31 Delicious Things You Should Eat In December

Introduction

December is a month defined by cozy gatherings, festive flavors, and the joy of sharing seasonal treats. Whether you’re hosting holiday parties, planning intimate meals, or seeking comforting dishes to warm cold nights, this curated list of 31 delicious things you should eat in December is your ticket to celebrating the month in the tastiest way possible. Each recipe highlights the flavors of the season—think cranberries, cinnamon, roasted meats, and decadent desserts—perfect for delightful meal planning all month long.

Why You’ll Love This December Recipe Collection

This lineup goes beyond traditional holiday fare, offering a mix of sweet and savory, quick weeknight wonders, and showstoppers for special occasions. With a selection handpicked for variety and maximum flavor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Balancing crowd-pleasing classics with innovative new favorites, these recipes will help you savor December one delicious meal at a time.

How to Use This Mouthwatering December Menu

Even with the busy pace of the holiday season, you can keep dinnertime exciting (and stress-free) with this list. Pick your favorites for festive gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prepping for an easier week. Use these recipes as inspiration for themed dinner nights or as anchors to plan your shopping trips.

31 Delicious Things You Should Eat In December

Here’s the ultimate mix of comforting, festive, and crave-worthy recipes perfect for December meal planning:

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
2. Classic Beef Pot Roast
3. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
4. Cranberry Orange Muffins
5. Baked Mac and Cheese
6. Mulled Apple Cider
7. Gingerbread Cookies
8. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
9. Honey Baked Ham
10. Sweet Potato Casserole
11. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
12. Parmesan Crusted Chicken
13. Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
14. Sticky Toffee Pudding
15. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
16. Eggnog French Toast Bake
17. Festive Shrimp Cocktail
18. Roasted Root Vegetables
19. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
20. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
21. Cheesy Garlic Bread
22. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
23. Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
24. Maple Pecan Pie
25. White Cheddar Cranberry Pinwheels
26. Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
27. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
28. Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Tart
29. Classic Deviled Eggs
30. Spiced Mulled Wine
31. Peppermint Mocha Brownies

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these December recipes to automatically generate a shopping list with all your holiday meal ingredients organized by grocery section—making your festive shopping trips efficient and stress-free!

Sample Recipe: Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and tender.
5. Optional: Sprinkle with toasted pecans and cranberries before serving for festive color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Your December Recipes

Many of these dishes pair perfectly together to create complete meals—like serving Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheesy Garlic Bread, or finishing a holiday dinner with Spiced Mulled Wine and Peppermint Mocha Brownies. Mix and match throughout the month for nonstop seasonal variety.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

The average recipe on this list serves 4-6 people. For example, the Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts serve 4 and provide a wholesome side dish with roughly 120 calories per serving (without optional mix-ins).

Why December’s Flavors Are So Special (Recap)

From warm spices and hearty roasts to sweet, fruity desserts and decadent drinks, these 31 recipes celebrate the distinctive flavors that make December so festive and comforting. With this guide, every meal can feel like a celebration.

Weekly Meal Planning

With so many delicious choices, planning your December meals has never been easier. Save and schedule these recipes to instantly create a smart shopping list, avoid duplicate purchases, and confidently tackle busy weeks.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredients across recipes
– Organizes everything by store department
– Reduces food waste by buying just what you need
– Streamlines meal prep during the bustling holiday season

Pro tip: When using CookifyAI, schedule your December recipes to see how versatile ingredients (like eggs, butter, or cranberries) can be shared across multiple dishes—saving money and time!

Cook and Prep Times

Each recipe varies, but most take between 25–45 minutes from prep to table, ensuring you can enjoy a festive meal any night of the week—whether you’re cooking up a weekday dinner or a show-stopping holiday feast.