Fifteen Cherished Last-Minute Holiday Dish Suggestions Chat Editors Adore
Despite our best efforts to anticipate and prepare for the holiday season, unforeseen occurrences frequently arise. From uninvited guests appearing at our doorstep to last-minute dinner parties, we can all benefit from having some secret weapons and quick fixes up our sleeves to navigate any last-minute scenarios. We enlisted our editorial team to share some of their favorite go-to dishes for these emergencies. These 15 recipes are guaranteed to impress, and all require minimal hands-on time and effort.
01 of 15## Mini Sausage Rolls with Herb Sauce
"By incorporating Conecuh sausages into these petite puff-pastry bundles, these appetizers are elevated for any holiday gathering. Plus, the herb sauce only takes 30 minutes of your time." - Betsy Watson, Senior Homes Editor
02 of 15## Deviled Eggs with a Twist
"I keep the essentials for a delectable batch of last-minute deviled eggs stocked in my house at all times. They're not only straightforward to prepare, but they're also universally popular among guests." – Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
03 of 15## Cream Cheese with Sweet-And-Spicy Relish
"With a block of cream cheese and a couple of jars of pepper relish in my refrigerator, I can effortlessly whip up an appealing appetizer for guests. I incorporated this tangy condiment into a holiday party spread last year at the last minute, and it ended up being the party's standout dish." - Jenna Sims, Senior Editor
04 of 15## Festive Mixed Nut Mix
"When it comes to the festive season, having a large batch of any sort of snack mix on hand is a lifesaver. This festive rendition of sweet snack mix will be polished off before you know it!" - Kaitlyn Sadik, Editor
05 of 15## Ham and Pea Carbonara
"Although it may not be the traditional holiday side dish, I can easily whip up this creamy carbonara pasta using ingredients I normally have on hand. Its richness and simplicity make it a fitting last-minute option, and it can be prepared in less than 30 minutes." - Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
06 of 15## Carrot Ribbon Salad with Nuts and Seeds
"Whenever a last-minute salad is required for the holiday table, our family has a go-to recipe: carrot ribbon salads. Their visual appeal and palate-pleasing quality make them the ideal conversation starter." –Catherine Jessee, Assistant Food Editor
07 of 15## Spicy Pear and Cheddar Bites
"While these appear to be caterer-crafted, they are astonishingly simple to assemble. Guests will never suspect their effortless creation." -Alana Al-Hatlani, Associate Food Editor
08 of 15## Baked Brie Bites with Phyllo Cups
"Baked brie is always the first appetizer to vanish at a gathering. These delectable bites, made with frozen phyllo cups and pepper jelly, can be tossed together quickly." - Josh Miller, Senior Food Editor
09 of 15## Sparkling Cranberries for Holiday Decor
"If you're like me and constantly find yourself with leftover cranberries during the holiday season, this recipe is incredibly simple yet consistently popular. Utilize these Sparkling Cranberries to add a festive touch to desserts, whether homemade or store-bought, or simply enjoy them by the handful." – Katherine Polcari, Assistant Copy Editor
10 of 15## Easy Chocolate Fudge Pie
"This well-loved, rich dessert is an all-time favorite for family celebrations. Take caution, this deceptively simple pie will be insisted upon for future events." –Libby Minor, Senior Copy Editor
11 of 15## Snack Mix for Charcuterie Fix
"For a last-minute snack mix, I whipped up this crowd-pleasing concoction during my holiday visit with family. My father couldn't get enough and has since demanded that it be a permanent fixture in our entertaining arsenal." –Brennan Long, Associate Social Media Director
12 of 15## Pear and Brie Puff Pastry Tarts
"With minimal prep-time and five basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for the last-minute holiday hostess. Its versatility allows it to be served as both an appetizer and a dessert." –Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
13 of 15## Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Salad
"This creative dish, featuring an unusual combination of sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and marshmallows, is simple to prepare and adds a delightful festive flair to any holiday table." –Kaitlyn Sadik, Editor
14 of 15## Cheese and Cracker Platter with a Twist
"For an unconventional yet impressive charcuterie board, mix up a medley of leftover cheese, crackers, and bring-alongs. Simply serve on a festively-adorned platter to create an instant holiday gourmet experience." –Jenna Sims, Senior Editor
15 of 15## Pepper and Olive Oil Popcorn
"For a tasty, last-minute snack, treat your visitors to this savory popcorn in festive bowls. It's both a simple and elegant way to keep the munchies at bay during the holiday season." - Katherine Polcari, Assistant Copy Editor
When I need a sudden dessert for unexpected guests, I go for a variation of this recipe. You can swiftly prepare apples, bananas, or pears using the "cultivation" method and serve them with ice cream for a delightful, celebratory snack. If you're pressed for time, store-bought granola works just fine. (Kudos to Ina!)
Mini Baked Brie with Cranberry Swirl
This small-scale, oven-baked Brie is simple, quick, and captivating on your preferred platter. Although I'm all for the cranberry sauce's festive hue, you can opt for any preserves you have on hand in your pantry.
Cheesy Coleslaw
This dish is a breeze to prepare, and the components are easily available if they're not already in your fridge or pantry. Similar to pimiento cheese, this dish is a secret recipe I keep in reserve for times when I need to diversify a collection of party appetizers, and it always draws a crowd who ask for the recipe.
Here are two sentences that contain the given words and follow from the text:
During the holidays, SouthernLiving's collection of Christmas Recipes can help you navigate unexpected occasions with ease. For instance, you can whip up a Mini Baked Brie with Cranberry Swirl, a quick and easy recipe that requires minimal ingredients.
When last-minute dinner parties arise, consider serving Cheesy Coleslaw as an appetizer. This dish, a secret recipe from SouthernLiving, is a versatile addition to any holiday spread and can be prepared using ingredients you already have at home.
