The Best 15-Minute Holiday Recipes of All Time
Updated: Nov. 30, 2022
Make things easy on yourself this holiday season with these festive recipes. From appetizers to mains, desserts to drinks, you'll be able to whip up an entire spread in a flash.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, TX
For the yummiest version, these are the best cream cheese brands.
Homemade Irish Cream
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this nonalcoholic Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, MN
Here are our favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipes.
Holiday Cornflake Cookies
I can’t seem to make enough of these cornflake wreaths around the holidays. The cookies firm up quickly, so you’ll need to place the Red Hots right away. —Kathleen Hedger, Fairview Heights, IL
For more holiday joy, here are the best DIY Christmas wreath ideas.
Homemade Gelt
Giving chocolate coins to children, and sometimes teachers, for Hanukkah is a long-standing tradition. This homemade gelt recipe uses a miniature muffin pan to mold the coins into shape. The sliced almonds add a nice crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer
Conveniently, a pitcher of this nonalcoholic beverage can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Candy Snack Mix
Chock-full of raisins, peanuts and M&M’s, this crunchy salty-sweet mix stays fresh for weeks. I keep it on hand to serve to unexpected guests or to fill decorative containers to give as last-minute gifts. —Mary Newsom, Grand Ridge, FL
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make them as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, CA
For more veggie-based recipes, try these healthy party foods your guests will love.
Peanut Butter Snowballs
This recipe for peanut butter ball cookies is a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combo. It’s also an easy one for children to help with. I’ve made them for a bake sale at my granddaughter’s school and tucked them into holiday treat boxes for neighbors. These are easy peanut butter balls no baker should go without. —Wanda Regula, Birmingham, MI
This is the science behind why milk and cookies taste so darn good together.
Cranberry Orange Mimosas
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, IL
Cranberry Honey Butter
If you’re traveling to a friend’s or loved one’s for the holidays, bring them something even better than a bottle of wine—this easy-to-whip-up treat! —Arisa Cupp, Sherwood, OR
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
My mom created this stovetop hot chocolate recipe to serve large groups of carolers and frozen sledders. I take it to the lounge during winter to warm their spirits! This economical recipe could easily be warmed and served in a slow cooker. Flavor extracts could be added to the hot chocolate too. —Mary Nine, Indianapolis
Honey-Lemon Asparagus
Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable like turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Rubies on Ice
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York City
Smoked Salmon Cheese Spread
Pretzels, chips and veggies all taste awesome with this creamy blend of salmon, cheese and herbs. Thanks to a food processor, it’s always ready in a hurry. —Jill Campbell, Huntsville, TX
Turkey-Cranberry Bagels
Use deli meat or take care of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a way your family loves. It’s good with all sorts of cranberry sauces and chutneys, so have fun playing around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Antipasto Skewers
This elegant-looking appetizer is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for dinner parties, cocktail parties and everything in between! —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, ND
Apple Spiced Tea
When was the last time you stopped for afternoon tea? After you try this sweetly spiced drink, you’ll make it a regular event. —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, NM
Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, WA
Pumpkin Hummus
Our home economists give traditional hummus an autumn appeal with the addition of canned pumpkin. Hot pepper sauce lends just the right amount of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Broccoli Salad Supreme
People can’t get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, OR
Tropical Candy Cane Freeze
When winter gets stormy, I try to imagine a tropical beach. This creamy beverage is frosty cold, but it warms me as if I’m in paradise. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, IA
Grandma’s Cranberry Stuff
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother’s classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee
Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball
This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, NY
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. “This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year,” reports Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Georgia.
