Easy holiday dishes to impress in a pinch
Last-minute fixin’s
Story By Sheila Paz
Holiday madness is real, and let’s be honest — sometimes we “accidentally” forget to bring something to the potluck (whoops!). But don’t panic. We’ve got your back with these quick and easy recipes that will have everyone thinking you’ve been in the kitchen for hours. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday party, these last-minute dishes will save you from showing up with just a smile and a story about traffic.
Lemon herb chicken and veggies
This easy, all-in-one meal is perfect for those busy nights. Tender chicken breasts are surrounded by colorful vegetables and infused with a bright lemon herb dressing, making it both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 red onion, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
[1] Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and arrange vegetables around them. [2] In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. Drizzle over chicken and vegetables. [3] Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken reaches 165 degrees and vegetables are tender.
Cranberry Brie bites
These delightful bites combine creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce and a buttery puff pastry for the perfect holiday appetizer. Quick to assemble and elegant to serve, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 ounces Brie
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
4 sprigs rosemary, chopped
Directions
[1] Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and place in a greased mini muffin tin. [2] Slice Brie into 12 pieces, placing one in each cup. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with pecans. [3] Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden. [4] Carefully remove bites, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Garlic Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts
Crispy and flavorful, these roasted Brussels sprouts are a simple yet delicious side dish. The garlic and Parmesan add a rich, savory touch, making them irresistible to even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
[1] Heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. [2] Spread on a foil-lined baking sheet, and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. [3] Remove from oven, toss with Parmesan and serve crispy and hot.
Honey-glazed carrots
Sweet and tender, these honey-glazed carrots are an easy side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. The hint of cinnamon and fresh parsley elevates the simple dish into something truly special.
Ingredients
1 pound baby carrots
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Directions
[1] Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook carrots for 6-8 minutes, until tender. [2] In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey and cinnamon. Add cooked carrots and toss to coat. [3] Cook for 3-4 minutes until glazed. [4] Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley. Best served warm.
Pigs in a blanket
A classic party favorite that never fails. These buttery crescent-wrapped mini sausages are always a hit and couldn’t be easier to prepare.
Ingredients
1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 package cocktail sausages
Directions
[1] Heat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll crescent roll dough, and cut each triangle into three smaller triangles. [2] Wrap each sausage in a piece of dough and place on a baking sheet. [3] Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
Spinach and artichoke dip
A classic party favorite, this warm and creamy dip is packed with spinach, artichokes and cheeses. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for dipping with crackers or toasted bread.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
[1] Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic and half of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper. [2] Transfer to a baking dish, and top with the remaining mozzarella. [3] Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot with crackers or bread.
Cucumber cream cheese roll-ups
Light, refreshing and super easy to make, these roll-ups are a fantastic finger food for any holiday gathering. They’re a crowd-pleaser, with minimal effort required.
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
[1] Thinly slice cucumbers lengthwise using a mandolin or vegetable peeler. [2] In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, lemon zest, salt and pepper. [3] Spread cream cheese mixture onto cucumber slices, then roll them up. [4] Secure with toothpicks, and chill before serving.
Margherita flatbread
This simple flatbread is perfect when you need something quick but still want to serve up a savory dish that’s sure to please. Fresh basil, mozzarella and tomatoes make for a flavorful, no-fuss appetizer or side.
Ingredients
1 pre-baked flatbread or naan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 large tomato, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
[1] Heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush flatbread or naan with olive oil, and top with shredded mozzarella and tomato slices. [2] Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. [3] Garnish with fresh basil, salt and pepper before slicing and serving. LL