkling wine.

    Recipe:St. Germain Cocktail

    Fit Foodie Finds / Via fitfoodiefinds.com

    Move over hot cocoa mix. This homemade winter treat is best served boozy.

    Recipe: Easy Spiked Hot Chocolate

    31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder (2024)

    FAQs

    What to cook the week between Christmas and New Year's? ›

    If all else fails or you want the easiest option, just use leftovers by themselves, or to make something new. Think ham or turkey sandwiches or ham soup. Or use sides from Christmas dinner with a different main dish. Switch it up and use a different side each day to make it through the week with less work.

    How do you cook when busy? ›

    Prepare one-pot meals – such as soups, risottos, slow-cooked curries and casseroles to save on time and washing up. Use a microwave – it's easier and quicker to microwave foods than cook them in the oven or on the stovetop. Check your manufacturer's instructions on how to best cook different foods using your microwave.

    What is traditionally cooked on New Year's Day? ›

    Greens, pork, and cornbread, as well as black-eyed peas, cowpeas, or beans, are some of the typical symbolic foods served on New Year's Day.

    What are 3 foods that are eaten on New Year's Day? ›

    Greens, Black-Eyed Peas, Cornbread, and Ham | Photo by Meredith. You may not be superstitious, but why tempt fate? Dig into these traditional lucky foods on New Year's Day to attract abundance and prosperity in the year ahead.

    What can I cook in 5 minutes? ›

    25 healthy recipes you can cook in 5 minutes or less
    • Pea and broad bean couscous.
    • Fast home-made baked beans.
    • Porridge.
    • Pasta with cherry tomatoes and rocket.
    • Home-made hummus.
    • Smashed avocado and wilted spinach.
    • Cucumber (or potato) raitha.
    • Quick pitta pizzas.

    How do you cook when you have no motivation? ›

    Planning your menus can make cooking easier. If you wait until you're hungry to decide what to make, you'll probably just end up making something quick and boring or make an unhealthy choice. Mapping things out gives you time to think of some interesting meals and stock up on the ingredients you need.

    What to do in the days between Christmas and New Year? ›

    THINGS TO DO BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
    • Explore Nature. ...
    • Reflect On The Year & Set Goals For 2024. ...
    • Spend Time With Loved Ones. ...
    • Pick Up A New Hobby. ...
    • Declutter Your Space. ...
    • Relax and Pamper Yourself. ...
    • Volunteer or Give Back To Your Community.
    Dec 26, 2023

    What should I eat the week after Christmas? ›

    Christmas recovery recipes
    • Pomegranate chicken with almond couscous. A star rating of 4.7 out of 5. ...
    • Kale & apple soup with walnuts. ...
    • Prawn, fennel & rocket risotto. ...
    • Speedy lentil coconut curry. ...
    • Mediterranean fish gratins. ...
    • Fajita chicken rice bowl with burnt lime. ...
    • Thai curry noodle soup. ...
    • Piri-piri prawn wrap.

    What to cook week after Christmas? ›

    From bbq turkey meatloaf to cauliflower fried rice, these post-holiday dinners are all full of flavor but light on calories.
    1. White Chicken Chili. ...
    2. Cauliflower Fried Rice. ...
    3. Shrimp Saganaki (Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta) ...
    4. Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan-Panko Crust. ...
    5. Turkey Meatloaf. ...
    6. Shakshuka.

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