Inspire Festive Recipes for the 2019 Holiday Season

The holiday season is often the busiest time of the year. We attend tree lighting ceremonies (like in Hallmark Channel movies), sing carols, go shopping, decorate gingerbread houses, bake Christmas cookies, and attend social gatherings with friends and family members. It doesn't take long before your social calendar fills up. It might seem like you have something planned for every night during the holidays.

At these parties, you're typically asked to bring a special treat. However, it's difficult to decide what you should bake. What will everyone enjoy? Luckily, I have five suggestions for easy, creative recipes to prepare this holiday season.

Be inspired to try these delicious, sweet and festive recipes. They will certainly impress your family and friends this season.

1. Sweet Orange Rolls 

Sweet orange rolls.

In my family, it is always a tradition to eat either cinnamon or sweet orange rolls on Christmas morning after opening our presents. It's a nice, delicious treat before the main Christmas dinner later in the day. Last year, I featured cinnamon rolls on the blog. This year, I'm featuring sweet orange rolls.

There's nothing better than starting the day with sunny citrus flavors. The sweet orange rolls are tender, buttery spirals with a hint of cinnamon and a delicious orange marmalade glaze. It's amazing. To make it even better (in my opinion), the rolls aren't too overpowering with sweet values. They're just right.

This recipe is inspired by Southern Living. You will need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. light brown sugar
• 1 can refrigerated French bread dough
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. butter, melted
• Cinnamon, optional
• 1/2 c. powdered sugar 
• 1 Tbsp. orange juice
• 1 Tbsp. orange marmalade 

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, and orange zest at medium speed until smooth. Then, roll the French bread dough on a flat floured surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon. The cinnamon is optional, but it adds more sweet flavors.

Roll up the bread dough and cut into even sections. Place the individual rolls onto a greased round baking pan. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden.

To make the sweet glaze topping, stir the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange marmalade in a small mixing bowl until smooth. If the marmalade is too thick to mix, add more orange juice until the glaze reaches a light, smooth drizzle texture. Drizzle the glaze over the hot rolls. Enjoy!

2. Candied Pecans 

Candied pecans.

Candied pecans have become more popular in recent years as a festive holiday treat to offer at parties. It's an easy appetizer to prepare, and it's also something guests can munch on while they socialize. Once you make the oven-baked sugared pecans, you'll wonder why you haven't been making the sweet and crunchy treat all these years. 

This recipe is inspired by Salty Side Dish. You will need the following ingredients: 

• 1 egg white
• 1 Tbsp. water
• 10 oz. pecan halves
• 1 c. white sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt 

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. In a mixer, beat the water and egg white for approximately two or three minutes, until light and foamy. 

Add the pecans to the egg mixture, stirring to evenly coat so the egg wash covers each side of the pecans. This will help the sugar stick to the pecans. Then, pour the sugar mixture over the pecans, stirring to evenly coat. Your pecans should be covered with the mixture on all sides. Place the sugared pecans onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer so they will bake evenly. 

Bake for about 45-60 minutes, flipping the pecans with a spatula every 15 minutes. Once they're baked, allow the pecans to cool completely before serving. Enjoy! We don't blame you if you decide to eat the pecans in one sitting. They're very addicting!

3. Christmas Wreath Veggie Pizza 

Christmas wreath veggie pizza.

Veggie pizza has been a staple party food in my family for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school, it was almost expected of me to bring this crescent roll veggie pizza as a contribution to any class party. It is always a hit at parties. 

However, this year, I decided to change up the classic recipe by shaping the pizza into a wreath to offer a more festive option. I'm pleased with the results! Because it's served cold, you can prepare this much-loved appetizer ahead of time. 

You will need the following ingredients: 

• 2 packages Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese at room temperature
• 16 oz. container sour cream
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix
• 1 large head broccoli, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate along the pre-cut vertical lines (not the diagonal lines for the individual rolls). Line parchment paper over a round pizza sheet. Start laying the dough down to form a circle. Press the dough down so the width of the dough is approximately four inches. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent roll pizza crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and seasoning mix until well combined and smooth. Spread evenly over the pizza crust. Add the chopped broccoli, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Press the vegetables lightly into the cream cheese mixture. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours before serving. Enjoy!

4. Ranch Dip Bread Bowl 

Ranch dip bread bowl.

The best recipes can be used for multiple occasions. This includes the classic "chips and dip" side dish at parties. You can serve chips and dip at a holiday party, but it's also a crowd favorite at a New Year's Eve celebration. Ring in the new year (and decade!) with this simple recipe for a ranch dip bread bowl. 

The dip uses the same ingredients as the veggie pizza (see above). I experimented with this recipe by placing the dip in a toasted bread bowl and placing additional toppings to turn the seemingly ordinary dip into fun party food. You will love this new dip. 

You will need the following ingredients: 

• 1 round bread bowl (bread of your choice)
• 16 oz. carton sour cream
• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix 
• 1/2 c. bacon bits 
• Colored tortilla strips
• Parsley

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Slice off the top of the bread and scoop out the pieces to form a bread bowl. Stir the sour cream into the softened cream cheese. Add the ranch seasoning mix and stir thoroughly. Stir in the crispy bacon bits. 

Bake the bread bowl until slightly brown on top (approximately 8-10 minutes). Let the bread cool completely before spooning the ranch dip into the bread bowl. Sprinkle the top with additional bacon bits. Add colored tortilla strips on top of the dip. Finally, top with chopped parsley. Serve with tortilla chips and croutons. Enjoy!

5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods 

Chocolate covered pretzel rods.

The holiday season is the most popular time of the year to indulge in your favorite sweets and desserts. You tend to ignore your diet as you eat the classic recipes you love for this time of the year. This might include chocolate-covered pretzel rods, which is something different to bring to a party than Christmas cookies. 

To make this simple, delicious dessert (inspired by Premeditated Leftovers), you will need the following ingredients: 

• Pretzel rods
• 16 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 c. white chocolate chips
• Chopped candy bars, sprinkles, peppermints, etc. (The toppings are up to your preference.) 

Melt the chocolate chips for approximately one minute in the microwave or until they're completely melted. Check the chocolate chips to make sure they don't overheat. If the chocolate is overheated, it will be too thick. To help thin it out, add two teaspoons of vegetable shortening. 

Pour the melted chocolate in two separate plastic cups. Dip the pretzel rods into the chocolate, swirling them around in the cup to coat over two-thirds of the pretzel rod. Shake gently to remove the excess chocolate.

Place the pretzel rods on waxed paper or a cooling rack. Apply the sprinkles and candy toppings immediately, rotating the pretzel rods to coat all sides. It's important to apply the toppings as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the chocolate will harden on the pretzel rods and you can't add any toppings. Let the pretzel rods dry completely before serving or packaging. Enjoy!

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There are plenty of fun options for festive recipes to prepare during the holiday season. These five are different, but they are suitable for just about everyone who you could interact with this season. There's something for everyone: classic sweet orange rolls, chips and dip, healthy veggie pizza, sweet and crunchy candied pecans, and delicious chocolate-covered pretzel rods. 

The recipes offer the classic Christmas flavors and traditions we love. However, it's also fun to make changes to these memorable dishes. You can experiment and see what happens. I hope you feel inspired to try something new, step out of your comfort zone, and share the treats with your family and friends. 

Happy holidays!

-KJL-