What Recipes to Cook in December

Introduction

December is a month brimming with holiday festivities, winter coziness, and the perfect opportunity to explore rich, comforting recipes. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for make-ahead meals, or craving classic comfort foods, December offers countless ways to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Discover what recipes to cook in December to make the most of seasonal ingredients and create memorable meals for your friends and family.

Flavorful and Festive December Recipes

This season is synonymous with heartier dishes and festive bakes—from aromatic stews and creamy soups to show-stopping roasts and dazzling desserts. December recipes stand out because they make the most of seasonal produce like root vegetables, leafy greens, apples, citrus, and warming spices. Comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavors unite to make these recipes ideal for weeknight dinners or special celebrations.

Main Dishes: Winter Comfort in Every Bite

Choose main dishes that embrace the flavors and textures of winter. Think of succulent roasted chicken with herbs, hearty beef stew packed with potatoes and carrots, or a creamy mushroom risotto. Meatless mains also shine this time of year—try a lentil shepherd’s pie or a wild rice and roasted squash casserole, both warming and satisfying.

Sides and Starters: Seasonal Bounty

December sides are all about comfort. Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, cheesy mashed potatoes, and maple glazed root vegetables are always crowd-pleasers. Soups like butternut squash, creamy tomato, or French onion are the perfect way to start a meal or enjoy lunch in front of the fire.

Desserts: Celebrate with Sweet Finishes

For dessert, December leans toward indulgence. Classic gingerbread cookies, decadent chocolate yule logs, or spiced apple cobblers round out your holiday table. These treats also make thoughtful homemade gifts and are perfect for cookie exchanges or potlucks.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

While serving sizes and nutritional details vary across these recipes, you’ll typically find hearty mains provide about 350–500 calories per serving, while sides range from 100–300 calories, and festive desserts sit at about 200–400 calories per serving. Balance richer foods with plenty of vegetables and wholesome ingredients for a well-rounded table.

December Recipe Inspiration (Recap)

From festive appetizers to rich mains and dazzling desserts, December’s best recipes bring warmth, comfort, and cheer to every meal. Using seasonal produce, you can savor fresh flavors and hearty dishes ideal for sharing with loved ones.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes with CookifyAI to automatically generate a shopping list, organized by store section for easy, efficient grocery trips—making December meal planning a breeze.

Instructions

1. Main Course: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss chicken thighs, carrots, and squash with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a baking dish and roast for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
2. Side: Place Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
3. Dessert: Combine sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Arrange in a baking dish, cover with pie crust, and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Weekly Meal Planning

These December favorites are perfect for organizing your week’s meals. Save and schedule these recipes with CookifyAI to efficiently plan your meals, consolidate ingredient lists, and organize your shopping all season long.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for all selected meals
– Groups shopping lists by grocery aisle or store section
– Helps prevent duplicate purchases and missing ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep more streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: When you schedule multiple December recipes, CookifyAI highlights overlapping ingredients (like carrots or apples), ensuring you only buy what you need—saving money and cutting down on food waste. Try planning your week for a smoother holiday season!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (for main, sides, and dessert together)