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Running out of time to prepare your Christmas meal? Don’t panic! Discover last minute Christmas meal ideas that are quick, easy, and sure to impress. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got the perfect recipes to save your holiday and the quality kitchen knives to make them happen!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy appetizers, like bacon-wrapped smokies and baked brie, can elevate your holiday dinner without stress. Get your cheese knives, favorite kitchen knife, and spatula ready for this.
- Last-minute main courses, such as Christmas Baked Salmon and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, offer delicious options that save time and effort.
- Make-ahead recipes, including slow-cooker grape jelly meatballs and potatoes au gratin, allow for a smoother Christmas day, ensuring more time with loved ones.
Quick and Easy Appetizers
Appetizers are the unsung heroes of any holiday dinner. They set the tone for the feast and keep your guests entertained while the main courses are being prepared. When time is of the essence, quick and easy appetizers are a must.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
One of our favorites is bacon-wrapped smokies. With just three ingredients and some toothpicks, you can create a smoky, savory treat that will have everyone reaching for more. Simply wrap each smokie with a half or full strip of bacon, secure it with a toothpick, and bake until the bacon is golden and crispy.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush them with a mixture of brown sugar and a little mustard before baking, adding a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Bacon-wrapped smokies are a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love, making them a great option to kick off your holiday celebration with a fun and delicious snack.
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Next up, cheddar cheese straws are a great option that uses common pantry items and can be whipped up in no time. They’re crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Cheddar cheese straws are a classic Southern appetizer that’s both simple to make and irresistibly tasty. Made from a buttery, flaky dough infused with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle kick, these straws offer a perfect balance of savory flavor and crisp texture.
The dough can be prepared quickly using common pantry ingredients like flour, butter, and spices. Mix these together using the spatula from Seido Knives’ 15 Piece Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set.
Cut your favorite block of cheese into sticks using your go-to chef’s knife.Then wrap these up using your dough. Make sure to leave no air pockets so your cheese straws stay together as you fry them.
Once baked, the cheese straws become delightfully golden and crunchy, perfect for nibbling alongside drinks or as a starter to your holiday meal.
Baked Brie
If you’re looking for something a bit more elegant, baked brie is your go-to. It takes just three minutes to prepare and offers a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat.
The process is simple and requires minimal preparation.
- Preheat the oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Prepare the brie by removing the plastic wrapping but keeping the edible white rind on, as it acts as a natural container to hold the melting cheese. You can place it in a small, shallow oven-safe dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the center is soft and feels liquid when gently pressed.
You can make this a centerpiece of your charcuterie board. Garnish immediately. Serve with sliced baguettes and crackers, cheese and deli meats, grapes and apple slices, and, of course, your Shujin Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set.
Last-Minute Main Courses
No Christmas dinner is complete without a show-stopping main course. But who has time for elaborate recipes when you’re in a rush? That’s where last-minute main courses come in handy.
Christmas Baked Salmon
One of the favorite recipes among our readers is Christmas Baked Salmon. It is quite popular during the holiday season. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick to prepare, ensuring you don’t miss out on festive flavors.
First, do a quick prep of your fish using the Shujin 7.5" Fillet Knife. Slice off the thinner parts so you have an even sized slab. You can remove the skin but this one cooks better skin-on.
You can prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time or quickly assemble it on the day of your celebration. The salmon cooks evenly and quickly in the oven, usually within 15 to 20 minutes.
To elevate the dish, top the salmon with a light glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce or maple syrup, which adds a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Serve the salmon alongside your choice of speedy side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying Christmas dinner.
This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to heavier holiday mains, making it a great option for guests looking for lighter fare. Plus, the beautiful pink hue of the baked salmon adds a stunning visual appeal to your festive table, ensuring your Christmas dinner is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Another hassle-free option is Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for completing your Christmas menu without the stress of a complicated recipe.
To prepare, start with a pre-cooked ham, which saves valuable time on Christmas day. Trim off some fat using your Master 6" Boning Knife before you apply the glaze.
The glaze is typically made from brown sugar, which provides a deep molasses sweetness, combined with ingredients like Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and a touch of apple cider vinegar or orange juice to balance the sweetness with a subtle tang. Some recipes also include warm spices such as cloves, cinnamon, or ground ginger to add a festive aroma and complexity.
Before baking, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate and create a delicious crust. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, and bake it in the oven, basting occasionally to build up layers of sticky sweetness. The glaze will caramelize, forming a beautiful, glossy coating that enhances both the flavor and appearance of the ham.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and sweet potatoes, making it a perfect way to complete your Christmas meal with minimal fuss. Plus, leftovers from this dish are fantastic for sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes, adding to its appeal as a versatile and satisfying holiday option.
