Hosting Christmas can feel overwhelming, but having a collection of easy, reliable recipes can make all the difference. These 13 dishes are designed to save you time and effort while still delivering impressive results. Whether you’re planning ahead or preparing at the last minute, each recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing quality. With these options, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your guests.
Chocolate Chip Muffins
These chocolate chip muffins are fluffy, moist, and packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips in every bite. Made with gluten-free flour and coconut oil, they take just 30 minutes from start to finish. The muffins balance sweetness with a subtle nuttiness, making them a versatile treat for breakfast or dessert. They are easy to make ahead, ensuring you’re ready to serve something delicious during the holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)
This casserole layers tender cabbage with a rich cheese sauce and finishes with a crispy cracker topping. It’s made without canned soup, relying on fresh ingredients like cheddar cheese and buttery crackers for its hearty flavor. The dish comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a reliable option for busy holiday schedules. Its savory and slightly crunchy profile pairs perfectly with roasted meats or festive main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara
This slow-cooker chicken marinara is a comforting blend of tender chicken breasts, tangy marinara sauce, and Italian herbs. Requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and several hours in the slow cooker, it’s a hands-off recipe perfect for multitasking during the holidays. The flavors are rich and satisfying, with hints of garlic and basil throughout. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread for an easy and crowd-pleasing holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara
Pomegranate Glazed Whole Salmon
This whole salmon is baked with a glossy pomegranate glaze that adds a tangy sweetness to the rich fish. Fresh salmon fillets, pomegranate molasses, and aromatic spices come together in under an hour. The result is a dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining. Its balance of sweet and savory makes it a standout centerpiece for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Glazed Whole Salmon
Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey
This baked Brie combines creamy cheese with juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of honey. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a warm and inviting appetizer with sweet and savory notes. Fresh herbs like thyme add a subtle earthiness that complements the rich Brie. It’s an effortless yet impressive addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey
Gluten Free Yule Log With Medjool Dates, Mascarpone Cream, Maraschino Cherries And Pistachios
This gluten-free Yule log is a festive dessert featuring a moist sponge cake rolled with mascarpone cream and a medjool date filling. Topped with maraschino cherries and pistachios, it’s both visually stunning and indulgent. It takes about 2 hours to prepare but can be made ahead for convenience. The flavors are a delightful mix of creamy, fruity, and nutty, making it a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Yule Log With Medjool Dates, Mascarpone Cream, Maraschino Cherries And Pistachios
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole features tender cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked until bubbly. Made with simple ingredients like cheddar cheese, cream, and breadcrumbs, it’s ready in about 40 minutes. The dish is rich and comforting and pairs well with any holiday main course. Its creamy texture and golden topping make it an irresistible side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
These Brussels sprouts are crisped to perfection in an air fryer and topped with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Ready in just 25 minutes, the recipe transforms a classic vegetable into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side. The crispy texture of the sprouts balances the combination of tangy, salty, and sweet flavors. It’s a colorful and healthy addition to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Asparagus And Ricotta Tart
This tart features a flaky pastry crust filled with creamy ricotta and topped with tender asparagus spears. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish for brunch or appetizers. The combination of buttery crust, fresh asparagus, and mild ricotta creates a light and savory flavor profile. It’s a versatile option that’s as delicious and warm as it is at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus And Ricotta Tart
Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
This almond apple cake is moist and subtly nutty, with thinly sliced apples arranged in the shape of roses on top. Made with almond flour, cinnamon, and fresh apples, it’s a beautiful dessert that takes about an hour to prepare. The cake is lightly sweet and fragrant, with a tender crumb. It’s an eye-catching and delicious centerpiece for holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Honey Apple Cake With Salted Caramel Sauce
This honey apple cake is a rich and spiced dessert drizzled with salted caramel sauce for an added layer of decadence. Fresh apples, warm spices, and a hint of honey create a perfectly balanced flavor. It takes about 90 minutes to make, including baking time. The combination of sweet and salty notes makes it an instant holiday hit.
Get the Recipe: Honey Apple Cake With Salted Caramel Sauce
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole
This vegan broccoli casserole is creamy, satisfying, and packed with tender broccoli florets and a plant-based sauce. Nutritional yeast, cashews, and almond milk create a cheesy flavor without dairy. It comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a convenient addition to your holiday menu. The dish is wholesome, rich, and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole
Baked Creamy Salmon
This baked salmon is coated with a rich and creamy sauce made from cream, garlic, and herbs. The dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a quick yet elegant option for holiday dinners. The salmon is tender and flaky, with a luscious sauce that enhances its natural flavor. Serve it alongside vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon
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