With the holidays here, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and underprepared. But if you’re still looking for that last-minute dish to complete your holiday table, then these recipes are just what you need! With a little creativity and some help from Grandma’s tried-and-true recipes, you can pull together a festive feast even at the last minute. This collection of 31 quick and easy holiday recipes leans on time-saving shortcuts, make-ahead options, and familiar, comforting flavors to help you deck the halls with minimal stress. Let Grandma’s wisdom guide you to a joyful, memorable holiday celebration that comes together with ease.
Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds
The Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds is a decadent dessert ready in about 30 minutes. Dark chocolate and almonds are the stars, creating a rich and nutty flavor profile. It’s a smooth and satisfying treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Ideal for those last-minute holiday gatherings where you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies bring a festive look and taste to the dessert table, ready in just 20 minutes. These cookies feature the crunch of pistachios and the tartness of cranberries in every bite. They’re a quick and easy option for adding color and flavor to your holiday spread. The combination of textures and tastes makes them a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a swift and sumptuous option that sets in just about an hour. Chocolate and pistachios meld together for a rich, creamy dessert with a delightful crunch. This cake is perfect for those who need a last-minute dessert without the fuss of baking. It’s a stress-free sweet that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Italian Chicken Cutlets
Italian Chicken Cutlets are a savory and satisfying meal that can be made in about 25 minutes. These cutlets are tender and packed with the flavors of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. They’re a fantastic choice for a quick and delicious holiday dinner. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to juicy chicken, making it a hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets
Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole
Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish ready in about an hour. It combines sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns for a complete breakfast in one dish. This casserole is perfect for a holiday brunch, offering a warm and satisfying meal to start the day. It’s a simple, yet flavorful, addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and tender side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by a delightful honey glaze. They’re an effortless way to add a touch of elegance to your holiday feast. Their simplicity and delicious flavor make them a go-to for last-minute preparations.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet Potato Hummus
Sweet Potato Hummus is a creative twist on the classic dip, ready in just 15 minutes. It combines sweet potatoes with traditional hummus ingredients for a unique and tasty spread. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet hummus that pairs well with a variety of dippers. It’s a quick and healthy addition to any holiday snack table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus
Pie Crust
This Pie Crust recipe is a versatile base for any tart or pie, ready in around 15 minutes. It’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. The crust is flaky and buttery, perfect for both sweet and savory fillings. It’s a reliable last-minute option for your holiday baking needs.
Get the Recipe: Pie Crust
Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
The Asparagus and Ricotta Tart is a delightful combination of creamy ricotta and fresh asparagus, ready in about 45 minutes. Its savory flavors and elegant presentation make it a standout dish for any holiday event. This tart is a quick and easy way to bring a bit of gourmet to your gathering. The creamy filling and crisp vegetables are sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
Raw Sweet Lime Bars
Raw Sweet Lime Bars are a zesty and refreshing dessert that sets in about an hour. They’re made with natural ingredients like nuts, lime, and dates, offering a healthier treat option. These bars are perfect for those seeking a quick, no-bake dessert with a burst of citrus flavor. They’re a cool and tangy addition to the holiday sweets lineup.
Get the Recipe: Raw Sweet Lime Bars
Almond Tuile Cookies
Almond Tuile Cookies are delicate and crisp, ready in just 15 minutes. These light cookies feature the subtle flavor of almonds and are perfect for accompanying a cup of tea or coffee. They’re an excellent choice for a last-minute holiday treat that’s as elegant as it is simple. The thin, lacy texture is sure to be a hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Almond Tuile Cookies
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a wholesome and hearty meal that can be ready in about an hour. This one-pan wonder combines succulent chicken with a medley of seasonal vegetables. It’s a convenient and flavorful option for a last-minute holiday dinner. The herbs and garlic infuse the dish with a comforting aroma and taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Argentinian Alfajores
Argentinian Alfajores are a traditional treat that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. These sandwich cookies have a dulce de leche filling and are often rolled in coconut. They offer a sweet and creamy flavor that’s both exotic and familiar. Quick to make, these cookies add international flair to your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Alfajores
Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter
If you’re looking to beef up that cookie platter, then these stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter are a simple yet sophisticated sweet ready in just 10 minutes. The combination of rich chocolate almond butter and sweet dates is irresistible. These stuffed dates are perfect for a quick, no-bake treat that’s sure to impress. They offer a natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken is a fragrant and flavorful main dish ready in about an hour. It’s seasoned with a blend of Provencal herbs that give it a distinct and aromatic taste. This chicken dish is a fuss-free option for a festive and delicious holiday meal. The herbs provide a taste of the French countryside right at your table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Crock Pot Spiral Ham
