14 easy Christmas sides and desserts (with FREE gift tags)
Christmas is fast-approaching, I can hardly believe it! If you’re anything like me, your family has several get-togethers, and everybody pitches in and brings some kind of dish or side or dessert. Well, time is running out for ideas on these puppies, so I put together a list of 14 ideas for easy Christmas sides and desserts. Let us begin!
Free Christmas Gift Tags
Forget to grab some gift tags, or just want to get a jump on your Christmas gift preparations? I’ve got the solution! Get the password for the library with the free Christmas Gift Tags here by filling out this form:
Sides
1. Green bean casserole
I’m laughing as I type this one because I’m notorious famous for bringing this to almost every family function imaginable. Every. Time. And I don’t care. Because this sucker is delicious. And it’s super easy. It’s literally just dumping cans into a dish and baking it for 30 minutes. It doesn’t get any easier, which is why it’s my go-to. And I’m not ashamed.
2. Potatoes au gratin
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any easier than green bean casserole, enter the potatoes au gratin. Now I can only imagine what this thing would taste like if you made it from scratch. But I’m just being honest, when you have so much going on around the holidays and you have to cook for numerous celebrations… ain’t nobody got time for that. So this one is just dumping a box into a dish. Add a little butter, milk, and water and shove that bad boy in the oven. Easy cheesy.
3. Stuffing
Okay, I personally think I’m killing it with this list. Lol. Stuffing is what, water, butter, and—once again—dumping a box into a pan. I love it. Now this is NOT the homemade stuffing my mama used to slave over for hours upon hours. I’m gonna have to make me some of that sometime, because it was amazing. It’s my absolute favorite Thanksgiving dish, by the way. But right now we are looking for EASY. And this stuffing fits the bill.
4. Roasted asparagus
Woo-hoo! We’re moving on to non-boxed foods! I used to hate asparagus, personally. I’d only ever eaten it out of a can, and when I first tried it fresh… oh my. It’s a whole other animal. So just pop these suckers on a cookie sheet with some olive oil and salt and pepper and stick them in a 450-degree oven for 8-ish minutes. Just keep an eye on them because they’ll burn fast. So good.
5. Veggies and dip
This one could be done for a lot cheaper if you buy some carrots and broccoli and cauliflower, etc., and cut them up yourself. So big savings there. But if saving time is more important, grab a veggie tray. That’s literally all you have to do. Slap that thing on the counter and open up the dip. And… that’s all I got for this one. Moving on.
6. Deviled eggs
This one might take a little bit more time, but overall it’s still really simple. Boil a dozen eggs for 10 minutes, scoop out the yolks and mix in some mustard, Miracle Whip, and pickle relish to taste, then add in a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Fill up the eggs and sprinkle with paprika. Very easy and very yum.
7. Roasted Brussels sprouts
Very much like the asparagus above. It’s so nice to have fresh veg cooked up for the holidays. These are easy, just slice in halves and drizzle with some olive oil then add salt and pepper. Maybe a sprinkle of parmesan if you like cheese, and who doesn’t. 400 degrees for 40 minutes or so, and that’s it!
Alternative: I love sauteeing these suckers in the skillet with some butter. Cut in halves to do this version too. It’s really scrummy. A bit of salt is all you need. Simple and tasty.
Desserts
8. Chocolate-covered pretzels
I’m addicted to chocolate so of course I’m quite the fan of these little delights. And the combination of salty and sweet is so good! Just dip the pretzels in melted almond bark and lay them out to cool on wax paper. While they’re still wet you can top them with sprinkles which is extra festive!
9. Puppy Chow
This stuff is like crack. I mean, I don’t technically know anything about that, but I’m guessing it’s gotta be pretty close. I remember these things becoming popular when I was growing up, and back then they called them Muddy Buddies. Toasted rice cereal tossed in a mixture of melted butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vanilla… then coated with powdered sugar. It’s pretty much the best dessert in the whole world.
10. No-bake cookies
Except for these. These are also the best in the whole world ever. I like these better I think just because I can eat 56 of them and not get the sugar palpitations. Similar to the above, except made with cocoa powder and granulated sugar, plus the butter and vanilla and a little milk. Then, tons of oats! Spoon out the cookies onto wax paper and let cool. These are super easy, and honestly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my whole life.
Free Christmas Gift Tags
Forget to grab some gift tags, or just want to get a jump on your Christmas gift preparations? I’ve got the solution! Get the password for the library with the free Christmas Gift Tags here by filling out this form:
11. Cinnamon strips
This is the name my grandpa gave to what I do with my leftover pie crust dough. Sounds appetizing when I say it that way. Lol. Now, I make homemade pie crusts. I learned this in my high school Foods class, and it was pretty much the only thing I learned. But I’m good at it and it tastes amazing. I used to hate pies until I had one with a homemade crust. World of difference. But, premade crust dough will do in a pinch. And with all the sweet stuff on top, you won’t even notice it.
So take your rolled-out dough and slice it into strips that are about 1.5 inches wide. If you’re using store-bought dough, I would spread a little butter on the tops. Then sprinkle with granulated sugar, and then cinnamon. And more sugar. And more cinnamon. And more sug—woah, okay don’t go too crazy. Then bake at 350. Start with 7 minutes on the timer and add more time in 1-2 minute increments as needed.
12. Gingerbread cake
Oh my goodness. I know you’ve been waiting for this one. Drumroll… Another box recipe! It’s just so much easier. I picked gingerbread because it’s super holiday-ish, but obviously any boxed cake mix is an option for a quick and easy dessert.
And I have to say, those boxed cakes are quality. I think there’s only one cake I’ll make from scratch, because I don’t think they sell banana cake box mixes. And because I usually make those to use up my just-past-ripe bananas. Otherwise, you really can’t beat the boxed ones!
13. Hot cocoa
Hey. I’m all about frugal. So don’t even begin to think that I’m suggesting homemade hot cocoa. I mean, that might be easy, I really don’t know because I’ve never done it myself. But they’re making instant cocoa pretty yummy these days. Last Christmas my cousin even requested hot chocolate packets.
I’m gonna say this is probably the easiest one on the list because—while some of the other ones require dumping a whole box into a pan or dish—this one’s just a little packet into a mug. And other people are making it themselves. Unbeatable.
14. Roasted marshmallows
I think I might’ve spoken too soon on that last one. Because this one demands the incredible effort of bringing 1-2 bags of marshmallows. I mean, that’s it. And anyway, this one’s more about the experience. Roasting marshmallows over the fire… it’s very Christmas. Very Bing Crosby. Very cozy and nice. And then you can put those bad boys on top of your hot chocolate. Yessss.
Bonus: Throw in some Hershey bars and graham crackers. Yum!
Okay, all these ideas are making me hungry. And I just ate. I hope these 14 easy Christmas sides and desserts have given you some good ideas to choose from. And I hope it helps make your Christmas food planning a bit easier—you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Merry Christmas!
Free Christmas Gift Tags
Forget to grab some gift tags, or just want to get a jump on your Christmas gift preparations? I’ve got the solution! Get the password for the library with the free Christmas Gift Tags here by filling out this form:
Other Christmas & related posts:
- 5 Last-Minute Frugal Christmas Gifts
- 6 Ways to Keep Your Focus on Jesus at Christmas
- Why Christians should stop the war on “Happy Holidays”
- 7 Reasons Why You Need a Basic Budget
- How I Lost My Mom but Not My Joy
- Grace for a Grieving Heart
- How I Quit My Job When I Couldn’t Afford To
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