When it comes to holiday feasts, there’s nothing like gathering around a fire and smelling the delicious smoke rolling off a perfectly cooked piece of meat. From spooky Halloween bites to massive Christmas roasts – before the New Year rolls in – this round-up of holiday recipes will leave your guests impressed and beyond satisfied.
I’ve collected up some of my favorite festive recipes by holiday for all your upcoming special occasions. Whether you’re grilling steak tacos for Halloween or slow-smoking a bison tenderloin for Christmas, I’ve got something here for everyone.
So, let’s dive into the best recipes for the holiday cooking season, fire up those grills, and start cooking with bold flavors, rustic techniques, and maybe a little whiskey.
Table of Contents
- Tips for Sourcing Holiday Meats
- Favorite Recipes Roundup for the Holidays
- Halloween Recipes
- Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
- Christmas Recipes
- Beef Holiday Recipes
- Bison Holiday Recipes
- Pork Recipes for the Holidays
- Christmas Lamb Recipes
- Showstopper Poultry Recipes
- Festive Salmon Recipes
- What to Serve with Holiday Meats?
- Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Woods by Meat
- Internal Temperatures by Protein
- Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire
Tips for Sourcing Holiday Meats
When you’re planning your holiday menu, down to the details of setting your holiday table, make sure you invest in the best meats possible for your feast. The quality of the meat will make all the difference in flavor, texture, and the overall dining experience. Here are a few tips for sourcing the perfect meats for your holiday recipes:
- Shop Local: For your holiday recipes, support local farms or butchers whenever possible. They often offer high-quality, pasture-raised meats that are fresher and more sustainably sourced than mass-produced options.
- Look for Grass-Fed and Organic Options: Grass-fed beef tends to have a more intense flavor profile and is leaner, making it a perfect choice for your holiday dishes.
- Know Your Butcher: Build a relationship with your local butcher. They can guide you in choosing the best cuts for holiday feasts. A good butcher can recommend the best meat for your cooking method, whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting.
- Plan for Special Cuts in Advance: Specialty meats like leg of lamb or prime rib are in high demand during the holiday season, so placing your order early is wise. This ensures you get what you need and avoids last-minute hiccups.
Investing in high-quality meats and sourcing them carefully will level up every dish on your holiday menu.
Favorite Recipes Roundup for the Holidays
Whether you’re preparing for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, these holiday recipes will help you bring bold, smoky flavors to your table. From spooky smoked bat wings to perfectly seasoned prime rib, there’s a recipe here for every holiday gathering. Embrace the fire, grab a drink, and get ready to make this holiday season your tastiest one yet!
Halloween Recipes
Who says Halloween is all about candy? Sure, sugar’s great, but let’s get spooky with a few savory, smoky dishes that will add a fiery flavor to your Halloween gathering.
Smoked Bat Wings
Grilled Steak Vampiro Tacos
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Thanksgiving is all about the bird, and this lineup of recipes proves that turkey can be anything but boring. From traditional smoked turkeys to fried delicacies, we’ve got all your bases covered. Before you dive in, make sure to read up on The Benefits of Brining.
Maple Bourbon Spatchcock Turkey
Smoke Fried Turkey
Honey BBQ Spatchcock Turkey
Smoked Turkey Legs
Smoked Peppercorn Turkey Breast
Honey Fire Rotisserie Turkey Legs
BBQ Turkey Legs
Thanksgiving Turkey Leg Poppers
Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas
Christmas Recipes
Christmas calls for grand feasts – and nothing says “holiday” quite like a massive roast. From prime rib to bison tenderloin or roasted salmon, these holiday recipes will warm your soul and give your friends and family lasting memories.
