No matter how much we plan and prepare for the holiday season, something always sneaks up on us. From unexpected guests popping in for a night to a dinner party you need to throw together in a pinch, we can all use some secret weapons and simple solutions to help us get through any last-minute scenario. We asked our editors to share some of their favorite last-minute holiday recipes, and these 15 made their lists.
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch
“Puff pastry and a chive-garnished sauce elevate these Conecuh-sausage-filled takes on pigs in a blanket to party-worthy, plus they only require 30 minutes of hands-on time.” – Betsy Watson, Senior Homes Editor
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
“I pretty much always have the ingredients needed for a last-minute batch of deviled eggs handy in my house. They’re quick to make and always a hit with guests.” –Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
Credit: Emily Laurae
“I almost always have at least one block of cream cheese in my fridge, so during the holidays I always make sure to keep a couple jars of pepper jelly on hand as well. I can pour it over the cream cheese for an easy appetizer at a moment’s notice. I added it to the menu for a Christmas party I hosted last year at the last minute, and it ended up being the most popular dish on the table.” – Jenna Sims, Senior Editor
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
“Got company coming? Need a food gift? Just snacky relatives? Making a big batch of any sort of snack mix is simply a life-saver during the holidays, and this festive sweet rendition will disappear quicker than you think!” – Kaitlyn Sadik, Editor
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
“It’s not your traditional holiday casserole or appetizer, but I almost always have all the ingredients on hand for a creamy carbonara pasta dish which to me, makes it a great last-minute recipe. Plus, it feels holiday-esque with its richness and takes less than 30 minutes to whip up. Just swap out ham for crispy pancetta (ideally) or bacon, use any parmesan-like cheese on hand, and forgo the herbs if needed.” – Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
“Carrot Ribbon Salad: My family always ends up whipping up a last minute salad for the holiday table when we realize everything is brown and we need some help with digestion. There’s something very elegant about serving up carrot ribbons on a holiday table, it’s easy to do, and it always livens up the bunch. The nuts in this recipe ground it a bit, and you could also serve it with candied nuts for a little holiday flair.” –Catherine Jessee, Assistant Food Editor
Credit:
Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
“These look like a caterer made these, but they couldn’t be simpler to pull off. Guests will have no idea how simple they were to make.” -Alana Al-Hatlani, Associate Food Editor
Credit:
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
“Have you noticed that the baked brie is always the first appetizer to go at a party? Featuring frozen phyllo cups, brie, and pepper jelly, these decadent bites come together fast!” – Josh Miller, Senior Food Editor
“If you’re like me and always find yourself with leftover cranberries during the holiday season, this recipe requires very little effort but is always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve used Sparkling Cranberries to pretty up both homemade and store-bought desserts, but my family is just as thrilled to eat them by the handful.” – Katherine Polcari, Assistant Copy Editor
Credit:
Iain Bagwell
“This warm, fudgy dessert is comfort in a piecrust. Be advised: If you make it once, it will be enthusiastically requested for every future family event. Lucky for you—it’s deceptively easy to bake. It’s incredible served right out of the oven with ice cream, but letting it cool and topping it with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings makes it even more impressive.” –Libby Minor, Senior Copy Editor
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Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
“I whipped up this easy snack mix for the first while visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. My dad spent the afternoon suspiciously close to the bowl, and eventually declared, “Y’all should really bag this!” It’s officially become a staple in my entertaining repertoire.” –Brennan Long, Associate Social Media Director
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
“With few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for last minute holiday hosting. Plus, it can be served as a pretty appetizer, side dish, or snack with coffee. It even makes a tasty savory dessert—just add drizzle of honey on top for a touch of sweetness and serve with a scoop of ice cream if desired.” –Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
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Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
“When I need a last-minute dessert for unexpected company, I make some version of this recipe. Apples, bananas, or pears can quickly be “fostered” and served with ice cream for a delicious, festive treat. Don’t have time to make the granola? Store-bought is fine. (Thanks, Ina!)” – Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Credit: Southern Living
“This mini version of baked brie is quick, easy, and adorable on your favorite serving tray. Though I prefer to use the cranberry sauce for some festive color, you can use whatever preserves you have in your pantry already as well.” –Mary Shannon Hodes, Editor
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
“This is wickedly easy to whip up, and the ingredients are easy to get your hands on if you don’t have them in your fridge or pantry already. Like pimiento cheese, this is a recipe that I keep in my back pocket when I need to fill out an array of appetizer party food, and I always find that people cluster around it and ask for the recipe!” – Catherine Jessee, Assistant Food Editor