The holiday season is all about gathering, sharing, and indulging in food that brings people together. This year, why not give your table a bold, vibrant twist with Korea’s most beloved fermented side dish?
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner with friends and loved ones, or a full family feast, these creative Holiday recipes are designed to inspire, combining Europe’s favorite seasonal flavors with the bright, tangy kick of authentic Korean kimchi.
Why Kimchi Belongs on Your Holiday Table?
Kimchi isn’t just for Korean dishes, its natural acidity, gentle heat, and probiotic richness make it a perfect complement to holiday food.
Here’s why we recommend adding kimchi to the festive menus:
- Cuts through richness of cheese, roast meats, gravies, and potatoes
- Adds depth and umami to familiar flavors
- Brings a fresh, plant-forward balance to holiday plates
- Supports gut health during the indulgent season
- Offers vegan option when using Jongga Vegan Kimchi
- And most importantly – it’s simply delicious.
And here are some of our festive Kimchi Recipes to surprise your guests:
1. Kimchi & Brie Holiday Tartlets (The perfect aperitif)
Ingredients:
- Mini tartlet shells
- Brie or camembert
- Honey
- Toasted walnuts
How to make it:
- Place a small slice of brie in each tartlet shell.
- Add 1 spoonful of well-drained kimchi.
- Warm in the oven for 5–6 minutes at 180°C.
- Drizzle with honey and top with a walnut.
- Result: The creamy cheese + sweet honey + tangy kimchi creates a perfect flavor of harmony. It is festive, surprising, and addictive.
2. Warm Holiday Kimchi Potato Gratin
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced potatoes
- Cream or plant-based cream
- Garlic
- Cheddar
- Salt & pepper
How to:
- Layer potatoes with cream, garlic, cheese, and chopped kimchi. Bake at 180°C for 45–50 minutes.
- Result: A classic gratin with a subtle, addictive kimchi heat that lifts the entire dish. Perfect next to roast poultry, ham, or a vegetarian roast.
3. Crispy Kimchi & Smoked Salmon Mini pancakes
Ingredients:
- Jongga White Kimchi (finely chopped) / Canned Kimchi
- Mini pancakes
- Smoked salmon
- Crème fraîche or plant-based cream
- Fresh dill
Method:
- Top each mini pancake with crème fraîche, salmon, and a teaspoon of white kimchi. Finish with dill.
- Result: White kimchi adds freshness without overpowering the delicate salmon
4. Kimchi Stuffing Balls (Vegetarian or Meat)
How to:
- Mix your favorite stuffing base (breadcrumbs, onion, herbs, chestnuts) with Jongga Kimchi (Original or Vegan). Bake in small balls until golden.
- Result: Aromatic herbs + the fruity tang of fermented vegetables = unforgettable holiday comfort food.
5. Spicy Kimchi Hot Chocolate (Trust Us!)
How to:
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of kimchi brine (not the cabbage!) to rich dark hot chocolate.
- Top with whipped cream and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Result: Kimchi brine adds acidity, complexity, and a subtle fermented depth; similar to adding sea salt or chili to chocolate.
Which Jongga Kimchi Should I Use?
For festive recipes, we recommend:
Jongga Classic Kimchi – classic, versatile, great for cooking
Jongga Vegan Kimchi – vegan, fresh, and perfect for canapés
Jongga Silbi Kimchi – if you want to add more spice and impress your guests
Each variety brings its own character. Try a few and see what you like the most or make your own choice from the wide range of Jongga products.
Create New Holiday Memories with Jongga
Wondering whether there are more recipes or want to try the mentioned recipes?
🎄Don’t forget to visit our Instagram page, learn more, get inspired and share your Holiday dishes with us 🎄