These last-minute recipes save you time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebration with your guests. Whether you’re serving a small family gathering or a large holiday party, these main courses will ensure your Christmas dinner is a hit.
Speedy Side Dishes
Side dishes add variety and complement the main courses, creating a well-balanced meal. When you’re short on time, speedy side dishes are essential.
Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a rich, steakhouse-style vegetable option that can elevate any holiday meal. This dish features fresh green beans cooked to tender-crisp perfection, then coated in a luscious, velvety sauce made from cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce adds richness without overpowering the natural freshness of the green beans, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
To prepare, trim off the ends of your green beans using your Shinko 7" Nakiri 110 Layers. Then blanch them briefly in boiling water. After that, shock them in ice water to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, gently sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then add heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, forming a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the green beans.
This side dish pairs wonderfully with main courses like Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Christmas Baked Salmon, offering a deliciously creamy contrast to the savory mains. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent last minute Christmas meal idea that’s sure to impress your guests with its fine taste and comforting appeal.
No-Fuss Salads
Salads add freshness and crunch to your holiday table. They’re healthy and quick to prepare, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner.
Put together your favorite greens… arugula, kale, romaine lettuce, whatever you have in the fridge. Prep these using your nakiri knife by trimming off the ends and inedible bits.
Use premade dressing or make your own vinaigrette using common pantry staples, such as extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, dijon mustard (acts as an emulsifier), a clove of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste
Simple Snacks and Nibbles
Snacks and nibbles keep your guests satisfied while they wait to eat the main meal. These simple snack ideas are easy to prepare and perfect for any holiday gathering, as they can also be great for taking pictures.
Here are some snack ideas:
- Sweet potato rounds: a nutritious base for loaded toppings, similar to toast.
- Fruit skewers: a fun and simple way to serve fresh fruit, adding a colorful touch to your snack table.
- Marinated mozzarella balls: require minimal preparation and deliver great flavor, making this an excellent idea.
Use the Shujin 3-piece Paring Knife Set to prep your sweet potatoes and fruits. You can do this a day before. Just make sure to properly store your ingredients after.
Refreshing Drinks
No festive gathering is complete without some refreshing drinks to toast the occasion. These quick-to-prepare drink recipes are sure to delight your guests.
A popular non-alcoholic holiday punch combination includes:
- Cranberry juice
- Orange juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Lemon-lime soda
This punch can be prepared in about five minutes, making it an ideal festive beverage for gatherings.
Enhance the festive appearance of your drinks with garnishes like fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary sprigs. Ice cubes made from fruit juice or berries add a decorative touch.
Knives Your Need to Make Your Prep Easier
The right kitchen knives make all the difference in meal prep. Quality knives improve your cooking experience and ensure precision and efficiency, while using the wrong tools can lead to frustration.
Seido’s Japanese chef’s knives, known for precision and craftsmanship, are a top choice for culinary professionals and home cooks alike. Gyuto knives, incorporating elements from Western chef’s knives, are versatile and perfect for a variety of tasks.
Nakiri knives, specifically designed for vegetable preparation, offer clean and even slicing with their tall, flat blades that can carve through vegetables effortlessly. Cleavers are ideal for breaking down large roasts and cutting through thick bones.
Choose a paring knife with a sharp edge and a durable stainless steel blade for effective and safe food preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quick appetizer ideas for Christmas?
For a delightful Christmas gathering, consider serving bacon-wrapped smokies, cheddar cheese straws, baked brie, and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. These quick appetizers will surely impress your guests and add festive cheer!
What can I serve as a last-minute main course?
You can serve baked salmon or brown sugar glazed ham for a delicious last-minute main course that's easy to prepare. Both options will impress your guests while keeping your stress levels low!
How can I make side dishes quickly?
You can make quick side dishes like Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce, honey-glazed spiced carrots, mashed potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These delicious options will have your meal ready in no time!
What are some easy make-ahead recipes?
You can easily prepare delicious slow-cooker grape jelly meatballs, twice baked potatoes, Maple-Dijon Brussels Leaf Salad, and Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake in advance for convenience and enjoyment later! Get ready to impress with these make-ahead meals!
What types of knives should I use for meal prep?
For effective meal prep, using a Japanese chef's knife like a Gyuto, a Nakiri for vegetables, a cleaver, and a quality paring knife will make your cooking experience both enjoyable and efficient. Embrace these tools to elevate your culinary skills!
Planning a last-minute Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. With these quick and easy meal ideas, you can prepare a festive feast that will impress your guests and allow you to enjoy the holiday season.
Use Seido Knives quality knives and meal prep is going to be a breeze!
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