20 Highly-Swappable Holiday Cookie Recipes

Is it just us, or have holiday party invitations already started to roll in? Suddenly, there’s no shortage of cocktail hours, gift-wrapping parties, and cookie swaps that usually come with the need for a baked good or two. Thankfully, we have more than…

Is it just us, or have holiday party invitations already started to roll in? Suddenly, there’s no shortage of cocktail hours, gift-wrapping parties, and cookie swaps that usually come with the need for a baked good or two. Thankfully, we have more than 2,000 cookie recipes on our site—and so we sifted through them all for the best recipes for swapping, gifting, and eating this season.

We of course included the classics like thumbprints, spritz, and gingerbread, but we’ve also included some new recipes that are guaranteed to be the stars of any gathering, big or small. Not only are these treats crowd-pleasers, but they’re also make-ahead friendly, easy to transport, and perfect for batching—whether you’re swapping dozens or just keeping a few for yourself. Trust us, you’ll want to bake these whether or not you’ve got a party on the calendar.

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Apple Cider Moscow Mule Recipe

This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is about to become your go-to! It’s a cozy … Read more
The post Apple Cider Moscow Mule Recipe appeared first on Sugar and Charm.

This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is about to become your go-to! It’s a cozy ... Read more

The post Apple Cider Moscow Mule Recipe appeared first on Sugar and Charm.

Strawberry Fudge

Strawberry fudge might not be as traditional as classic chocolate fudge, but that’s what makes it so special. The combination of creamy white chocolate chips and strawberry frosting is a perfect flavor that’s both sweet and unique. Whether it’s for gif…

Strawberry fudge might not be as traditional as classic chocolate fudge, but that’s what makes it so special. The combination of creamy white chocolate chips and strawberry frosting is a perfect flavor that’s both sweet and unique. Whether it’s for gifting, holidays, or just a treat to enjoy at home, strawberry fudge is a great...

The post Strawberry Fudge appeared first on Salty Side Dish.

25 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

If I’ve learned one thing from hosting Thanksgiving over the years, it’s this: Thanksgiving appetizers are essential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served a holiday meal 30 minutes or an hour (or two) later than planned b…


If I’ve learned one thing from hosting Thanksgiving over the years, it’s this: Thanksgiving appetizers are essential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served a holiday meal 30 minutes or an hour (or two) later than planned because my roasted beets were still rock-hard or the water for my mashed potatoes took longer than expected to boil. In those moments, Thanksgiving appetizers save the big day. They tide over hungry guests until it’s time to sit down to dinner, keeping everyone’s spirits up and the atmosphere light. I’m sharing my 25 best Thanksgiving appetizer ideas below. They include a simple cheese […]

Lemon Puppy Chow

This irresistible lemon puppy chow consists of tangy lemon zest, sweet white chocolate, and crunchy Chex cereal all tossed together for this fun snack.

This irresistible lemon puppy chow consists of tangy lemon zest, sweet white chocolate, and crunchy Chex cereal all tossed together for this fun snack.

Wild Rice Pilaf

A bowl of a cranberry wild rice pilaf recipe with a spoon lifting up a bite.This cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf recipe is bursting with flavor and makes the most beautiful side dish. The wild rice is cooked in a flavorful and veggie-filled broth and topped with crunchy pecans and Craisins before serving. More party-worthy holiday side dishes include our Corn Casserole, Homemade Dinner Rolls, Whipped feta with roasted vegetables, Balsamic…

A bowl of a cranberry wild rice pilaf recipe with a spoon lifting up a bite.

This cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf recipe is bursting with flavor and makes the most beautiful side dish. The wild rice is cooked in a flavorful and veggie-filled broth and topped with crunchy pecans and Craisins before serving.

More party-worthy holiday side dishes include our Corn Casserole, Homemade Dinner Rolls, Whipped feta with roasted vegetables, Balsamic roasted carrots and cornbread stuffing.

A bowl of a cranberry wild rice pilaf recipe with a spoon lifting up a bite.

Wild Rice Pilaf will steal the show.

I am obsessed with this mixed rice pilaf–I love the depth of flavor all of the vegetables and mix-ins add, and I love that my pickiest kid is eating vegetables without even knowing it. It’s so easy to make and worth every single minute. Plus, it pairs beautifully with any main dish, like roast chicken, baked salmon, and pork tenderloin.

How to make Wild Rice Pilaf:

Sauté Veggies: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and carrot then cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in garlic then cook for 30 seconds. Stir in rice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken broth and bouillon and bring to a boil. Stir well, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to a simmer. (Don’t remove the lid from the pot during cooking!).

