So… you’re hosting Christmas this year. Congrats! Before you go into full-blown panic mode, take a deep breath and hear us out. You can write down all of the holiday kitchen tips your little hand can scribble, but when it comes down to it, if you provide quality holiday comfort food, your dinner will be a *success.* Sit down and relax with a plate of Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, because we have you covered below with 20 recipes from appetizers to desserts, so you can build your perfect menu.
Appetizers
1. Christmas Tree Cheese Platter: You can’t go wrong with a cheese platter, no matter what kind of party you’re hosting. Special props to this one for being shaped like a Christmas tree. (via Freebie Finding Mom)
2. Honey Almond Baked Brie: Gooey, warm brie topped with honey and nuts is a starter of epic proportions. Serve with a baguette and fruit slices for a tray everyone will remember. (via The Seasoned Mom)
3. Ricotta and Prosciutto Cracker Appetizer: Minimal ingredients are necessary when feeding a hungry mob on Christmas day. Spread ricotta on buttery crackers and top with prosciutto for a salty and creamy one-bite wonder. (via Seasonly Creations)
4. Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Meatballs: That box of frozen puff pastry is finally getting put to good use. Make the meatballs the day before and all you have to do is assemble right before baking. (via Mom on Timeout)
5. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Bites: Cookies aren’t the only thing that you can decorate with red and green this Christmas. Sprinkle the tops of these whipped cream cheese bites with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs to give them a festive touch. (via Well Plated by Erin)
Sides
6. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Green beans are done year after year. Switch things up and replace them with garlicky roasted asparagus this Christmas. (via Real Housemoms)
7. Creamy Garlic and Brie Mushrooms: Who knew brie could be so versatile? Give sautéed mushrooms a luxurious mouthfeel by stirring in Brie right before serving. You’ll never think of mushrooms the same way again. (via Closet Cooking)
8. Honey Butter Rolls: What’s Christmas dinner without fluffy rolls slathered in butter? Go the homemade route this year and WOW everyone with your mad baking skills. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
9. Vegan Lemon Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: You should have a potato option on the table for guests who are dairy-free or just want a lighter choice. These simple Hasselbeck potatoes might just outshine those of the creamy and mashed variety. (via Crazy Vegan Kitchen)
10. Autumn Quinoa Sweet Potato Arugula Salad: This is one salad that won’t be passed over on the buffet line. It’s studded with dried fruit, pomegranate and sweet potatoes… which go perfectly on top of spicy arugula. (via The Kitchen Girl)
Mains
11. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flank Steak: Odds are, your family and friends won’t be expecting to have steak filled with spinach and feta for Christmas dinner. Treat them to an out-of-the-ordinary main dish that they’ll ask for every year. (via Emily Bites)
12. Crock Pot Maple Brown Sugar Ham: You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey, and you can’t have Christmas without ham. This one takes minimal effort thanks to your friend, the slow cooker. (via Life in the Lofthouse)
13. Caramelized Onion and Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breasts: If your Christmas dinner consists of only a few people, a turkey breast may be the best way to go to avoid too many leftovers. Stuff with caramelized onions and cranberries and you can even save yourself an extra side. (via Chocolate Moosey)
14. Lemon Garlic Rotisserie Chicken: This tender whole-roasted chicken is begging to be a part of your Christmas spread. Decorate the serving platter with whole lemons and herbs for a beautiful centerpiece. (via Joyfully Healthy Eats)
15. Rack of Lamb With Pomegranate-Coffee Sauce: Looking for an OH-SO-fancy option? A rack of lamb would never disappoint. Slather it in a caffeinated pomegranate glaze to balance the rich flavor. (via The Floating Kitchen)
Desserts
16. Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake: There’s a scoop of ice cream somewhere just waiting to have this hot spiced fruit bake poured on top. After a giant, heavy meal, something lighter like this will hit the spot. (via Cotter Crunch)
17. Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes: Not only are these cupcakes totally delicious, but they double as a fun project on Christmas Eve. Plus, those pretzel antlers add the perfect amount of salty kick. (via Crafty Morning)
18. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake: This minty cheesecake is Santa AND grandma-approved. FYI, you can totally steal candy canes off of the Christmas tree to make it. (via Cooking Classy)
19. Gingerbread Layer Cake With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: This show-stopping cake is almost too pretty to eat. Decorate the top with a gingerbread forest and meringues for some real Christmas cheer. (via Supergolden Bakes)
20. Salted Caramel Swiss Roll: There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned yule log to end a perfect meal. Fill with rich salted caramel frosting and top with toasted hazelnuts for a rustic woodland look. (via Delicious Magazine)
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