43 Easy Christmas Recipes Made in a 13×9 Pan

Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious – just like pecan pie! They’re perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings…I always come home with an empty pan. These Kentucky Derby pecan pie bars are the perfect snack while watching the races. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York

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Candy Cane Dessert

Add some festive flair to your holiday table with this easy, no-bake candy cane dessert. Layers of chocolaty crust, creamy filling and peppermint candy crunch make it a crowd favorite.

More peppermint desserts we love. 

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

While I love stuffing, my family wasn't that fond of it—that is, until I found this recipe. I added a few touches of my own and now they gobble it up. Cranberries and pork really make it something special. —Robin Lang, Muskegon, Michigan

Christmas Cauliflower Casserole

This creamy casserole is filled with tender cauliflower and topped with a sprinkling of crispy herb stuffing. It's become one of our favorite Christmas casseroles that appeals to both kids and adults in our family. —Carol Rex, Ocala, Florida

Our jolliest holiday casseroles. 

Holiday Cranberry Gelatin Salad

This light, delicious holiday salad is very popular in my family and has been requested every year since I first brought it to Christmas Eve dinner. The refreshing, not-too-sweet flavor is a perfect pairing with just about any meat. —Jennifer Mastnick, Hartville, Ohio

Contest-Winning Sweet Potato Bake

This is an easy dish to prepare and is a perfect addition to that special holiday meal. The topping is flavorful and gives a nice contrast of textures. —Pam Holloway, Marion, Louisiana

More sweet potato recipes that are sure to satisfy.

Seafood Lasagna

This rich satisfying dish, adapted from a recipe given to me by a friend, is my husband’s favorite. I usually serve it on his birthday. It’s loaded with scallops, shrimp and imitation crab in a creamy sauce. I consider this the “crown jewel” in my repertoire of recipes. —Elena Hansen, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Mashed Cauliflower au Gratin

Unless someone tells you, you might not know you're eating cauliflower. Even my grandchildren love this buttery, cheesy, creamy dish that tastes like mashed potatoes. —Sandie Parker, Elk Rapids, Michigan

Green Bean and Cauliflower Casserole

I like to make my own savory cream sauce for the timeless green bean casserole. This time I added another vegetable for a delicious twist that sets my casserole apart from the rest! You can omit the vermouth if you'd like by substituting another half-cup of chicken broth. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

My daughter gave me this recipe because she knows I love potatoes. The hearty casserole is loaded with a palate-pleasing combination of bacon, cheeses, green onions and sour cream. —Betty Miars, Anna, Ohio

Creamy Seafood Enchiladas

Shrimp and crab cooked with a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas. I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska

Florentine Spaghetti Bake

This hearty sausage entree will appeal to just about everyone. My daughter serves it often to her hardworking family on their wheat ranch in Montana. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California

Sticky Buns

These fluffy, sweet sticky buns are finished with a crunchy caramel-pecan topping. Serve a batch for your next weekend brunch or as the main feature of a holiday spread for Easter, Christmas or Mother's Day.

Grandma’s Spinach Salad

This hearty spinach salad with mushrooms is packed with protein and draped in an aromatic celery seed vinaigrette. You can prep a batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches.

Kahlua Dream Bars

I always double this recipe so everyone gets a piece. For a glaze with deeper flavor, use 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate and 2 ounces semisweet.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Make-Ahead Creamy Potatoes

For the holidays, I usually serve the traditional foods with a new spin or two on family favorites. I put together these creamy potatoes the night before and simply bake the day of to save precious holiday time. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan

Make-Ahead Coffee Cake

This is a wonderful timesaver because it's assembled the night before. My kids think the nutty topping, sweet glaze and from-scratch cake make it the ultimate treat. —Cindy Harris, San Antonio, Texas

Cherry Coconut Bars

I came across these easy maraschino cherry bars while stationed at a Michigan Air Force base in 1964 and have been making the recipe ever since. My children don't think an event is special unless they are part of it. —Marguerite Emery, Orland, California

Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Even those who aren't fans of squash enjoy this side dish. Sweet slices of butternut squash are topped with apples covered in a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a quick and easy dinner accompaniment. —Ellie Klopping, Toledo, Ohio

Sausage Mushroom Appetizers

These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sausage Quiche Squares

Having done some catering, I especially appreciate interesting, appetizing finger foods. I'm constantly asked to make these popular squares to serve at parties. They're almost like a zippy, crustless quiche. -Linda Wheeler, Middleburg, Florida

Cranberry Chicken and Wild Rice

Tender chicken is baked in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce for this elegant entree. This chicken is delicious, and it’s so easy to prepare and I love that I can do other things while it bakes. —Evelyn Lewis, Independence, Missouri

Fudgy Macaroon Bars

Anyone with a sweet tooth will make a beeline for my dessert tray when these rich squares show up. They're attractive on the platter and delectable with fudge and coconut. —Beverly Zdurne, East Lansing, Michigan

Ground Beef Taco Dip

What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI

Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn Squash

When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona

Aunt Margaret’s Sweet Potato Casserole

My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio

Cranberry Date Bars

Rich and fruity, these bars let you enjoy cranberries year-round. I've made batches for all kinds of church and social events. -Bonnie Nieter, Warsaw, Indiana

Cheddar-Ham Oven Omelet

We had a family reunion for 50 relatives from the U.S. and Canada, and it took four pans of this hearty five-ingredient omelet to feed the crowd. Fresh fruit and an assortment of muffins helped round out our brunch menu. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan

Appetizer Tomato Cheese Bread

I found this recipe a few years ago in a dairy cookbook, and it has become a family favorite. My husband, Wayne, and our two children are mostly meat-and-potato eaters, but I don't hear any complaints when I make this bread! —Penney Kester, Springville, New York

Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

Indulge in these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for a cozy and delightful twist on the classic treat. Perfect for autumn mornings, these rolls are filled with pumpkin, cinnamon and a sweet glaze that will make your breakfast extra special.

Corn Pudding

This sweetheart of a side is delicious, rich and perfect on a weeknight table or as part of a holiday spread. If you want to step up your side dish game, this triple-corn pudding is an excellent choice.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois

Cranberry-Walnut Cake with Butter Sauce

Tired of plain ol' cakes? Give this recipe a shot! Cranberry-lovers will definitely like it because the cake is tart, but the warm butter sauce creates the ideal balance of sweet and sour. Pour the sauce over the cake just before serving. —Katie Kahre, Duluth, Minnesota

Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast

My friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it’s divine. It makes a great brunch dish for Christmas morning. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri

Chocolate Maple Bars

My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan

Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti

This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Winter Squash Casserole

Years ago, our vegetable garden kept us well-supplied all year long. Dad stored huge piles of potatoes and squash in the coldest part of the basement. In winter the squash was so hard. Mother sometimes used an ax to cut it into small pieces for cooking! Her hard work was worth it, because we really enjoyed this wonderful casserole! —Glendora Hauger, Siren, Wisconsin

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Enjoy a warm, gently spiced dump cake featuring pumpkin puree and simple cake mix.

Colorful Brunch Frittata

A friend called and asked me for a special recipe that he could serve at his daughter's wedding brunch. I created this brunch frittata recipe for the special day. —Kristin Arnett, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Spinach Manicotti

This creamy, cheesy, tomatoey spinach manicotti is completely assembled in advance and refrigerated overnight before baking, making it about as convenient as can be, whether you're cooking for family or company.

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

It's quick, it's tasty and there's minimal cleanup: That's one-bowl chocolate cake in a nutshell! It comes together in 15 minutes, and it'll be ready for icing by the time you've finished dinner.

Special Herb Dressing

Here's a fabulously satisfying dressing with all the great tastes people crave: meat, fish herbs, earthy mushrooms, crunchy apples and water chestnuts, and a zesty burst of tart cranberries. —Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario

Makeover Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

Spinach never tasted better than it does in this creamy, colorful dish that I've lightened up a bit with reduced-fat ingredients! —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana