Festive dishes help your menu stand out during the busy holiday season.
This time of year brings people together for a helping of good cheer and holiday fun. Dining out is elevated from a simple social event to a celebration of the season, and expectations are high. Folks want great food with a sense of occasion. They want familiar holiday favourites, but dressed up in fanciful ways that only chefs can dream up.
The trick is to offer unique festive dishes without reinventing your whole menu. Ideally, recipes can answer your needs for holiday specials, buffet, brunch items, and party platters. If your seasonal dishes can inspire increased sales, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Behind the Recipes
Spicy Hibiscus-Orange Glazed Turkey
This is a perfect offering for diners who want tradition, with a twist. Turkey breast is roasted, brushed half way through the cooking process with a brilliant-coloured hibiscus-orange glaze.
"This is such a great update of the traditional holiday meal," says Freeman Moser III, senior executive chef for the Kraft Culinary Centre.
Pasta and Vegetable Frittata with Salad
This festive dish is ideal for a holiday brunch, bursting with colour and Mediterranean flavour. The accompanying salad features baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, frisée, red onion and roasted red pepper tossed in Kraft Signature Sundried Tomato and Oregano dressing.
"The frittata holds well on the line, and is just a great addition to a Sunday brunch during the holidays," says Aliza Katz, senior corporate chef for the Kraft Culinary Centre.
Turkey Hash with Buttery Biscuits and Eggs
Another great holiday breakfast or brunch dish, this side is perfect with poached eggs and turkey hash. The biscuit buddies up to the hash, and a poached egg sits atop.
"The crackers give the biscuits a buttery taste and crunchy texture, and the sauce adds a lovely citrus note perfect for this time of year," says Chef Moser III.
"Queso Fundido" Mac & Cheese
This is a great for operators looking for an ethnic twist on a classic. Rotini pasta is tossed with a béchamel of butter, flour, Kraft Mild Shredded Cheddar, milk and Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Baked until bubbly, this dish is wonderful as a side or shareable appetizer.
"It's rich and creamy, and a great way to bring ethnic flair to your holiday menu," says Chef Katz.
Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing Open-Face Sandwich
This take on a traditional holiday sandwich offers layers of wonderful flavours. Focaccia bread is split and slathered with a citrus mayonnaise, then topped with sliced turkey breast that's been brushed with Kraft Zesty Italian dressing and roasted.
"You've got all of the elements that make a festive sandwich, but you're updating it with contemporary flavour profiles," says Chef Moser III.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This season-perfect entrée will make diners looking for a vegetarian dish positively joyful. Once our chefs stuffed the acorn squash, they topped it with a pat of butter and baked, adding Delissio Shredded Parmesan cheese just until melted.
"We serve this with a roasted red pepper/tomato sauce that offsets the flavours and colours of this dish beautifully," says Chef Moser III.
Cream Cheese and Chestnut Custard with Caramelized Bananas
This lovely dessert brings home the holidays. The crust is a combination of Nabisco Honey Maid graham-cracker meal, chili powder and crushed toasted almonds. It's brûléed and garnished with red currants.
"This is a great alternative to a pumpkin pie," says Chef Katz.
Creamy, Dreamy Festive Cheesecakes
These delicious and holiday-friendly cheesecakes hit the sweet spot on your seasonal menu.
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