Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or attending an old-fashioned potluck, you may be wondering what kind of food is appropriate for the occasion. Like many people, you might start scrolling through the social media feeds of all the food ladies you follow. Or maybe you’re looking for food for a festive party and turn to your clever Google. However, while you may have some great ideas, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of many recipes or find that the ingredients just don’t work for you. So I was back to square one. Well, what is it?
Sister, I’ve been there before. In reality, it’s a time or two of searching for quick and easy recipes while also finding food that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. That being said, I’m glad you’re here! Narrow down your recipe choices for your next Christmas gathering and you might just find the perfect recipe for all your loved ones.
From appetizers to desserts, we’ll show you easy and delicious recipes that can be made quickly with minimal ingredients. I have a lot of picky eaters in my family, so these recipes are guaranteed to be a big hit and a high score. All the while, they bring a sure-fire nod of approval and an award-winning smile. Not only that, most of these utensils are portable and can be easily carried to your next meal.
So, are you ready? Okay, so let’s take off our aprons and gather some essentials. Because here we start… Ah, let the Christmas festivities begin!
attractive appetizers
Capri style bites
mozzarella ball packaging
cherry tomatoes
basil leaves
olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
balsamic glaze
This appetizer is not only easy and delicious, but also brings some festive color. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil and Italian seasoning. Place the mozzarella cheese balls in a bowl and mix gently. Thread a small skewer and layer with cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, mozzarella balls, and another tomato. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top and it’s done! (These make a great gluten-free alternative).
Christmas tree decomposition bread
Cut 8 mozzarella cheese sticks into quarters
pillsbury pizza dough
italian seasoning
1 egg white
fresh parsley
spaghetti or marina sauce
This simple and cute recipe will not only surprise your guests, but also please your palette. First, set your oven to 400 degrees. Next, take the pizza dough, roll it out, and cut it into 32 squares. Place cut mozzarella sticks inside each square of dough, fold and roll into a ball. Place on a baking sheet to look like a Christmas tree. Brush the surface with egg white to prevent browning too much, and bake in the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes. Once removed, remove the “trunk” of the tree and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with a bowl of warmed spaghetti sauce on the side. Simple and delicious!
festive finger food
slow cooker bbq meatballs
32 oz bag of frozen meatballs
1 piece (18 oz) BBQ sauce
1 small bottle of grape jelly
1 tablespoon garlic power
Not only is this recipe super easy, but it’s also one that you can prep, set, and leave alone until you’re ready to go to the party. Just add all the above ingredients to the slow cooker, stir well and set on low heat for 3-4 hours. that’s it! Sprinkle chives or roasted sesame seeds on top for a festive feel.
ham & cheese sliders
package hawaiian roll
1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
8 oz package of white cheddar cheese (or similar) sliced cheese
cup butter
packaged dry french onion soup mix
poppy seeds
These little sandwiches are always a hit and people often ask me for the recipe. It’s also very easy! Set oven to 375. Cut the roll in half, add deli meat and cheese inside, and put it back on top to make mini sliders (sandwiches). Melt the butter in a bowl and add the French onion mix and poppy seeds. Place this on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. For a festive touch, make a wreath of green olives and red pepper slices over the sandwich and bake in the oven for a few minutes. So cute and so delicious!
delicious dips & spreads
cranberry baked brie
1 8 oz brie round
1 pie sheet, completely thawed
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon chopped pecans
1 egg white
I absolutely love this recipe this time of year! First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Then take the pastry sheet and spread it out on a baking sheet. Place brie cheese in the middle on top. Pour the cranberry sauce on top and wrap the top. Brush the surface with egg white and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove, sprinkle with pecans and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve warm with crackers. Oh, that’s so nice!
bacon spinach dip
6 pieces bacon
1 pound frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
1 8 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
2 cups Parmesan cheese (divided in half)
This recipe starts by preheating to at least 350 degrees. Cook bacon in the microwave or in a skillet, crumble and set aside. Boil the spinach until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. In a medium to large mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, seasoning, and sour cream until well combined and creamy. Add spinach and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Place the mixture in a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Serve this dip with toasted bread, pita chips, or crackers for a delicious taste.
decadent dessert
bite-sized apple pie
Pie sheet (thawed)
Peel, core and chop 3 apples.
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter
1 egg white
Who doesn’t like apple pie? These mini apple pies are sure to be a hit at your next event! Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Then take out the party sheet and spread it out. Then cut into 2-3 inch squares and shape into the bottom of a muffin tin. Mix the chopped apples and seasonings in a bowl, then pour into the muffin cups. Add a little butter on top of each and top with the pastry to complete. If you want to get creative, you can also make a lattice topping or place pieces of dough cut out with a Christmas cookie cutter on top. Brush with egg white and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Simple and delicious!
christmas sugar cookies
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter (slightly softened)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 egg
2 1/2 flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Various icings and sprinkles for the top
Is it really Christmas without cookies? Let me say it again. Is it really Christmas without the classic sugar cookie? My mom used to make these cookies every year, and I try to make them as delicious as she did, but there’s something nostalgic about these cookies that makes them a must-have every year.
So let’s get started. In a large bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined. Next, add the flour and baking soda. Refrigerate for 3 hours! When ready, sprinkle flour on a flat surface and roll out about half of the dough. Next, use a cookie cutter to cut them out. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Place on a cooling rack or cool flat surface. Once completely cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles. If you want to make your own icing, use 2 cups of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons. milk. Mix well and add food coloring if desired. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your Christmas party!
And it was done. Here are some Christmas party dishes that will meet the needs of each guest. May this holiday be filled with lots of love and laughter as you gather with family and friends and enjoy the flavors this season has to offer.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/SeventyFour
Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
