• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Vindulge

BBQ and Grilling Recipes with Wine Pairings

  • Home
  • About
    • About Mary
    • Portfolio
    • TV Appearances
    • Work With Me
  • Cookbook
  • Wine
    • Food and Wine Pairing
  • All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Resources
    • Fundamentals For Learning How to Grill
    • Guide to Pellet Grills – Common Q and A
    • Best Pellet Grill – MAK Two Star General – Versatile American Made Pellet Smoker
    • Blogger Resources
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop Wines
  • Shop Cookbook
  • Cookbook
  • All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Wine Guides
  • Connect with us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    You are here: Home » Holidays

    Holiday Recipes for the Grill and Smoker

    December 14, 2020 By Mary Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    80 shares
    • Facebook1
    • Twitter
    Holiday cocktails roundup pinterest pin
    Holiday dessert round up pinterest pin
    Holiday recipe round-up pinterest pin

    Looking for ideas to cook outside this holiday season? This guide is a range of holiday recipes from appetizers to main dishes large and small. Great for Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa. Grab a glass of wine and peruse some of our favorites. If you are looking for some thanksgiving recipes, then check out our perfect Thanksgiving on the grill and smoker round up.

    If you have spent any time on our website you’ll know that we’re all about cooking outside all year round. And anything you can cook inside can be replicated on the grill and smoker. Not only is the flavor more intense, the ease of having a second kitchen outside makes for that much more space.

    And whether you are looking for a large gathering idea or something smaller and more intimate, these holiday recipe ideas can be scaled up or down very easily. Just imagine a beautifully plated line up of some of these treats… now let’s get grilling.

    Jump to:
    • Cocktails
    • Appetizers and Snacks for Holiday Parties
    • Smoked Prime Rib – Ultimate Holiday Recipe Idea
    • Other Large Holiday Roasts
    • Small Roasts for the Holidays
    • Holiday Side Dishes
    • Dessert
    • Wines to Pair With Holiday Dinners

    Cocktails

    There is nothing more satisfying during a holiday meal than a great cocktail that is easy to make and can yield a good amount of servings. Just make these in advance and have them ready to mix versus making one at a time.

    Spiked Hot Apple Cider
    Bourbon Spiked Hot Apple Cider Recipe
    A soothing and comforting spiked apple cider made with Bourbon. Can be served warm or cold over ice. 
    Full Recipe
    Mulled Wine Recipe
    Mulled Wine is a comforting festive drink made from a blend of red wine, spices, and citrus, served warm. This holiday classic recipe is easy to make and is a great cocktail for winter parties.
    Full Recipe
    Ginger Pomegranate Spritz in glass.
    Ginger Pomegranate Cocktail
    Ginger Pomegranate Spritz is a loose take on a classic cocktail. This refreshing drink is made with ginger beer, pomegranate flavored Italian soda, fresh lime, vodka, and some fresh herbs. It's the perfect refreshing holiday cocktail this season.
    Full Recipe
    A Smoked Ice Cocktail: A twist on a classic Old Fashioned made with Smoked Ice!
    Smoked Ice Recipe and Cocktail
    A twist on a classic Old Fashioned using Smoked Ice. Recipe and Video.
    Full Recipe
    Two Apple Cider Mimosas
    Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe
    Fresh apple cider plus sparkling wine for the perfect apple cider cocktail. This will be your go-to fall cocktail.
    Full Recipe

    Appetizers and Snacks for Holiday Parties

    When we gather for the holidays, some of it is all about the experience, like having a fire pit going outside and roasting chestnuts over the coals. Or plating items that are easy to make in scale and then cut into smaller bites.

