Last-Minute Christmas Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour

Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, and—let’s face it—a little bit of chaos. Between decorating, gift wrapping, and entertaining guests, it’s easy to run out of time for cooking. But don’t worry; you don’t need hours in the kitchen to whip up delicious dishes for your holiday celebration. Here’s a collection of last-minute Christmas recipes that are festive, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re preparing for a small family gathering or a surprise visit from friends, these dishes will save the day!

Appetizers

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel of brie cheese
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares.
3. Place the squares into a greased muffin tin.
4. Add a small piece of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each.
5. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.

These bite-sized treats are a perfect blend of sweet and savory and look stunning on any table.

2. Garlic Parmesan Crostini

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic and Parmesan.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Serve with your favorite dips or as a standalone snack.

Main Courses

3. Herb-Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each salmon fillet.
3. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the salmon to create a crust.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

This elegant dish is as easy as it is impressive, perfect for a last-minute Christmas dinner.

4. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then pour in lemon juice and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Side Dishes

5. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby carrots
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the carrots for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and stir in honey and thyme.
3. Add the carrots and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring to coat evenly.

This simple side dish adds a touch of sweetness to your Christmas spread.

6. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes, then mix in butter, cream, and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Desserts

7. Chocolate Bark

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• Toppings: crushed candy canes, nuts, dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Spread the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the dark chocolate.
4. Add your choice of toppings and let it set in the fridge for 30 minutes before breaking into pieces.

8. No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves or fresh berries

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.
2. Layer crushed graham crackers, cheesecake mixture, and fruit preserves in small jars.
3. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.

These individual desserts are easy to assemble and add a touch of elegance to your table.

Festive Drinks

9. Holiday Cranberry Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix cranberry juice and orange juice in a pitcher.
2. Add sparkling water just before serving.
3. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.

10. Spiced Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Whipped cream and marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and marshmallows.

With these recipes in your arsenal, there’s no need to stress over last-minute cooking. Each dish is quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to your table!