Fluffy Hot Chocolate
This is our daughter’s favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won’t get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, TX
Mushroom and Spinach Sauté
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. And it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, TX
Marinated Mozzarella
I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, WI
Split-Second Shrimp
I use my microwave to hurry along the prep of this super fast shrimp scampi. It’s deliciously buttery and full of garlic flavor. We love it as a main dish, but it makes an excellent appetizer too. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, IL
White Russian
This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Homemade Cherry Crisp
Our family loves this pretty, tasty dessert. It uses convenient pie filling, so you can make it in no time—and it takes mere minutes to heat in the microwave. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, MS
Green Beans with Shallots
A package of frozen green beans makes these “dill-icious” green beans a fast and tasty accompaniment to almost any main course. —Linda Rabbit, Charles City, IA
Pastrami Roll-Ups
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, IL
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, FL
Breaded Sea Scallops
I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he’s ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, PA
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Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, WV
Artichoke Caprese Platter
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, CA
Pizzelle
This recipe was adapted from one that my Italian-born mother and grandmother followed. They used old irons on a gas stove, but now we have the convenience of electric pizzelle irons. These delectable cookies are still a traditional treat in our family. —Elizabeth Schwartz, Trevorton, PA
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
This refreshing hors d’oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: “The celery and shrimp are so good together.” —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Thymed Zucchini Sauté
Simple and flavorful, this recipe is a tasty and healthy way to use up all those zucchini that are taking over your garden. It’s ready in hardly any time! —Bobby Taylor, Ulster Park, NY
Cannoli Dip
Ricotta is one of my family’s favorite ingredients. I made up the cannoli filling and broke up some ice cream waffle shells to use as “chips and dip”—it was an instant hit! It’s also good served slightly warm. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, WA
Buttery Radish Baguette
My dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, RI
Honeyed Carrots with Citrus-Basil Gremolata
I love the scent of fresh basil. It’s even better when paired with fresh citrus peel! In this recipe, the carrots are sweetened with a touch of honey, then topped with a lively citrus-basil gremolata. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami
Cinnamon-Orange Honey Butter
This is such a delicious butter spread for afternoon tea or with a dessert bread. Just mix it up and get ready for the compliments. —Mary Bates, Cleveland
Hot Buttered Cider Mix
Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread
A good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It’s best served with crackers that aren’t strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, WI
Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty
I found this recipe soon after I was married decades ago. You’ll need just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. It’s super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, PA
Pressure-Cooker Orange Spice Carrots
To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My carrots with orange and cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, OH
Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies
My mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they’re super easy and fun to mix with the kids. —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, FL
Creamy Coconut Peppermint Pie
Garnished with toasted coconut and more peppermint candy, this creamy dessert welcomes the holidays! Look for premade shortbread crusts in the baking aisle of the grocery store. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, NC
Snow Punch
As pretty as a fresh snowdrift, this frothy, fruity punch has been a Christmas tradition in our family for years, but it’s a light and refreshing thirst-quencher in any season. —Eloise Neeley, Norton, OH
Cream Cheese Candies
These homemade mints make a perfect last-minute addition to holiday treat trays. Pretty much everyone in my neighborhood has this recipe now! —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, MN
Marinated Shrimp
My husband’s aunt shared this recipe with me ages ago. Not only is it a Christmas Eve tradition in my home, but in the homes of our grown children as well. —Delores Hill, Helena, MT
Creamy Turkey Gravy
With my easy recipe, even someone who has never made homemade gravy before can be assured of success. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, KS
Fruited Cranberry Relish
This recipe came from my aunt, who for many years invited our family to her home for Christmas dinner. I took great delight in helping myself to this relish because she always served it in one of her fancy dishes, used only on the holidays. —Ruth Collins, Blossvale, NY
Rudolph Treats
These adorable goodies are a fun treat for kids, neighbors and friends. Get the little ones involved and let them help you create a new holiday tradition. —Abigail Vandersaul, Saint Paul, MO
Apricot Fluff
When we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me, and it’s become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It’s sublime with peaches and peach gelatin too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, PA
Spicy Mixed Nuts
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It’s a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, MT
Bananas Foster Sundaes
I have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, I wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, SC
Harvard Beets
This pretty side dish’s bright, citrusy flavors are an ideal companion for down-to-earth entrees—and are perfect for people who usually shy away from beets. —Jean Ann Perkins, Newburyport, MD
White Christmas Sangria
This punch has a pleasant fruity flavor. It’s not too sweet, so everyone will enjoy it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bacon Cheese Spread
Each year, I share Christmas cheer by setting up a buffet at my family’s hardware store. This cheese spread recipe is always a biggie! —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, SC
Peppermint Popcorn
Crisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, OH
Zippy Curry Dip
Everyone eats their vegetables when this creamy dip is served alongside them. The curry flavor gets stronger the longer the dip stands, so I like to make it in advance. —Priscilla Steffke, Wausau, WI
Simple Macadamia Nut Fudge
My aunt now lives in Hawaii, and she keeps our family supplied with fresh pineapples, mangos and macadamia nuts—along with recipes like this one. When I run out of macadamias for candy making, I substitute pecans. Whichever nuts I use, neighbors like this fudge so much that they’ve started to call me the “Candy Lady of Cleveland.” —Vicki Fioranelli, Cleveland, MS
Gorgonzola-Pear Mesclun Salad
This pretty salad is a tasty way to get your greens. To change it up, swap apples for pears and pecans for walnuts. —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, CA
Spiced Cider Punch
I’ve shared this recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, AR
Molasses Cookie Mix
These spicy, old-fashioned treats are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. For holiday gift giving, I put a batch of this cookie mix in an attractive basket along with the recipe and a festive tea towel. —Barbara Stewart, Portland, CT
Zesty Marinated Shrimp
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, CO
Cappuccino Punch
When I tried this punch at a friend’s wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, ID
