Holiday Food: Make This Day More Festive

Holiday cooking does not have to mean serving the same dishes every year. In Holiday Food: Make This Day More Festive, Brendan Rivera gathers 30 recipes spanning salads, breads, tacos, pasta, casseroles, and satisfying mains—giving festive meals a varied, savory-minded feel.

A festive table with plenty of variety

The recipe list moves between familiar comfort food and dishes inspired by different culinary traditions. You’ll find eggplant Parmesan, rosemary focaccia, meatballs, and lasagna alongside mole chicken tacos, Korean steak bowls, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, and Catalan chickpeas and spinach. That range makes the collection useful for hosts looking to mix up a menu or find a new dish to share.

From shared salads to substantial mains

Salads, breads, and dips sit alongside more filling options such as tacos, casseroles, gnocchi, and chicken or beef dishes. Sweet potatoes appear in several recipes, including tacos and casserole-style sides. The selection offers different ways to build a festive meal, whether you’re planning a central dish or adding something extra to the table.

A closer look at the opening recipe

The chipotle cheddar sliced salad pairs romaine and red cabbage with tortilla chips, chicken, cheddar, avocado, and other toppings. Its Greek-yogurt dressing combines chipotle, lime, honey, cumin, and salt—a bright, smoky contrast to the crunchy ingredients.

For holiday cooks who like a varied menu

This collection may appeal to home cooks seeking savory ideas for gatherings, from breads and salads to hearty, shareable dishes. With recipes drawing on a range of cuisines, Holiday Food offers plenty of directions to consider when planning a more festive spread. 🍽️