With variety, flavor and a touch of class, these Christmas buffet ideas will get you through your holiday party in style.
1/40
Honey-Glazed Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an easy solution for feeding a large group. This simple honey ham is perfect for family dinners, where time outside the kitchen is as valuable as space in the oven. —Jacquie Stolz, Little Sioux, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked ham: 165 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1348mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
Is it even Christmas without honey-glazed ham? If you’re worried about it taking up a significant bit of oven space, don’t be! This cooks right in the slow cooker.
2/40
Shrimp Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
During the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cooked shrimp with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
Ah, shrimp cocktail. It’s as expected at a gathering as a plate of deviled eggs or some kind of cream cheese-based dip. If you’re tempted just to buy the stuff from the grocery store, halt! Big surprise: It’s so much better homemade but still really easy.
3/40
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
From the Recipe Creator:
Knowing how to make a charcuterie board is a great skill to rely on when hosting any type of gathering. This recipe has everything you could ask for on a board—cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits and veggies, and pickles and nuts. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 447 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 1353mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
You don’t have to be a good cook to bring an absolutely fantastic contribution to the Christmas buffet table. A charcuterie board is strictly no-cook, all cut. Here’s how to make a classic charcuterie board, but this Christmas tree charcuterie board is ready and waiting to be made for its big holiday debut.
4/40
Stuffed Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 79 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
If you don’t normally make stuffed mushrooms for the holidays, I urge you to give them a try. I once went to my friend’s Christmas party and his mom served stuffed mushrooms. They were so complexly flavorful and perfectly bite-sized that the memory of them has stuck with me for about 10 years now.
5/40
Christmas Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
'Tis the season for easy make-ahead appetizers like these. They look so special and pretty that folks can't resist them! The refreshing flavor of ranch dressing and crisp colorful vegetables makes these pinwheels a pleasure to serve. —Janis Plourde, Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 34 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Easy, kid-friendly and festively colored for the season, Christmas pinwheels are a no-brainer. Call dibs on making these if you’re short on time (it is the holidays, after all) or you’re the oven-averse friend or family member.
6/40
Peppermint Ice Cream Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, delicious and easy to make, this is the one for you. Drizzled in hot fudge sauce and loaded with pretty peppermint pieces, this tempting treat will have guests asking for seconds. —Pam Lancaster, Willis, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 425 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
So often we indulge in a heavy cake or pie after an already rich Christmas dinner. But this peppermint ice cream dessert is refreshing, light and acts sort of as a palate cleanser. Bonus: It’s a no-bake Christmas dessert!
7/40
Apple-Stuffed Turkey
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter loves to help me make this moist roasted turkey with herbs. Her job is to hand Mommy the ingredients—if she doesn't eat the apples first! —Kimberly Jackson, Gay, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked turkey: 626 calories, 31g fat (11g saturated fat), 263mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 73g protein.
If your Thanksgiving turkey didn’t come out as you’d hoped, this is redemption hour. This bird is seasoned with an herb and salt rub and stuffed with apples, onions and celery for super-flavorful and juicy meat.
8/40
Christmas Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are a good Christmas appetizer or Christmas dinner idea. We love them so much that I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
It’s pretty hard to beat homemade meatballs that have been slowly simmered in a tangy and sweet cranberry-barbecue sauce. Set out a container of toothpicks and let everyone help themselves. My prediction? These meatballs last 20 minutes, tops.
9/40
Parker House Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom is especially well-known for the delectable things she bakes, like these tender Parker House rolls. When that basket comes around the table, we each automatically take two—one is just never enough. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 113 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
There are dinner rolls, and then there are Parker House rolls. The latter recipe gives you the softest, most pillowy little rolls of your life. Serve them with flavored butter and honey, and they’ll be the most talked-about dish at the function.
10/40
Frosted Cutout Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
As a little girl, I helped Mom make these crunchy cutout cookies. Iced and sprinkled with colored sugar, they're the best! —Sonja Stromswold, Mohall, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Frosted sugar cookies are the quintessential Christmas cookie. Here, we cut out the dough and decorated the cookies as pretty Christmas lights, but you can use any cookie cutter shape you desire.
11/40
Beef Tenderloin Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe made with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper—just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so, you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 294 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
This recipe takes all the guesswork out of cooking this intimidating cut of beef. We keep the seasonings simple, but provide all sorts of ways to dress it up if you so choose, such as wrapping the meat in bacon, giving the outside an herb crust or basting it with wine.
12/40
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
From the Recipe Creator:
This charming plate of piggies looks like a holiday wreath when I drape fresh rosemary in the center. It’s a cute display for merry get-togethers. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
While everyone loves pigs in a blanket, each version is the same and ultimately not quite memorable. But baked together in a Christmas wreath shape with a crescent dough bow and then garnished with rosemary sprigs, cheese stars and tomatoes as holly? No one will ever forget this version.
13/40
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty biscotti is studded with dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. It's delicious with tea or coffee. —Diane Gruber, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 85 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
When these come out for dessert hour, make sure there’s lots of coffee, tea or espresso nearby. I like serving these winter-flavored biscotti because not everyone wants a slice of cake or a sugary Christmas cookie. Some prefer a light, just-sweet-enough bite.
14/40
Broccoli Parmesan Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I began making this creamy side dish years ago as a way to get my kids to eat broccoli. They have since grown up but still request this satisfying casserole. It's truly a family favorite. —Barbara Uhl, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
Has there ever been an easier way to convince people to eat broccoli than when it’s smothered with cheese sauce and baked with crispy bread crumbs? I think not!
15/40
Cranberry Raspberry Punch
From the Recipe Creator:
The blushing bride-to-be and her guests will ask for refills of this pretty pink cranberry raspberry punch. It's not too sweet, so my family never tires of it at events throughout the year. —Susan Rogers, Wilmington, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Between all the kids at the party and the rise in sobriety for adults (or just those who have to drive home!), having a fun nonalcoholic drink available makes everyone feel welcome and included in the festivities. This one is so pretty for the holiday, and with lots of cranberry, raspberry, strawberry and ginger flavors, it’s a knockout.
16/40
Bacon Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts that I started making them for holiday dinners too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 67 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
If there were ever a way to make deviled eggs more delicious, it’s by adding bacon. The recipe is just as simple to make as a classic deviled egg recipe. All you have to do is stir (you guessed it!) crispy, crumbled-up bacon into the filling.
17/40
Peppermint Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
People are thrilled when they see me coming with this rich, smooth cheesecake—it's always a crowd pleaser. Not only does it look sensational, but it is so scrumptious. —Carrie Price, Ottawa, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 711 calories, 51g fat (33g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
This peppermint cheesecake has three layers of chocolate-peppermint goodness: the Oreo cheesecake crust, the Andes peppermint cheesecake layer, and the whipped cream topping garnished with more candy canes and chocolate shavings. As if you needed any more reasons to whip this up, the homemade Oreo crust doesn’t use the whole package of cookies, so there are 11 Oreos left to snack on. Score!
18/40
Sausage Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 352 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
Look, I know you probably just had stuffing last month, but there are so few times during the year (well, one) that we actually make it. Christmas is one more excuse to whip up a proper stuffing like this one, so take it.
19/40
Best Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
I make this lasagna whenever I want to impress a large group of people. It’s cozy, comforting, inviting and surprisingly easy for what it is. For anyone who is gluten-free, I replace the regular noodles with Barilla’s gluten-free oven-ready lasagna pasta. Genuinely, no one can tell the difference.
20/40
Creamed Spinach with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella make this dish wonderfully cheesy. Sprinkle it with french-fried onions for a crisp boost of flavor. —Kathy Vazquez, Amarillo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 415 calories, 35g fat (23g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
This creamed spinach is a great way to get some much-needed color and veggies on the Christmas buffet table. There are two packages of spinach and just enough chive and onion cream cheese, as well as Parmesan and mozzarella, to make it taste good.
21/40
Christmas Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
My son, Jeremy, is 36 but acts as if he's 5 when he sees these brownies—I've been making them for more than 30 years! My daughter, Jayme, and my four grandchildren love them too. If you're short on time, a boxed mix works just fine. —Jeannine Schneider, Fremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 353 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
I simply cannot get over these adorable reindeer Christmas brownies. They’re just as easy to make as any classic brownie recipe. All you have to do is frost, cut and decorate them with a few extras.
22/40
Cheesecloth Turkey
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesecloth turkey uses a classic method, wine-soaked cheesecloth, to give you the juiciest turkey and most flavorful gravy you've ever tasted! Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked turkey with about 3 tablespoons gravy: 354 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
Let us introduce you to one of our favorite turkey-roasting hacks: the cheesecloth turkey. Why is it a fave? The cheesecloth is soaked in butter and wine, then laid on the bird so the meat can absorb all those yummy flavors while roasting. The cheesecloth also helps with basting, as it keeps the liquid on the bird instead of sliding right off. Genius.
