5 Simple Holiday Recipes Using Top-Rated Appliances

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to celebrate with good food and great company. From the savory main course to the desserts, your appliances play a starring role in creating delicious holiday dishes. Here are five easy recipes and the appliances to make them effortlessly.

1. Honey-Glazed Holiday Ham

A holiday classic, this ham recipe is flavorful and surprisingly easy to prepare, especially when baked in a high-performance oven that ensures even heat distribution for a beautifully caramelized glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-9 lbs)

• 1 cup honey

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan.

3. Combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat.

4. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake uncovered for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

5. Serve warm and enjoy!

→ Our Appliance Recommendation: GE Profile Double Wall Oven (Model: PTD9000SNSS)

This double wall oven is a preferred choice because it offers advanced precision cooking modes, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked results for dishes like ham. Its dual ovens provide the flexibility to prepare multiple recipes simultaneously at different temperatures, making it an ideal companion for hosting and holiday meals.

Features:

• Built-In WiFi, Powered by SmartHQ App

• GE Profile Connect +

• No Preheat Air Fry

• CookCam™

💡 Intrigued by wall ovens? Check out our related blog: What To Consider When Choosing a Wall Oven

2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rich, creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have on any holiday table. They pair perfectly with any main dish and are simple to prepare with the right appliances, so you get a smooth, velvety texture every time. A high-quality gas cooktop makes preparing this dish quick and seamless.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 20 minutes).

2. Heat cream, butter, and garlic in a saucepan until warm.

3. Drain the potatoes and mash until smooth.

4. Gradually add the cream mixture and season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve hot and fluffy.

→ Our Appliance Recommendation: Thermador 30'' Gas Cooktop (Model: SGSXP305TS)

This gas cooktop is an excellent choice for its precise flame control, making it perfect for sautéing, simmering, and high-heat cooking. Its five-burner configuration, including a powerful center burner, offers ample flexibility for preparing multiple dishes at once. With its sleek stainless steel design and durable construction, it combines performance and style seamlessly.

Features:

• 30-Inch, 5-Burner Design

• Star® Burner

• ExtraLow® Simmering

• QuickClean Base®

• Illuminated Knobs
  
  

3. Holiday Roasted Vegetables

This vibrant, healthy dish adds a pop of color to your holiday spread. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and with the right stove, you can achieve perfectly caramelized results with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 cups baby carrots

• 1 cup butternut squash, diced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp balsamic glaze

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your range to 400°F.

2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.

4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

→ Our Appliance Recommendation: KitchenAid 4-Element Induction Slide-In Convection Range (Model: KSIS730PSS)

This induction range is a top choice for its fast, precise heat control and energy efficiency, making it perfect for searing, simmering, and everything in between. The convection oven ensures even baking and roasting, while the slide-in design adds a seamless, professional look to your kitchen. Ideal for multitasking during elaborate recipes or everyday cooking.

Features:

• AquaLift® Self-Cleaning Technology

• Dishwasher-Safe Air Fry Basket

• Even-Heat™ True Convection

• SatinGlide™ Roll-Out Extension Rack
  
  

4. Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies

Get festive with these easy-to-make sugar cookies, perfect for decorating with the family. A reliable gas oven ensures consistent baking results, so every batch comes out golden and ready for your creative touches.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, then mix in egg and vanilla.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients until dough forms.

4. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.

5. Let cool before decorating.

→ Our Appliance Recommendation: Bosch Benchmark® Series Electric Built-In Single Oven (Model: HBLP451RUC)

This single oven stands out for its precision and even heat distribution, making it perfect for baking and roasting delicate dishes. With its innovative features like the EcoChef mode and advanced temperature control, you can always achieve restaurant-quality results. Its sleek design also fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen.

Features:

• Convection Multi-Rack

• Easy and Ergonomic Access

• Telescopic Rack

• Integrated Temperature Probe

• Efficient Cooking Modes
  
  

5. Festive Peppermint Mocha Latte

Nothing says holiday spirit like a cozy peppermint mocha latte. This cozy holiday drink recipe will keep your guests warm and delighted, and a built-in coffee machine makes it effortlessly elegant.

Ingredients:

• 2 shots espresso

• 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred alternative)

• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup

• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

• Whipped cream (optional but highly encouraged)

• Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew 2 shots of espresso using the JennAir RISE 24" Built-In Coffee System.

2. Steam the milk using the integrated frother until warm and foamy.

3. In a mug, mix the espresso, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract.

4. Pour the steamed milk over the mixture and stir gently.

5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a festive finish.

→ Our Appliance Recommendation: JennAir RISE 24" Built-In Coffee System (Model: JJB6424HL)

Features:

• Integrated Grinder

• Customizable Brew Strength

• Steam and Froth Functionality

• Intuitive Touchscreen

• Built-In Design 

Make the Holidays Effortless with DeWaard & Bode

The secret to successful holiday hosting is having the right tools for the job. The right appliances can make all the difference when creating these delicious holiday recipes. At DeWaard & Bode, we offer a wide selection of high-performance ovens, cooktops, and more to elevate your holiday cooking.

Ready to simplify your holiday hosting? Contact us today or stop by one of your local DeWaard & Bode appliance store locations near you in Bellingham and Burlington, WA, to get expert advice on which of our appliances for sale is right for your holiday festivities. 

Don't wait—upgrade today and experience the benefits of our high-performance cooking appliances for sale firsthand. We also offer flexible appliance financing to help you build your dream kitchen!

Related readings from our blog:

• Why You Should Consider A Thermador Electric Cooktop

• Is A Convection Oven The Same As An Air Fryer?

• Convection Vs. Conventional Oven: Which Oven Is Better?

FAQ: Holiday Recipes

What is the best appliance for baking?
A gas or convection oven, like the GE Profile Double Wall Oven we recommended, is ideal for baking due to its even heat distribution and customizable settings.

Can you substitute almond flour in holiday cookie recipes?
Yes, almond flour can be substituted for regular flour in cookie recipes, but the texture and taste may vary slightly. Adjustments to liquid ingredients may also be needed.

What time should Christmas dinner be served?
Christmas dinner is typically served in the early to mid-afternoon, around 2–4 PM, though some families prefer an evening meal.

What to cook for Christmas dinner instead of turkey?
Great alternatives include glazed ham, prime rib, roast beef, stuffed pork loin, or vegetarian options like a nut roast or stuffed squash.

What to do with leftover Christmas ham?
Use leftovers in dishes like ham sandwiches or sliders, ham and cheese quiche, split pea soup with ham, or ham and potato casserole.