21 last-minute holiday recipe ideas to keep on hand

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Keep these 21 last-minute holiday recipe ideas ready and on hand for busy times. They’re simple, quick to prepare, and cover everything from appetizers to main dishes. With these recipes, confidently manage any holiday event without unnecessary stress.

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A plate with cranberry cream cheese and crackers.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quick to prepare, the Jalapeño Cranberry Dip combines jalapeños and cranberries for a unique, spicy-sweet flavor. It’s great for unexpected holiday guests, ready to be served with crackers or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your go-to for a fast holiday meal. In just an hour, you’ll have a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s a simple, hearty option for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

A plate of whipped feta with honey dip with crackers and herbs.
Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a last-minute appetizer, try this Whipped Feta with Honey Dip. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s a mix of ingredients like feta, cream cheese, and sweet honey. Pair it with pita bread, crackers, or sliced veggies.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta with Honey Dip

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes cook in less than an hour. They have a crispy parmesan crust and a soft, tender center. They’re a great choice for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole mixes bacon, potatoes, and cheese for a comforting dish. You can prepare it ahead, saving time during busy holiday dinners. It’s a great choice for a filling meal for nights you’re hosting guests for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Sweet potato casserole with spinach and sour cream.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is an easy one-pan dish. It’s a sheet pan meal that showcases squash, cauliflower, and bacon. It’s a great addition to your holiday meal lineup. If you have leftovers, serve them for breakfast the next morning with some fried eggs.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are easy to prepare and great for parties. You can make them in advance, simplifying your event planning. These mushrooms are filled with savory sausage, sure to please your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with creamy parmesan cheese and parsley.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a fast and filling meal, perfect for holiday evenings. The soup’s rich and hearty flavors are great for both Christmas and New Year’s. It takes only 30 minutes to make — great for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are quick, easy, and perfect for holiday appetizers. Ready in 30 minutes, they are ideal for last-minute events. They’re always a hit at Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a great start to holiday mornings, like Christmas or New Year’s Day. It features bacon, eggs, and cheese, and is a filling choice for a family breakfast. This casserole is easy to customize based on your available ingredients or preferences.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Tomatoes topped with cheese and herbs on a white plate.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are quick to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes. These tomatoes offer a fresh and cheesy complement to any festive meal. They’re a flavorful addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A skillet with chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick option for a holiday dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal combines chicken with a rich mushroom sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive dish for Christmas or New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a comforting choice for holiday meals. It’s a one-pot dish, ready in an hour, fitting well into a relaxed dinner plan throughout the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, ready in 30 minutes, is a fantastic side for Christmas Eve dinner. It brings together cheese and bacon for a flavorful dish. This casserole is both easy to make and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in 30 minutes, is a practical choice for holiday dinners. It features a unique mustard and bacon sauce. This one-pan meal is effortless to prepare for Christmas or New Year’s dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chili Cheese Dip

A dish of chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chili Cheese Dip is a quick 30-minute preparation, perfect for holiday parties. It’s simple to make and adds a lively flavor to your party menu. Enjoy this dip with tortilla chips for a festive snack.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup, taking about 45 minutes to prepare, is a delicious dish for winter meals. It’s a one-pot recipe, easy to make, and offers a hearty experience. This soup is well-suited for a cozy evening during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Sausage breakfast casserole on a plate with a fork.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Sausage Breakfast Casserole is ideal for leisurely holiday mornings. Taking 50 minutes to make, it’s a hearty dish with sausage, eggs, and cheese. This casserole is a great option for beginners, offering a simple yet fulfilling breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a flavorful addition to your Christmas dinner. It cooks all at once, saving time in the kitchen. This soup brings a rich taste and texture to your festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Keto Zuppa Toscana is a hearty soup, perfect for holiday dinners all season long. It takes an hour to make in one pot. This soup is an uncomplicated main dish, easing your holiday meal preparations.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken, done in under 40 minutes, is fantastic for a special holiday dinner. This one-pan meal features chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s easy to make and serves as a joyous addition to your festive dining.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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