23/40
Smoky Garlic Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
These garlic mashed potatoes have an additional, unexpected smoky flavor from the smoked paprika and the smoked Gouda cheese. Your guests will be surprised and delighted at the variation come Thanksgiving! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 436 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
After so many years of regular mashed potatoes, they can become a little ho-hum. But they’re so easy to dress up with other ingredients, as we do here with a whole bulb of garlic, smoked Gouda, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika and fresh chives.
24/40
Grinch Fruit Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Yes, it's possible to make mini Grinches with fruit! Strawberries, bananas and green grapes threaded onto skewers with mini marshmallows look just like your favorite Christmas character. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
Nutritious, cute and easy, these Grinch fruit kabobs make an adorable appetizer or light dessert option among the cakes, pies and bars. Wait to cut the bananas until just before serving so they don’t brown.
25/40
Bourbon-Glazed Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked ham: 301 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
This bourbon-glazed ham looks and sounds impressive, but it’s actually made with only six ingredients, one of which is a fully cooked bone-in ham from the grocery store. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without having to roast a fussy meat, and it’s just as flavorful as a ham glazed with a mixture of bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, orange marmalade and coriander sounds.
26/40
Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 215 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
I’ll never forget when one of my friends told me that his New Year’s resolution was to learn how to make scalloped potatoes. I get it, it seems like a complicated dish, but these never-fail scalloped potatoes are just as great for beginners as they are for seasoned chefs looking for a recipe that impresses.
27/40
No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms
From the Recipe Creator:
Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses for an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 93 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
No oven? You can still make a stellar batch of Christmas cookies, even everyone’s favorite: peanut butter blossoms! Instead of baking cookie dough, we use crispy rice cereal and cookie butter to create a delicious base.
28/40
Ragu Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves homemade spaghetti sauce and this one is a big hit. I always make sure to serve this ragu sauce recipe with plenty of garlic bread. —Kate Gaul, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 800mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
Call me crazy, but I just love making those simmer-for-hours meat recipes for special occasions. A homemade ragu sauce is at the top of the list. It’s worth buying good pasta, too, or visiting your local Italian grocery store for fresh pasta.
29/40
Crescent Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and I have cranked out dozens of these homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls them up. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 104 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Yes, you can buy a tube of crescent roll dough, but (unsurprisingly) homemade ones are so much better. Follow our make-ahead instructions so you can prep these weeks in advance, then bake when guests start to arrive.
30/40
Christmas Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
A flavorful blend of cake, pudding, eggnog and fruit will make folks think you really spent a lot of time putting together this fancy but fuss-free dessert. —Esther McCoy, Dillonvale, Ohio
If your annual small gathering is leaning more toward party this year, a trifle is a lifesaver dessert. It’s easy to put together and make-ahead friendly and, boy, does it feed a crowd. Plus, it’s impressive, especially this Christmas version with its eggnog pudding, pineapple, bananas, and red and green maraschino cherries.
31/40
Stuffed Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
You could get stuffed salmon from a big box store, but my fillets are loaded with flavor from crab, cream cheese and savory herbs. We love them. —Mary Cokenour, Monticello, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed fillet: 478 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
This crab-stuffed seafood is restaurant-worthy, making it perfectly fancy enough for a special occasion like Christmas. We call for imitation crabmeat to cut down on cost, but you can absolutely use jumbo lump crabmeat instead.
32/40
Australian Sausage Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I was born and raised in Australia but moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian dishes, I bake up a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share the rolls with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 116 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
What’s not to love about warm, succulent, savory pork sausage rolled up in a flaky puff pastry and dipped in mustard? This Australian appetizer is going to go fast, but serving it fresh out of the oven is imperative for its integrity.
33/40
Yule Log
From the Recipe Creator:
A Yule log cake, also called a buche de Noel, is a rolled sponge cake shaped and decorated to resemble a wooden log. This fanciful dessert is a holiday baking tradition that dates back to 19th-century France. This particular chocolate Yule log recipe is a favorite Christmas dessert for my family. —Bernadette Colvin, Tomball, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 245 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
The classic Yule log is a timeless dessert for Christmas. There are a lot of steps, but if you’re feeling ambitious, we broke down the technique (with pictures!) so it’s as fail proof as possible.
