So here’s the deal: I’m obsessed with this list. There are a lot of holiday recipes out there, but I often find myself wanting to know what everyone else is eating, ya know?. Like our neighbors to the north.
What we have going on here is a list of 10 must make dishes. A lot of them are classics you’ll know and love. Think turkey and potatoes. But a few might be new to you. And honestly? They might just become your new house favorite.
1. Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Are you getting a little tired of the same old stuffing? Yeah, me too sometimes. Let’s talk about this sausage and herb version. It has all those yummy herbs we love, like sage and rosemary, plus the usual veggies.
But the superstar here? Thick, succulent pieces of Italian sausage. GAH.
This is what holiday L-O-V-E is all about. You can use it as a proper stuffing or just eat it as a side. It’s got such a great taste and is just so hearty and satisfying.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Hello, perfection. These mashed potatoes are just so fluffy and creamy. And get this: just four ingredients, plus salt and pepper. We’re talking 35 minutes from start to finish.
These are the real deal, friends. No instant flakes here! This is all about four pounds of russet potatoes, and every single bite is buttery and garlicky. Ugh. SO GOOD.
3. Buche de Noel
The gorgeous yule log! I mean, wow. I always see these and think they must take so much artistry, but honestly? They are way more straightforward than they look. If you just follow the recipe steps, you’ll have this beauty ready.
Just be warned, some parts need to sit idly, so you can’t exactly start this at the last minute. The real trick is just to relax and have fun with it.
And don’t you worry! Even if it doesn’t look like a masterpiece, it’s going to taste incredible. That’s a win.
4. Nanaimo Bars
Okay, these bars are incredibly decadent, but it’s the holidays! We’re allowed! These are a triple-layer situation. YES.
The base is this rich mix of butter, sugar, cocoa, coconut, graham crumbs, and almonds. Then you get a layer of soft, silky, and totally rich buttercream. And to finish? A homemade chocolate ganache.
It’s just three layers of pure yumminess. If you’re here for the super sweet treats, this is 100% for you.
5. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is such a holiday favorite, right? It’s a total staple for a reason. This one has all the good things: a dry red wine base, zests from lemon and orange, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.
But! Because this is a Canadian list, it also has a half cup of maple syrup. This not only sweetens the whole thing up but adds that amazing rich maple flavor. It’s just… holiday in a mug.
6. Christmas Tourtiere
We can’t just have sweets, so let’s talk savory. This Christmas tourtiere is where it’s at. It starts with a fantastic flaky crust, and the filling is loaded with yummy stuff like pork, beef stock, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and celery.
Beyond all the herby seasonings, you also add a little bit of cinnamon and cloves. It just adds that perfect seasonal touch. Every single bite is just so, so good.
7. French Canadian Christmas Cake
This is such a simple, traditional cake. It’s light, fluffy, and just unbelievably moist. And check this out: no icing or glaze. Instead, it gets all its flavor from spices like cloves and cinnamon, plus nuts, raisins, and molasses.
It also… wait for it… uses a cup of salted pork. I know, that sounds crazy, right? But just think of it like adding salty bacon to brownies. It just works. Trust me, this cake is phenomenal.
8. Roast Turkey
Are you trying to make that perfect golden-brown bird this year? This is the recipe for you. It takes over 4 hours, but it is SO worth it.
You get the most tender, juicy meat and the crispiest, best-seasoned skin. This one is amazing if you love a bird with a really rich, herb flavor. A total showstopper.
9. Butter Tarts
These tarts! They have this rich, buttery, old-fashioned pastry crust and a filling that is just as sweet and buttery. Yum.
You can even change up the flavor by swapping in your “extra” ingredient. Most people use golden raisins, but you could do nuts, chocolate chips, or caramels. Whatever you pick, people are going to just love these.