![Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/pVjZYV2DLjQewXYH6nrAXIbVsuY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BuffaloChickenPinwheels_0211-S-2000-f07a3afadc7244c4ad5002ad438e44ac.jpg)
No one perfects the holiday season with as much tradition, flair, and downright deliciousness as a Southern grandmother. It's simply not up for debate. The ultimate hosts and special guests at any potluck, Southern grandmas have holiday festivity knowledge to spare. No holiday meal planning is complete without leaning on memories of Christmas at Grandma's house. We all know that they're the best in the business. Who do you call when you're trying to make cocktail meatballs for a Christmas party? Who knows just how much alcohol goes into the eggnog? And finally, whose kitchen are you raiding when in need of a sweet tooth fix of homemade sprinkle cookies? Exactly.
Our Southern grandmothers have kept our family and friends full every holiday, and for that, we're forever grateful. From holiday appetizers to classic Christmas treats, these recipes would make Grandma proud.
Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad
![Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad in a red dish with strawberry linen](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/oQ8cB89ku1aswetPR7oh5F6tD8s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Strawberry_Pretzel_Salad_343-8edd4d77353644519ae84893bbdbd8be.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Colorful jello, creamy cream cheese, and crunchy pretzels will delight guests of all ages. This nostalgic dessert is festive and aesthetic yet simple to make.
Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole
![Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jMTAldFgLqqNj3ckj_gGnMjNCI8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1142903_mwywc14503-e7ec3d2ec4af4030a16b86a0929ac2e1.jpg)
This tried-and-true recipe has stood the test of time. The nutty wild rice base compliments a rich filling of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese.
The Best Classic Eggnog
![Classic Eggnog](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/rJXoYSzd2Ag1yy_zsV-0s6aM69c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/57f8f3e3fb3c7cc96778_7909-2000-0d0460b1c6b84d42a93ed09471d848f2.jpg)
Many a Southerner's first time tasting this interesting Christmas concoction occurs nowhere else but at Grandma's after supper. Recreate that memory with just five ingredients and the option to add liquor.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
![Cranberry Sauce Meatballs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XGRzKLfnn-dlqMS_UZpL2KEMGCY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CranberrySauceMeatballs_0067-S-2000-a1c03c17c48f4fd3a47d39ae420863bb.jpg)
Cocktail meatballs could be the unofficial holiday appetizer sponsor of the last 50 years, and we'll be darned if they don't deserve it. This recipe nixes the usual grape jelly and chili sauce and uses jellied cranberry sauce and hot jalapeño pepper jelly instead.
Smoked-Fish Dip
![Smoked-Fish Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/i3q727MW9XFf3RREo5xWnFwedkY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Fish_Dip_331-2000-137640f5591446b3818ece27de74a08a.jpg)
The kids would always stick out their tongues at this classic Christmas dip, but it remains a crowd-pleaser nonetheless. Elegant yet easy, this recipe is straight from the kitchen of an award-winning Birmingham seafood chef but can be on your holiday table in just 20 minutes.
Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls
![Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/semz_gykCLBd1SwQtK86lo9S5OE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_bisquick_sausage_balls-2000-58da0f9cf1d44c1d920369e84354ddda.jpg)
Whether your grandmother went traditional or fell into Cajun ways with tons of spice, sausage balls are a staple in any home during the holidays. Using Bisquick ensures a fluffy texture, just like Nana used to make them.
Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines
![Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_UIpxS7uVzdGX9gHdKnX-ilH7lg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2583201_chris_001_0_0_0-a21b90b50e1747259c58955c6b16f056.jpg)
This New Orleans favorite is a welcome guest at any holiday dessert table. These treats are as rich as their history and so good that we can't resist whipping them up year-round.
Ham Delights
![Ham Delights](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/IZHbzAve-SyOlzG9_46Sx9ekGhI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL_HamDelights197-2000-282ab6aab29148d9a2bd313276db2529.jpg)
This 13x9 recipe is a quintessential holiday appetizer if we've ever seen one. The mini-baked sandwiches on the holiday table almost always feature the same flavor combo of butter, poppyseeds, Dijon mustard, and Hawaiian rolls. Oh, and more butter.
