Welcome to our best holiday recipes for the season! From easy appetizers to vibrant green salads and decadent desserts, you’ll find a holiday menu filled with new classics and unexpected, delicious recipes that will wow everyone at the table. Let the feasting begin!
Here, I’ve gathered all my favorite holiday recipes that I’ve shared on Just One Cookbook over the years. The menu is filled with new classics and unique recipes that bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Whoever you’re celebrating with this year, my team and I raise a glass and toast to your most unforgettable holiday feast. We hope you’ll love what we’ve put together. Thank you for being here with us and for trying something new.
Nami’s Tips for Holiday Dinner Prep
Hosting a holiday dinner can be easy with a bit of planning. Here are my simple tips to help your celebration go smoothly.
- Plan your menu early. Choose a mix of make-ahead dishes and quick day-of recipes to keep things stress-free.
- Prep ingredients ahead. Chop veggies, measure ingredients, and make dressings or sauces 1–2 days before.
- Cook in stages. Prepare soups, braises, or sauces a day or two early so you’re not rushing everything at once.
- Set the table early. Lay out plates, utensils, and decorations the day before to save time.
- Share the workload. Ask guests to bring a dish or drink, and let family help with simple tasks.
Main Dishes
Roast Beef
This tender and juicy Roast Beef recipe, with its savory golden crust, makes an impressive holiday centerpiece. Serve it with a Japanese-style soy sauce and red wine gravy commonly enjoyed with roast beef in Japan. It‘s surprisingly easy to make!
Get Recipe
Japanese Pork Roast
This easy Japanese Pork Roast with caramelized vegetable gravy is juicy, moist, and oh-so tender. First seared in a cast iron pot with signature Japanese seasonings, it‘s then roasted in the oven to utter perfection. A beautiful centerpiece for your next dinner party!
Get Recipe
Honey Soy Glazed Spatchcock Chicken
For a smaller holiday gathering, this Honey-Soy Glazed Spatchcock Chicken makes a fabulous centerpiece. Learn how to make a perfectly juicy, savory, and crispy chicken that will impress everyone at the table.
Get Recipe
Smoked Miso Butter Turkey Breast
This is the easiest Smoked Turkey Breast recipe for a festive party or get together with friends! We smoke the meat over oak, cherry, and hickory, then finish it with a mouth-watering miso butter sauce for a Japanese flair. Your guests will love it!
Get Recipe
Salmon Potato Gratin
With Japanese salmon flakes and a golden crisp panko topping, this creamy Salmon Potato Gratin is the elevated version of a classic casserole. It‘s the ultimate comfort food that you can never resist! Perfect for Sunday dinners or a spot on your holiday table.
Get Recipe
Braised Herb Chicken with Shio Koji
We love this Braised Herb Chicken for the holiday table. Juicy chicken thighs are slowly simmered in a white wine and herb-infused sauce until tender, with plenty of rich, flavorful sauce to enjoy with crusty bread.
Get Recipe
Cioppino
Seafood stew is a refreshing change from the usual turkey and ham, especially if you’re hosting multiple holiday gatherings. Brimming with clams, mussels, crab, shrimp, squid, fish, and scallops in a rich tomato broth, it’s irresistible. Don’t forget extra toasty bread rolls for dipping!
Get Recipe
Pressure Cooker Oxtail Soup
This Oxtail Soup (Hong Kong Style Borscht) is simmered with oxtail, stew beef, onions, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage. Full of flavor, comforting, and a little unexpected, it brings a delicious surprise to the table.
Get Recipe
Kabocha Gratin
Tender chunks of sweet kabocha, savory mushrooms, and macaroni are coated in a creamy béchamel sauce, topped with panko breadcrumbs, and baked to a golden crisp. Think of it as a fancy Japanese-style mac and cheese that’s sure to steal the show.
Get Recipe
Appetizers, Snacks, and Drinks
Cheese Tart
These cheese tarts are filled with melted brie and sweet fruit preserves, an elegant addition to your holiday appetizer table. I love that you can make them a day ahead. When it’s time to serve, just pop them in the oven to warm and enjoy.
Get Recipe
Burrata and Ikura Crostini
I love starting my holiday spread with this Burrata Crostini with a Japanese twist. You get creamy burrata on toasted baguette, peppery arugula, savory red caviar, and a tiny pop of yuzu pepper. It may look fancy, but it’s simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress.
Get Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites
These easy yet impressive Cranberry Brie Bites will make a delicious addition to your party spread. Melted Brie cheese stuffed inside a crispy puff pastry shell and topped with cranberry sauce and candied pecans make the perfect salty-sweet appetizer.
