63 Christmas Eve Comfort Food Dishes You Need This Year

From the Recipe Creator: Grampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world recipes his mother gave him. I made a few changes so I could prepare this dish in a slow cooker and give it a slightly updated flavor. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy cauliflower and kugel, so it made sense to combine the two into one special dish. The ricotta cheese adds a distinctive creaminess and lightness. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I'm the keeper of my husband's grandmother's handwritten recipe book. Mom-Mom Bessie was one of the best cooks I knew, and we think of her every time we make this pie. The flavor combination of coconut and molasses is a family favorite. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Roasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can't get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

From the Recipe Creator: Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: For a zippy side dish, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all. —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: This spinach mushroom soup is the perfect accompaniment to any buffet. It can even be made ahead, then warmed and quickly finished on the day of your party. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I'm a freelance writer who sometimes needs a break from a long session of working on a story. That's when I escape to the kitchen to whip up something that's good to eat, yet easy to prepare. This is one of my favorites!

From the Recipe Creator: Pineapple, sugar and marshmallows lend a super sweetness to sweet potatoes. I've been making the casserole for years, both for special occasions and casual dinners. —Ruth Leach, Shreveport, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: In October, my husband helps harvest cranberries at a friend's bogs, so I have access to the very freshest ingredients. Their bold autumn flavor pairs up perfectly with sweet potatoes to make a seasonal side dish my family looks forward to. —Jill Doyle, Kingston, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: Squash makes the perfect holiday side dish, especially when it's Hasselback butternut squash! The thin slits cut into each half allow the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar and ground chipotle mixture to get in every single nook and cranny. This is one side that everyone at your holiday table will be excited to gobble up! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: These green beans with pomegranate seeds are one of the simplest dishes to make. I made them for Rosh Hashanah this year and they were a hit. Nobody believed there were just 5 ingredients! —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Dinner doesn't get any easier than this tasty onion soup chicken entree. Buy chicken that's already cut up to save even more time. —Julia Anderson, Ringgold, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: The key to this recipe is to start with mashed potatoes that are firm from chilling. Serve the fried mashed potato balls with sour cream or ranch salad dressing on the side. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. — North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission

From the Recipe Creator: This hearty broccoli rice casserole is my usual choice to make for a potluck. With the green of the broccoli and the rich cheese sauce, it's pretty to serve, and it makes a tasty side dish for almost any kind of meat. —Margaret Mayes, La Mesa, California

From the Recipe Creator: This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: For a soothing pick-me-up, sip this pleasantly sweet coffee, inspired by the taste of a traditional Spanish latte. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: When our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year. —Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Folks say this is the most delicious roasted chicken in brown sauce they've ever had. There's only one problem—there are never any leftovers! —Annie Tompkins, Deltona, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Fans of French onion soup will gobble up this comforting casserole. The 30-minute side dish would be a nice accompaniment to beef entrees.—Margaret McClatchey, Loveland, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Thyme is a lovely addition to this classic vegetable side dish. The recipe is a snap to make for family, yet special enough to serve guests. —Kenna Baber, Rochester, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Even better than holiday eggnog in a glass is eggnog on a plate! This creamy pie delivers all that rich, wonderful flavor. It’s pretty, too, with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top. —Florence Shaw, East Wenatchee, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year. —Kellie Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: For more than half a century, this elegant entree has graced my family's holiday table. The zesty stuffing with its nice nutty crunch complements the slices of moist duck, while the hint of orange in the gravy sets it apart.

From the Recipe Creator: Mom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe, passed down from my Canadian grandmother, has been in my family for at least three generations. It's been a favorite wintertime dessert for us and is always served for Easter and other holiday meals. —Ann Searcey, Kettering, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This side has earned a permanent place on our special-occasion menus. While my whole family loves it, my son would be especially disappointed if I forgot to include our corn dish. —Deb Hauptmann, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: You'll want to give thanks for this mouthwatering, slightly sweet turkey! A hint of spice makes this one of our best turkey recipes ever. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe proves that simple ingredients often result in the best-tasting dishes. These popovers are a nice change from ordinary toast or muffins. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I've been making rack of lamb for years. My grandma gave me this recipe because she knew how much I love figs. And the toasted walnuts sprinkled on top give it just the right finishing touch. —Sylvia Castanon, Long Beach, California

From the Recipe Creator: This refreshing salad has two layers - a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. -Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This Mississippi sweet potato pie is very popular in the South. It's a particular favorite at our house because we always have plenty of sweet potatoes in our garden. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream. —Bonnie Holcomb, Fulton, Mississippi

From the Recipe Creator: I've passed this recipe on to dozens of folks. My daughter was so fond of it that she served it for her wedding instead of traditional cake. —Howard Koch, Lima, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Meet the Cook: We used to raise our own hogs. This recipe was given me by a fellow farmer who also had pork on the dinner table a couple of times a week. I'm a dietitian at the local VA hospital. Cooking, of course, is one of my top pastimes! My husband and I have four children and one grandson. -Denise Collins, Chillicothe, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Brussels sprouts in a rosemary-infused cream sauce have the power to bring friends together – but watch out for fights over who gets the last of the sauce. —Liz Koschoreck, Berea, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: I grow lots of carrots and I’m always experimenting with ways to serve them. The first time I made this citrusy recipe for my husband, he said it tasted like Christmas! Although he calls them my Christmas carrots,"they're tasty any time; I especially like serving them at Easter, with the array of carrots available in early spring. It's easy to prepare, and can easily be doubled to serve a large group. To save time, I sometimes cut up the carrots several days in advance. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since.—Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve made many types of scalloped potatoes but I always come back to this rich, creamy and fail-proof recipe. This is a dish where the bottom gets scraped clean. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

From the Recipe Creator: This basic recipe was one my grandmother used for making crumble pies from fresh fruit. She simply substituted oats, gingersnaps or vanilla wafers depending on the fruit. Pear was always my favorite, and I added the ginger and caramel to give it a new twist. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I'm really not a salad person, but this unusual salad is actually worthy of bringing to a dinner party or even eating by itself. It's also super quick and easy to make. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: You might want to make a double batch of this rich apple gravy. Yep, it's sensational with beef, but you've gotta try it on mashed potatoes, chops and roasted veggies, too. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Every year I make a huge batch of my cherry bread —some goes to friends as a special treat, and the rest we enjoy as part of our Christmas breakfast. Refrigerated biscuits give the texture of scones to a pretty loaf that's much quicker than yeast bread made from scratch. —Beverly Batty, Forest Lake, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My dish is perfect on chilly nights, especially after we have been out chopping wood. The melt-in-your-mouth goodness makes it a staple in my menu rotation. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Your family will love the contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Feel free to use your favorite beer or dried fruit to make the dish your own. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I like this sour cream chicken because you can make it ahead of time. Simply chill the chicken and sour cream mixture together overnight. Then coat it with bread crumbs the next day. —Nancy Stec, Upperco, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband's favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It's absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: One of the things I like about twice-baked potatoes is that they are very versatile. They can be served as a complement to an entree, or they can be the main course with a salad. Either way, they are tasty.

From the Recipe Creator: My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: While this delicious potato skillet is a wonderful side dish, we find it satisfying enough to be a main course too. The skillet preparation takes less time than baking an au gratin casserole or scalloped potatoes—but it's still good old-fashioned comfort food at its best! —Marie Peterson, DeForest, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: These herb-packed braised pork chops are perfect for entertaining because they come together quickly and bake for up to 2 hours. While visiting, my guests and I can enjoy the wonderful aroma. —Darci Truax, Billings, Montana