12 Non-Traditional Recipe Ideas for Your Holiday Party

Glazed ham, check. Yule log, check. Fruit cake, check. Peking duck? Why not! This holiday season, make new memories and traditions by serving your fam + friends something a little unexpected for dinner with non-traditional holiday recipes meant to rouse a crowd. If you do, you’ll find yourself wondering, “What new dish should I try next year?” Read on for out-of-the-box recipe ideas that will make a fabulous (and delicious) holiday experience.

Chinese Steamed Buns: Chinese buns, also called bao, are like tacos: They’re a starchy vessel for tasty fillings — and therefore a must for parties. You can make roast duck, pork, or chicken ahead of time to reheat the day of your celebration, then set out condiments like sliced cucumber, green onion, and hoisin sauce for guests to add in at their leisure. (via Steamy Kitchen)

Gruyère Fondue With Potato Dippers: Fondue is a foolproof way to get everyone around the table at your holiday party. Rub a pot with a garlic clove, add white wine to simmer, toss in cheese by the handful, and serve the resulting rich mixture with small roasted potatoes, sausage, bread, apples, and other goodies. (via Brit + Co)

No-Knead Pan Pizza: This pan pizza will have you nostalgic for pizza parties of school days gone by — except it’s even better. Whip up the easy, no-knead dough at least eight hours in advance, and have the gang come over to for toppings time. Broil each pizza in a cast iron pan, and they'll cook in just two minutes — as close to instant gratification as you can get. (via Host the Toast)

Slow Cooker Cassoulet: Nine hours in the slow cooker turns browned duck, tender lamb, two types of sausage, and white beans into a memorable, breadcrumb-topped dish you'll be dreaming about for days. The French casserole requires some advance prep, but when the food begins to fill your home with a rich, garlicky aroma, you'll know it was worth it. (via Leite's Culinaria)

One-Pan Cheesy Spaghetti Pie: Few people can say no to a plate of cheesy spaghetti. Go a step beyond pasta and red sauce (while still keeping your sanity) by cooking your spaghetti in a garlicky, slightly spicy marinara sauce, then stirring in a creamy mixture of eggs, ricotta, and Parmesan. Top with mozzarella, bake, and please a crowd. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mini Steak Sandwiches With Brie, Caramelized Onions, and Fig Jam: Keep your party casual-cool with these juicy sliders. The sweet fig jam balances out the bitterness of the arugula, while the greens cut through the richness of creamy brie. Everyone will be clamoring for the recipe, guaranteed. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Homemade Tamales: Tamales are an enjoyable and relaxing dish to cook with a couple of helpers. Crank up some music, then form an assembly line to fill, steam, and top those tamales with queso dip, salsa, and guac. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Persian Saffron Rice: What better occasion to break out the saffron than a holiday dinner party? You won't regret using it in this fragrant, crispy Persian dish. Basmati rice is combined with yogurt, eggs, and oil, then layered with sweet barberries and baked until deeply golden brown. Serve with lamb, cucumber-tomato salad, and other Persian dishes. (via RecipeTin Eats)

Tomato, Chorizo, and Wine Steamed Mussels: With crusty bread and a garlicky, meaty white wine sauce, steamed mussels are an impressive yet easy entrée for holiday entertaining. (via Brittany Stager)

DIY Falafel Bar: If you’ve ever gone out for falafel, you know that the fixings are the best part about the dish. Take that into account at your next (and possibly first) falafel party. Fry or bake falafel at the start of the evening to ensure the patties are hot and crisp, warm up some pita, and adorn your table with toppings like chopped tomato, sliced red onion, and tahini sauce. (via RecipeTin Eats)

Moussaka: This Greek version of lasagna comes together with oiled eggplant, ground beef in tomato sauce, and a rich and custardy layer of béchamel. Baked until brown and bubbly, it's a hearty dish that will comfort every person at the table. (via The View From Great Island)

Earl Grey and Orange Roast Duck Legs: You'll be glad you made the extra effort to shop for duck when you and the rest of your table bite into crispy, juicy meat that's slathered in a sweet and sticky orange-honey sauce. (via The Cooking Spoon)

Learn how to Light It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

Learn how to Light It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

For more holiday recipe inspo, follow Brit + Co on Pinterest!

Learn how to Light It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

Learn how to Light It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

For more holiday recipe inspo, follow Brit + Co on Pinterest!

Additional reporting by Sara Cagle