Festive recipes reimagined by Hilton chefs
From savory stuffing to honey-sweetened cupcakes, Hilton chefs are putting a fresh spin on beloved holiday dishes.
Edited by Kaitlyn Dreyling | September 25, 2025
The holidays are a time for gathering, giving, and indulging in all the flavors that define the season. Across Hilton properties, our chefs are honoring these traditions while adding their own creative flair — transforming holiday classics into memorable culinary experiences. Whether it’s Thanksgiving’s comforting staples, Halloween’s playful treats, or Christmas’s nostalgic favorites, Hilton chefs are putting their own unique twist on the recipes you know and love.
Try a few of our favorite holiday recipes.
1. Sweet potato hash for Thanksgiving
Developed by chefs at Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center, this sweet potato hash is simple, hearty, and endlessly customizable.
The sweet potatoes in this dish are roasted to perfection and layered with bold flavors. But what makes it special isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the spirit behind it. This hash is comforting, but it can also be elevated for a special occasion, like a Thanksgiving gathering with friends and family.
If possible, source your produce from a local grower or your neighborhood farmers' market. For a luxurious twist, top the hash with duck eggs and shaved black truffle. Prefer a plant-based version? Swap the eggs for kale, garbanzo beans, and a dash of curry for a vibrant, vegan-friendly take. No matter how you serve it, this dish is a celebration of seasonal produce and the joy of gathering around the table.
2. Honey cupcakes for Halloween
Halloween at New York Hilton Midtown isn’t just about costumes and candy — it’s also about sustainability, creativity, and a little rooftop magic. That’s where chef Peter Betz’s honey cupcakes come in. Made with honey harvested from the hotel’s fifth-floor hives (home to nearly half-a-million bees ) these cupcakes are a sweet treat with a story.
The honey, infused with subtle notes of lavender and mint from the surrounding urban flora, adds a unique depth to these spooky cupcakes. “It’s amazing how much flavor can come from a single ingredient when it’s grown with care,” says Betz, director of food and beverage at New York Hilton Midtown. “And it’s even better when that ingredient supports the environment.”
For those without rooftop bees, Betz recommends using high-quality, local honey to replicate the flavor and support nearby producers. It’s a small choice that makes a big difference — both in taste and sustainability. These cupcakes aren’t just festive; they’re a reminder that even fun holiday indulgences can be rooted in purpose.
3. Croissant mushroom stuffing for your holiday table
Thanksgiving at Conrad Washington, DC is all about connection — and the hotel’s croissant mushroom stuffing is designed to spark just that. Rich, savory, and layered with velvety stock and earthy mushrooms, it’s a dish that invites conversation and comfort in equal measure. It’s warm, familiar, and just a little unexpected. The use of croissants adds a buttery richness that elevates the traditional stuffing experience, while the mushrooms bring depth and umami.
Wondering how to incorporate this dish into your next festive gathering? Stuff your turkey with warm stuffing just before roasting to ensure a moist bird and a safe internal temperature. But even served on the side, this dish is a standout — perfect for those looking to add a gourmet twist to their holiday table without losing the heart of tradition.
4. Sugar cookies for the festive season
Cookie swaps are a beloved holiday tradition — and the sugar cookies at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner are the ultimate blank canvas. Buttery, versatile, and endlessly adaptable, they’re the kind of treat that brings out the inner artist in every baker.
The recipe is designed to be molded, dropped, rolled, or cut into festive shapes, making it perfect for any kind of holiday gathering. Customize the icing by adding a dash of food coloring — and don’t skimp on the sprinkles, either.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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