Get Recipe
Furikake Chex Mix
Make this Hawaiian favorite—Furikake Chex Mix—for a holiday gift exchange, movie/game night, or potluck. It‘s such a fun, irresistible treat that will keep everyone snacking!
Get Recipe
Homemade Popcorn with Truffle Salt
A sprinkle of truffle salt takes this popcorn to the next level! It’s a perfect snack for nibbling, especially if you love cozying up with holiday movies together.
Get Recipe
Mulled Cider (With Wine) and Homemade Mulling Spices
Infused with homemade mulling spices, Mulled Cider (with or without wine) is a comforting hot beverage to serve for a festive party or on any cozy evening! It fills your home with a rich, spicy aroma that’s as warm and welcoming as the drink itself.
Get Recipe
Soups and Salads
Kabocha Soup
Make this kabocha squash soup a few days ahead and simply reheat it on party day. Its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavor make it exactly the kind of soup everyone will love.
Get Recipe
Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
My family absolutely loves this soup, and it’s a wonderful addition to any holiday table. The cauliflower florets are first roasted to bring out their nutty flavor, then cooked with leeks, cremini mushrooms, and cheddar cheese to create a rich, creamy, and comforting soup.
Get Recipe
Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing
Tossed in a creamy and savory miso tahini dressing, Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad is packed with caramelized cauliflower, sweet glazed pecans, and crunchy croutons. This nutritious and refreshing salad is a welcome addition to any family dinner or festive party.
Get Recipe
Apple Walnut Salad
This Apple Walnut Salad is a lighter take on my mom’s classic Japanese apple salad. I use Greek yogurt with just a touch of Japanese mayo for the dressing, making it healthier but still creamy and delicious. It’s always a hit with the kids!
Get Recipe
Kabocha Salad
Sweet and golden Japanese squash shines brightly in this creamy Kabocha Salad recipe with crunchy red onion and savory strips of ham. This beautiful chilled side dish is sure to become a new classic on your family dinner table.
Get Recipe
Arugula Salad with Fennel and Navel Orange
Whenever I want a salad that’s easy but still adds color and brightness to the holiday menu, I reach for this arugula salad with fennel and sweet navel oranges.
Get Recipe
Japanese Onion Dressing
This sophisticated yet simple Japanese Onion Dressing is my family‘s favorite! Savory, sweet, zingy, and packed with amazing flavors, it’s sure to win over fans. You‘ll love it on seafood, grilled meat, or greens like frisée and radicchio salad.
Get Recipe
Japanese Potato Salad
Another make-ahead favorite is Japanese potato salad. Creamy yet full of texture thanks to added vegetables, it’s a dish you’ll be happy to include in your holiday repertoire.
Get Recipe
Side Dishes
Easy Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce
Made from just 5 ingredients, this Easy Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce is ready after just 15 minutes on the stove. Infused with orange juice, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon, this homemade sauce bursts with bite of sweet, tangy cranberries!
Get Recipe
Maple and Miso Glazed Roasted Carrots
These rainbow-hued carrots are roasted until tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, then glazed with a sweet-savory finish that caramelizes beautifully. They’re sure to become a staple on your holiday table for years to come.
Get Recipe
Green Beans with Yuzu Vinaigrette
Bring a unique Japanese flair to your holiday or party spread with this Green Beans with Yuzu Vinaigrette. It’s refreshingly good and complements beautifully all the classic oven-roasted dishes.
Get Recipe
Roasted Miso Garlic Cauliflower
Roasted Miso Garlic Cauliflower is a crowd favorite and is super easy to make! Brushed with delicious garlic miso sauce, the cauliflower florets are roasted to golden perfection in the oven.
Get Recipe
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Shio Koji
Buttery, creamy, and umami-packed, these Mashed Potatoes with Shio Koji add a Japanese flair to the classic recipe. They'll blow you away! Follow my tips on how to make the fluffiest, silkiest, and creamiest mashed potatoes.
Get Recipe
Broccolini Gomaae
To balance all the rich holiday dishes, a flavorful vegetable side is a must — like this Broccolini Gomaae. Packed with flavor, it pairs with everything, and even non-vegetable lovers will be reaching for seconds.
Get Recipe
Warm Mushroom Salad with Sesame Dressing
If you want to keep your menu light but full of flavor, this warm mushroom salad with sesame dressing is a winner. Using a mix of Japanese or wild mushrooms gives wonderful textures, and it’s sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and vegans.
