When it comes to the holidays, Southern Living readers will stop at nothing to make the season extra spectacular. And while we’re hosting parties and decorating the halls, it’s the recipes we’re making that brings us so much joy. From your go-to breakfast casserole to your tried-and-true cakes, these are the top 10 recipes for Christmas.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Everything is better with bacon – including the holiday menu. With only 5 minutes of hands-on time, this is the perfect salty-smoky recipe to wake up to on Christmas morning.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Sky-high trifles, rich and creamy puddings, homemade candy– the holidays are a great time for decadent desserts. Christmas is also time for the classics, and our readers love to bake this special Southern gem for every holiday that rolls around.
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
There’s nothing more delightful than Christmas tins filled to the brim with all sorts of cookies. While this might not feel over-the-top festive, it is a required addition for the holiday season.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you have a house filled with hungry houseguests, this is the easy, cheesy, hearty dish made for lazy mornings. Hashbrowns star in this recipe, which only requires 20 minutes to prep.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These Southern gems need no introduction. No matter the occasion or the celebration, these two-bite appetizers are always expected at the holiday dinner.
Molly Bolton
For the host who has an impressive spread of cakes, cookies, and trifles, this is a surprising addition. A delightful dessert that brings together rich and creamy layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate ganache.
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
If Mama had a favorite recipe list, this would make her top ten. The combination of canned pineapple chunks, Cheddar cheese, and a crispy Ritz cracker crust make this a casserole perfect for a special occasion.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cakes will surely grace the holiday buffet, so make sure you show off your favorites this time of year. Our Test Kitchen calls this our Best Carrot Cake because it’s a recipe we’ve perfected over the years.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Low and slow is our favorite way to cook greens in the South. And while our recipe does take a few hours to simmer to perfection, it does not require a ton of hands-on time to prepare.
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen. Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Of course macaroni and cheese topped your list of favorites. Our Test Kitchen has developed many variations over the years, but this classic, extra creamy and cheesy recipe won you over.