Easy Christmas Eve Buffet Recipes

April 21, 2023 Post a Comment

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17 Fabulous Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas Free eCookbook from www.recipelion.com

Description

Christmas Eve is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. If you're hosting a buffet-style dinner this year, we've got you covered with some easy and tasty recipes that your guests will love. From appetizers to main courses to desserts, this article will provide you with a variety of options to choose from.

Prep Time and Cook Time

All of the recipes listed below have varying prep and cook times, so it's important to read through each one carefully before deciding which to make. However, all of these recipes can be made in advance and reheated before serving, so you can enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen all night.

Ingredients and Equipment

Each recipe will list the necessary ingredients and equipment, but here's a general list of items you'll want to have on hand for your Christmas Eve buffet: - Serving platters and bowls - Utensils for serving (tongs, spoons, forks, etc.) - Plates, bowls, and utensils for guests - Napkins - Glasses and cups - Ice bucket and tongs - Chafing dishes or warming trays (if you have them)

Method

Below are some recipes for easy Christmas Eve buffet dishes that are sure to impress your guests.

Appetizers

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

- Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 30 minutes - Ingredients: - 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained - 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Equipment: - Large mixing bowl - 9-inch baking dish - Method: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. 3. Pour mixture into a 9-inch baking dish. 4. Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. 5. Serve with crackers or bread.

Mini Quiches

- Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Ingredients: - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts - 4 eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup diced ham - Salt and pepper to taste - Equipment: - Rolling pin - 2-inch cookie cutter - Mini muffin tin - Method: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and cut out circles using a 2-inch cookie cutter. 3. Press circles into the cups of a mini muffin tin. 4. In a mixing bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cheese, ham, salt, and pepper. 5. Pour mixture into each pie crust. 6. Bake for 20 minutes or until quiches are golden brown. 7. Serve warm.

Main Courses

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

- Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 8 hours - Ingredients: - 2 pounds beef stew meat - 1 onion, diced - 4 carrots, peeled and chopped - 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped - 2 cups beef broth - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Equipment: - Slow cooker - Method: 1. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and mix well. 2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. 3. Remove bay leaves before serving. 4. Serve with bread or rolls.

Vegetarian Lasagna

- Prep Time: 30 minutes - Cook Time: 1 hour - Ingredients: - 1 package lasagna noodles - 1 jar marinara sauce - 1 container ricotta cheese - 1 egg - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup chopped spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Equipment: - 9x13 inch baking dish - Method: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, salt, and pepper. 4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. 5. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce in the dish, repeating until all ingredients are used. 6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. 7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Desserts

Chocolate Truffles

- Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 0 minutes - Ingredients: - 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - Cocoa powder or powdered sugar (for coating) - Equipment: - Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl - Baking sheet - Method: 1. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth. 2. Stir in vanilla extract. 3. Pour mixture onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. 4. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form mixture into small balls. 5. Roll truffles in cocoa powder or powdered sugar. 6. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Peppermint Bark

- Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 0 minutes - Ingredients: - 12 ounces white chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - Equipment: - Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl - Baking sheet - Method: 1. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. 2. Stir in peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. 3. Pour mixture onto a baking sheet and spread evenly. 4. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. 5. Break bark into pieces and serve.

Notes

- If you're short on time, consider asking guests to bring a dish to share. - Don't forget to provide options for those with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free dishes. - Be sure to label dishes with ingredients, especially if there are common allergens present.

Nutrition Info

Nutrition information will vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size, but many of these dishes are relatively low in calories and high in protein and fiber.

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I make these dishes ahead of time? A: Yes! All of these recipes can be made in advance and reheated before serving. Q: How many people will these recipes serve? A: Serving sizes will vary depending on how many dishes you make and how much your guests eat, but most of these recipes will serve 8-10 people. Q: Can I substitute ingredients? A: Absolutely! Feel free to make substitutions based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Recipe Tips

- Consider setting up a buffet-style serving area with all of the dishes on one table and plates, utensils, and napkins nearby. - For a festive touch, decorate the serving area with holiday-themed tablecloths, napkins, and centerpieces. - Don't forget to have plenty of drinks on hand, such as water, soda, wine, and beer.