Brown Butter Cornbread
![Brown Butter Cornbread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QTnViA-pU0VCERHJneNGnYv-PrU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648801_Homemade_Cornbread_193-2000-815dc889992a4018abf52f89fc7a5854.jpg)
The real ones know that browning the butter is the secret to mastering the most old-fashioned Southern cornbread. Bubbe would never forget to use the cast-iron skillet, either.
Triple B Milk Punch
![Triple B Milk Punch](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/N0JED0l358TMpcV0z5F3sVf-_3M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2652001_White_Christmas_Pavlova_and_Milk_Punch_091-2000-f61112a3036f45a597c23a08c0161f48.jpg)
A cousin of the holiday favorite, eggnog, milk punch goes back even further in history. The "Triple B" name comes from three ingredients used to make this super creamy cocktail: bourbon, brandy, and buttermilk, oh my!
Old-School Green Bean Casserole
![Old School Green Bean Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/JCitUTS0pgZwQo2sD92k-SHcfZk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen-Shot-2020-10-23-at-10.58.45-AM-7f4d6dfd49e34b8cb3758962146c135b.png)
You can't escape the holiday season without a few casserole dishes of this all-time classic—and we're not mad about it. Call us hostages to green beans with just a bit of snap and crispy shallots.
Glazed Ham With Pineapple Chutney
![Glazed Ham with Pineapple Chutney](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QQWRt0Y6FjcfMQLPtb1Tu3eldlc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2629701_easte_sliced_ham_0001-2000-9fdfa8ae85224de88caf8a7c34a6e861.jpg)
Nana always knows how to glaze a ham properly—especially using pineapple, which complements the saltiness in the most scrumptious way. Say "so long" to commercial glaze packets and dress your holiday ham with bourbon-brown sugar alongside tangy, tropical chutney.
Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies
![Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/t3MSGL9uQOcnAYu6fTPkCYElByY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Santas-Kitchen-Sink-Cookies_1606-2000-64fdd17bfa1742f88057dbfc0c8920f4.jpg)
Always a favorite around the holidays, these anything-goes cookies explode with festive flavors courtesy of ingredients like Christmas M&Ms, pretzels, and marshmallows. Santa will happily gobble up a plate of these fun-filled cookies, and so will all your holiday guests.
Baked Oysters With Bacon, Greens, And Parmesan
![Baked Oysters with Bacon, Greens, and Parmesan](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TkmSFHFX4XDeKOO5PRicyoXo4f0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Oysters_176-2000-77b41c6c675442dbb3a3daff7cb46718.jpg)
Raise your hand if appetizer time before the family Christmas dinner consists of elder family members shucking oysters outside. Us too. Here's a dish worthy of all that hard work.
Potato Latkes
![Andrew’s Potato Latkes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/fxmPUJYsNXsurI89ZbiPd-2nXS0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651401_Latkes_131-2000-3c7bea8b544b4d3c9158bc14f2348e5f.jpg)
Some Southern households serve this Hanukkah staple like it's going out of business—and one taste will tell you why. Fried potatoes? You can never go wrong.
Our Best Ambrosia Ever
![Our Best Ambrosia Ever](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/mv6TiWhYXv4rK1gA-_l-K7KpIaI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651701_OESwe_14-2-2000-7cbd0254cf8a47dfb449412f465983eb.jpg)
With good reason, this vintage citrus salad will never leave the recipe box. Even though Thanksgiving has passed, we're thankful for riffs like this that make ambrosia even more delicious with creamy yogurt, juicy fruit, and crunchy coconut chips.
