10 Quick & Easy Christmas Recipes for a Festive Family Dinner π
Introduction
Hey there, holiday food lovers! π
Christmas is just around the corner, and with all the excitement comes the planning of that festive feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who just wants to keep it simple and stress-free, Iβve got you covered with some of the easiest and tastiest recipes that will bring joy (and deliciousness) to your family dinner.
From appetizers to desserts, these recipes are packed with holiday flavors and can be whipped up in no time. So, grab your apron, put on some holiday tunes, and letβs dive into these Christmas recipes thatβll make you the hero of the holiday table!
Contents
- 1 1. Cranberry Brie Bites π§
- 2 2. Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots π₯
- 3 3. Honey Glazed Ham π
- 4 4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze πΏ
- 5 5. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole π₯
- 6 6. Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Platter π
- 7 7. Classic Pecan Pie π₯§
- 8 8. Eggnog French Toast Casserole π
- 9 9. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Nuts π°
- 10 10. Peppermint Bark π«
1. Cranberry Brie Bites π§
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares (about 2 inches).
- Place a square in each mini muffin tin slot, add a small piece of brie, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired, and serve warm!
Why You’ll Love It: These little bites are crispy, creamy, and slightly sweet. Theyβre the perfect finger food for your holiday gathering and can be made ahead of time. They also look super festive with that pop of red cranberry sauce! β€οΈ
2. Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots π₯
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) baby carrots
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Toss carrots with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for an extra pop of color.
Why You’ll Love It: This side dish is as easy as it gets and brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. The garlic butter makes them irresistibly flavorful, and itβs a dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
3. Honey Glazed Ham π
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- Cloves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (165Β°C).
- Score the ham with a sharp knife to create a diamond pattern.
- Mix honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Garnish with cloves if you want a traditional look.
Why You’ll Love It: Ham is a classic Christmas main, and this honey glaze makes it extra special. Itβs sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze πΏ
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish is simple yet sophisticated. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts.
5. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole π₯
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chives.
Why You’ll Love It: Creamy, cheesy, and so comforting, this casserole is a family favorite thatβs perfect for holiday gatherings.
6. Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Platter π
Ingredients:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Shape into a triangle to resemble a Christmas tree.
- Decorate with parsley and red bell pepper to look like ornaments.
- Serve with crackers.
Why You’ll Love It: This cheese ball is not only delicious but also a fun and festive addition to your holiday table!
7. Classic Pecan Pie π₯§
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a bowl, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour into the pie crust and sprinkle with pecans.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
Why You’ll Love It: Pecan pie is a holiday classic! Itβs rich, gooey, and perfect for dessert.
8. Eggnog French Toast Casserole π
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
- Grease a baking dish and place cubed bread inside.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour mixture over bread and let soak for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup.
Why You’ll Love It: Eggnog gives this French toast a festive twist, making it perfect for Christmas morning.
9. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Nuts π°
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 egg white
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300Β°F (150Β°C).
- In a bowl, beat egg white until frothy, then add nuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Why You’ll Love It: These nuts are sweet, crunchy, and make an amazing holiday snack or gift!
10. Peppermint Bark π«
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Melt dark chocolate and spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill until set, then melt and spread white chocolate on top.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes and chill again until firm.
Why You’ll Love It: A simple, no-bake treat thatβs a holiday favorite. Perfect for snacking or gifting!
Final Thoughts
Hosting a Christmas dinner doesnβt have to be overwhelming. With these 10 quick and easy recipes, youβll have a festive spread thatβs delicious and stress-free. Save these ideas, try them out, and watch your family and friends enjoy every bite.
Happy holidays, and may your Christmas be filled with love, laughter, and amazing food! πβ€οΈ
Pinterest Tip: Donβt forget to save this article to your holiday recipes board and share it with friends who love easy, delicious Christmas recipes!