The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and you know what that means… Christmas meals are coming! I’m talking turkey, ham, cookies, and all the festive fixings. But let’s be real, who has the time to spend all day in the kitchen, slaving away over a hot stove? Not me, that’s for sure! That’s why I’ve got you covered with these 5-ingredient Christmas meals that are quick, easy, and downright delicious.
Baked Ham with Honey-Glazed Carrots
This recipe rocks because it’s a classic easy Christmas dinner that’s perfect for a small gathering. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ham? And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour!
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Place the ham on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the honey-mustard glaze all over it.
4. Toss the chopped carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
5. Bake the ham for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it’s nicely caramelized.
6. Roast the carrots in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly browned.
Why You’ll Love It:
This sheet pan Christmas dinner is a game-changer because it’s so easy to prepare and clean up. The honey-glazed carrots add a sweet and sticky element to the dish that complements the savory ham perfectly. Plus, it’s a great quick holiday recipe to impress your guests!
Cranberry Brie Bites
These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for a simple festive food gathering. They’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, which is a total win in my book!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut out small squares of pastry, about 3 inches per side.
4. Place a small slice of brie cheese in the center of each square, followed by a few cranberries.
5. Fold the pastry squares in half to form triangles and press the edges to seal.
6. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
These easy Christmas dinner appetizers are perfect for a crowd because they’re bite-sized and can be made in advance. The combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberries, and flaky pastry is absolute perfection. Plus, they’re a great quick holiday recipe to add to your repertoire!
Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner
This recipe is a staple in my household because it’s a simple festive food option that’s ready in no time. I mean, who doesn’t love a good sheet pan dinner?
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped
- 2 large zucchinis, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and zucchinis with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a large sheet pan.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It:
This sheet pan Christmas dinner is a total winner because it’s so easy to customize with your favorite veggies. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great quick holiday recipe for busy nights. Plus, it’s a healthy easy Christmas dinner option that’s perfect for a crowd.
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This recipe is a show-stopper because it’s a simple festive food option that’s sure to impress your guests. I mean, who doesn’t love a good stuffed chicken breast?
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14 ounce) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the artichoke hearts, spinach, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the artichoke-spinach mixture.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It:
This easy Christmas dinner recipe is a total crowd-pleaser because it’s so flavorful and moist. The spinach and artichoke filling adds a delicious twist to traditional stuffed chicken breasts. Plus, it’s a great quick holiday recipe to add to your repertoire!
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! These 5-ingredient Christmas meals are sure to make your holiday season a whole lot brighter. Whether you’re looking for a simple festive food option or a quick holiday recipe to impress your guests, I’ve got you covered. So go ahead, give these recipes a try, and enjoy the easy Christmas dinner of your dreams!
In conclusion, these recipes are all about speed, flavor, and convenience. They’re perfect for a stress-free holiday season, and they’re sure to become a part of your Christmas meals tradition for years to come. So, which one will you try first?
