Christmas recipes

Use it to fill gaps in your holiday menu, like a last-minute appetizer when friends stop by or a side that can cook while the roast rests. The leftover ideas are handy for the days between Christmas and New Year, when the fridge is full and nobody wants to cook a big meal.

Common questions

What are easy appetizers for a Christmas party?

Crostini with whipped feta or ricotta, cranberry and brie bites, shrimp cocktail, stuffed dates, and a quick cheese board with nuts and fruit all come together fast. Red and green ingredients, like cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs, make platters look festive with no extra work. Plan on four to six bites per guest before dinner.

What can I do with leftover Christmas ham?

Dice it into fried rice, omelettes, or a quick pasta with peas and cream. Slice it for grilled cheese or toasted sandwiches with mustard. Cooked ham keeps in the fridge for three to five days, so use it within that window or freeze portions for up to a couple of months and thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Are there quick Christmas desserts that don't need baking?

Yes. Chocolate bark with nuts and dried cranberries, peppermint brownie bites made with store-bought brownies, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and individual trifles layered with cake, cream and fruit all skip the oven or barely use it. They set quickly in the fridge and are easy to wrap up as edible gifts.

How do I make a quick side dish for Christmas dinner?

Choose sides that cook on the stovetop while the main dish rests: garlicky green beans, honey-glazed carrots, buttered peas with mint, or a bright winter salad with citrus. Prep vegetables the day before and keep them in the fridge. That way, the side needs only a few minutes of attention just before serving.