We all have an idea of what the holidays taste like. From pumpkin and peppermint to cranberries, turkey, and stuffing, those familiar flavors bring us together in celebration.
But no one wants their holiday treats and dishes to be boring! It's no fun hearing that your meal tasted just like so-and-so’s, delicious though it may be. You want to wow your guests while creating the holiday feeling—and taste—they crave. The solution? Adding surprising flavor twists to your holiday favorites.
SPICE UP YOUR CHOCOLATE
Almost everyone loves chocolate, and it fits in with the holidays in so many ways: fudge, cookies, beverages, candies, and more. But if you really want it to shine, add a little heat!
For a surprising kick, add chili powder to your favorite recipes, from hot chocolate to brownies. You want to add just enough to spark people's curiosity without making their eyes water! In these Chili Chocolate Truffles, the creamy sweetness is complemented by the smoky spice of chipotle chili powder. Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles take a similar approach with the classic cookie. Try these easy holiday recipes or add a little spice to one of your own chocolate favorites.
MIX UP YOUR PUMPKIN
The gourd has been everywhere since September! Instead of the traditional pie, bread, or latte, try mixing pumpkin into tried-and-true recipes for a fun and festive take.
- With marshmallows, chocolate, cinnamon graham crackers, and leftover pie, you've got Pumpkin Pie Broiler S'mores.
- Wrap pumpkin and coconut in a Marie Callender's® pie crust for Coconut and Pumpkin Empanadas.
- Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal Casserole uses leftover pie to make a heartwarming breakfast.
- Add pumpkin to a classic vegetable stew or curry (either cut in chunks or blended into the base).
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheddar Pumpkin Grilled Cheese Sandwiches adds some fall flavor to the ultimate comfort food.
- Use chunks of pumpkin or butternut squash in place of sweet potatoes in your favorite easy holiday recipes.
SWAP IN NEW SIDES
OK, the green bean casserole isn't going anywhere, but how about adding Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Bacon to your table? Prep is easy with Birds Eye® Brussels sprouts and Wish-Bone® Italian dressing—this savory dish is ready in 25 minutes!
BRING THE HOLIDAY MAGIC TO BREAKFAST
Bring the eggnog to brunch! It's not just for sipping—Stuffed Eggnog French Toast combines the cozy beverage with a breakfast favorite. It's as simple as adding eggnog to the batter, then spreading a cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread before you cook it. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can always sub in Udi’s® delicious soft white sandwich bread for the French bread.
SHAKE UP YOUR SNACKS
People love to nibble, and a Pretzel Party Mix is a classic nibble-worthy treat. Simply douse crispy corn cereal, pretzels, and nuts in butter, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic salt, and more for a fun party snack that will keep their taste buds guessing.
NO COOKING REQUIRED
Gluten-free Udi's lemon streusel muffins make breakfast a breeze—freeing you to focus on preparing for later, chatting with family, or enjoying a tasty breakfast treat yourself. For a truly decadent morning (or a last-minute dessert!) top the muffins with a dollop of Reddi-wip® Extra Creamy.
If you open a bag of popcorn to share, everyone is expecting it to be caramel corn at this time of year. Give them what they want, only better, with Orville Redenbacher's® Poppycock® (in original, cashew, or pecan) or Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP® salted caramel popcorn, buttery caramel popcorn, or caramel & cheddar popcorn. Spare yourself from the sticky caramel cooking mess in the kitchen and enjoy more time together.
You don't have to be a trained chef to create unique and easy holiday dishes to delight your guests this holiday season. With a few simple flavor twists, you can breathe new life into traditional holiday foods and drinks.