Beef Holiday Recipes
Herb Crusted Prime Rib
Stuffed Prime Rib
Deep Fried Prime Rib
Dry Aged Prime Rib Roast
New York Strip Roast
Bison Holiday Recipes
Herb Crusted Bison Tenderloin
Bison Tenderloin with Cognac Cream Sauce
Bison Ribeye and Lobster Tails
Charred Bison Ribeye
Pork Recipes for the Holidays
Pork Crown Roast
Bacon Wrapped Honey Cajun Pork Tenderloin
Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Cherry Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Ham
Double Smoked Spiral Ham
Christmas Lamb Recipes
Crown Roast of Lamb
Lamb Crown Roast
Rotisserie Leg of Lamb
Showstopper Poultry Recipes
Herb Encrusted Cornish Hens
Holiday Rotisserie Goose Recipe
Tequila Lime Rotisserie Chicken
Festive Salmon Recipes
Roasted Salmon with Horseradish Sauce
Crab Stuffed Salmon
What to Serve with Holiday Meats?
When it comes to what to serve with your holiday recipes and meats, the side dishes are just as important as the main attraction. Pair your meats with some classic Potatoes au Gratin—rich, creamy, and baked to golden perfection. Or, if you’re craving something a bit more traditional, try potatoes with sour cream. The cream offers a cool, tangy contrast to the smoky flavors. And for a sweet and tart element, you can’t go wrong with cranberry sauce, perfect alongside any meat, not just turkey.
Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This is a unique and flavorful cranberry sauce to complement your holiday recipes. To make, boil some fresh cranberries with a cup of tart cherry juice instead of water. Add a splash of pineapple juice. Stir in about 3/4 cup of brown sugar to balance the tartness, adding more if needed. Optionally, to finish off the sauce, add a few pinches of cardamom to give the sauce a warm, spiced depth. Simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, then let it cool before storing it in a jar or serving. Perfect for pairing with holiday meats or as a tangy-sweet side!
And when you’re planning your Christmas feast, don’t forget your homemade Christmas desserts. Christmas cookies and decadent options like Bread Pudding or Wine Cake will always hit that sweet spot, rounding out the meal with festive, sugary goodness.
Woods by Meat
When selecting hardwood for smoking or grilling different types of meat, it’s crucial to match the wood’s intensity with the meat’s richness to get the best flavor. Here’s a breakdown of my recommendations:
- Beef: Oak and hickory are ideal for beef, as their bold, robust smoke complements the meat’s richness. Mesquite works well for a more intense flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the beef.
- Pork: Apple, cherry, and maple are excellent choices for pork, offering a sweet and mild smoke that enhances the natural sweetness of the meat. Hickory also pairs well for a more robust, more classic BBQ flavor.
- Poultry: Apple and pecan are fantastic for poultry, providing a sweet, nutty flavor without overwhelming the delicate meat. Alder and maple are also good choices for a milder smoke.
- Lamb: Oak and cherry balance well with the gamey flavor of lamb, adding a touch of fruitiness and earthiness. Hickory can also work but should be used with care.
Internal Temperatures by Protein
As a reminder to always bring your meats up to a safe temperature, here’s a breakdown of the ideal internal temperatures for various meats in degrees F. If you have not done so yet, make sure to invest in a good digital meat thermometer.
- Steaks and Roasts: Cook medium-rare to 130F, medium to 140F, and well-done to 160F.
- Pork Chops, Roasts, and Tenderloin: Cook to 145F, then let it rest for three minutes.
- Whole Chicken and Turkey: Cook to 165F for breasts, thighs, and wings.
- Lamb Chops and Roasts: Cook to 135F for medium-rare or 145F for medium.
- Salmon: Cook to an internal temperature of 125F for medium-rare or up to 145F for a firmer, fully cooked texture.
Remember, the key to a truly unforgettable feast starts with high-quality ingredients, a touch of creativity, and a dash of holiday spirit. From locally sourced meats to the right wood for smoking, every detail contributes to making your holiday spread stand out. So, embrace the warmth of the fire, experiment with your favorite flavors, and enjoy the season’s best meals with the ones who matter most.
Here’s to making this holiday season not just freakin’ delicious but truly extraordinary! Cheers!
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