Holiday Season: Elevate Your Festive Feast!

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, and what better way to impress your guests than with delicious, cheese-filled recipes? Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this guide will help you create memorable meals that keep cheese at the heart of your holiday celebrations. Let’s dive into these festive recipes and pro tips!

Bringing Comfort to Your Holiday Table

The holidays are all about sharing heartwarming food while spending quality time with loved ones. With Ingredients by Saputo's family of dairy products, you can create impressive, yet easy-to-make dishes that will leave your guests coming back for more.

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5 Tips for Preparing Your Holiday Menu

1. Organize your shopping list:Save time and avoid the last-minute rush by planning your meals ahead. Keep a list of what you need for each recipe and jot down ideas as inspiration strikes. This will help you manage your time and reduce stress.
2. Batch cooking: Prep some holiday-friendly dishes ahead of time, like festive cookies. Bake a batch for your celebrations, and freeze extras to enjoy later throughout winter.
3. Mix Sweet and Savoury: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Cheese and fruit, meat and jam, sauces with maple syrup—there's no limit to the creative sweet-and-savoury combinations you can try.
4. Create cheese pairings:Take your cheese game to the next level with a beautiful platter featuring Alexis de Portneuf cheeses. Pair them with spiced nuts or chutneys, and encourage guests to mix and match their own creations.
5. Prepare easy, crowd-pleasing bite-size starters: Use muffin tins or chic ramekins for the perfect handy portions. Saputo cheeses can be the centerpiece of many appetizer recipes perfect for hosting.

Must-Try Holiday Recipes With Cheese

Appetizer: Holiday Cheeseboard with Seasonal Twists

Kickoff your celebrations with a beautifully arranged cheese platter, including delicious cheese from Alexis de Portneuf, Saputo and Woolwich Goat Dairy. Incorporate winter fruits like figs, dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet component, and artisanal crackers for a festive touch.

Pro Tip: Pair the cheeses with local wines for a sophisticated twist. Opt for a light white wine with soft cheeses like Brie, and a bold red for aromatic cheeses like Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese.

Side Dish: Easy Cheddar And Beer Fondue

A fondue is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for bringing people together. Try this Easy Cheddar And Beer Fondue, featuring Armstrong Old Cheddar Shredded Cheese. Serve it with vegetables like boiled potatoes, broccoli, and marinated onions for a savoury side dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Pro Tip: While the recipe calls for a red ale beer, you can experiment with a dark beer for a richer flavour or go for a lighter lager to bring a fresh touch to the dish.

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Main Courses: Comfort Food with a Gourmet Twist

Generous dishes to share!

Cheese-Stuffed Roast Flank Steak

For a holiday showstopper, nothing beats Cheese-Stuffed Roast Flank Steak. Using Saputo Mozzarellissima Cheese, this dish boasts a perfect balance of flavours and textures, making it a memorable centerpiece for any holiday meal.

Pro Tip: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a complete dinner.

Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Nothing screams comfort like a side of creamy mashed potatoes. And when Armstrong Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese, butter, sour cream and bacon are incorporated to recall the classic dish, they’re even more mouthwatering. This rich, flavour-packed side is guaranteed to complement any festive meal thanks to its perfect blend of high-quality cheddars and other tasty ingredients.

Pro Tip: Swap the Armstrong Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese and cooked bacon bits for the Armstrong Mmmm… Bacon Natural Shredded Cheese with REAL bacon! This will save you the extra step of cooking the bacon.

Decadent Desserts with a Cheesy Twist

Dark Chocolate and Ricotta Tart with Salted Butterscotch Sauce

Finish your feast on a sweet note with this luxurious Dark Chocolate and Ricotta Tart with Salted Butterscotch Sauce. The velvety ricotta complements the bold chocolate flavours, creating a dessert your guests won’t forget.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of fleur de sel to enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful balance of flavours.

Festive Cookies

For a sweet treat that’s easy to prepare ahead, try these Ricotta and Clementine Italian Cookies. They’re perfect for making in large batches, and can be stored in the freezer for a quick and delicious dessert that’s always on hand. Simply thaw before serving, and you’re ready to go!

Eggnog Caramel

Don't let your guests leave empty-handed! Give them a sweet takeaway treat that will keep the holiday fun going all the way home. And what could be more festive than this Eggnog Caramel made with Dairyland Eggnog Beverage, reminiscent of a Canadian favourite? Perfect for drizzling on ice cream, spreading on toast or eating with a spoon (that's between us), it will delight anyone with a sweet tooth. Store it in your refrigerator, covered, for 3 to 4 days!