Crock Pot Spiral Ham is an effortless and succulent dish that cooks for about 4 hours. It’s a hands-off way to prepare a holiday centerpiece, allowing you to focus on other preparations. The ham comes out moist and tender, with a sweet glaze that complements its smoky flavor. It’s a convenient choice for a stress-free holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham
Brown Butter Roasted Pecans
Brown Butter Roasted Pecans are a nutty and aromatic snack that you can’t get enough of, ready in just 15 minutes. The brown butter adds a deep, rich flavor to the pecans, making them irresistible. They’re an easy and quick option for a last-minute addition to your holiday spread. These pecans are perfect for nibbling or as a topping for salads and desserts.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Roasted Pecans
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and hands-off meal that cooks for about 4 hours. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering chicken in a savory sauce until it’s tender and easy to shred. Wrapped in tortillas and topped with cheese, these enchiladas are a comforting and convenient Christmas day dish. They’re a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Snowflake Date Cookies
Snowflake Date Cookies are a charming and sweet treat ready in about 20 minutes. They feature dates for a natural sweetness and a snowflake shape that’s perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are a quick and easy way to add a festive touch to your dessert platter. Their subtle sweetness and soft texture make them a delightful choice.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Date Cookies
White Chocolate Bark
White Chocolate Bark is a simple and customizable confection ready in about 15 minutes. White chocolate serves as the creamy base for a variety of toppings like dried fruits and nuts. It’s a versatile treat that can be tailored to your holiday preferences. This bark is a quick and easy way to create a personalized sweet gift or snack.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Bark
French Chocolate Orange Tart
The French Chocolate Orange Tart is a sophisticated dessert that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. It combines the classic flavors of chocolate and orange for a rich and citrusy delight. This tart is perfect for those looking for a quick yet elegant dessert option. The smooth chocolate and zesty orange create a luxurious taste experience.
Get the Recipe: French Chocolate Orange Tart
Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula
Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Punchy Garlic and Herb Chermoula can be ready in just 15 minutes. This appetizer is a vibrant combination of tangy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and a bold chermoula sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful start to any holiday meal. The bruschetta offers a burst of color and a harmony of flavors that are sure to entice.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula
Roasted Half Chicken
Roasted Half Chicken is a simple and classic dish that’s ready in about an hour. Seasoned and roasted to perfection, it offers a juicy and tender option for a holiday dinner. This dish is ideal for smaller gatherings where a full bird might be too much. The crispy skin and succulent meat make it a comforting and satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Half Chicken
Roast Chicken with Orange Butter
Roast Chicken with Orange Butter is a citrus-infused main course that takes about an hour to prepare. The orange butter adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the chicken. It’s a straightforward and delicious option for a festive meal. The combination of flavors brings a touch of brightness to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Roast Chicken with Orange Butter
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat ready in about 25 minutes. They combine the lightness of shortbread with the fresh flavors of lemon and rosemary. These cookies are an easy and quick way to add a refreshing twist to your holiday sweets. The aromatic rosemary and zesty lemon create a memorable flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Moroccan carrot soup with chermoula
Moroccan Carrot Soup with Chermoula is a warming and spiced dish that can be ready in about 30 minutes. The soup is smooth and vibrant, with chermoula providing a herby and garlicky punch. It’s a simple yet exotic option for a holiday starter. The blend of spices and the richness of the carrots offer a comforting bowl of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan carrot soup with chermoula
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Chocolate Raspberry Tart is a decadent dessert that’s ready in about 40 minutes. It features a luscious filling of chocolate and fresh raspberries for a classic combination. This tart is a quick and indulgent option that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The rich chocolate and tart berries meld together for a truly delightful treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
White Chocolate Chip Cookies
White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet and simple dessert ready in just 20 minutes. These cookies are soft and chewy, studded with creamy white chocolate chips. They’re a fast and easy way to whip up a batch of holiday cookies. The white chocolate chips add a smooth sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Buttermilk Brined Turkey is a juicy and flavorful main dish that requires about 3 hours to cook. The brine ensures the turkey stays moist and tender, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a reliable option for a last-minute holiday feast that doesn’t compromise on taste. This turkey will be the centerpiece of any holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Gluten-Free Marshmallow Puff with Pistachios
Gluten-Free Krembos with Pistachios are a delightful treat that can be ready in about 30 minutes. These are a gluten-free version of the classic Israeli snack, featuring a biscuit base, marshmallow filling, and a chocolate coating. The addition of pistachios adds a nutty crunch. They’re an easy and playful dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Krembos with Pistachios
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail is a festive and effervescent drink that takes just 5 minutes to mix. It combines champagne with the sweet and tart flavor of pomegranate. This cocktail is ideal for toasting to the holidays and welcoming guests. It’s a quick and elegant beverage that adds a sparkle to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail