Have you been so busy shopping for family and friends that you have forgotten to make your list for a perfect Christmas meal? Well, we understand that no one really likes to welcome their guests without planning a special food list. We have compiled suitable last-minute Christmas food ideas that will help you be the charmer of the day. These recipes are easy-to-make, appetizing, and filling, and can be prepared in under thirty minutes. So you wouldn’t have to make a fuss and devote hours to cooking your holiday meal.
Cheesy Chicken Breasts
It is a Christmas dinner recipe you can prepare in less than one hour. You need to season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper and dip each piece in the unsalted butter. Now, coat the mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese that results in a crunchy exterior. Finally, bake for 35-45 minutes. Check out the full recipe for help.
Microwave Roast Chicken
A simple and easy recipe to prepare a delicious meal for the holiday dinner. It will take less than 30 minutes for preparation and cooking, and you’ll have yourself a mouthwatering dish. See more at Best Recipes.
Cranberry Turkey Meatloaf
Try this easy and filling Turkey along with cranberry meatloaf this Christmas to celebrate the festivity over a traditional Turkey feast. Find the full recipe.
Pan-Seared Trout with Pecan Brown Butter Sauce
Serve tempting pan-seared trout for fish lovers. Add pecan brown butter sauce to uplift the taste and serve with white wine. See instructions for the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Orange and Ginger Glazed Ham
Prepare yummy glazed ham along with a tinge of orange flavor to treat your taste buds. You can embellish it with Christmas decorations to spruce up the holiday dinner. Find more information at Taste Australia.
Crustless Spinach Quiche
Scrambled eggs with vegetables are an easy meal you can try on Christmas. You will need eggs, fresh mushrooms, chopped onion and spinach, and a few other items. See the instructions if you need help.
Christmas Pomegranate Salsa
The bright red and green colors of this fresh fruit salsa are perfect to add fun to Christmas parties. Pomegranate, bell pepper, jalapeno, and green onion are the main ingredients. See the tutorial for help.
Also Read: Hot and Spicy Cocktails to Enjoy This Christmas
Red Cabbage, Apple and Hazelnut Salad
Make yummy red cabbage salad tossed with diced apples, chopped hazelnuts, and zesty vinaigrette. This recipe will add vibrant color to your Christmas dining table along with a delicious taste. Find the recipe at My New Roots.
Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Served With Bacon
Sauté some bacon pieces in a pan and cook the Brussels sprouts in the same pan so that the vegetables perfectly absorb the decadent taste of bacon fat as they become golden brown. Serve the dish piping hot to enjoy the actual taste. See the full tutorial at Food Network.
Fresh Mushroom and Parsley Salad
This is a quick salad recipe made from ingredients such as Giada De Laurentiis, button mushrooms, fresh green herbs and a simple lemony dressing. It can be prepared in minutes without much effort. See the full recipe at Food Network.
Big Festive Salad
Salads are healthy and can be served on all occasions. With the healthy goodness of vegetables and dry fruits, you can prepare this salad within 30 minutes. It could serve as a side dish for your dinner. Find more at Food Network.
Sweet Potato and Kale Coconut Curry Soup
If you wish to make a healthy Christmas dinner, you can add this sweet potato soup to your checklist. It can be prepared in less than half an hour. You can check the recipe for help.
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Serve a healthy dish for dinner prepared with broccoli, and sprinkle some nutmeg and cheese casserole on it to elevate the taste. Find the tutorial at Allrecipes.
Also Read: Christmas-Themed Treats for Your Festive Table
Fruitcake with Cheese and Apple Slices
This Christmas, lift up the classic combination of apples and cheese with thin slices of sweet fruitcake. Serve it after dinner to rejoice in the taste of the dinner a bit more. See more at BBC Good Food.
Black Forest Christmas Fool
A simple, easy-to-whip dessert that will be ready to serve within 10 minutes. If you want to make a non-alcoholic version, use a can of cherries in syrup instead of alcohol. Find the recipe instructions at BBC Good Food.
Membrillo, Chorizo and Cheddar Toast
This meal of cheesy goodness is sure to make an impression on your Christmas dinner. The melting-good quince paste, spicy sausage, and cheese-toasted sandwiches are easy to make and satisfy your appetite. Check out the tutorial at BBC Good Food.
Eggnog Monte Cristos Mini Sandwiches
These delicious sandwiches will serve as a great appetizer recipe for your Christmas party. Prepare the sandwiches, dip them in eggnog and serve with cranberry sauce. Check out the recipe at Food Network.
Also Read: Homemade Edible Gifts for Christmas
Cheese Straws
This recipe is super easy to follow and create and will help your guests with their appetite before the dinner is ready. Just roll some puff pastry and fill it out with cheese and flavors. See more at Food Network.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas dinner can’t be complete without sharing cookies. You can make use of two holiday flavors – peppermint and chocolate to cook up something wonderful in a few hours. See the tutorial for any help.
Easy No-Bake Snowball Cookies
Need a sweet taste in your holiday festivities? You can make these snowball cookies in just 15 minutes. The ingredients are sugar, butter, pineapple, and nuts. Check out the full tutorial.
Creamy Vegan Roasted Garlic Soup
This velvety soup combines roasted garlic, creamy potatoes, and a hint of white wine for a perfectly comforting dish. The roasted garlic adds a mellow depth of flavor, while the vegan cream ensures a rich and indulgent texture. Garnish with fresh parsley for a festive and satisfying starter. Find the full recipe.
Chocolate Pavlova With Spiced Pears
This indulgent dessert combines a light cocoa-infused pavlova with spiced, maple-poached pears for an elegant finish to your Christmas feast. Topped with a sour cream cocoa spread and drizzled with thick maple syrup, it’s the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. Check out the recipe at Delicious.
Peanut Butter Snowballs
Add a festive touch to your dessert spread with these creamy peanut butter snowballs wrapped in a crisp white chocolate shell. With just four simple ingredients and no baking required, they’re the perfect quick treat to whip up during the holiday rush. Get the detailed recipe at Taste of Home.
Honey Champagne Fondue
This elegant honey champagne fondue is the ultimate holiday indulgence, blending Swiss cheese, champagne, and a hint of honey for a rich, velvety dip. Pair it with toasted bread, tart apple slices, or cooked shrimp for a luxurious feast. See the recipe for details.
Pressure-Cooked Citrus Christmas Pudding
Cut down on cooking time with this pressure-cooked citrus Christmas pudding that stays moist and is packed with festive flavors. Infused with brandy, orange liqueur, and a medley of dried fruits, it’s a holiday dessert that’s quick to prepare yet timeless in taste. Get the recipe at BBC Good Food.
Christmas Caprese Wreath
This no-cook dish is a festive and vibrant addition to your holiday spread. With cherry tomatoes, basil, and bocconcini, it’s a fresh and light treat that’s easy to assemble and sure to impress your guests. Perfect as a centerpiece, this dish is both delicious and visually stunning for any Christmas gathering. Read the full recipe.
Roast Duck, Cherry and Couscous Salad
A quick, flavorful salad perfect for busy days, this dish combines the richness of duck with the sweetness of cherries and the zest of citrus. Served with couscous, fresh mint, and parsley, it’s a refreshing yet filling option for a holiday meal or dinner. Get the recipe.
White Christmas Ice-Cream Sandwiches
An easy-to-make dessert, these ice-cream sandwiches combine the sweetness of coconut, raspberry, and white chocolate. Perfect for make-ahead holiday treats, they are a fun and refreshing way to end any Christmas meal. You can find the recipe at Taste.
Pesto and Cheese Christmas Tree
This fun, savory puff pastry Christmas Tree is a crowd-pleaser for holiday parties. Filled with pesto and cheese, it’s an easy and festive snack that kids and adults alike will love. Brush with egg and bake until golden for a crispy, flavorful treat perfect for any gathering. Discover the recipe.
Tandoori Chicken Skewers
These easy and flavorful tandoori chicken skewers are perfect for any party or gathering. Marinated in yogurt and tikka paste, they bake up tender and juicy, with a touch of spice. Serve with fresh coriander and lime for an added burst of flavor. Get the full recipe at BBC.
Simple Smoked Salmon Pâté
A quick and elegant starter you can throw together in under 30 minutes (no cooking needed). Blend smoked salmon with cream cheese, crème fraîche, lemon zest and juice, horseradish, and dill until you get a textured pâté. Serve with bread or crackers for a festive dip that’s perfect for Christmas appetisers. Check out the full recipe at BBC Food.
Last-Minute Christmas Chutney
A quick and zesty chutney you can whip up in under an hour, and it’s great for using leftover dried fruit from your holiday baking. Cook onions, ginger, apricots, and figs with sugar and vinegar until thick and glossy for a tangy, sweet spread. Serve it with cheese, crackers, or alongside your festive feast to add a burst of flavour. For the recipe instructions, check out BBC Food.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a comforting side dish you can prepare in under an hour, perfect for holiday dinners. Tender broccoli and fluffy rice are smothered in a rich cheese sauce made with cream cheese, cheddar, and Velveeta before baking until golden and bubbly. It’s hearty enough for vegetarians and can be jazzed up with diced ham or chicken for a fuller festive meal. The full recipe is at The Pioneer Woman.
Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
A refreshing and colorful salad that’s ready in about 20 minutes, ideal to balance out rich holiday mains. Crisp lettuce and radicchio mingle with juicy blood oranges, sweet dates, and crunchy pistachios, then get tossed in a nutty tahini-maple dressing. Creamy feta brings everything together, making this a bright festive side for your Christmas feast. Find out the entire recipe at The Pioneer Woman.
Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon
Turn simple baby potatoes into festive bite-sized treats with this clever Hasselback twist. Thinly sliced potatoes wrapped in smoky bacon crisp up in the oven with a sprinkle of black pepper for flavour. These crunchy, savoury canapés are an easy side or party nibble to make in under an hour. Get the full recipe at BBC Food.
Christmas Pudding Fridge Cake
A festive twist on the classic pudding, you can make without steaming, just set it overnight in the fridge. Mix crushed biscuits, melted chocolate, syrup, dried fruit, and chopped marshmallows, then press into a pudding mould and chill until firm. Top with white chocolate and cherries for a sweet Christmas dessert that’s easy and fun to serve. Check out the full recipe at BBC Food.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
A super creamy and comforting side you can make with almost no hands-on cooking, ideal when oven space is limited at Christmas. Toss uncooked macaroni with whole milk, evaporated milk, cream, butter, and a trio of cheeses in your slow cooker, and let it cook into rich, cheesy perfection. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that stays warm for your holiday feast. Find out the full recipe at The Pioneer Woman.
Also Read: Best Christmas Side Dishes That Will Delight Your Taste Buds
Christmas Apple and Mince Crumble
A festive twist on a classic crumble that you can make in about an hour is perfect for a cosy Christmas dessert. Tender apples and pears are mixed with rich mincemeat and spices, then topped with a buttery crumble that bakes until golden and bubbling. Serve warm with custard or brandy cream to finish your holiday feast on a sweet note. Check out the full recipe at BBC Food.
Parmesan Herb Popovers
Light and airy popovers make a delightful bread side for your Christmas feast. Flavored with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan, they puff up golden in the oven with crispy edges and soft centers. Easy to whip up in under an hour and perfectly served warm with garlic butter alongside holiday mains. Find out the complete recipe at The Pioneer Woman.
Chocolate Orange Microwave Pudding
A super-quick festive dessert you can make in under 40 minutes with your microwave: no oven, no fuss. A simple chocolate sponge pudding is cooked and then topped with melted orange-flavoured chocolate for a rich, zesty finish. Serve with custard, cream, or ice cream for the perfect last-minute Christmas sweet. Check out the full recipe at BBC Food.
So let us know what your last-minute Christmas food ideas are. Merry Christmas!