Get Recipe
Macaroni Gratin
Skip the ordinary mac and cheese this holiday season. This macaroni gratin, with tender shrimp, mushrooms, and a crisp panko topping, will make your table feel special and memorable.
Get Recipe
Desserts
Pear and Almond Tart
It may look fancy, but this French-style Pear and Almond Tart is easier to make than you‘d think. You can even make the almond cream (frangipane) and tart shell ahead of time. It‘s an elegant dessert for your next party or a delicious snack for tea time.
Get Recipe
Japanese Cheesecake
Light and fluffy, Japanese Cheesecake is a dreamy dessert that’s impossible not to show off. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture combines creamy cheesecake with airy soufflé, making it extra special compared to a regular cheesecake.
Get Recipe
Easy Apple Tart
Looking for a simple, fail-proof holiday dessert? This apple tart fits the bill! Made with puff pastry, it’s easy enough for little helpers in the kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.
Get Recipe
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Moist, airy, and light, Japanese Strawberry Shortcake is among the most popular cakes in Japan. This elegant and classic dessert is perfect for any celebration. Here, I share how to keep the sponge cake moist and decorate it with berries and fresh whipped cream.
Get Recipe
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Creamy on the inside and caramelized on the outside, this Basque Burnt Cheesecake is easier than it looks to make at home. Baked at a high temperature, the cheesecake‘s iconic rich dark top is a showstopper! Follow my tips and tricks for a foolproof recipe.
Get Recipe
Chocolate Gateau (Chocolate Cake)
Chocolate lovers, this classic Chocolate Gateau is for you! Rich, moist, and decadent, it actually improves on the second day—perfect for making ahead of your holiday celebration.
Get Recipe
Kabocha Pie
Try something different for the holidays this year with this rich and creamy Kabocha Pie recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a hint of rum.
Get Recipe
Sweet Potato Pie
Crispy and flaky, with a smooth, silky filling, Japanese Sweet Potato Pie is my all-time favorite Japanese pastry. Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or black tea, this sweet potato pie is light, but rich, making it the perfect afternoon indulgence.
Get Recipe
Matcha Gateau au Chocolat
A popular Japanese rendition of the classic French chocolate cake, this Matcha Gateau au Chocolat is rich, moist, and intensely flavorful from white chocolate and green tea powder. This smooth, heavenly dessert is best enjoyed slightly warm with a hot beverage.
Get Recipe
Chocolate Almond Toffee
This Chocolate Almond Toffee is the perfect sweet to gift. It’s easy to make, travels well, and is ideal for road trips or short flights to family gatherings.
Get Recipe
Nama Chocolate
Silky-smooth Nama Chocolate with fresh cream simply melts in your mouth. Rich, moist, and decadent, these sweets are a very popular gift item from Japan. With my copycat recipe of the famous ROYCE‘ chocolate, you can easily make this special treat at home.
Get Recipe
Chocolate Chiffon Cake
This classic Chocolate Chiffon Cake is airy, light, and spongy with a rich chocolate flavor and mild sweetness. Extremely popular in Japan, chiffon cakes are found in cafes and pastry shops across the country. This showstopper recipe will soon be your favorite dessert, too.
Get Recipe
Matcha Mille Crepe Cake
Matcha Mille Crepe Cake is a Japanese twist on the French classic of paper-thin crepes layered with fresh whipped cream. Light and creamy, it‘s a no-bake cake that‘s subtly sweet and slightly earthy from the green tea powder. This elegant dessert will wow your guests at any celebration!
Get Recipe
Breakfast
Panettone Bread Pudding
This warm Panettone Bread Pudding is super easy to assemble and tastes heavenly. Let it soak up the spiced custard and bake until nicely puffed up and golden. There is no more perfect holiday dessert than this!
Get Recipe
The Best Homemade Crepes
Learn how to make the best homemade crepes! Perfectly thin and deliciously buttery, they are a staple for a weekend breakfast, brunch, kids' snacks, desserts, or a DIY crepe party! Only 6 ingredients needed.
Get Recipe
The Best French Toast
Fluffy and tender on the inside and golden crisp outside, the best French Toast we‘ve ever tasted was during a trip to Japan. I‘ve recreated it here following the chef‘s recipe and tips. Now, you can make this amazing dish at home for breakfast or brunch!
Get Recipe
Have you started your holiday menu planning? Will you be trying out any of these recipes? Who will you be spending your holiday feasting with? We’d love to hear from you!