5 Modern Twists on Classic Recipes That Will Make Your Las Posadas Celebrations Extra Delicious

Throughout parts of Mexico, Central America, and the U.S., Las Posadas is a celebratory time of year, rich with culture and traditions that bring together food, family, and friends. These parties are referred to as posadas, and ultimately, the foundation of this enduring holiday is creating a space where all feel welcome.

Traditionally, the festivities begin on December 16 and conclude nine days later on Christmas Eve. The duration of Las Posadas, which translates to The Inns, is meant to coincide with the journey Mary and Joseph took in search of shelter for the birth of Jesus Christ while following the Star of Bethlehem. For hundreds of years, communities throughout Mexico and Central America have been staging theatrical processions that are symbolic of this journey with children in costumes, live music, moments of prayer, and candy-filled piñatas shaped like stars. And while many continue this time-honored tradition, contemporary Las Posadas celebrations have evolved, discovering more ways to foster inclusivity.

For many, Las Posadas celebrations of today are intermixed festivities paying homage to one’s heritage and faith while also adding new takes on tradition. In the spirit of mixing the old with the new, we partnered with General Mills to spotlight five delicious recipes that put a contemporary twist on a classic dish. If you plan on hosting or attending a Las Posadas celebration this year, H-E-B has everything you need to make these recipes (along with anything else you might want to pick up).

The flavors of the season include favorites like tamales dulces, churros, and sopapillas. Making a delicious dessert inspired by a cultural favorite might not be how your ancestors did it, but they also didn’t have the internet! These soon-to-be favorite recipes, made with versatile pantry staples you can pick up from H-E-B like Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, are designed to cut down on prep work without sacrificing flavor.

Tamales are versatile and delicious. Since they can be filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, you can enjoy them as a meal, a snack, or a dessert. This recipe combines two Latin American dishes, dulce de leche and tamales, with the unexpected crisp of Cinnamon Toast Crunch™.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Dulce de Leche Tamales

With just a sharp knife or pizza cutter, you can turn Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls into churro-like spirals. Then all you need is butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and you’ll have a mouth-watering dessert in half an hour that bypasses the traditional deep frying method.

Get the recipe: Baked Crescent Churros

Traditionally, a sopapilla is made by deep frying pastry dough. And in Mexico, it’s often drizzled with honey. With the help of Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls and a few other pantry staples, this recipe infuses a layer of cheesecake into a flaky crust that’s ready to bake with just 15 minutes of prep time.

Get the recipe: Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

What’s the perfect treat for guests to savor while they mingle? A portable, edible bowl dusted with cinnamon and sugar, filled with dulce de leche, and topped with caramel ice cream. All you have to do is cut, shape, and bake Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts, and the rest comes together with ease.

Get the recipe: Dulce de Leche Pie Cups

Give your guests a winning combination of sweet and spicy in one bite-sized dessert. The gooey orange marmalade filling is reminiscent of Ponche, the warm and spicy fruit drink served during Las Posadas. Here, it’s baked into a Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet and topped with hazelnut spread.

Get the recipe: Spicy Churro Crescent Bites

As a pillar in communities across Texas and northeast Mexico, H-E-B has everything you need to celebrate Las Posadas with friends and family.