Holidays Archives - Cooking with Cassandra

Whipped Feta Dip with Maple Bacon

Whipped feta topped with maple bacon and toasted walnuts served with crostini

Whipped Feta with Maple Bacon Recipe This whipped feta with maple bacon recipe is creamy, sweet, and savory, topped with toasted walnuts, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. An easy whipped feta dip that’s perfect for game day, entertaining, or holiday appetizers. Maple Bacon8-10 slices thick cut baconmaple syrupblack pepperWhipped Feta1 block feta (500 grams, chopped into smaller cubes)2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt4 tablespoons maple syrup3 garlic cloves1/2 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)To Serve1 baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch thick...

Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Cracker Toffee)

Christmas crack recipe made with saltine crackers, buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and festive red and green holiday toppings

Christmas Crack Recipe This Christmas crack recipe is made with crisp saltine crackers layered with buttery homemade toffee, melted chocolate, and festive holiday toppings. It’s an easy holiday treat that bakes quickly, sets up beautifully, and is perfect for gifting, dessert platters, and Christmas entertaining. 35-50 saltine crackers (enough to fully cover the pan)1 cup butter1 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract½ teaspoon salt2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips1/2-1 cup holiday red and green sprinkles or red and green M&M’s (optional)cooking spray...

Eggnog Espresso Martini

If you love a good espresso martini, wait until you try it holiday-style with eggnog. This Eggnog Espresso Martini is smooth, creamy, lightly spiced, and tastes like Christmas in every sip. Bold espresso meets festive eggnog, coffee liqueur, spiced rum, and a touch of vanilla — shaken ice-cold for a velvety-rich winter cocktail everyone will love. I tested a few versions before landing on this balance — creamy without being heavy, coffee-forward without overpowering the eggnog. Best part? It comes together in minutes. Just shake, pour, and enjoy a restaurant-style martini right at home....

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizers that shows up at every great party — but this version has a little twist that makes all the difference. I add just ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which sounds tiny, but it brings the whole dip to life. It doesn’t make it spicy. It simply adds warmth, depth, and that subtle “what is that?!” flavour that keeps people coming back for more. This spinach artichoke dip is hot, creamy, cheesy, and baked until the top turns golden and bubbly. It’s velvety inside with pockets of fresh spinach, tender artichokes, and three cheeses...

Brie Bites in Puff Pastry

If you're looking for the kind of holiday appetizer that makes your guests pause mid-sentence, these brie bites in puff pastry are it. They’re flaky, cheesy, sweet, savory, and have that perfect little “wow” moment when you bring them to the table. I use a combination of caramelized onions, creamy brie, fig jam, prosciutto, and a sprig of rosemary to create the ultimate bite—layers of flavor wrapped in buttery puff pastry that bake up golden and beautiful. These are the bites I pull out when I want something elegant without fuss, and they are always the first thing to disappear. They’re...

Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Baked feta appetizer topped with kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, served in a white baking dish with golden edges and olive oil.

If you’re looking for a warm, bold-flavored appetizer that comes together in one dish and makes everyone gather around, this is it. This baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes is rich, savory, and so easy to prep. It’s everything I love in an appetizer—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s also endlessly versatile. Whether you’re putting together a holiday spread, hosting wine night, or just craving something Mediterranean-inspired, this dish checks all the boxes. You simply bake a block of feta until soft and golden, then spoon it onto toasted...

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

So, here is my recipe for fresh asparagus with puff pastry, a lovely side dish for any dinner party. I’ll be honest: it doesn’t look like much at first, and it’s definitely not as tantalizing as a colorful berry salad. But don’t be fooled, one bite into this asparagus with puff pastry and you’ll be amazed: glazed with honey, oozing with the best cheese mixture, and simply robust asparagus, this is definitely going to be one of the most memorable dishes you’ll ever have. It is very similar to cheesy asparagus tarts, except this one has already been apportioned and is shaped...

Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Fully glazed brown sugar ham sliced and served with orange slices and rosemary on a white platter.

Looking for the perfect holiday ham that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests? This Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe is everything you need and more. It’s sweet, savory, juicy, and has the yummiest sticky glaze with hints of garlic, orange, and warm spices. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham will be the star of the table. And yes—it's so much better than the store-bought glaze packets. Once you try this homemade brown sugar glaze, you’ll never go back! And if you're feeling a little intimidated by cooking a whole...

Easter Sugar Cookies

Introducing the best Easter sugar cookies recipe! These soft, buttery cookies are perfect for spring baking and couldn’t be easier to make. My simple cut-out cookies come together quickly and are ideal for decorating with pastel icing and sprinkles. One of the best parts? No chill time is needed! This dough rolls out smoothly, holds its shape in the oven, and has that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. Paired with my easy icing, they’re perfect for stacking, gifting, or setting out at your Easter brunch. Don’t be intimidated by the decorating—this icing is not royal icing and is...

The Best Au Gratin Potatoes (Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe)

Golden baked au gratin potatoes made with Yukon Gold potatoes and melted Gruyère cheese in a white casserole dish.

When it comes to cheesy comfort food, Au Gratin Potatoes (or as some call them, Scalloped Potatoes) are always a winner. This recipe layers tender Yukon Golds with a creamy spiced sauce and perfectly melted Gruyère cheese for a side dish that’s rich, cozy, and just a little fancy. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want something that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. What are Au Gratin Potatoes? Au Gratin Potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce with layers of melted cheese until golden and bubbly. While traditional scalloped potatoes...

The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introducing my absolute favorite mashed potatoes recipe! When it comes to comfort food, this truly is the best creamy mashed potatoes recipe you’ll ever try. These homemade potatoes are rich, buttery, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served at a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, they’re always a hit. What makes these mashed potatoes so special? Yukon Gold mashed potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, and when paired with garlic, cream cheese, whipping cream, and a touch of sea salt, the flavor is out of this world! The cream cheese adds a tangy twist,...

Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Looking for the perfect holiday cookie that combines warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and a texture so soft and chewy that it practically melts in your mouth? Look no further! These Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are your answer. Packed with cozy flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this recipe is perfect for your holiday baking lineup or whenever you crave a touch of comfort. Plus, they stay fresh for days, making them ideal for cookie swaps, holiday gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Recently, I featured this recipe in my Ultimate Holiday Cookie Prep Guide...