AMAZING CHRISTMAS BUFFET RECIPES

The scent of cinnamon, the twinkle of lights, and the happy chatter of loved ones – but something’s missing! That perfect spread of festive food, a Christmas Buffet to remember, is just within reach, and I promise, with these recipes, you’ll be hosting the most talked-about gathering of the year.

The Ultimate Christmas Buffet: Ingredient Essentials

Appetizers

• Cranberry Brie Bites: Puff pastry, brie cheese, Cranberry Saucee, chopped pecans.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: Spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, baguette slices.
• Mini Quiches: Pie crust, eggs, milk, cheese (cheddar, swiss, or gruyere), bacon or sausage, chopped vegetables (onions, peppers).

Main Courses

• Honey Glazed Ham: Ham, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar.
• Roast Turkey Breast: Turkey breast, olive oil, herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), garlic, lemon.
• Vegetarian Wellington: Puff pastry, mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, herbs.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes, butter, milk or cream, garlic, salt, pepper.
• Stuffing: Bread, sausage, celery, onion, broth, herbs (sage, thyme), butter.
• Green Bean Casserole: Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, French fried onions. You might even want to check out an alternative, more fresh take with this Green Bean Casserole or even this Green Bean Casserole!

Desserts

• Pecan Pie: Pie crust, pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract.
• Christmas Cookies: Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, frosting, sprinkles.
• Chocolate Fudge: Chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract.
• Pretzel Bark: Pretzels, chocolate, your favorite toppings.

Drinks

• Christmas Margarita: Tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, Grand Marnier, cranberries, rosemary sprigs.
• Hot Chocolate: Milk, chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, marshmallows, whipped cream.
• Sparkling Cider: Sparkling cider, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cranberries.

Step-by-Step Christmas Buffet Guide

Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut puff pastry into small squares.
3. Place a piece of brie on each square.
4. Top with Cranberry Saucee and chopped pecans.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
3. Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve with baguette slices.

Mini Quiches

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line muffin tins with pie crust.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, and cheese.
4. Add bacon or sausage and chopped vegetables.
5. Pour mixture into pie crust-lined muffin tins.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.

Honey Glazed Ham

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. In a saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Brush the glaze over the ham.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.

Roast Turkey Breast

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Rub turkey breast with olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
3. Place in a roasting pan with lemon slices.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Vegetarian Wellington

1. Sauté mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, onions, and garlic in a pan with vegetable broth and herbs.
2. Roll out puff pastry.
3. Place the mushroom mixture in the center of the puff pastry.
4. Wrap the pastry around the mixture, sealing the edges.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
4. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey.
5. Simmer until reduced and thickened.
6. Drizzle balsamic glaze over Brussels sprouts before serving.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes until tender.
2. Drain and mash.
3. Add butter, milk or cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Stuffing

1. Sauté sausage, celery, and onion in butter.
2. Add bread, broth, and herbs.
3. Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour mixture into pie crust.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until set.

Christmas Cookies

1. Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
2. Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Frost and decorate with sprinkles.

Chocolate Fudge

1. Melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour into a lined baking dish.
4. Refrigerate until firm.
5. Cut into squares.

Christmas Margarita

1. Combine tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and Grand Marnier in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
3. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

Hot Chocolate

1. Heat milk in a saucepan.
2. Add chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar.
3. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract.
5. Serve with marshmallows and whipped cream.

Buffet Bliss: Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Feast

• Plan Ahead: Create your menu well in advance and make a detailed shopping list.
• Prep Like a Pro: Chop vegetables, make sauces, and bake desserts ahead of time. Many items can be made 1-2 days prior.
• Delegate Deliciously: Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish. Coordinate to avoid duplicates.
• Set the Scene: Arrange your buffet table with different heights and textures for visual appeal.
• Keep it Warm (or Cold!): Use chafing dishes, slow cookers, and ice baths to maintain food temperature.
• Drink Station Done Right: Designate a separate area for drinks to avoid congestion at the food table.
• Label Lovingly: Clearly label each dish, especially for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Don’t Forget the Ambiance: Set the mood with festive decorations, music, and lighting.

Christmas Buffet: Customization is Key

Remember, these recipes are just a starting point! Feel free to adjust them to your liking and dietary needs. Swap out ingredients, add your own personal touch, and most importantly, have fun creating your perfect Christmas Buffet. Maybe add a Pretzel Bark or a delicious Christmas Margarita?

Deck the Halls and the Dinner Table!

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to creating an unforgettable Christmas Buffet. From appetizers to desserts, and everything in between, these recipes and tips will help you host a stress-free and delicious celebration. Now go forth, spread some holiday cheer, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Merry Christmas!