Looking to bring a little nostalgia to the holiday table without feeling like you’ve stepped back in time? Retro recipes are making a comeback, but not without a fresh twist that’s sure to wow a new generation of food lovers. From pineapple ham with a bold balsamic honey glaze to a Mexican street corn casserole that’s just as vibrant as it is satisfying, these dishes bring the best of the past with flavors made for today. Think Hungarian paprikash reimagined with hearty chickpeas instead of chicken or classic rum balls infused with a tropical hint of coconut. These updates honor the originals but add a little something extra, so you can enjoy beloved traditions with a fresh, modern vibe. Enjoy!
Fresh Pineapple Ham with Balsamic Honey Glaze
Pineapple-glazed ham is a tried-and-true holiday meal that’s made its way onto many tables over the decades. This fresh take on the standby classic from The Endless Meal uses fresh pineapple that contrasts beautifully with the smoky ham. It’s covered in a decadent caramelized balsamic honey glaze that’s almost too good to be true!
Italian Christmas Cookies
Holiday cookies are a must this season and these Italian Christmas cookies from Lil’ Luna are the perfect addition to any cookie table. These are a bit of a twist on classic Italian cookies as they’re flavored with almond extract instead of vanilla or anise. The warm, nutty almond extract adds a layer of flavor you never knew you needed!
Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Spice cakes abound this time of year, but if you want to make yours memorable, try this incredible spice cake from Butternut Bakery. It’s moist and spicy and coated in a beautiful brown butter cream cheese frosting that will make your eyes water! This recipe calls for an additional unique spice – cardamom – that takes this cake to a whole new level!
Berry Cheesecake Salad (Ambrosia)
There are many ambrosia varieties this time of year and they’re all good! But this berry cheesecake salad from The Recipe Critic adds a fresh twist with fresh berries combined with cheesecake fluff. It’s sweet, creamy and delicious!
Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Instead of a straight corn casserole this year, try kicking it up a notch with this Mexican street corn casserole from Tastes of Lizzy T. It has cotija cheese and Jiffy cornbread mix, of course, as well as a lime blend that adds a powerful punch. It’s creamy and rich with a little bit of spiciness – and the added lime makes it bright and scrumptious!
Hungarian Chickpea Paprikash
Hearty meals like traditional Hungarian chicken paprikash are common during the cooler months. For a modern twist on this classic dish, try this chickpea paprikash recipe from Munchmeals by Janet. This version is vegan and healthier than the traditional dish, but it’s just as hearty and just as easy to love!
Gingerbread Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
Those classic thumbprint cookies with a Hershey’s kiss in the middle get an upgrade with these gingerbread turtle thumbprint cookies from I Wash You Dry. This recipe is inspired by Pillsbury and boy, did they get it right! It’s pretty easy too with the use of premade Pillsbury gingerbread cookie dough as the base. The cookies are rolled in walnuts (or pecans), then filled with dulce de leche and drizzled with milk chocolate. Yum!
Creamsicle Orange Jell-O Salad
Remember those jiggly Jell-O molds from the 70s? Well … they’re back with an upgrade! This orange creamsicle Jell-O mold from Cupcakes and Kale Chips is just beautiful, fun and oh-so-good! Don’t be intimidated – this dessert is simple to make with just a few ingredients. Both kids and adults will love this one!
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, it’s a must on every holiday table. Why not try something a little outside the standard stuffing box this year and whip up this southern cornbread dressing from Spicy Southern Kitchen? It’s made with sage, onions, and celery, but you can customize it with any Southern delight you want, like pecans, sausage, crawfish or even oysters!
Mini Mincemeat Pies
Mincemeat pies are synonymous with the holidays and they’re sure to make their way onto many holiday tables this year. Give this classic pie a modern twist with a mini version from Easy Peasy Foodie. These mini miracles are easy to make, delicious and you can make them ahead of time as they freeze well. Dig in!
Pineapple Fluff Salad
Here’s another fruit salad that’s making a comeback. Earlier this year, pineapple fluff was trending on Tik Tok and it’s no surprise why! It’s sooooo good! We don’t have a new twist for this delightful dessert (because the original is just so darn good) but we couldn’t resist adding it to our nostalgic roundup. This creamy pineapple fluff salad is an easy, no-bake dessert made with whipped cream, pineapple, marshmallows, pudding, pecans and coconut. It’s a must for your holiday gatherings!
Rum Balls
Everyone loves a rum ball! This no-bake classic holiday dessert gets a tropical upgrade with the addition of coconut rum instead of traditional rum. These rum balls from Aubrey’s Kitchen are rich, delicious and the coconut transports you to a tropical island! Well, maybe not, but it’s fun to dream! These coconut rum balls are great to make as foodie gifts for your food-loving friends and family.
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