    Chestnuts roasting over a grill
    Roasted Chestnuts over Open Fire
    An easy recipe for roasting chestnuts over an open fire of charcoal or embers.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates on a platter
    Grilled Bacon Wrapped Dates with Honey and Goat Cheese
    Stuffed with goat cheese, these dates are then wrapped with bacon and then grilled over direct heat. These dates are finished with a smoked honey glaze and create the very best finger food at any party.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Meatballs with a Cranberry and Red Wine Sauce
    Smoked Cranberry Meatballs in a Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
    A simple, delicious, and elegant appetizer idea for the holidays. Smoked meatballs made with pork and beef, cooked on the smoker, and then braised in a sweet and savory cranberry wine sauce.
    Full Recipe
    Baked Brie dip with crostini.
    Grilled Baked Brie with Wine and Thyme
    Grilled brie wheel with white wine and thyme served with grilled crostini.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Salmon Dip with crostini in a cup.
    Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
    A delicious appetizer recipe for smoked salmon dip made with salmon cooked on a smoker, then mixed into a creamy indulgent dip. This is a great smoked salmon appetizer for any occasion. Includes wine pairings.
    Full Recipe
    A sheet pan full of Smoked Candied Nuts
    Smoked Candied Nuts Recipe with Bourbon Glaze
    A slowly smoked mix of pecans, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts finished with a sweet and decadent butter, brown sugar, and bourbon glaze.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked almonds in a dish with sea salt.
    Smoked Almonds
    Roasting almonds using a low and slow method to get an amazing smoky flavor and crunch. We add a touch of extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt to finish.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Shrimp Cocktail served with a Spicy Sriracha Cocktail Sauce
    Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Sriracha Cocktail Sauce
    Grilled Shrimp Cocktail features a Spicy Sriracha Cocktail Sauce that is easily adaptable. Perfect for cookouts, parties, and holidays!
    Full Recipe
    A serving platter of smoked and stuffed sausage mushrooms.
    Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
    An easy and elegant recipe for Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Smoked sausage adds incredible flavor to this favorite holiday party appetizer.
    Full Recipe
    Beef skewers on a cutting board with cranberry relish.
    Wine Marinated Beef Skewers
    Using a red wine marinade and easy dry rub for these delicious grilled steak skewer recipe.
    Full Recipe
    A platter of Grilled Oysters
    Grilled Oysters with White Wine Butter Sauce
    How to grill oysters in the half shell with a herb wine butter sauce.
    Full Recipe

    Smoked Prime Rib – Ultimate Holiday Recipe Idea

    It’s no secret that Prime Rib is such a hit through the holiday season. And this is one of our favorite recipes every year. The tender and delicious meaty flavor combined with a herb crust or a compound butter will make the flavor really stand out.

    Smoked Prime Rib with Herb Crust
    Smoked Prime Rib Recipe with Herb Paste
    How to cook a prime rib on a smoker. Including recipe and video tutorial on smoking the perfect prime rib on any kind of smoker, including pellet smokers. Comes with wine pairing recommendations. 
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Prime Rib Recipe with Horseradish Compound Butter
    Slowly smoked and then seared with a high heat, this Prime Rib is tender, and juicy. Finish with a horseradish compound butter as an extra flavor element.
    Full Recipe

    Other Large Holiday Roasts

    Prime Rib doesn’t have to be the only main star, these large roasts can handle a larger crowd and taste just as special.

    Smoked brisket sliced on butcher paper with pickled vegetables.
    The Ultimate Smoked Brisket Recipe
    Recipe for a whole packer smoked Beef Brisket and common questions and answers. 
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Beef Tenderloin
    Smoked Beef Tenderloin Recipe – Reverse Seared
    Beef Tenderloin, smoked low and slow and then finished hot and fast over charcoal.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Turkey Recipe with Bourbon Brine
    This smoked turkey is packed with flavor, from a bourbon citrus brine, to an herbed butter, to a dry rub. Rated as the best turkey brine for smoking, this is the juiciest and most flavorful turkey that will have your guests going back for seconds… and maybe even thirds.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Ham Recipe and Brown Sugar Glaze
    Smoked Ham is the perfect meal for any holiday, like Christmas or Easter dinner. This brown sugar glaze is absolutely incredible over the top of your smoked ham!
    Full Recipe
    Double Smoked Ham Recipe with Cherry Bourbon Glaze
    Recipe for double smoked ham with cherry and bourbon glaze. Slowly smoked and finished with an amazing cherry and bourbon sticky glaze.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Porchetta Roast on a cutting board with slices cut showing the filling
    Porchetta Recipe for Smoker
    A grilled Porchetta Roast perfect for a holiday meal or special occasion.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Rack of Pork with Apricot herb glaze
    Grilled Rack of Pork with Apricot Herb Glaze
    A bone-in pork loin roast served with a sweet and savory apricot herb glaze.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe
    An herbal and fragrant lamb seasoning slowly smoke roasted in a grill and cooked to medium rare.
    Full Recipe

    Small Roasts for the Holidays

    If the crowds are a little smaller this year, these elegant dishes still come with amazing flavor. These are all worthy of standing up to their larger cousins for an impressive holiday dinner.

    Smoked Lamb Chops cooking on a grill
    Smoked Lamb Chops Recipe
    Smoked Lamb Chops cooked low on the smoker for flavor and then finished grilled hot and fast. Cut into an individual lollipop for an elegant appetizer or serve two for an entrée.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Pork Tenderloin
    Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Fried Sage Butter Sauce
    Grilled hot and fast with a drizzle of sage butter for a tender and perfect Grilled Pork Tenderloin.
    Full Recipe
    Slices of Grilled Pork Loin on a platter with roasted potatoes
    Grilled Pork Loin with Blackberry, Caramelized Shallots, and Red Wine Glaze
    A tender and delicious pork loin roasted on the grill and finished with a sweet and savory berry and wine glaze.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Pork Collar Recipe with Citrus Marinade
    Grilled Pork Collar, or pork neck with an easy citrus marinade.
    Full Recipe
    Whole Smoked Chicken on a sheet pan
    Smoked Whole Chicken Recipe
    Step by step guide for smoked whole chicken- including times, temps, dry rub recipes and pro tips.  
    Full Recipe
    Wine Can Chicken on the Grill
    Grilled Wine Can Chicken
    A take on the classic beer can chicken, but with the added twist of a bright and fruity can of wine.
    Full Recipe
    Easy and Tender Smoked Salmon Fillet
    Perfect Smoked Salmon. Recipe and video for fresh smoked salmon fillet. Secrets to juicy and tender salmon. Comes with wine pairing recommendations.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Filet Mignon topped with a mushroom brown butter sauce with pinterest text
    Grilled Filet Mignon with Mushroom Brown Butter Sauce
    Grilled Filet Mignon with Mushroom Brown Butter Sauce is a fantastic steak recipe for a special occasion or holiday meal. Filet Mignon is incredibly tender with a buttery flavor, and when topped with a decadent brown butter mushroom sauce, your mouth will water for days!
    Full Recipe

    Holiday Side Dishes

    Side dishes will elevate any main dish. But keep it simple. Consider 2 – 3 sides to accompany your main dish. Just scale up if more people come over.

    duck fat potatoes with spatula
    Roasted Duck Fat Potatoes Recipe
    Slowly roasted potatoes tossed in delicious duck fat and finished with freshly shaved parmesan and fresh thyme. Soft on the inside and crispy exterior as the perfect side for a roast of brunch.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Caesar Salad with Crispy Bacon
    Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad Recipe
    A simple and delicious grilled romaine Caesar salad elevated with some smoky crispy pancetta (or bacon), grilled lemon, and grilled baguette slices to sub for croutons, and instructions on how to grill romaine lettuce.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe With Bacon and Balsamic
    Grilled Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate vegetable side dish! When you add bacon and balsamic to your Brussels this grilled side dish is over-the-top. 
    Full Recipe
    Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe
    Grilled Carrots with a Honey Brown Sugar Glaze are a fantastic side dish to any holiday or casual meal. Perfect side dish for Easter or Christmas dinner or summer grilling season.  
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Broccolini with Grilled Lemon and Parmesan
    Grilled Broccolini with Grilled Lemon and Parmesan
    Grilled Broccolini is tender and delicious and grills fast and easy. Broccolini is so much better than broccoli on the grill and may just become your new go-to side dish for summer cookouts or holiday dinners!
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Green Bean with Lemon
    Grilled Green Beans with Grilled Lemon
    Grilling green beans makes for an easy side to make on the grill. Add grilled lemon for an added twist of flavor.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Vegetables on a platter
    Grilled Vegetables
    A medley of grilled vegetables perfect for a grilled vegetable grazing platter.
    Full Recipe
    Grilled Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    Grilled Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
    Slightly smoky and savory grilled mashed sweet potato recipe with sweet finish of maple syrup. Awesome side dish for the holidays or fall dinners.
    Full Recipe
    Skillet Cornbread Cooked on the Grill
    Skillet Cornbread Recipe on the Grill
    Grilled Cornbread in a cast iron skillet with green chilies and cinnamon topped with smoked honey drizzle.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Sausage, Caramelized Onion, Cornbread Stuffing for Thanksgiving, cooked on the smoker or grill
    Smoked Sausage, Caramelized Onion, and Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
    A simple smoked sausage, caramelized onion, and cornbread stuffing for Thanksgiving, cooked on the smoker or grill.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked turkey gravy in a platter with a serving spoon
    Smoked Turkey Gravy Recipe with Bourbon
    A simple way to make smoked Thanksgiving turkey gravy with added flavor of bourbon and thyme.
    Full Recipe

