27 (Really Good) Recipes To Make In December

Introduction

December is a month that calls for comforting flavors, warming scents, and memorable meals. Whether you’re searching for festive weekend dinners, cozy family breakfasts, or indulgent holiday treats, having a curated list of tried-and-true recipes simplifies everything. These 27 (really good) recipes to make in December are all about rich taste, minimal fuss, and gathering friends and family around the table—right when you need it most.

The Secret to a Memorable December Menu

When nights get colder and festive festivities ramp up, your meals should match the season’s spirit. The best December recipes are both crowd-pleasing and practical: comforting casseroles, wintry soups, classic baked goods, and just a hint of decadence. Having your month planned out, with recipes that use overlapping ingredients, means less shopping stress and more delicious moments—making December kitchen time both joyful and efficient.

A Recipe Lineup That Covers Every Occasion

From make-ahead breakfasts to holiday mains and sweet tooth-satisfying desserts, our roundup has your December covered. Each recipe emphasizes winter produce, seasonal flavors, and the magic of homemade meals made easy—think cinnamon-laced breakfasts, crave-worthy soups, festive mains, and dazzling cookies.

27 (Really Good) Recipes To Make In December

1. Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
3. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
4. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
5. Classic Eggnog French Toast
6. Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs
7. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
8. Gingerbread Pancakes
9. Cranberry Orange Muffins
10. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
11. Butternut Squash Risotto
12. Sticky Honey Garlic Salmon
13. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
14. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
15. Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
16. Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
17. Festive Holiday Salad (Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, Pecans)
18. Savory Sausage Breakfast Casserole
19. Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
20. Spinach Artichoke Dip
21. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
22. Spiced Gingerbread Loaf
23. Holiday M&M Cookie Bars
24. Baked Mac and Cheese
25. Snowball Shortbread Cookies
26. Classic Beef Lasagna
27. Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipes list to CookifyAI and automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section. It’s the easiest way to prep for a month’s worth of delicious December meals.

Instructions

Because this is a collection, each recipe will have its specific steps. However, here are some general winter meal prep tips:

1. Review the recipes you want to make for the week and note overlapping ingredients. This is a huge time-saver when grocery shopping.
2. Batch cook recipes like soups, casseroles, and baked goods. Most can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated as needed.
3. Use seasonal produce: winter squashes, root vegetables, apples, and citrus anchor many December recipes for freshness and flavor.
4. Get the family involved—cookies and breads are perfect for group baking sessions that create memories and treats to share.
5. Plan ahead for special meals: prep dough, marinades, and sides a day before your big gatherings to reduce stress.

Weekly Meal Planning

Planning your December menu has never been easier. Save and schedule these recipes on CookifyAI to organize your meals for each week. The smart planning features help you:

– Automatically sum up total quantities needed (no more missing eggs or double-buying)
– Organize shopping lists by grocery section for quick, efficient trips
– Prevent forgotten ingredients and food waste
– Optimize batch prep for lunches, dinners, and treats throughout the week

Pro tip: Mix and match casseroles, soups, and dessert bars in your planner. CookifyAI will calculate exact needs for milk, eggs, and other staples, so you can shop once and be set for days.

Cook and Prep Times

Recipes range in prep and cook times, but here’s a general guideline for December favorites:
Prep Time: 10–30 minutes per recipe
Cook Time: 20–60 minutes per recipe
Total Time (per main dish or baked good): 30–90 minutes
Batch recipes and make-ahead breakfasts ensure less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday season.

27 (Really Good) Recipes To Make In December (Recap)

A well-planned December menu brings comfort, convenience, and celebration to your home. With these 27 really good recipes, you’ll have all the inspiration—and organizational tools—you need for a month of festive flavor. Let the meal planning, memory making, and delicious feasting begin!