Two images of a savory wild rice recipe showing the rice and spices combined with sautéed vegetables, then after chicken broth is added for an easy wild rice pilaf.

Cook Rice and Serve: Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until liquid has absorbed. Remove pot from heat and allow to rest, with the lid on, for 10 minutes. Remove lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in parsley, craisins and pecans. Serve immediately.

Two images showing chopped pecans, craisins, and parsley dumped on top of a wild rice pilaf with vegetables, then after it's combined and served in a white bowl.

Storage and Freezing Instructions:

Store leftover wild rice pilaf in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To Freeze: Follow the recipe to make wild rice pilaf then allow the rice to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge before rewarming in the microwave.

Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf:

Rinse rice and sauté veggies as directed. Add rice, veggies, seasonings, and 3 ½ cups broth to instant pot. Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 20 minutes, with a 10-minute natural release. Fluff rice then stir in parsley, Craisins and pecans.

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A bowl of a cranberry wild rice pilaf recipe with a spoon lifting up a bite.
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Wild Rice Pilaf

Our easy and beautiful Wild Rice Pilaf is loaded with veggies, crunchy pecans, craisins, and parsley and tastes as good as it looks.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rest 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 458kcal
Cost 15

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Sauté veggies: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and carrot then cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in garlic then cook for 30 seconds.
  • Cook: Stir in rice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken broth and bouillon and bring to a boil. Stir well, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to a simmer. (Do not ever remove the lid from the pot during cooking!) Cook for 40-45 minutes, or until liquid has absorbed.
  • Remove pot from heat and allow to rest, with the lid still on, for 10 minutes. Remove lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  • Gently stir in parsley, craisins and pecans. Serve immediately.

Notes

Yield: about 8 cups Serving size: about ¾ cup (10 servings)
To Add Mushrooms: 8oz of sliced button mushrooms could be added the same time as the carrots, if desired.
Storing Instructions: Keep any leftover wild rice in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions: Follow the recipe to make wild rice pilaf then allow the rice to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw completely in the fridge before rewarming in the microwave.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf: Rinse rice and sauté veggies as directed. Add rice, veggies, seasonings, and 3 ½ cups broth to instant pot. Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 20 minutes, with a 10-minute natural release. Fluff rice then stir in parsley, craisins and pecans.
Recipe adapted from Tastes Better From Scratch Rice Pilaf

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 569mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 2622IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg

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Garlic & Herb Breaded Delicata Squash

Say hello to your new favorite fall side! This roasted delicata squash has a savory, salty, garlic & herb breading that’s kind of irresistible. Let’s just say, there may or may not have been leftovers in the test kitchen…
Just 7 simple ingred…

Garlic & Herb Breaded Delicata Squash

Say hello to your new favorite fall side! This roasted delicata squash has a savory, salty, garlic & herb breading that’s kind of irresistible. Let’s just say, there may or may not have been leftovers in the test kitchen…

Just 7 simple ingredients and 30 minutes required, making it perfect for everything from weeknights to busy holiday dinners (you’ll be able to SQUASH it in).

Garlic & Herb Breaded Delicata Squash from Minimalist Baker →

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa Glaze and White Bean Puree

a harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head on a white bean spread on a plate.This Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe serves a mouthwatering harissa-glazed cauliflower head over a creamy white bean puree. Enjoy it as a flavor-packed side or main dish! For more impressive vegan cauliflower recipes, check out my Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, and Easy Bang Bang Cauliflower! You’ve never seen cauliflower like this before! This Whole…

a harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head on a white bean spread on a plate.

This Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe serves a mouthwatering harissa-glazed cauliflower head over a creamy white bean puree. Enjoy it as a flavor-packed side or main dish!

For more impressive vegan cauliflower recipes, check out my Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, and Easy Bang Bang Cauliflower!

a harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head on a white bean spread on a plate.

You’ve never seen cauliflower like this before! This Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa Glaze and White Bean Puree is surprisingly easy to prepare and jam-packed with flavor, leaving you with an impressive side or main dish. Enjoy it as an eye-catching centerpiece during the holidays or whenever you’re craving something exciting for dinner.

