17 Last-Minute Holiday Party Dishes You Can Whip Up in Less Than 30 Minutes
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Holiday parties can be stressful, but your dishes don’t have to be. These last-minute party recipes are ready in under 30 minutes, delivering big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these crowd-pleasers will save the day and make you look like the star of the holiday season.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These cranberry brie bites come together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about holiday appetizers. With creamy brie, buttery puff pastry, and sweet-tart cranberries, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute holiday party dishes, they’re the ultimate combination of easy, fancy, and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
Christmas Oreos
These Christmas Oreos are a no-bake wonder you can whip up in under 30 minutes. With just Oreos, candy melts, and festive sprinkles, you’ll have a holiday treat that’s both fun and delicious. A last-minute holiday party dish like this makes decorating and eating equally exciting for everyone involved.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Oreos
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This peppermint hot chocolate isn’t just cozy—it’s ready in a flash. With milk, cocoa, and crushed candy canes, you can whip this up in less than 30 minutes for instant holiday vibes. A must-have last-minute party dish, it’ll warm hearts and keep the holiday spirit flowing.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Christmas Popcorn
This Christmas popcorn is so quick and easy, you’ll have it ready in just 5 minutes. With festive sprinkles, pretzels, and candy melts, it’s the perfect last-minute holiday party dish to whip up when time is tight. Sweet, salty, and full of holiday cheer, this treat is guaranteed to disappear in record time.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Popcorn
Vodka Cranberry
With only five ingredients and five minutes, this vodka cranberry is the epitome of a last-minute holiday drink you can whip up with ease. Light, refreshing, and beautifully festive, it’s the cocktail everyone will be sipping. Whether you’re hosting or attending, it’s a no-fuss option for your holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
Honey Mustard Salmon
Honey mustard salmon is as elegant as it is effortless to prepare. You can have this delicious dish prepped, baked, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute holiday party dish, it’s proof that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Almond Crescent Cookies
These almond crescent cookies are the ideal last-minute holiday treat. Whip up the dough, bake, and coat with powdered sugar—all in under 30 minutes. Their buttery, crumbly goodness makes them a holiday must-have that’s both easy and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
A frozen cranberry margarita is your go-to for a festive cocktail that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Blend, pour, and garnish for a stunning drink you can whip up in no time. As a last-minute holiday party dish, it’s frosty, fabulous, and incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
This Christmas tree cheese platter comes together faster than you can imagine—just 10 minutes, and you’re done! Arrange your favorite cheeses, seasonal garnishes, and cherry tomatoes for a holiday centerpiece that doubles as a quick and delicious party dish. Perfect for last-minute entertaining, it’s simple yet stunning.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
This cheese and bacon cob loaf is your answer to last-minute holiday party cravings. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish that’s impossible to resist. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Soft, chewy, and topped with a chocolate kiss, these peanut butter blossoms are the ultimate quick treat. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a last-minute holiday dessert that never disappoints. Simple to make, they’ll earn a permanent spot on your cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Maple Bacon
Maple bacon is a sweet, smoky, and savory treat you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Bake it to crispy perfection for a quick addition to any holiday spread. A last-minute holiday party dish like this proves that the simplest things can often steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon
Cranberry Margarita
This cranberry margarita comes together in just 5 minutes, making it the ultimate last-minute holiday cocktail. Blend a few simple ingredients for a vibrant, festive drink that will impress your guests. You’ll be whipping this up long after the holidays, it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a holiday classic that doesn’t take all day. Prep and whip them up in under 30 minutes for the perfect last-minute holiday party dish. These fluffy, flavorful potatoes are the side everyone will be raving about.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Turn frozen green beans into a gourmet holiday side in less than 30 minutes. Tossed in a savory seasoning mix and roasted to crispy perfection, these green beans are a last-minute dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Add them to your spread, and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Eggnog Martini
Whip up an eggnog martini in just 5 minutes for a cocktail that screams holiday cheer. This creamy, spiced drink is the perfect last-minute addition to your holiday celebrations. Fast, festive, and fantastic—it’s a toast-worthy treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Martini
Stuffed Dates
Stuffed dates are the no-cook, last-minute party dish you didn’t know you needed. Ready in less than 10 minutes, they’re a sweet and savory holiday bite that’s perfect for entertaining. Quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, these are guaranteed to impress.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates