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Home » Best Recipes Collection

Quick Last Minute Christmas Dinner Recipes

Modified: Dec 22, 2024 · Published Dec 22, 2024 · by Jacqueline Piper · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our privacy policy.

The holiday clock is ticking, and Christmas dinner is just around the corner. Feeling the pressure? Don’t worry - you can still pull off a festive feast that looks and tastes amazing without spending hours in the kitchen. These last-minute recipes are here to save the day, helping you create a cozy, memorable holiday meal in no time.

Honey Dijon Chicken & Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken and asparagus on a plate with lemon wedges.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Save time and make the chicken and vegetables all on the same sheet pan. Coat everything in a tangy and sweet honey Dijon sauce and bake it to perfection.

Get the recipe: Honey Dijon Chicken Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken on a plate with potato slices.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

A quick and easy one-pot meal with chicken and potatoes, featuring a bright lemon sauce and fresh herbs. Let the Instant Pot do all the work!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Creamy Dill Chicken

Mashed potatoes topped with chicken in a creamy dill sauce beside carrots on a plate.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This easy chicken dinner is a one-pan dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients like chicken, onion, broth, butter, cream, and fresh dill, you'll have a flavorful and hassle-free meal on the table in no time!

Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Chicken

Baked Veggie Balls

Veggie balls on a plate with a jar of white sauce.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Packed with veggies and baked to perfection, these meatless balls are a tasty and versatile option for any meal.

Get the recipe: Baked Veggie Balls

Spinach Salad with Apples

Salad in a bowl with greens, sliced apples, pecans, and feta cheese.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Fresh spinach, crisp apples, and crunchy nuts come together in a light, tangy salad that’s great for any time of year.

Get the recipe: Spinach Salad with Apples

Honey Glazed Carrots

Roasted carrots in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Sweet honey-roasted carrots are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Roasting creates a caramelized richness, and dill gives a fresh pop that’s perfect for your Christmas dinner table.

Get the recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots

Carrot Fries

Carrot fries in a bowl with dip.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Carrots get a crispy makeover in this baked fries recipe. They’re sweet, savory, and perfect for snacking or a fun side.

Get the recipe: Carrot Fries

Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

A stuffed portobello mushroom.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Portobello mushrooms stuffed with a savory vegan filling make a hearty, satisfying dish. Perfect for dinner or as an elegant appetizer.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower

A plate with hummus, cauliflower, chickpeas, arugula, a lemon wedge, and a bowl of white dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Spicy harissa coats tender roasted cauliflower for a bold and slightly smoky dish. This easy recipe adds a fiery twist to your veggie sides.

Get the recipe: Roasted Harissa Cauliflower

Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower on a plate with a bowl of dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Golden roasted cauliflower seasoned with earthy za’atar seasoning pairs perfectly with a creamy tahini drizzle. A simple yet flavorful dish that’s great for any meal and a lovely addition to your Christmas menu.

Get the recipe: Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower

Air Fryer Frozen Maple Brussels Sprouts

A bowl with roasted Brussels sprouts topped with fresh thyme.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Brussels sprouts get a sweet touch from maple syrup. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Maple Brussels Sprouts

Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Roasted Brussels sprouts get a sweet twist with a touch of brown sugar. A simple side dish that’s as addictive as it is easy to make.

Get the recipe: Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Sweet honey meets spicy sriracha in this crispy roasted Brussels sprouts dish. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and heat.

Get the recipe: Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Green Beans

Green beans in a bowl with almonds and parmesan cheese.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Green beans roast up crispy and caramelized for a simple yet tasty side dish. It's a classic addition to your Christmas dinner table.

Get the recipe: Roasted Green Beans

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Orange soup in a bowl with a white cream swirl and seeds on top.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Blended cauliflower creates a silky, satisfying soup that’s comforting and easy to prepare in your Instant Pot. A simple, wholesome choice for any day.

Get the recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Carrot Lentil Soup

Orange soup in a bowl with a white swirl.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Velvety carrots and hearty lentils make this soup rich, filling, and satisfying. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy bowl of comfort.

Get the recipe: Carrot Lentil Soup

Vegan Pierogi

Pierogis in a bowl with sour cream, onions, and green onions.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Soft dumplings filled with a flavorful vegan potato mixture make the ultimate comfort food. Serve them with a dollop of dairy-free sour cream.

Get the recipe: Vegan Pierogi

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with a swirl of brown sauce on top.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Creamy mashed potatoes get a nutty, aromatic upgrade with browned butter and fresh thyme. An easy side that feels extra special.

Get the recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Potatoes wedges in a baking dish with lemon slices and a bowl of dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Tender potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic, and lemon for a tangy, golden side dish that’s full of bold, fresh flavor.

Get the recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Sliced potato bake on a plate.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, dairy-free sauce and baked to creamy perfection. This classic comfort dish is simple to make and perfect for a cozy meal or special occasion.

Get the recipe: Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Four sweet potatoes on a plate that have been thinly sliced but not cut all the way through, topped with fresh thyme.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, these Hasselback sweet potatoes are made in the air fryer for quick cooking. A sprinkle of your favorite seasonings makes them versatile enough for any meal.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Caramelized Onion Garlic Bread

A swirled loaf of bread stuffed with caramelized onions, sliced on a cutting board.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Soft, golden bread twisted with sweet caramelized onions and savory garlic. It’s a flavorful addition to any dinner table.

Get the recipe: Caramelized Onion Garlic Bread

Brioche Buns

A close up of browned buns.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, these homemade brioche buns are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or as dinner rolls.

Get the recipe: Brioche Buns

Onion Buns

Onion buns in a baking dish.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Soft and fluffy and packed with onion flavor, these homemade buns are a great addition to your Christmas table. These savory homemade oniony dinner rolls only take a few hours and use everyday ingredients like onions and flour.

Get the recipe: Onion Buns

Instant Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in a bowl topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Make your mac and cheese easy with this hands-off Instant Pot version. Noodles are cooked in just 5 minutes and combined with gouda cheese for a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese

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Hi, I'm Jacqueline!

Welcome to Piper Cooks, where I've been sharing my homemade recipes for 10 years! I share simple, delicious recipes made from scratch, perfect for busy families and food lovers alike. Let's turn everyday meals into something fun and delicious!

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