30 Quick and Easy Christmas Recipes for a Stress-Free Holiday

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to deck the halls, trim the tree, and fire up the oven for some delicious Christmas feast planning! If you're anything like me, you love the idea of spending endless hours creating beautiful, mouth-watering dishes, but sometimes life just gets in the way.

Between holiday shopping, parties, and family gatherings, time is often in short supply. That’s where my list of "30 Quick and Easy Christmas Recipes" comes in handy. These recipes are designed to keep you jolly and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending all day in the kitchen.

Whether you're looking for appetizers, main courses, or sweet treats, I’ve got something that will fit perfectly into your holiday menu!

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

For a delightful appetizer that doesn't require much effort, try these Cranberry Brie Bites.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 oz Brie cheese
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares.
3. Place each square into a mini muffin tin.
4. Add a small slice of Brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce to each square.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve warm.

2. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get a delicious upgrade with this simple but flavorful recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.

3. Baked Ham with Honey Glaze

This classic Christmas main course takes minimal effort but yields maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
4. Brush the ham with half of the glaze mixture.
5. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.
6. Bake for about 2 hours, basting with additional glaze every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the ham to brown.

4. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

This pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleaser at any holiday party.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the bread into a grid pattern without slicing all the way through.
3. Mix the melted butter and garlic together.
4. Stuff the cheese into the cuts of the bread.
5. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the top.
6. Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

5. Eggnog French Toast Casserole

A warm, comforting breakfast perfect for Christmas morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 2 cups eggnog
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the bread into cubes and place in a greased baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Drizzle melted butter on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve hot, optionally with maple syrup.

6. Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

This festive and fun appetizer will brighten up your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Crackers for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Shape the mixture into a cone to resemble a Christmas tree.
3. Roll the cheese tree in chopped parsley to cover.
4. Press in chopped nuts for decoration.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving with crackers.

7. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

A sophisticated yet straightforward side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of asparagus (about 20 spears)
• 10 slices of prosciutto, halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a half slice of prosciutto.
4. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
6. Roast for 10-12 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy.

8. Maple-Glazed Carrots

These sweet and savory carrots are a perfect side for any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with maple syrup, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

9. Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

A festive and delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. In a mixer, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until incorporated.
5. Stir in cranberries and pistachios.
6. Roll dough into a log and refrigerate for 1 hour.
7. Slice the log into ¼ inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

10. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A creamy, cheesy dip that's always a hit at parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
5. Serve warm with crackers or bread.

11. Cranberry Salsa

Add a zing to your appetizer spread with this vibrant and tangy salsa.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, jalapeño, red onion, sugar, cilantro, and lime juice in a food processor.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Let the salsa sit for at least an hour to meld the flavors.
4. Serve with tortilla chips.

12. Gingerbread Pancakes

These pancakes bring the warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread to your breakfast table.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, molasses, brown sugar, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the griddle.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with syrup and whipped cream.

13. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

A simple yet impressive holiday treat that requires no baking.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 12 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
3. Stir in half of the peppermint extract and spread the chocolate evenly on the parchment paper.
4. Allow it to set for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
6. Stir in remaining peppermint extract and pour over the set dark chocolate.
7. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
8. Let it set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
9. Break into pieces and serve.

14. Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

These meatballs are easy to throw together and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 cup grape jelly

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs to your slow cooker.
2. Pour BBQ sauce and grape jelly over the meatballs.
3. Stir until meatballs are coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve warm.

15. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Cozy up with a mug of this rich and minty hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and heavy cream.
2. Heat until steaming but not boiling.
3. Add chopped chocolate and stir until melted.
4. Stir in peppermint extract.
5. Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

16. Pigs in a Blanket

A classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer that's always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
• 24 mini sausages
• 1 egg, beaten
• Poppy seeds or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle into three smaller triangles.
3. Wrap each mini sausage in a piece of dough.
4. Place on a baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
5. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds if desired.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with mustard or ketchup.

17. Caprese Skewers

A fresh and festive appetizer with minimal prep time.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

18. Sugar Cookie Truffles

These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday gifting.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 oz) sugar cookie dough
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Bake the sugar cookies according to package instructions and let cool.
2. Crumble the cookies into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
3. Add softened cream cheese and mix until well combined.
4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Freeze for 1 hour.
6. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds.
7. Dip each truffle in the melted chocolate and return to the baking sheet.
8. Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
9. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

19. Sweet Potato Casserole

A comforting and sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with holiday mains.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

20. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

These savory-sweet bites are always the first to disappear at parties.

Ingredients:

• 20 pitted dates
• 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
5. Serve warm.

21. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

A simple and fun treat to make with kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) pretzel rods
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Assorted sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the melted chocolate.
3. Lay on a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle with assorted decorations.
4. Let the chocolate harden before serving.

22. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

A warm and rich soup that's perfect for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Peel and dice the butternut squash.
3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
5. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in remaining olive oil until translucent.
6. Add roasted squash and broth, then bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
9. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning.
10. Serve hot, garnished with a swirl of cream or croutons.

23. Eggnog Cheesecake Bites

These creamy, spiced bites are the perfect holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a lined mini muffin tin.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add flour and mix well.
5. Gradually add eggnog, nutmeg, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
6. Pour mixture over the crust in the muffin tin.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
8. Cool completely before serving.

24. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

A savory appetizer that's easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large white mushrooms
• ½ lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Clean mushrooms and remove the stems.
3. In a skillet, cook sausage, onion, and garlic until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
5. Stuff each mushroom cap with the sausage mixture.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

25. Vanilla Pudding Pie

A no-bake dessert that’s quick to put together and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Let it set for 5 minutes.
2. Pour the set pudding into the graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer in the pie crust.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

26. Holiday Cranberry Punch

A refreshing and festive punch that's perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup ginger ale
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale.
2. Stir well to mix.
3. Add fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish.
4. Serve chilled over ice.

27. Christmas Fudge

Rich and creamy fudge that's perfect for holiday gifting.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
3. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and nuts, if using.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Decorate with holiday sprinkles.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
8. Cut into squares before serving.

28. Mini Beef Wellingtons

Individual portions of this classic dish make for an impressive appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Season the beef tenderloin cubes with salt and pepper.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, then remove from heat.
4. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares large enough to wrap around each beef cube.
5. Place a teaspoon of sautéed mushrooms on each square, then top with a beef cube.
6. Wrap the pastry around the beef and seal the edges.
7. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
9. Serve warm.

29. Candy Cane Chocolate Brownies

These festive brownies are a delightful holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required to make brownies)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven as directed on the brownie mix package.
2. Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions, adding peppermint extract to the batter.
3. Fold in white chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
6. Bake as directed on the package, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool before cutting into squares.

30. Holiday Deviled Eggs

A classic appetizer with a festive twist.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish
• Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place eggs in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes.
3. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel.
4. Slice eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks to a bowl.
5. Mash yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
7. Garnish with paprika and chopped chives, if desired.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Conclusion

There you have it! "30 Quick and Easy Christmas Recipes" to make your holiday season a delicious breeze. Enjoy the time with your loved ones and savor the flavors of the season. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!