10 Cozy Recipes to Make This Holiday Season

Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply enjoying a quiet night in, these five cozy recipes are sure to enhance the holiday spirit. Each dish has been selected for its comforting flavours and ability to bring people together around the table. Let’s dive into these mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for the holiday season!

What kind of things do these cozy recipes all have in common?

As we get into the heart of these 10 cozy holiday recipes, it becomes evident that they share some common threads that weave them into holiday comfort and joy:

  • Rich, Deep Flavors: There’s a depth of flavor in each dish that is going to make you weak at the knees. The use of ingredients like red wine in the braised meats, garlic in the baked brie, and champagne in the chicken, elevates the dishes with luxurious and complex flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated.
  • Occasion-Ready: These recipes are not just about cooking and eating, they’re about celebrating the season. Each dish, from the elegant Champagne Chicken to the rustic Warm Fall Pearl Couscous Salad, adds a sense of occasion to your holiday gatherings.
  • Simplicity and Elegance: Despite their impressive flavors and appearances, these recipes are REALLY straightforward. They strike a balance between simplicity and elegance, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
  • Comforting Textures: Texture plays a pivotal role in these dishes. The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the braised meats, the gooey richness of the garlic baked brie, and the creamy smoothness of the pasta dishes.
  • Festive Ingredients: The ingredients used are reflective of the holiday season. Seasonal produce, warming spices, and festive elements like champagne and red wine give you that special holiday feel.
  • Gathering Together: Each recipe is designed with sharing in mind. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a larger holiday gathering, these dishes are meant to be enjoyed together, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
  • Versatility: The dishes range from hearty main courses to light, refreshing salads, ensuring there’s something to please every palate at your holiday table.

There’s nothing quite like the rich, deep flavors of my Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. There’s a reason they’ve gotten almost 40 million views across my social channels! These succulent ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, and they absorb the aromatic blend of a whooooole bottle of red wine, herbs, and spices.

This dish is my most viral to date and it definitely makes the top of the list for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and its ability to transform your dining table into a gourmet feast. Anyone can make these and they’re better than the restaurant!

red wine braised short ribs over mashed potatoes and broccolini with a red wine sauce poured over top

Imagine dipping into a soft, warm sourdough bowl filled with creamy, garlic-infused baked brie. This appetizer is not only a delight for the senses but also a perfect conversation starter at any holiday gathering. It’s the combination of the comforting sourdough and the rich, gooey brie that makes this dish a cozy staple for the holidays. Also it’s very easy to make.

garlic confit baked brie in sourdough

This Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. I made this a few Christmas Eve’s ago and it was a huge hit. Packed with cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant tuscan kale, chicken and a creamy broth, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s an absolute must-have on your holiday menu. It’s incredibly simple to make, it’s hearty and it’s going to warm you right up.

bowl of tuscan tortellini soup

Adding a touch of lightness to your holiday menu, the Warm Fall Pearl Couscous Salad brings a delightfully tasty blend of falvours. Loaded with seasonal vegetables and dressed in a roasted lemon maple vinaigrette, this salad is a true winner and crowd pleaser. It’s the perfect balance to the heavier holiday fare, while still being hearty enough to satisfy.

warm fall pearl couscous salad

Garlic Confit Pasta alla Vodka is SUCH a luxurious twist on a classic pasta dish. The slow-cooked garlic confit adds a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This dish is a memorable one with its creamy, rich sauce and perfectly al dente pasta – ideal for a cozy night in or a lavish holiday feast. You’re going to wonder why you haven’t always made pasta alla vodka this way!

garlic confit pasta alla vodka

A classic with a twist, this pot roast uses Cabernet wine to enhance its deep, savory flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying main dish that’s perfect for a holiday dinner, offering both comfort and elegance. Your kitchen is going to smell like a DREAM while this braises in the oven.

cabernet braised pot roast with mashed potatoes and green beans

My all time favourite one pan dish that comes together in about 30 minutes. There are only a handful of ingredients needed and it’s sure to impress your family/guests. It’s ideal for a cozy yet festive holiday meal because it’s heartwarming, easy to make, and even easier to clean up!

Oxtail becomes exceptionally tender and flavorful when braised in red wine. This luxurious dish is a testament to the richness of holiday cooking and is sure to impress your guests with its depth of flavor. It’s a set it and forget it kind of recipe, making this PERFECT for the holiday season.

braised oxtail over polenta with asparagus

It’s elegant, it’s luxurious and you use a whole bottle of champagne to make this festive dish! New Year’s Eve perhaps? It’s a super fun dish to make and the taste is delicate and has a slightly tangy sauce. Champagne Chicken brings a festive flair to your table – it’s a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly comforting.

Every spoonful of this Warm Rustic Tortellini Bowl is an experience, from the comforting ricotta and spinach tortellini, to the roasted lemon dressing. It’s a dish that is as nourishing as it is flavourful, making it an ideal addition to your holiday menu. It represents the essence of holiday comfort food – wholesome, hearty, and ohhhh so satisfying.

warm rustic tortellini bowl