All-In-One Spaghetti
![All In One Spaghetti Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jafzbQ-d-qxAI1ua97VyDo_7Y-I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/all-one-spaghetti-x-b89f544f7a774a82a41e3d30e84703a8.jpg)
William Dickey
This holiday season, forgo canned pasta sauce for something a little more special, but no need to fear the hassle of a homemade sauce. This recipe delivers a big pot of spaghetti that requires no messy pans and has all the comforting, feel-good flavor.
Easy Black-Eyed Peas
![Easy Black-Eyed Peas](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HkCfhkdn1OvIMF0bGDbVJix2QGY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_easyblackeyedpeas209-2000-e38b177f77524d1994923ecd4d3f5573.jpg)
Why wait until New Year's to serve up this Southern side? It's too good to wait. This tempting recipe is reminiscent of many of the classics.
Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs
![Pecan Logs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hhfAeotQEm6vtep2kZNrL9u07NA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pecan_Logs_0049-S-2000-440e2ee4919e46b79f77527cb25a511c.jpg)
Any trip to Stuckey's meant snagging one of these indulgently sweet nougat treats—and the best grandmothers knew how to whip up a batch, too. With this recipe, the torch is passed for delicious results for generations to come.
Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
![Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/J-wvZFNcKvPFiEsi_lW7aNzY7Gg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651501_BeefT_10-2000-84941721a67a4573a996b22e6b0be90d.jpg)
One of the most beloved holiday traditions was to break out your fanciest main course on Christmas Eve, which brings us to this perfected basic: beef tenderloin with a crusty coating. Simple for first-time holiday hosts but decadent as ever, this entrée is dressed in herbs to impress.
Cassandra's "Light" Fruitcake
![Cassandra’s “Light” Fruitcake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uylwqLVPRmdedkjQq2-HOQH_2Gw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2567001_fruit_010_0_1-31f48a5a58e248cdab066801472271c4.jpg)
A throwback to end all throwbacks, fruitcake cannot be topped as one of the most divisive Christmas dishes ever. Ask your grandmother what her secret ingredient is and odds are she'll say: more booze.
Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie
![Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uSCG6S1Ufv1qG7SFeUBUDj8ucyo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2008001_pecan049-2880802f84694a14ad9b3049a05206a1.jpg)
This pecan pie recipe reminds us why it's our favorite holiday dessert. The secret to a pie so good it's positively deadly is to bake it in a cast-iron skillet—trust us.
Best Deviled Eggs
![Our Best Deviled Eggs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/85FsLTmem7R7wjF-oSgJ3g2OgQ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-best-deviled-eggs-3x2-1597-63e607a0481648d2845155b60cbe8067.jpg)
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Deviled eggs are a classic addition to any holiday appetizer spread, and we've got making them down to a science. Follow this recipe closely for savory starters that are perfectly cooked with a yolk that's not too runny or dry.
Southern Pimiento Cheese
![Southern Living Southern Pimento Cheese on a platter ready to serve with crackers and vegetables](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_fvAKyuHkROqazsn4kI2luB3zgE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-southern-pimento-cheese-3X2-1698-51574e787a9149b2a288435c3184dac0.jpg)
Dotdash Meredith
This creamy cheese spread is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your holiday gathering. Our straightforward recipe uses two types of cheeses and is so good, it will be hard to resist as it waits in your fridge for the guests to arrive.
Mamau's Cheese Straws
![Mamau’s Cheese Straws](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/LnSlqD3f66-pMQBo89LYF1gzPxY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2667801_DecEd_12w-2000-c2d08460758c400cb9a254619ce7c8cc.jpg)
A batch of any Southern grandmother's cheese straws won't last long, so grab a handful while you can and enjoy the crispy, cheesy kick. Sometimes, the simplest treats make the biggest impression.
Angel Biscuits
![Angel Biscuits](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SJgbbglKe7vgKx1Z03YOM3YigFk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2540801_makea_1160_2_0-7e8c0073cabb463bb043bb488abf8fef.jpg)
Like a flaky cross between a buttermilk biscuit and a Parker House roll, Angel Biscuits are a favorite amongst cooks during the holidays. You can make them up to a week ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Don't forget to brush them with golden melted butter before serving.
Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna
![Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/qN3nVdaZZVVsQgPPAmaoP4Rt1VA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/make-ahead-lasagna-sl-x-ad7ea8f9c03b4287b24750a31d3f92a0.jpg)
Keeping a big casserole dish of lasagna in the freezer is a major holiday power move that grandmothers have been pulling for decades. A jar of pesto is the secret ingredient in this hearty 13x9 recipe fit for feeding a crowd.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
![Homemade Cranberry Sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/fvQbEH52w0w8TMaB_FFFtiT0LXQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SLSEO-Cranberry-Sauce_135-2000-7f14751e91094f33aae48c74054f91a4.jpg)
Whether you grew up with the jiggly stuff that came straight out of a can or not, we can attest that this cranberry sauce is better than store-bought. Grandma would be proud you spent the extra time.
Cranberry Brie Bites
![Cranberry Brie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_vLyec7Rv5OVji6H_x3u6qwWCxE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_112119_am_cranberrybriebites_246-2000-702337cb134742438355175ab4ed8f00.jpg)
A festive take on a classic crowd-pleaser, these hors d'oeuvres are elevated by winter cranberry and a crunchy crust, all in a bite-sized package. Each miniature baked brie truly has it all: melty cheese, seasonal homemade sauce, nuts, and flaky pastry.
Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy
![Make Ahead Gravy](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Y7s2k8ZrA12-omwHxEWtUajTMsg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ultimate-Make-Ahead-Gravy-07-72aca9bb935043b0b68ab32411c8159c.jpg)
This is an occasion-worthy gravy that tastes amazing paired with everything from your fancy Christmas dinner main to pork chops on a night of tree decorating. Gravy can make or break a meal and this one promises to satisfy.
Homemade Mashed Potatoes
![Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UqwSE9s86PeqXSnm_AxSLqaT7mc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Homemade-Mashed-Potatoes_Beauty1_Audit7042-59-2-02e99f26e28f455a99191ee7d00a8a63.jpg)
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Fluffy and buttery, this creamy potato dish is much more than an excuse to eat gravy. That having been said, these rich potatoes still pair beautifully with our ultimate make-ahead gravy.
Southern Cornbread Dressing
![Southern Living Southern Cornbread Dressing in casserole dishes after baking](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UCiQdMDYZgdlxRVOFvs45Ibi2rg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Cornbread-Dressing-Step5-d738942b8b9d4b59b69217c2a579a9f4.jpg)
Brittany Conerly, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Don't dare tell your mother or grandmother that cornbread dressing is only for Thanksgiving. Their tender hearts can't take it. Make sure to dry out your cornbread first, and you'll know what they mean.
Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies
![Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/aD-ADdG5zi7NKU6guyRQeuv0-1E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cream-Cheese-Christmas-Cookies-10-2000-40cfbe8b63d54aa29223bb9369307f6c.jpg)
Granny's sure to have a roll of slice-and-bakes ready to go in the freezer, should the need for a Christmas cookie strike. These sweet treats also make an excellent host gift in a festive holiday tin.
Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge
![Southern Living Mamie Eisenhower Chocolate Fudge cut and ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Nn_nJXxCEiXiePwY8sOSNzttXgA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mamie-eisenhower-chocolate-fudge-ddmfs-01-2c17a9d7a4d34b28a41a6225148ceb5a.jpg)
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
Mark our words: This recipe is the most perfect rendition of classic Christmas fudge in existence. Box them up to gift to family and friends who will be asking for your recipe in no time.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
![Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/pVjZYV2DLjQewXYH6nrAXIbVsuY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BuffaloChickenPinwheels_0211-S-2000-f07a3afadc7244c4ad5002ad438e44ac.jpg)
Pinwheels seem to be a skill that grandmothers know inherently, especially when filled with a cream cheese mixture. An upscale twist on Buffalo wings, these snacks will fly off the platter.