    Dessert

    If you still have room, how about these make ahead desserts. Just make them the day before and you’re ready to focus on hanging out with friends and family.

    slice of pecan pie
    Grilled Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
    An easy grilled pecan pie recipe where we substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup and add a dash of bourbon for flare.
    Full Recipe
    Smoked Chocolate Pot de Creme in ramekins
    Smoked Chocolate Pot de Crème Recipe (no bake)
    How to make a chocolate pot de crème with a smoky undertone. Smoke milk and cream to create a rich smokiness, then combine with the remaining ingredients for an easy, silky, and indulgent no-bake Chocolate Pot de Crème
    Full Recipe
    grilled apple crisp cooling
    Grilled Apple Crisp
    How to make a traditional apple crisp on the grill. Grilled Apple Crisp is going to become your new favorite fall dessert! It's also the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving dinner!
    Full Recipe
    top down pumpkin pies
    Grilled Pumpkin Pie Recipe
    Grilled pumpkin pie with traditional spice flavor and topped with candied pecans.
    Full Recipe
    a bowl of homemade whipped cream sprinkled with powdered sugar
    Smoked Whipped Cream
    How to smoked cream to use as a base for perfect Smoked Whipped Cream for your favorite desserts.
    Full Recipe

    Wines to Pair With Holiday Dinners

    Opening wine for a holiday prime rib meal.
    Consider a wide variety of wines for your table.

    If you’re serving wine with your holiday roasts, here is your full guide to Pairing Wine with Holiday Roasts as well as a few other resources for the holidays. When you’re ready to buy head to the Vindulge Wine Shop!

    • Pairing Wine with Holiday Roasts
    • What is Champagne
    • Pairing Wine with Thanksgiving Dinner

    If you like these recipes we’d truly appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review! And if you share any of your pics on Instagram use the hashtag #vindulge. We LOVE to see it when you cook our recipes. 

    « Smoked Candied Pecans
    Edible Gifts from the Grill or Smoker »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Mary-Cressler-Sept-2015-smI'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, and founder of Vindulge and author of Fire + Wine cookbook.  Thanks for stopping by!

    Learn More...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Fire and Wine Cookbook Cover.

    Get Ready for Summer

    Smoked Brisket

    What’s on our Grill

    Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach and Goat Cheese on a serving platter

    Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breast with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Grilled Flat Iron Steak topped with herb butter on a cutting board

    Horseradish Compound Butter on a Grilled Flat Iron Steak

    Mary Cressler of Vindulge grilling lamb on a big green egg.

    How to Grill on a Big Green Egg

    Hatch Green Chile Cheeseburger Recipe

    More

    As Seen On

    Products we love

    taking the temperature of a porchetta roast on the grill
    We use Thermoworks Signals BBQ Alarm to monitor the internal temperature of the meat while it’s cooking, then double check with an instant read thermometer, like the Thermapen One.

    Vindulge Wine Club

    join the wine club side bar

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Portfolio
    • TV Appearances
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Vindulge

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    80 shares
    • 1