23 festive feasts that go beyond traditional Turkey

Photo of author

| Published:

Thinking about shaking things up for your festive feast this year? How about skipping the usual turkey and trying something different? Here are 23 amazing recipes that are perfect for the holidays, and they’re not your typical fare. These dishes are easy to make and are a great way to impress your friends and family with something new. Trust me, your holiday table will be anything but boring!

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Instant Pot Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You know, making Char Siu in an Instant Pot is a game changer for festive feasts. It’s not your typical turkey, but the blend of sweet and savory flavors in tender pork is just irresistible. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Char Siu

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A plate of sticky toffee pudding cakes with caramel sauce.
Sticky Toffee Pudding. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Forget the usual pies; Sticky Toffee Pudding is where it’s at! It’s this gorgeous, moist sponge cake drenched in a rich toffee sauce. Every bite feels like a warm holiday hug. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re gathered around the table.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Potatoes au Gratin

Overhead shot of potatoes au gratin cooked in an oval baking dish.
Potatoes au Gratin. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Potatoes au Gratin offers a rich and comforting alternative to the usual holiday sides. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with creamy cheese and baked to a golden perfection, creating a dish that complements any festive main course. This recipe brings a touch of elegance to the holiday table, balancing tradition with a gourmet twist.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

Dulce de Leche Cookies

Overhead shot of dulce de leche cookies.
Dulce de Leche Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Oh, these Dulce de Leche Cookies are a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re a delightful break from traditional holiday treats. Each cookie is packed with that creamy, caramelized goodness. It’s like a little bite of festive joy!
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Cookies

Instant Pot Duck Confit

Overhead shot of a confit duck leg with orange sauce and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Duck Confit. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Duck Confit in an Instant Pot might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. It’s a luxurious twist on your holiday meal, with meat so tender and flavorful, it’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Kolacky

Several poppy seed filled kolacky on a white plate with red and gold ribbons in the background.
Kolacky. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kolacky are these delightful pastries that add a touch of tradition to your festive spread. They come with different fillings – fruit, cheese, you name it. It’s like a sweet nod to heritage at your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Kolacky

Instant Pot Shrimp

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley.
Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who says seafood can’t be festive? This Instant Pot Shrimp dish is a fabulous way to diversify your holiday menu. It’s incredibly versatile – great as an appetizer or a main dish. Plus, it’s so quick to make!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked salmon dip in a bowl with crackers and veggies for dipping.
Smoked Salmon Dip. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Smoked Salmon Dip is a total crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoked salmon’s richness with a creamy texture makes for an elegant starter. It’s ridiculously easy to make but looks so sophisticated on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Hamentashen

Hamentashen cookies piled on a white plate with more cookies on a rack in the background. There is jar of jam with a spoon in it in the background too.
Hamentashen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hamentashen are these unique, triangular pastries, usually enjoyed during Purim, but why not bring them to your festive feast? They offer a delightful variety of fillings and are sure to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Hamentashen

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a more casual holiday gathering, these Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites are fantastic. They’re just like the full-sized poppers, but in a fun, bite-sized form. Easy to make and even easier to eat!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

An Apple Galette is this wonderfully rustic yet elegant dessert. It’s less fussy than a traditional apple pie, but trust me, it’s just as delicious. It brings a cozy, homemade feel to your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Low-angled shot of a honey cookie broken in half with stacks of honey cookies and a glass of milk in the background.
Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking for something not too sweet, these Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon are just the ticket. They have this lovely subtle sweetness with a hint of citrus and spice. They’re like little bites of holiday comfort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On a cold evening, there’s nothing like a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup made in the Instant Pot. It’s got all the flavors of the stuffed peppers you love, but in a comforting, sippable form. A great way to warm up your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Green Bean Salad

Low angle shot of green bean salad with fried onions and dry ricotta on a white plate.
Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

To balance out the rich holiday dishes, this Green Bean Salad is a fresh, vibrant choice. It’s a healthy addition, adding some much-needed greens to your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with whipped cream stars on top.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are adorable! Each one is a perfect, individual dessert with that seasonal pumpkin flavor in a creamy, decadent cheesecake. They’re great for when you want just a little something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking to switch up the traditional turkey, why not try a ham in the Instant Pot? It comes out juicy and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic centerpiece for your festive feast and so effortless to make.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Black Sesame Cookies

Black sesame cookies on a baking sheet with a spoonful of black sesame seeds.
Black Sesame Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For something a little different, these Black Sesame Cookies are a sophisticated treat. They have a unique, nutty flavor that’s just so intriguing. They’ll definitely stand out on your holiday cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Black Sesame Cookies

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Overhead shot of this apple bundt cake on a cake stand with apples in the background.
Apple Cider Donut Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Imagine all the flavors of an apple cider donut but in a cake! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s got that familiar taste but presented in a fun, novel way. Definitely a highlight at any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Homemade cranberry sauce in the Instant Pot is a revelation. It’s so simple to make, yet the flavor is just leagues above any canned version. It’s a small touch that can really elevate your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Masshed potato casserole in a baking dish with a cracker crumb topping.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest. It takes the beloved mashed potatoes and adds a delicious cheesy twist. It’s the kind of indulgent side dish everyone looks forward to at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

Low angle shot of oatmeal cookies on a white plate.
Quaker Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You can’t go wrong with classic Quaker Oatmeal Cookies. They’re a simple, wholesome option that’s always a hit. Perfect for any festive occasion where you want a tried-and-true favorite.
Get the Recipe: Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie

Overhead shot of a phyllo pie cooked in a bundt pan.
Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie is a showstopper. The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the crisp phyllo. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that’s as delicious as it is elegant.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.