152 delicious holiday recipes from around the world
A savory and satisfying baked pudding made from grated potatoes, onions, and eggs, seasoned generously and baked until golden brown and crispy. This is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish popular in Israel.
Crispy, thin Mexican fritters made from fried dough, generously coated in a warm, spiced piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) syrup. A beloved Christmas tradition, these buñuelos are known for their delicate crunch and sweet, aromatic flavor.
Pasca is a traditional Moldovan sweet bread, typically prepared for Easter celebrations. It features a rich, brioche-like dough often enriched with eggs and butter, encasing a sweet, creamy filling made from fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar. Sometimes raisins or candied fruits are added to the filling. The bread is often shaped into a round loaf with a braided ring on top, symbolizing the crown of thorns or the sun.
A hearty and traditional Latvian national dish, Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi consists of tender grey peas combined with crispy smoked bacon and softened onions. It's a comforting and savory meal, often associated with colder months and holiday celebrations.
A rich and flavorful strudel with a sweet walnut filling, encased in a tender, slightly yeasted dough. This is a festive pastry often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.
Maamoul are traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookies, often made with semolina flour, filled with spiced date paste, and sometimes shaped using decorative molds. These cookies are a staple during religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, symbolizing celebration and hospitality.
A rich, moist, and intensely flavored cake, a staple at celebrations and holidays in Trinidad and Tobago, generously infused with local rum and dried fruits.
Pom Pom Brood is a sweet, spiced bread often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions in Suriname. It's characterized by its soft, slightly dense texture and aromatic spices.
Gevulde speculaas is a traditional Dutch spice cookie filled with a sweet almond paste. The cookie dough is typically flavored with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, and is often decorated with blanched almonds. It's a popular treat, especially during the Sinterklaas and Christmas seasons.
Pasca is a traditional Romanian Easter bread, characterized by its rich, sweet dough and a creamy, cheesecake-like filling. It's often braided or decorated with a cross on top, symbolizing Easter.
A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry, often made for holidays and special occasions. This version features a rich walnut filling, but variations with tarragon, poppy seeds, or cottage cheese are also common. The dough is a sweet yeast dough, similar to brioche.
Decorative sugar skulls, a traditional edible folk art centerpiece for Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) altars. These are primarily for decoration but can be eaten.
Tespishte is a traditional Kosovar dessert pastry, characterized by its simple preparation and sweet, syrupy finish. It's made from a dough of flour, eggs, and leavening, often enriched with nuts or seeds, then baked and soaked in a lemon-vanilla flavored sugar syrup. It's a popular treat for special occasions and holidays.
Nacatamales are a traditional Nicaraguan dish, a type of tamale made with a corn masa dough filled with seasoned pork or chicken, vegetables, and prunes, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. They are a staple for special occasions and holidays.
Nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet date and walnut filling, encased in a tender, buttery dough. These cookies are a beloved treat, often enjoyed during holidays like Purim and Tu B'Shevat.
Authentic Greek baklava featuring delicate layers of buttered phyllo dough generously filled with a fragrant walnut and spice mixture, all bathed in a sweet honey-lemon syrup. A truly decadent dessert.
A traditional Bolivian roasted suckling pig, marinated and slow-cooked to achieve incredibly tender and flavorful meat with crispy skin. It's a celebratory dish often prepared for special occasions and holidays.
A traditional Venezuelan sweet treat of green figs gently simmered in a spiced sugar syrup until tender and translucent. Perfect for holiday celebrations or served with cheese.
Puerto Rican pasteles are a cherished Christmas tradition, resembling tamales. They feature a savory filling of seasoned pork encased in a flavorful dough made from green bananas and yautía, all meticulously wrapped in banana leaves.
Krumkake are thin, crisp, cone-shaped Norwegian cookies, traditionally made in a special iron. They are often filled with a whipped cream, often flavored with cloudberries, a tart, golden berry native to Norway.
A slightly sweet, enriched egg bread, challah is a staple in Israeli homes, especially for Shabbat and holidays. This recipe yields a soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy loaf, perfect for tearing and sharing.
A vibrant and colorful layered salad, Rosolli is a traditional Finnish dish often served during holidays. This version includes pickled herring for a briny, savory element, layered with cooked root vegetables and a creamy dill dressing.
Insalata Russa, or Italian Russian Salad, is a beloved party staple featuring finely diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles suspended in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying cold salad perfect for gatherings and holidays.
A vibrant and colorful Finnish beetroot salad, often served during holidays and special occasions. It typically includes boiled root vegetables, pickles, and a creamy dressing.
