Best Holiday Recipes
When it comes to holiday feasts, there’s nothing like gathering around a fire and smelling the delicious smoke rolling off a perfectly cooked piece of meat. From spooky Halloween bites to massive Christmas roasts – before the New Year rolls in – this round-up of holiday recipes will leave your guests impressed and beyond satisfied. I’ve collected up some of my favorite festive recipes by holiday for all your upcoming special occasions. Whether you’re grilling steak tacos for Halloween or slow-smoking a bison tenderloin for Christmas, I’ve got something here for everyone. So, let’s dive into the best recipes for the holiday cooking season, fire up those grills, and start cooking with bold flavors, rustic techniques, and maybe a little whiskey. Table of Contents Tips for Sourcing Holiday MeatsFavorite Recipes Roundup for the HolidaysHalloween RecipesThanksgiving Turkey RecipesChristmas RecipesBeef Holiday RecipesBison Holiday RecipesPork Recipes for the HolidaysChristmas Lamb RecipesShowstopper Poultry RecipesFestive Salmon RecipesWhat to Serve with Holiday Meats? Best Homemade Cranberry SauceWoods by MeatInternal Temperatures by ProteinFlavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire Tips for Sourcing Holiday Meats Favorite Recipes Roundup for the Holidays Halloween Recipes Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes Christmas Recipes Beef Holiday RecipesBison Holiday RecipesPork Recipes for the HolidaysChristmas Lamb RecipesShowstopper Poultry RecipesFestive Salmon Recipes Beef Holiday Recipes Bison Holiday Recipes Pork Recipes for the Holidays Christmas Lamb Recipes Showstopper Poultry Recipes Festive Salmon Recipes What to Serve with Holiday Meats? Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Woods by Meat Internal Temperatures by Protein Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire Tips for Sourcing Holiday Meats When you’re planning your holiday menu, down to the details of setting your holiday table, make sure you invest in the best meats possible for your feast. The quality of the meat will make all the difference in flavor, texture, and the overall dining experience. Here are a few tips for sourcing the perfect meats for your holiday recipes: Shop Local: For your holiday recipes, support local farms or butchers whenever possible. They often offer high-quality, pasture-raised meats that are fresher and more sustainably sourced than mass-produced options. Look for Grass-Fed and Organic Options: Grass-fed beef tends to have a more intense flavor profile and is leaner, making it a perfect choice for your holiday dishes. Know Your Butcher: Build a relationship with your local butcher. They can guide you in choosing the best cuts for holiday feasts. A good butcher can recommend the best meat for your cooking method, whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting. Plan for Special Cuts in Advance: Specialty meats like leg of lamb or prime rib are in high demand during the holiday season, so placing your order early is wise. This ensures you get what you need and avoids last-minute hiccups. Shop Local: For your holiday recipes, support local farms or butchers whenever possible. They often offer high-quality, pasture-raised meats that are fresher and more sustainably sourced than mass-produced options. Look for Grass-Fed and Organic Options: Grass-fed beef tends to have a more intense flavor profile and is leaner, making it a perfect choice for your holiday dishes. Know Your Butcher: Build a relationship with your local butcher. They can guide you in choosing the best cuts for holiday feasts. A good butcher can recommend the best meat for your cooking method, whether you’re grilling, smoking, or roasting. Plan for Special Cuts in Advance: Specialty meats like leg of lamb or prime rib are in high demand during the holiday season, so placing your order early is wise. This ensures you get what you need and avoids last-minute hiccups. Investing in high-quality meats and sourcing them carefully will level up every dish on your holiday menu. Favorite Recipes Roundup for the Holidays Whether you’re preparing for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, these holiday recipes will help you bring bold, smoky flavors to your table. From spooky smoked bat wings to perfectly seasoned prime rib, there’s a recipe here for every holiday gathering. Embrace the fire, grab a drink, and get ready to make this holiday season your tastiest one yet! Halloween Recipes Who says Halloween is all about candy? Sure, sugar’s great, but let’s get spooky with a few savory, smoky dishes that will add a fiery flavor to your Halloween gathering. Smoked Bat Wings These blackened wings are seasoned with a charcoal-based rub, smoked low and slow, and served with a spooky ranch sauce. View Recipe Grilled Steak Vampiro Tacos Charred steak cooked directly over coals and served in tortillas with smoky chipotle, fresh salsa, and queso . View Recipe Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving is all about the bird, and this lineup of recipes proves that turkey can be anything but boring. From traditional smoked turkeys to fried delicacies, we’ve got all your bases covered. Before you dive in, make sure to read up on The Benefits of Brining. Spatchcock Turkey A juicy spatchcocked turkey infused with bourbon, maple, and butter, cooked over smoke for a perfectly even and flavorful Thanksgiving centerpiece. View Recipe Smoke Fried Turkey This recipe blends smoky richness with a deep-fried finish, delivering a crispy, tender turkey with bold Cajun flavors. View Recipe Honey BBQ Grilled Spatchcock Turkey A sweet and smoky spatchcock turkey slathered in honey BBQ sauce, cooked over indirect heat for crispy skin and moist meat. View Recipe Smoked Turkey Legs Smoky, savory turkey legs seasoned with a BBQ rub and slow-cooked to tender perfection. View Recipe Smoked Peppercorn Turkey Breast A simple, flavorful alternative to a whole turkey, this smoked turkey breast is coated in peppercorn seasoning and smoked until juicy. View Recipe Honey Fire Rotisserie Turkey Legs Juicy turkey legs slowly roasted on a rotisserie with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. View Recipe BBQ Turkey Legs These turkey legs are generously rubbed with BBQ seasoning and smoked for a rich, smoky flavor perfect for any gathering . View Recipe Thanksgiving Turkey Leg Poppers Tender turkey leg meat mixed with mashed potatoes, peas, and mac & cheese, breaded, fried, and served with gravy for a fun holiday twist. View Recipe Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into spicy empanadas filled with shredded turkey and a zesty chipotle sauce. View Recipe Beer Brined Turkey Legs With these beer brined turkey legs, you can enjoy a freakin' delicious juicy turkey dinner — BBQ style — without having to cook a whole bird. View Recipe Christmas Recipes Christmas calls for grand feasts – and nothing says “holiday” quite like a massive roast. From prime rib to bison tenderloin or roasted salmon, these holiday recipes will warm your soul and give your friends and family lasting memories. Beef Holiday Recipes Herb Crusted Prime Rib This prime rib is coated with fresh herbs and garlic, slow-cooked to perfection on the smoker, and served with a rich red wine sauce. View Recipe Stuffed Prime Rib Packed with a savory stuffing of mushrooms, spinach, and cheese, this prime rib roast offers a flavorful twist on a holiday classic. View Recipe Deep Fried Prime Rib This prime rib roast is first smoked, then deep-fried for a crispy crust and juicy, tender center. View Recipe Dry Aged Prime Rib Roast A deeply flavorful roast that’s dry-aged to concentrate its rich beefy taste, perfect for special occasions. View Recipe New York Strip Roast A simpler but still indulgent roast, the New York Strip features tender beef seasoned and cooked to medium-rare perfection. View Recipe Bison Holiday Recipes Herb Crusted Bison Tenderloin A lean, flavorful alternative to beef, this bison tenderloin is coated in herbs and smoked until tender. View Recipe Bison Tenderloin with Cognac Cream Sauce This tenderloin is elevated with a rich, creamy cognac sauce, perfect for a decadent holiday meal. View Recipe Bison Ribeye and Lobster Tails This Surf and Turf recipe features a bone in bison ribeye that is so freakin' delicious! View Recipe Charred Bison Ribeye This hearty and gamey meat is perfect for those that love the taste of beef without the fat. View Recipe Pork Recipes for the Holidays Pork Crown Roast This visually stunning roast is full of juicy pork flavor, herb-rubbed, and roasted until golden brown. View Recipe Bacon Wrapped Honey Cajun Pork Tenderloin Spicy and sweet, this pork tenderloin is wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a honey Cajun sauce. View Recipe Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Juicy pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon and smoked for a crispy, flavorful bite. View Recipe Cherry Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Ham Sweet, spicy, and tangy, this ham is glazed with a cherry-chipotle-pineapple sauce and double smoked for extra flavor. View Recipe Double Smoked Spiral Ham A classic holiday ham, smoked twice to infuse it with deep, rich flavor. View Recipe Christmas Lamb Recipes Crown Roast of Lamb This show-stopping lamb roast is seasoned with herbs and roasted until tender and golden. View Recipe Lamb Crown Roast A more elegant version of lamb, this crown roast is perfect for impressing guests at holiday dinners. View Recipe Rotisserie Leg of Lamb Juicy leg of lamb slowly cooked on a rotisserie for even heat and a flavorful crust . View Recipe Smoked Leg of Lamb This leg of lamb is smoked low and slow for a rich, tender result. View Recipe Showstopper Poultry Recipes Herb Encrusted Cornish Hens Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these Cornish hens are encrusted with herbs and smoked to juicy perfection . View Recipe Holiday Rotisserie Goose Recipe A unique and flavorful holiday dish, this goose is roasted on a rotisserie for crispy skin and tender meat . View Recipe Tequila Lime Rotisserie Chicken If you love tequila, you'll love the caramelized crust and juicy chicken flavor of this epic recipe. View Recipe Festive Salmon Recipes Roasted Salmon with Horseradish Sauce This Roasted Salmon recipe with a creamy horseradish sauce is an easy dinner done in no time so you can spend more time with your guests. View Recipe Crab Stuffed Salmon Get ready for the best Sockeye Salmon stuffed with real lump crab meat and covered in a Sriracha Rye Glaze. View Recipe What to Serve with Holiday Meats? When it comes to what to serve with your holiday recipes and meats, the side dishes are just as important as the main attraction. Pair your meats with some classic Potatoes au Gratin—rich, creamy, and baked to golden perfection. Or, if you’re craving something a bit more traditional, try potatoes with sour cream. The cream offers a cool, tangy contrast to the smoky flavors. And for a sweet and tart element, you can’t go wrong with cranberry sauce, perfect alongside any meat, not just turkey. Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce This is a unique and flavorful cranberry sauce to complement your holiday recipes. To make, boil some fresh cranberries with a cup of tart cherry juice instead of water. Add a splash of pineapple juice. Stir in about 3/4 cup of brown sugar to balance the tartness, adding more if needed. Optionally, to finish off the sauce, add a few pinches of cardamom to give the sauce a warm, spiced depth. Simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, then let it cool before storing it in a jar or serving. Perfect for pairing with holiday meats or as a tangy-sweet side! And when you’re planning your Christmas feast, don’t forget your homemade Christmas desserts. Christmas cookies and decadent options like Bread Pudding or Wine Cake will always hit that sweet spot, rounding out the meal with festive, sugary goodness. Woods by Meat When selecting hardwood for smoking or grilling different types of meat, it’s crucial to match the wood’s intensity with the meat’s richness to get the best flavor. Here’s a breakdown of my recommendations: Beef: Oak and hickory are ideal for beef, as their bold, robust smoke complements the meat’s richness. Mesquite works well for a more intense flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the beef. Pork: Apple, cherry, and maple are excellent choices for pork, offering a sweet and mild smoke that enhances the natural sweetness of the meat. Hickory also pairs well for a more robust, more classic BBQ flavor. Poultry: Apple and pecan are fantastic for poultry, providing a sweet, nutty flavor without overwhelming the delicate meat. Alder and maple are also good choices for a milder smoke. Lamb: Oak and cherry balance well with the gamey flavor of lamb, adding a touch of fruitiness and earthiness. Hickory can also work but should be used with care. Beef: Oak and hickory are ideal for beef, as their bold, robust smoke complements the meat’s richness. Mesquite works well for a more intense flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the beef. Pork: Apple, cherry, and maple are excellent choices for pork, offering a sweet and mild smoke that enhances the natural sweetness of the meat. Hickory also pairs well for a more robust, more classic BBQ flavor. Poultry: Apple and pecan are fantastic for poultry, providing a sweet, nutty flavor without overwhelming the delicate meat. Alder and maple are also good choices for a milder smoke. Lamb: Oak and cherry balance well with the gamey flavor of lamb, adding a touch of fruitiness and earthiness. Hickory can also work but should be used with care. Internal Temperatures by Protein As a reminder to always bring your meats up to a safe temperature, here’s a breakdown of the ideal internal temperatures for various meats in degrees F. If you have not done so yet, make sure to invest in a good digital meat thermometer. ​Steaks and Roasts: Cook medium-rare to 130F, medium to 140F, and well-done to 160F. Pork Chops, Roasts, and Tenderloin: Cook to 145F, then let it rest for three minutes. Whole Chicken and Turkey: Cook to 165F for breasts, thighs, and wings. Lamb Chops and Roasts: Cook to 135F for medium-rare or 145F for medium. Salmon: Cook to an internal temperature of 125F for medium-rare or up to 145F for a firmer, fully cooked texture. ​Steaks and Roasts: Cook medium-rare to 130F, medium to 140F, and well-done to 160F. Pork Chops, Roasts, and Tenderloin: Cook to 145F, then let it rest for three minutes. Whole Chicken and Turkey: Cook to 165F for breasts, thighs, and wings. Lamb Chops and Roasts: Cook to 135F for medium-rare or 145F for medium. Salmon: Cook to an internal temperature of 125F for medium-rare or up to 145F for a firmer, fully cooked texture. Remember, the key to a truly unforgettable feast starts with high-quality ingredients, a touch of creativity, and a dash of holiday spirit. From locally sourced meats to the right wood for smoking, every detail contributes to making your holiday spread stand out. So, embrace the warmth of the fire, experiment with your favorite flavors, and enjoy the season’s best meals with the ones who matter most. Here’s to making this holiday season not just freakin’ delicious but truly extraordinary! Cheers! Get The Cookbooks! Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire By Derek Wolf All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture. Categorized as:Beef Recipes, Campfire Cooking Recipes, Cast Iron Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Fire Pit Recipes, Fish & Seafood Recipes, Grill Recipes, Lamb Recipes, Pork Recipes, Recipes By Course, Smoker Recipes, Turkey Recipes Derek Wolf Derek is the driving force behind Over the Fire Cooking. He started cooking with live fire in 2016 and decided to start a social media page so his friends and family could follow the journey. Fast forward to today and Over the Fire Cooking has spread across multiple platforms with millions now following Derek's fire cooking journey. He's a southern fellow who enjoys everything from classic BBQ to Central and South American inspired dishes. Whatever he's cooking up, it's guaranteed to be so freakin' delicious!