31 Delicious Things You Should Eat In December

Introduction

December offers an abundance of flavor, comfort, and celebration. As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to indulge in cozy classics and festive favorites. Whether you’re looking for crowd-pleasing holiday treats, hearty mains to warm chilly nights, or vibrant sides to brighten your table, this curated list of 31 Delicious Things You Should Eat In December ensures every meal is memorable. Take the guesswork out of “what’s for dinner (or dessert)?” and let these irresistible options inspire your December menu.

Why December Is the Month for Bold and Comforting Eats

As days grow shorter and gatherings grow merrier, December beckons you to celebrate flavor—rich roasts, decadent desserts, spicy casseroles, and fresh winter produce come together to create meals everyone will love. Seasonal ingredients like cranberries, squash, Brussels sprouts, and citrus shine brightest in December, while beloved traditions like gingerbread, latkes, and prime rib bring comfort and nostalgia to your table.

The Ultimate December Recipe List – 31 Must-Try Dishes

1. Roast Prime Rib
2. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
3. Classic Latkes
4. Peppermint Bark
5. Creamy Potato Gratin
6. Chestnut Stuffing
7. Mulled Wine
8. Gingerbread Cookies
9. Beef Bourguignon
10. Butternut Squash Soup
11. Eggnog French Toast
12. Pecan Pie
13. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
14. Roasted Root Vegetables
15. Spiced Hot Chocolate
16. Sugared Cranberries
17. Shrimp Cocktail
18. Stuffed Acorn Squash
19. Festive Cheese Board
20. Citrus Salad
21. Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
22. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
23. Sweet Potato Casserole
24. Holiday Sugar Cookies
25. Panettone French Toast Bake
26. Caramelized Onion Dip
27. Seared Scallops
28. Spaghetti with Clams
29. Cranberry-Orange Scones
30. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
31. Classic Chicken Pot Pie

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this seasonal list or individual recipes on CookifyAI to instantly generate an organized shopping list, sorted by store section—making your December grocery trips quick and efficient!

Instructions: How to Plan and Enjoy All 31 December Dishes

1. Mix and Match: Pick recipes from the list to suit festive occasions, weeknight dinners, brunches, or cozy treats.
2. Batch Cooking: Prepare casseroles, stews, or baked goods in advance so you’re always ready for unexpected guests and busy days.
3. Seasonal Shopping: Visit farmers markets and grocery stores for the freshest winter produce and ingredients.
4. Smart Storage: Store soups, doughs, and sides in the fridge/freezer for easy reheating throughout the month.
5. Celebrate Traditions: Plan one or two classic dishes each week—like latkes for Hanukkah or Yule log for Christmas—to make the season special.
6. Healthy Balance: Mix decadent treats with plenty of fresh, citrusy salads and roasted veggies for a well-rounded December menu.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve festive main courses—like roast prime rib or beef bourguignon—with a table full of vibrant sides.
– Create a holiday brunch spread with French toast bakes, scones, and fruit salads.
– Don’t forget dessert—offer variety with cookies, puddings, and pies for every sweet tooth.
– Make gatherings interactive by inviting guests to decorate cookies or build their own cheese and charcuterie boards.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

With such a broad selection, nutrition varies. Many recipes can be tailored lighter or richer based on your needs. A typical festive meal includes hearty mains (400–600 calories), veggie sides (70–200 calories each), and desserts (200–400 calories per serving). Balance special occasion splurges with lighter options like roasted veggies and fresh salads.

31 Delicious Things You Should Eat In December (Recap)

These 31 irresistible dishes capture the very best of December—a month full of celebration and comfort. Layer in family traditions, bold flavors, and seasonal goodness for a month brimming with delicious moments.

Weekly Meal Planning

This curated collection is tailor-made for weekly meal planning! Save and schedule your December recipes on CookifyAI to create a seamless plan:

• Consolidate overlapping ingredients and avoid duplicate purchases.
• Organize your shopping list by store section—produce, dairy, bakery, and more.
• Easily adjust serving sizes and ingredient amounts for holiday crowds.
• Prevent forgotten ingredients and pantry waste for stress-free feasting.

Pro tip: When scheduling multiple festive meals, see at-a-glance ingredient totals to make your shopping even more efficient!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep and cook times vary by dish—for this month-long celebration, expect:
– Quick bites and sides: 15–40 minutes
– Mains and roasts: 45–120 minutes
– Baked goods and desserts: 30–90 minutes
Plan ahead to enjoy every delicious moment throughout the month!