Why you’ll love this roasted whole cauliflower

  • It’s exploding with flavor! The rich and spicy-ish harissa glaze, creamy white bean and tahini puree, and herby-nutty garnish infuse each bite of roasted cauliflower with incredible Middle Eastern and North African-inspired flavors.
  • An impressive side or main dish – You can serve the baked cauliflower head both as a flavor-packed side dish or main dish. Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu to put a twist on a traditional meal!
  • Surprisingly simple – From roasting the cauliflower head to making the harissa glaze to blending the white bean puree, all of the steps in this whole roasted cauliflower recipe are just plain foolproof.
close up on a sliced harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head on a white bean spread on a plate.

How to roast a cauliflower head

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Submerge the cauliflower head, top side down, in a large pot of boiling water. Simmer until a sharp knife can easily slide through the stem without much resistance.

Drain the water and transfer the boiled cauliflower head to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

a cauliflower head in a black skillet.

Stir the olive oil, harissa paste, agave, turmeric, and salt together in a small bowl. Rub the harissa glaze all over the cauliflower head until it’s completely coated.

Bake the cauliflower until it’s blackened in some places.

spooning a harissa glaze over a cauliflower head in a black skillet.

Meanwhile, make the white bean sauce by processing the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and ice-cold water in a food processor until smooth.

You must use ice-cold water for the white bean spread, not room temperature or regular cold water. Just like in homemade hummus recipes, ice water is the secret to making the consistency of the spread light, airy, and fluffy.

Spread the white bean puree on a large serving plate. Carefully place the roasted cauliflower head on top of the puree, then garnish the tops and sides with the chopped pine nuts or pistachios and chopped fresh mint or parsley.

Slice the cauliflower head into “steaks” and serve with a scoop of the puree underneath. Enjoy!

a harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head in a black skillet.

Frequently asked questions

What is harissa paste?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted and ground red chilies, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and warm spices, like coriander, cumin, and caraway seeds. It has a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat from the chili peppers.

I personally don’t find this recipe to be too spicy; however, if you’re worried about the heat, reduce the harissa paste to only 1 tablespoon.

What can I use instead of harissa?

This recipe will be pretty different without the harissa paste but if you can’t find it, an equal amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, or 1 chipotle pepper + 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce should work instead.

Do I have to boil the cauliflower head before roasting?

Yes, you must boil or steam the cauliflower head before roasting it in the oven. If you skip this part, the cauliflower won’t be fork tender all the way through.

Can I make this with cauliflower florets instead?

Absolutely! Add the florets to a bowl and pour the harissa sauce over top. Toss to coat, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the harissa cauliflower in a 400ºF oven for 25-30 minutes or until they’re fork tender and the edges are blackened in some places.

How do I store the leftovers?

Once cool, transfer the leftover cauliflower head or slices to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat the leftovers in a 350ºF oven until they’re warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges again.

a harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head on a white bean spread on a plate.
a harissa-glazed roasted cauliflower head on a white bean spread on a plate.
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Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa Glaze and White Bean Puree

This Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe serves a mouthwatering harissa-glazed cauliflower head over a creamy white bean puree. Enjoy it as a flavor-packed side or main dish!
Course Main Course
Cuisine African-inspired, Middle Eastern
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 333kcal

Ingredients

Cauliflower Roast

  • 1 medium-large head cauliflower about 2 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons agave
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt

White Bean Puree

  • 15 ounce can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons ice cold water or more

Toppings, optional

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or chopped pistachios
  • chopped fresh mint and/or parsley

Instructions

For the Cauliflower Roast

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Trim off the bottom of the cauliflower stem but keep the head in tact. Peel away any green leaves. Fill a large pot with water, large enough for the cauliflower head to be submerged in. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the cauliflower head, carefully, top side down into the water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until tender enough to insert a sharp knife into the stem without much resistance.
  • Drain the cauliflower head in a colander for 10 minutes, then place the head of cauliflower upright in a cast iron pan (or other oven safe dish).
  • In a small bowl, stir the olive oil, harissa paste, agave, turmeric and salt together until well combined. Rub the mixture all over the cauliflower head until it's fully covered.
  • Bake the cauliflower for 40-50 minutes, until blackened in some places.

Make the White Bean Puree and Serve

  • To a food processor, add the drained and rinsed beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt and 3 tablespoons ice cold water.
  • Puree for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy. If you want it a bit thinner, add a tablespoon or more of water. Taste and season with additional salt, garlic or lemon juice if needed.
  • To serve: Spread the white bean puree on a serving plate. Carefully place the whole cauliflower head on top of the puree. Garnish with chopped pine nuts or pistachios and chopped fresh mint or parsley. Slice the cauliflower and serve with some of the puree underneath. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 4 servings | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg