23 Last-Minute Christmas Recipes You Don’t Want to Miss This Year
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Running out of time to plan your Christmas menu? These last-minute recipes are guaranteed to impress without adding stress to your holiday. From appetizers to desserts, they’re perfect for pulling together a festive spread that everyone will love.
Christmas Tree Oreos
Christmas Tree Oreos are the ultimate last-minute Christmas recipe you don’t want to miss this year. These adorable treats take no time to make—just dip Oreos in candy melts, add festive sprinkles, and voilà, you’ve got edible Christmas trees. They’re perfect for making sweet memories with the kids or adding a playful touch to your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Oreos
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This peppermint hot chocolate is a last-minute Christmas must-have for cozy holiday vibes. Creamy, rich, and perfectly minty, it’s whipped up in minutes using chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and milk, then topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Whether it’s for sipping by the fire or serving at a holiday gathering, this drink is a festive favorite you won’t want to skip.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
The cheese and bacon cob loaf is a last-minute showstopper you can’t miss this Christmas. With melty cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream baked inside a crusty loaf, it’s an appetizer that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you’re short on time but want to wow your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
Christmas Popcorn
This sweet and salty Christmas popcorn is one of those last-minute Christmas recipes you’ll be glad you found this year. Ready in just 5 minutes, it combines popcorn, pretzels, M&Ms, and festive sprinkles drizzled with candy melts for a quick holiday treat. Whether you’re snacking, gifting, or sharing, this recipe brings instant holiday cheer with zero stress.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Popcorn
Honey Mustard Salmon
Honey mustard salmon is a last-minute Christmas dinner idea you don’t want to miss. Tender, flaky salmon brushed with a sweet and tangy glaze is baked to perfection in no time. It’s an effortless dish that’s as beautiful on your table as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Almond Crescent Cookies
Almond crescent cookies are a last-minute holiday baking essential you’ll want to add to your cookie tray this year. Buttery, crumbly, and coated in powdered sugar, they look stunning and taste like pure holiday magic. With their easy prep and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Turn a simple bag of frozen green beans into the star of your holiday table with this last-minute Christmas recipe you don’t want to miss. Tossed with garlic, seasonings, and parmesan, these green beans roast to crispy, cheesy perfection in no time. They’re a quick and vibrant side dish that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
This Christmas tree cheese platter is the last-minute Christmas recipe that makes entertaining effortless. Simply arrange your favorite cheeses and garnishes into a tree shape, and you’ve got a stunning appetizer and centerpiece all in one. It’s the ultimate combination of festive and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
Cranberry Margarita
Cranberry margaritas are the last-minute holiday cocktail you don’t want to miss this year. Sweet, tart, and gorgeous with their vibrant red color, they’re ready in just 5 minutes. Whether you’re toasting with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this drink brings festive fun with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry brie bites are a last-minute Christmas recipe that’s as easy as it is elegant. With creamy brie, tart cranberry, and buttery puff pastry, these bite-sized appetizers come together in just 10 minutes. They’re the perfect mix of fancy and foolproof for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These garlic mashed potatoes are the last-minute side dish you don’t want to skip this Christmas. Creamy, fluffy, and perfectly garlicky, they’re quick to make but packed with flavor. Whether paired with turkey, roast beef, or ham, they’re a holiday staple that’s as comforting as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Pepper Gravy
This pepper gravy is the last-minute sauce your Christmas meal needs to tie everything together. Thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for drizzling over biscuits, roast beef, or mashed potatoes. With just five ingredients and easy prep, it’s a holiday recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy
Breakfast Sausage
Start your Christmas morning with breakfast sausage that’s quick, hearty, and the perfect last-minute recipe. Whether fried, baked, or grilled, this flavorful staple is ready in no time and makes any breakfast feel special. It’s an effortless way to add something warm and satisfying to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
These 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms are a last-minute Christmas baking favorite you’ll want to try this year. Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with Hershey’s kisses are as simple as they are delicious. Perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with family, they’re a sweet holiday win.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Stuffed Dates
Goat cheese stuffed dates are the last-minute appetizer your Christmas party needs. Sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese and topped with walnuts create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and endlessly delicious, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates
Vodka Cranberry
Vodka cranberry is the last-minute cocktail that will make your holiday shine. With its light, refreshing flavor and festive red color, it’s a drink that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Garnished with fresh cranberries and lime, it’s a simple yet impressive addition to your holiday bar.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
Maple Bacon
Maple bacon is the last-minute Christmas breakfast upgrade you’ll wish you’d tried sooner. Coated in sweet maple glaze and baked until crispy, it’s a smoky-sweet treat that’s perfect for holiday mornings. It’s an effortless recipe that brings big flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon
Eggnog Martini
Eggnog martinis are the last-minute cocktail you don’t want to miss this Christmas. Silky, creamy, and perfectly festive, they’re made with vodka, amaretto, and eggnog in just 5 minutes. Whether you’re toasting the season or sharing with friends, this drink is holiday cheer in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Martini
Holiday Charcuterie Board
A holiday charcuterie board is the last-minute Christmas recipe that makes entertaining effortless. With cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts arranged beautifully, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that’s ready in no time. Perfect for sharing, it’s a stress-free way to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
This frozen cranberry margarita is the last-minute Christmas cocktail that’s as festive as it gets. Vibrant, slushy, and made in just 5 minutes, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Garnished with lime and cranberries, it’s a frosty drink your guests will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Eggnog Creamer
Eggnog creamer is the last-minute holiday addition you need to enhance your coffee game. Creamy, festive, and easy to make, it’s a simple way to add seasonal flavor to your mornings. Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s a must-have for eggnog lovers.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Creamer
Starbucks Copycat Chai Syrup
This Starbucks copycat chai syrup is the last-minute recipe you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for chai lattes, teas, or even drizzling over pancakes. It’s a versatile, festive addition to any Christmas celebration.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Copycat Chai Syrup
Matcha Sugar Cookies
Matcha sugar cookies are the last-minute baking recipe you don’t want to miss this Christmas. With their vibrant green color and sweet, earthy flavor, they’re as festive as they are delicious. Quick to make and stunning on any cookie tray, they’re a holiday hit.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Sugar Cookies
