You’re excited to meet your friends at the upcoming Christmas gathering – the catch is that it’s a potluck party, and you have no idea what to prepare. Buying potato chips and soda drinks don’t quite cut it, but you aren’t exactly a culinary expert when it comes to Christmas dishes.
We collated a list of recipes that will solve your potluck problems, with recipes to cater to every skill level and time available. Read on to find a recipe that works for you!
Appetisers
1. Cinnamon Apple-Nut Salad
For a healthy dish that wows in terms of colour, taste, and texture, try this apple salad. The cinnamon adds a flavourful touch, making for a delightful appetiser.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 medium red apples, chopped
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup plus 1-1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
You can read more about this recipe here.
2. Maple Sausage-Cheese Balls
Maple syrup adds a festive flavour to any dish, so we love this twist on classic sausage cheese balls that combines jalapeño with maple sausage and maple mustard dipping sauce. The pairing of sweet and savoury flavours is sure to win praise.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
- 1/2 lb uncooked maple-flavored pork breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño chiles
- 1/4 cup Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
You can read more about this recipe here.
3. 3-Ingredient Cranberry Brie Bites
This dish might look fancy, but it actually only requires 3 ingredients and 4 easy steps! No one will believe that this is so simple to pull together, but everyone will surely be asking you to share this recipe.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 package (17 1/4 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 lb Brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (purchased or homemade)
4. English Batter Buns
You can’t go wrong with warm and soft batter buns at a cosy gathering. To add more flavour, you can sprinkle sea salt on them, add cheese, or even make them sweet with some fruit jam.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 packages (1/4 ounces each) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Melted butter
You can read more about this recipe here.
5. Caramelized Onion Tarts With Apples
Whet everyone’s appetites with this crunchy and sweet dish that packs a whole lot of flavour. It’s a fall flavour that is sure to please, so make more of these to go around!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 red apples (such as Braeburn or Gala), cut into small pieces
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed
- ½ cup creme fraiche or sour cream
You can read more about this recipe here.
6. Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
Running low on time but need a dish that can serve many guests? We recommend preparing this simple and elegant appetiser that comes with a lightly crisp taste.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett), each cut into 8 wedges
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup arugula
- 3 ounces blue cheese, cut into small pieces
- 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
You can read more about this recipe here.
Main Course & Side Dishes
7. Cheddar & Spinach Twice-Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and also one of the easiest ways to please a crowd. Try this variation that uses cheddar and spinach to make the potatoes extra satisfying.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 6 large baking potatoes (about 12 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
You can read more about this recipe here.
8. Stuffed Hasselback Turkey Breast
No Christmas feast is complete without a turkey, but the hassle involved can really put you off. Rather than giving up on turkey completely, try this recipe that uses sliced and stuffed turkey breast. It is much easier and less time-consuming than a traditional roast turkey – perfect for a smaller group.
Ingredients you’ll need:
Basic stuffing:
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup hot chicken broth
- 1 large egg yolk
Turkey breast:
- 1 (2 1/2 to 3 pound) turkey breast half (with bones and skin)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing
You can read more about this recipe here.
9. Marinated Beef Toasts With Yogurt
This irresistible combination of thick slices of whole-grain bread with yogurt, marinated beets, and crunchy radishes is a healthy option to counteract all those calories from the Christmas feasting.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound pre-cooked, vacuum-packed beets (6-10 depending on size), sliced into ¼-inch wedges
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, divided
- 1½ cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 1 lb. loaf whole-grain bread, sliced ½-inch thick, toasted and halved
- 1 small bunch radishes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives, for serving
You can read more about this recipe here.
10. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Potato casseroles are a Christmas tradition, but this recipe promises to take it up a notch. For extra flavour, top up this potato goodness with cheese and bacon.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 5 lb russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (12 oz)
- 10 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
You can read more about this recipe here.
