17 holiday dishes that won’t let kitchen stress steal your Christmas spirit

Photo of author

| Published:

The holidays are all about spending quality time with loved ones, and these dishes make that easier by keeping kitchen stress at bay. Each recipe is designed to simplify meal preparation while still delivering a festive touch. With less time spent cooking, there’s more time to enjoy the holiday cheer with family and friends.

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Christmas Tree Cake Crack

A festive tray of Christmas Tree Cake Crack, featuring broken pieces of white chocolate-coated crackers, topped with red drizzle and green sprinkles.
Christmas Tree Cake Crack. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Forget the gifts; Christmas Tree Cake Crack might just be the real reason for the season. This festive dessert has a way of making every holiday gathering feel extra special. It’s the kind of treat that gets everyone smiling, whether it’s the kids sneaking seconds or the adults enjoying a holiday indulgence. One bite, and it’s clear this dessert deserves a spot on every Christmas table.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Crack

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

A slate platter with six crab stuffed mushrooms garnished with herbs.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re looking for a starter that’s as impressive as it is simple, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms could be your new go-to. Each bite is a blend of savory flavors that’s sure to please everyone at your holiday gathering. Not only is this dish effortless to prepare, but it also brings a touch of elegance to your table without any of the usual fuss. Enjoy the ease of cooking with this recipe and watch your guests be amazed by your culinary skills.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Cranberry Bars

Two squares of cranberry bars on a slate plate.
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a splash of color and a tang of fresh flavor to your festive feast with Cranberry Bars. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them a hit among guests with varying tastes. Thanks to their simple preparation, these bars allow you more time to bask in the holiday cheer rather than getting stuck in the kitchen. Ending the holiday meal with these bars ensures that everyone leaves the table with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

Abominable Snowman Cupcakes

Snowman-themed cupcakes with fluffy white frosting and candy eyes.
Abominable Snowman Cupcakes. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

You’ll love how these quirky treats keep the holiday cheer alive without making you lose your cool in the kitchen. Abominable Snowman Cupcakes are fun, festive, and simple enough to fit into your busy holiday schedule. Their whimsical look adds a playful touch to your dessert spread, making them an instant crowd favorite. Perfect for any holiday party, they deliver big smiles with zero stress, and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Get the Recipe: Abominable Snowman Cupcakes

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing in a red pot.
Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage Stuffing is the ultimate comfort food that brings nostalgia and warmth to your holiday table. It pairs wonderfully with various main dishes, making it a versatile side that’s hard to skip. Its preparation is straightforward, leaving you ample time to engage in holiday festivities. When looking for a dish that feels like a hug in every bite, this stuffing doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Triple Ginger Cake

A plate with four squares of triple ginger cake bars on it.
Triple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the spiced flavors of the season with Triple Ginger Cake. This cake is a bold choice for those who love a touch of spice in their sweet treats. It can stand proudly as a centerpiece dessert without requiring professional decorating skills. Share slices with loved ones as you all unwind and soak in the joyous moments of the season.
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cake

Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar
Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a sophisticated twist on holiday sweets, try Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. These little gems are as lovely to look at as they are to eat, making them perfect for holiday gifting as well. Their no-bake preparation is a bonus, offering you more time to relax and enjoy the holiday vibes. They’re an instant hit at any gathering, offering a blend of flavors that adult guests will particularly appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Eggnog Sugar Cookies capture the essence of the holidays in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at holiday baking for the first time, this recipe is stress-free. These cookies spread holiday cheer and are ideal for cookie exchanges or serving alongside a cup of hot cocoa. It’s a sweet way to keep the holiday spirit alive in your home.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Sliced smoked ribeye beef on a cutting board.
Smoked Ribeye Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Smoked Ribeye Roast can be the crowning glory of your holiday meal. Its smoky flavor and tender texture are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday dinner memorable. While it might sound intricate, the cooking process is surprisingly manageable. Gather around the table to enjoy this mouthwatering roast and make holiday dining a luxurious affair without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of whiskey with oranges and a wooden stick.
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your holiday cheer with a Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. This twist on a classic is sure to impress guests with its depth of flavor and aromatic appeal. It’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, adding a touch of sophistication to your celebrations. Perfect for a cozy evening, this cocktail warms you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

A black plate with bacon and mushroom tartlets on it.
Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to holiday appetizers that are both satisfying and easy to make, Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets fit the bill perfectly. They pack a punch of flavor in a small package, with the savory notes winning over anyone who tries them. This recipe is your ticket to pulling off an elegant appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve these at your next gathering and watch them disappear in moments.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Carver Ham impresses on any holiday table with its rich flavors and juicy tenderness. It’s a classic dish that’s synonymous with festive celebrations and brings a sense of tradition to the meal. The smoking process adds depth that can’t be achieved with other cooking methods, yet it doesn’t require constant attention. It serves as a hearty reminder of the season’s abundance and generosity.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For an appetizer that blends savory with a hint of tang, try Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. This dish offers a refreshing twist to your holiday menu, with each crostini delivering a burst of flavor. Its presentation is sure to catch the eye of your guests, while the preparation remains fuss-free. It’s an inventive way to kick off the dining experience at your holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introducing Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels to your holiday spread is a surefire way to add a touch of whimsy. These delicious treats are both savory and visually appealing, making them a hit with guests of all ages. Despite their intricate appearance, they’re surprisingly simple to put together. They provide a playful yet elegant start to any festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re in the mood for something uniquely satisfying, Turkey Chaffwich might just be your next holiday favorite. It reimagines the traditional holiday turkey in a form that’s both novel and delicious. This dish is as fun to make as it is to eat, offering a casual yet delicious option for holiday gatherings. Your guests will be intrigued and enjoyed by this creative take on holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

A white plate with five biscoff cookie butter streusel bars, each drizzled with melted cookie butter.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars blend a beloved classic with a modern twist. These bars are irresistibly crumbly and packed with flavor, making them an ideal companion to your holiday coffee or tea. Preparing them is a breeze, which means you can enjoy the festivities without being tied down by complicated recipes. Embrace the warmth of the season with these comforting bars, sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy a festive flavor combination that’s hard to beat with Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The rich chocolate paired with cool peppermint evokes the holiday spirit in every bite. These cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat, making them a fantastic baking activity for families. They’re the perfect finish to any holiday meal, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and cheer.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.