Tired of the same old holiday fare? Take your family on a global adventure without leaving the house with these 10 holiday dishes from around the world.
1. Italy: Fig + Parma Ham on Crostini | The Foodie’s Way
If you’re looking for a simple but elegant party appetizer for the holiday, there’s no need to look any further. This recipe tops toasted baguette slices with creamy Gorgonzola, thyme-infused figs and crispy Parma ham for a sweet and savory starter that’ll win over the crowd! Recipe makes 20 servings at 1 crostini each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 71; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Sodium: 181mg; Carbohydrate: 7g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 3g
2. France: Easy Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin | The Scrumptious Pumpkin
Holidays can be a hectic whirlwind — especially if you’re the one in charge of cooking. Keep your mind at ease by leaning on your slow cooker. After some simple prep, sit back and let your slow cooker deliver the classic rich, hearty flavors of coq au vin. Recipe makes 4 servings each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 409; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 105mg; Sodium: 186mg; Carbohydrate: 24g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 41g
3. Japan: Winter Soba Noodle Soup | Food, Fitness, Fresh Air
Made with butternut squash, mushrooms, tofu and seaweed, this loaded soup is hearty, nourishing and downright soothing. Chili-infused sesame oil is drizzled over the noodles for added spice and warmth. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 375; Total Fat: 25g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 11g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 460mg; Carbohydrate: 29g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 12g
4. Middle East: Baba Ghannouj (Eggplant Dip) | About Food
Baba ghannouj is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from eggplants and tahini. Smooth and creamy, it’s the perfect companion to pita bread and veggie sticks. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 95; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 401mg; Carbohydrate: 6g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 3g
5. United Kingdom: Low-Sugar Christmas Biscuits | BBC Good Foods
Even if you’re watching your sugar levels, you can still make your holiday sweet by making a batch of these low-sugar biscuits! They’re quick to bake and a fun recipe that gets the entire family involved. Recipe makes 36 servings at 1 biscuit each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 48; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 2mg; Carbohydrate: 5g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 1g
6. Spain: Easy Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding) | Latin Meets Lagniappe
This thick and creamy Spanish rice pudding is bursting with sweet flavors and warming spices. The ultimate holiday comfort food, it’s a sugary delight to be saved for this special time of the year. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 283; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 106mg; Sodium: 198mg; Carbohydrate: 47g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 27g; Protein: 10g
7. Sweden: Gingerbread Men Cookies | Minimalist Baker
After you bake a batch of these tender gingerbread men cookies, call over your kids, siblings, parents and grandparents because it’s time to start decorating! It’s a plus that they’re also vegan and gluten-free. Recipe makes 30 servings at 1 cookie each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 78; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 93mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 1g
8. Germany: Chestnut Stuffing | The Parsley Thief
Sweet and toasty chestnuts roasting on an open fire are arguably the epitome of the holidays. This recipe pairs them with leeks and tart apples for a stuffing that’ll complement any holiday roast. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 289; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 10g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 47mg; Sodium: 186mg; Carbohydrate: 34g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 3g
9. Mexico: Scrumptious Chicken Posole | What’s Gaby Cooking
Posole is a comforting Mexican dish that’s simple, light and healthy. Toppings like diced avocado, lime wedges and chopped onions are the key to making this chicken posole extra satisfying, so be sure to have them at the ready. To keep sodium levels in check, use no-salt-added chicken stock and low-sodium hominy (corn that’s been soaked in an alkaline solution). Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 252; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 97mg; Sodium: 699mg; Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 38g
10. Brazil: Manjar Branco (Coconut Pudding) | Brazilian Foodie
Manjar branco (or white custard pudding in Portuguese) is a simple coconut-prune dessert traditionally served during the holidays. Made in a Bundt pan, manjar branco is a decorative dish that’ll have all eyes on the dessert table. Recipe makes 16 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 101; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 6mg; Sodium: 28mg; Carbohydrate: 14g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 2g
