Eat Like Your Fave Christmas Movie Character: 7 Recipes

Seven stellar recipes inspired by seven classic holiday movies.

Holiday time means movie time—How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause and Home Alone and the rest. Our new fave tradition? Turning these family classics into sensory experiences by serving up a side dish inspired by the film, from our take on A Christmas Story‘s “Chinese turkey” to Tim Allen’s healthy addition to his bowl-full-of-jelly diet.

1. Caesar Salad (The Santa Clause)

Ordering dessert after dessert, Tim Allen’s Santa-to-be tops off his order with a Caesar Salad with dressing on the side. But no judgement from us if you choose to go all-in with this cashew-based vegan version.

2. Spaghetti (Elf)

Although Buddy the Elf prefers to pour maple syrup over his spaghetti, we suggest saving the sweet stuff for later. (Also, please don’t eat it with your hands.)

3. Hot Chocolate (The Polar Express)

“Never, ever let it cool!” This spiked version of the chocolatey drink will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit. Though for the kids, you might want to skip the bourbon.

4. Cheese Pizza (Home Alone)

This brie and peach number and may not be the exact kind of cheese pizza that Kevin McCallister ordered for himself, but we think that it’s a pretty good upgrade.

5. Roast Beast (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

Dr. Seuss never specified what kind of beast exactly the Grinch carved up for his holiday feast, but if it was this slow-roasted pork shoulder, we can see why the whole town of Whoville came out for dinner.

6. Chinese Turkey/Peking Duck (A Christmas Story)

Ralphie Parker gets his first introduction to “Chinese turkey” after a Bumpus hound disaster. Should you find yourself in a similar dilemma, this BBQ Duck spring roll recipe from Chef Rob Feenie is a perfectly acceptable alternative.

7. Figgy Pudding (A Christmas Carol)

No one will be a Scrooge when you bring out this sweet figgy pudding for dessert—the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future might even drop by for a slice.

Get great holiday recipe ideas here.