The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with tradition, and what better way than through food? These 11 easy nearly forgotten Christmas recipes are timeless dishes that may have slipped off modern holiday menus but are guaranteed to bring nostalgia, warmth, and festive flavor back to your table. From cozy desserts to classic savory sides, each recipe is simple enough to recreate while still evoking that old-fashioned holiday magic.
Rediscover flavors that your grandparents may have cherished, like old-fashioned fruitcake, rich with dried fruits and nuts, or classic gingerbread cookies that fill the house with the comforting aroma of molasses and spices. These treats bring back the joy of baking as a family, creating lasting memories with every bite.
For those who prefer savory dishes, recipes like roast goose with herb stuffing or buttered chestnut vegetables may be long-forgotten but are surprisingly easy to prepare and bring a touch of elegance to any holiday feast. Even simple classics like candied yams or spiced cranberry sauce can feel new again when presented alongside these nostalgic dishes.
Other recipes, like punches and spiced drinks, add a festive touch to holiday gatherings. A classic wassail or a warm holiday cider is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family, creating a cozy atmosphere for your Christmas celebrations.
Many of these nearly forgotten recipes are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. You don’t need hours in the kitchen to bring back these flavors — a few simple steps and common ingredients are all it takes to recreate these timeless dishes. They also make excellent conversation starters, as family and guests share stories about the dishes they remember from their own childhoods.
Whether you’re looking to revive an old family favorite or try something new but rooted in tradition, these 11 easy nearly forgotten Christmas recipes are perfect for adding a nostalgic twist to your holiday table. They remind us that Christmas is not just about the decorations or gifts but also about the flavors, memories, and moments we share around the table.
Bring back holiday magic with these simple, delicious recipes that honor tradition while keeping your celebration easy, festive, and unforgettable.
Roast Christmas Goose
I have such fond childhood memories of my mother serving a golden brown Christmas goose. To flavor the meat, Mom stuffed the bird with peeled and quartered fruit that’s discarded after baking.Â
Cherry Chiffon Gelatin
I’ve made this recipe so often, I can hardly read the card any longer. It’s a beautiful salad or dessert, but beware. Once you’ve made this, they’ll ask for it again and again! —Michelle Smith, Sykesville, Maryland
Cornbread Dressing with Oysters
My father’s dressing bakes separately from the turkey and is simply delicious. The secret is to prepare the cornbread first, let it cool and then crumble it to form the base for the rest of the ingredients. My father always added oysters to give the dressing a special flavor.Â
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
 Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese
Plum Pudding
In A Christmas Carol, everyone claps for plum pudding. Our family has made this pudding our own tradition, and it really is something to clap for.Â
Cranberry Fluff Salad
It wasn’t the holidays without my grandmother’s cool and tangy cranberry fluff. With only four ingredients, it’s a cinch to make. Now my siblings and I carry on her tradition. —Leah Nicholes, San Diego, California
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze
These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit.
Orange and Olives Salad
 My grandmother made sure this orange and olives salad was on our holiday table every year. It’s so light and simple to make. And it looks pretty on the table!Â
Roasted Chicken with Rosemary
Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It’s a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef.
Dried Cranberry Sharp Cheddar Cheese Balls
These personal-size cheese balls are a pleasure to pass around a party. They’re much easier to eat than their large-scale counterparts. And with their bacon, pecans and berries, they’re probably more delicious too!Â
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation.Â
