Let’s revive those vintage Christmas dishes of the past. We’re going way back to the days when holiday recipes such as beef Wellington, buche de noel, fruit cake, and crown roasts were the dishes that filled holiday menus. Prepare yourself for strong feelings of nostalgia and a growling stomach. Try one of these twists on the classics for Christmas dinner this year!
Fruitcake Bars
Brie Passano
If candied fruit, brown sugar, and cinnamon don’t entice you, the aroma of thisholiday bread baking most definitely will! The red candied fruits make this one of our most color-coordinated vintage Christmas recipes.
Individual Beef Wellington
Carson Downing
This 5-star review says it all, “We made this for Christmas Eve last year and loved it! It is on the menu for this coming Christmas and we hope to make it a tradition every year.” To start your own Christmas dinner tradition, wrap beef tenderloin, mushrooms, and cheese in puff pastry and bake until golden brown.
Golden Chiffon Cake
Blaine Moats
The original version of chiffon cake came out in the 1940s and this lemony version was a big hit for Better Homes & Gardens during the 1960s and 70s. The retro cake feels perfect for Christmas with a generous sprinkling of coconut.
Mocha Buche de Noel
Andy Lyons
Bûche de Noël is a classic Christmas dessert that’s made to resemble a yule log. The dessert was first made in France in the 19th century and for many, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a chocolate Bûche de Noël. Don’t be intimidated by the rolled cake—we’ll walk you through exactly how to make your own at home.
Huckleberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Brie Passano
It’s not the holidays without sheet pan upon sheet pan of cookies. Thumbprint cookies are a classic for a reason. While you can fill them with anything from chocolate to frosting, we like to use red and green jam for Christmas.
Homemade Eggnog
Jason Donnelly. Food Styling: Holly Dreesman
Nothing says Christmas celebration like a glass of boozy eggnog. We’ve spiked our homemade recipe with rum and bourbon. This big-batch recipe makes 10 glasses, so you’ll have plenty for all your holiday guests.
Stuffed Spiral Ham
Jacob Fox
A spiral ham in the center of the table is a nod to Christmases past. Modernize the dish with thinly sliced apples, garlic, and rosemary. Just before serving, drizzle the ham with a homemade honey-mustard glaze.
Spinach-Artichoke Cheese Ball
Blaine Moats
Two classics collide in this easy Christmas appetizer recipe. Blend four kinds of cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts and shape into a ball. Roll in a mix of sliced almonds and Parmesan cheese.
Holiday Wassil
Andy Lyons
It wouldn’t be a retro Christmas party without a big bowl of punch. Ladle this apple-citrus punch into glasses and garnish with a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Beef Tenderloin with Parmesan-Herb Stuffing
Andy Lyons
One reviewer called this retro holiday recipe, “A new Christmas favorite for sure!” A homemade mushroom stuffing is the start of this impressive main dish. Use it to fill a center-cut beef tenderloin roast. Once roasted, make a homemade pan sauce using the drippings.
Waldorf Salad Lettuce Wraps
Andy Lyons
The first Waldorf salad was served in 1896 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The original recipe called for diced apples, celery, and mayonnaise. We’ve given the classic a paleo-friendly upgrade with cauliflower, red grapes, and toasted walnuts.
Chantilly Potatoes
Jacob Fox
The secret to airy Chantilly potatoes? Adding whipped cream to buttery Yukon gold potatoes. The finished dish is equal parts decadent and airy, with the perfect smooth texture.
Pineapple Casserole
Jake Sternquist
Pineapple casserole is a vintage side dish with an usual combination of flavors. Mix together crushed pineapple and shredded cheddar cheese before topping the dish with a buttery Ritz cracker mixture.
Ham Balls
Carson Downing
If you’re looking for a retro holiday appetizer, try ham balls. They’re a sweet and savory bite that’s coated with a brown sugar glaze. Make them up to a day before you plan to serve for easy entertaining.
Million Dollar Dip
Jake Sternquist
This million dollar dip was created in the 1950s and it’s been a fan favorite ever since. It’s made with cream cheese, bacon, shredded cheese, and almonds. A sprinkle of green onions is the perfect finishing touch.
Candied Yams
Squire Fox
Candied yams will always remind us of Thanksgiving dinners at grandma’s house. Here, a bit of orange infuses the entire dish with sweet citrus flavor. As one reviewer raves, “I’ve been making this recipe for several years now. My extended family looks forward to this dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Even non-sweet potato fans love it. They are the best sweet potatoes in my book.”
Roasted Dates with Bacon
When you roast dates in the oven, they become sweet and caramelized. Wrapping them with bacon adds the perfect amount of savory flavor to balance the vintage party recipe.