11. Cauliflower Parmesan Casserole
Not a fan of all those carbs from potatoes? A cauliflower casserole will taste equally as good. This recipe uses a lighter version of a classic white sauce, so add seasoning as you see fit.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 packages (16 ounces each) frozen cauliflower, thawed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups fat-free milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
You can read more about this recipe here.
12. Roast Beef With Slow-Cooked Tomatoes and Garlic
With just 4 ingredients, you can create a dish that will be the highlight of any potluck party. It takes quite a bit of time to cook (about an hour), but good things are worth the wait.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless rump or rib roast
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 head garlic, cloves peeled
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
You can read more about this recipe here.
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pecans
Super crunchy, super easy to make, and super delicious – there’s nothing you won’t love about this recipe!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
You can read more about this recipe here.
14. Citrus Sweet Potatoes
Can’t get enough of carbs? Check out this unique take on sweet potatoes. The sweet and zesty flavours are so good, we guarantee there will be no leftovers.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup orange juice concentrate
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
You can read more about this recipe here.
15. Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts
Among the delicious roast meat and sinful carbs, remember to serve up some greens. We share this recipe that creates a dish so addictive, even the kids won’t be complaining about having to eat their vegetables.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) pine nuts
- kosher salt and pepper
You can read more about this recipe here.
16. Cider-Roasted Vegetables
Nothing spells festivity better than cider, and it gets even better when you pair it with common fall vegetables. This recipe uses apple cider vinegar which contains no alcohol, so anyone can enjoy this dish.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1½ pounds beets (1 bunch), peeled and cut into wedges
- 1½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1½ pounds baby carrots, peeled (or 1½ pounds carrots cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 pound shiitake or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
You can read more about this recipe here.
Desserts & Beverages
17. Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog
No Christmas is complete without this rich, chilled beverage. If you are worried about using raw eggs, rest assured that the eggs are gently cooked to kill any potential bacteria in this non-alcoholic eggnog recipe.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar (plus 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)
- Garnish: additional grated nutmeg
You can read more about this recipe here.
18. Traditional Christmas Pudding
For those who want to attempt a traditional Christmas pudding, be prepared that you have to make this in advance, as it requires a lot of time to marinate and steam for the flavours to mature. Long preparation time and long ingredient list aside, it is actually simple to make, and even more satisfying to share with your loved ones.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound/450 g mixed dried fruit
- 1 ounce/25 g candied peel (mixed varieties, finely chopped)
- 1 small apple (cooking apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoon brandy (plus a little extra for soaking at the end)
- 2 ounces/55 g flour (self-raising, sifted)
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice (level, ground)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- 4 ounces/110 g suet ( beef or vegetarian, shredded)
- 4 ounces/110 g brown sugar (dark, soft)
- 4 ounces/110 g bread crumbs (white, fresh)
- 1 ounce/25 g almonds (whole, shelled, roughly chopped)
- 2 large eggs (fresh)
You can read more about this recipe here.
19. Hot Chocolate Dump Cake
Can’t decide whether to make hot cocoa or chocolate cake? With this luxurious dump cake, you can have both!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) Jell-O™ chocolate-flavor instant pudding and pie filling
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ chocolate fudge cake mix
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons dry hot chocolate mix
You can read more about this recipe here.
20. Christmas 7-Layer Cookie Bars
Who can say not to seven layers and three kinds of chocolatey goodness? We are sure no one at the potluck party will blame you for tempting them with this sinful goodness.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pouch (17.5 oz.) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s™ chocolate candies
- 1 tablespoon red and green sprinkles
You can read more about this recipe here.
21. Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
Not keen on conventional Christmas desserts? This interesting salad looks like a Jello pudding that is filled with cranberries, orange, walnuts and celery, making this dessert so healthy that everyone will thank you for saving their waistlines this Christmas.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon unflavoured gelatin
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 package (3 ounces) raspberry gelatin
- 3 cups (12 ounces) fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, divided
- 2 medium apples, cut into wedges
- 1 medium navel orange, peeled
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
You can read more about this recipe here.
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