34/40
Candy Cane Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies were a holiday tradition in my family since I was a young child. Now my own family requests them before any others at Christmas. —Pat Schmeling, Germantown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 86 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
If you have the time to make only one Christmas cookie this year, let it be these whimsical candy cane cookies. You don’t even have to make two different cookie doughs—just split one batch in half and add food coloring.
35/40
Appetizer Wreath
From the Recipe Creator:
I have lots of fun with this festive appetizer wreath. I often place a bowl of stuffed olives in the center. —Shirley Privratsky, Dickinson, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 125 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Crescent roll dough makes this impressive-looking wreath totally achievable for even novice cooks and bakers. After baking the dough, just mix up the sauce and decorate the wreath with the veggies. Leave out a butter knife to indicate to guests that they can cut their portions and serve themselves.
36/40
Cranberry-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh cranberries and cranberry juice lend a satisfying sweet-tart taste to beef tenderloin. Serving plated dishes to guests makes for a pretty presentation. —Carolyn Cope, Allston, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with about 1 tablespoon sauce: 271 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
Here, a 4-pound beef tenderloin is rolled up with a homemade cranberry jam and served with a cranberry, thyme and red wine sauce. For ease, prepare the meat, jam and sauce the day before, then roast it just before serving.
37/40
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
I find hosting holidays to be so much easier when I prepare as many dishes as possible ahead of time. Mashed potatoes are a must at any gathering during the holidays, especially Christmas, so these make-ahead mashed potatoes really save the day.
38/40
Gumdrop Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun cookies are chock-full of chewy gumdrops. I use red and green ones at Christmas, black and orange for Halloween, and pastel shades for Easter. I've made this recipe for years and find that kids really get a kick out of the cookies with a candy surprise inside! —Carolyn Stromberg, Wever, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 102 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Candy-filled cookies? Has there ever been a more kid-approved recipe? Crispy on the outside and tender and chewy (thanks to the gumdrops) on the inside, these are textural treat.
39/40
Leg of Lamb Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple herb mixture on this roast provides irresistible flavor. —Sharon Cusson, Augusta, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked lamb: 227 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
My favorite piece of cooking advice: Don’t be scared of what you don’t know. If you’ve never cooked a leg of lamb because it just looks intimidating, I say it’s all the more reason to try your hand. And guess what? It’s one of the easier meats to roast! Bonus: Intimidating means it looks impressive, so you’ll really wow everyone at the party.
40/40
Gingerbread Blossoms
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you call them kisses or hugs, these cookies show nothing but love when served warm from the oven. They're typically made with a peanut butter dough, but the ginger and spices in these thumbprints are a fun Christmastime spin on an all-time favorite. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 88 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Peanut butter blossoms can be served any time of year. Make the kiss-studded cookie a little more fit for the holiday by swapping in molasses and ground spices for the peanut butter. If these are going on the Christmas cookie tray, save a few for yourself. They’ll be gone before you know it.
Christmas Buffet Ideas FAQs
What are some easy Christmas buffet ideas that travel well?
Easy Christmas buffet ideas that travel well are shrimp cocktails, Christmas pinwheels, Christmas meatballs, cranberry pistachio biscotti, broccoli Parmesan casserole, sausage stuffing, creamed spinach, Grinch fruit kabobs, candy cane cookies, gumdrop cookies and gingerbread blossoms. All these holiday buffet menu ideas come together through straightforward techniques and simple ingredients, and they are very easy to transport. For anything best served warm, ask the host days ahead of time if you can plan to reheat your dish in their oven.
What are the best Christmas party buffet recipes to make ahead?
The best Christmas party buffet recipes to make ahead are any of the Christmas desserts and the make-ahead mashed potatoes. You can also assemble a few dishes—like stuffed mushrooms, Parker House rolls, Christmas meatballs, broccoli Parmesan casserole, sausage stuffing, the turkey, scalloped potatoes, crescent rolls, appetizer wreath, cranberry-stuffed beef tenderloin and leg of lamb—ahead of time up to the point just before baking. Just make sure to keep these dishes, especially those with bread dough, covered tightly and in the fridge.
How do you keep food warm at a Christmas buffet?
There are a few ways to keep food warm for a party that would work for a Christmas buffet. Before setting out your festive buffet food ideas, keep the warm dishes in a 200°F oven and wait until the very last minute to set them out. Once they’re out on the buffet table, transfer the dishes to slow cookers set at the lowest temperature or into chafing dishes, which are a little more expensive, but if you host a lot of parties, they’re definitely worth the investment. Lastly, while it might be a little unorthodox, an electric blanket will really help keep your dishes warm.
