A Christmas buffet is one of the easiest ways to host a holiday crowd without spending the whole day stuck in the kitchen. Guests can graze at their own pace, most dishes can be made ahead, and there’s something on the table for every appetite. This list brings together crowd-pleasing mains, cozy sides, easy party bites, and a few sweet treats to round things out. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a casual open house this year, these ideas will help you build a festive spread that looks special and tastes even better.
21. Christmas Tree Veggie Tray
A Christmas Tree Veggie Tray is a clever way to get veggies on a table filled with holiday calories. This easy veggie tray uses red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, cucumber, sugar snap peas and grape tomatoes in the shape of a tree. Dip bowls with onion dip are included on the sides to make a fun snack to grab. Colorful, crunchy and simple, kids can dig in while guests take a break from heavier foods.
20. Bacon Wrapped Dates
Everyone loves the flavor combination of sweet and salty, but these Bacon Wrapped Dates might just be the best you’ve ever had. A soft, caramel-like date is stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crispy. Right out of the oven, a light drizzle of honey puts them over the top. They’re made with a handful of ingredients and ready in approximately 30 minutes, depending on how quickly the bacon crisps, which makes them the easiest appetizer on your table. Make a double batch, though…they’ll disappear quickly.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Stuff each date with goat cheese.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon.
- Place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Drizzle with honey and serve warm.
19. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
If you’re a Brussels sprout skeptic, these may win you over. They’re roasted until they’re caramelized and crispy on the edges, getting all of the great flavor from roasting without getting too soft and mushy. They’re balanced with a sweet balsamic glaze drizzle and salty bites of crumbled bacon. These will be a welcome addition to the green department alongside all of the casseroles and potatoes this holiday season. They also do well at room temperature making them perfect for a Christmas buffet.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 425°F.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on a paper towel.
- Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast 20 to 25 minutes until browned.
- Toss with bacon and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
18. Eggnog Cut Out Cookies
Perfectly capturing the flavor of the seasonal drink without actually using the real thing, Eggnog Cut Out Cookies are a fun addition to your holiday baking. Rolled out and cut into classic holiday shapes, these cut out cookies are made with a spiced eggnog flavored cookie dough, then frosted with a tasty vanilla rum icing. Not only can you pile these Eggnog Cut Out Cookies onto Christmas dessert trays, they’d be the perfect addition to cookie boxes as gifts as well. Making them ahead of time can save time in the hectic lead up to Christmas.
17. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage stuffed mushrooms are savory, cheesy, and the perfect size for one easy bite. Mushroom caps get filled with a mix of Italian sausage, cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan, then baked until the tops turn golden brown. You can prepare and stuff the mushrooms a day ahead, cover and refrigerate them, then bake them when guests arrive. They’re hearty enough to satisfy and small enough to keep people mingling.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Remove mushroom stems and chop them finely.
- Cook 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage with the chopped mushroom stems for approximately 7 to 10 minutes, until the sausage reaches 160°F. Add 2 minced garlic cloves during the final minute. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream cheese and parmesan.
- Fill each mushroom cap.
- Bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes, until the mushroom caps are tender and the filling is hot.
- Top with parsley.
16. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
A cranberry pecan cheese ball is creamy, tangy, and packed with crunch. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar get mixed with dried cranberries and a little green onion, then rolled in chopped pecans for a festive finish. Set it out with crackers, pretzel crisps, and apple slices for dipping. It’s best made a day ahead so the flavors have time to come together, which makes it a perfect low-stress option for busy hosts.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Method
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, green onions, and garlic powder.
- Shape into a ball.
- Wrap in plastic and chill 2 hours.
- Roll in pecans.
- Serve with crackers.
15. Christmas Chex Mix
This is such an easy recipe and makes a perfect last minute Christmas gift. Corn Chex and Rice Chex get mixed with tiny pretzels, salted peanuts and Christmas M&Ms, then they’re all coated in white chocolate. Once the white chocolate has hardened, this sweet and salty treat can be enjoyed. Serve them in a big bowl during get-togethers or keep some on hand for holiday snacking. The extras are sure to be enjoyed, and you can pop them in tins or jars or tie up small bags to give away. Much easier than cookies!
14. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole brings cozy, nostalgic comfort to any holiday spread. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes get flavored with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and warm cinnamon, then finished with a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. It walks the line between side dish and dessert, which is exactly why everyone loves it. It pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or beef, and you can prepare the sweet potato filling ahead, refrigerate it, and add the pecan topping just before baking.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Boil 3 lb peeled, cubed sweet potatoes for approximately 15 minutes, until tender. Drain, mash, and let cool slightly before adding the eggs.
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Once the mixture is no longer steaming hot, mix in 2 large eggs.
- Spread in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes.
13. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is one of the easiest holiday treats you can make, and it looks gorgeous on a dessert tray. Layers of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate get topped with crushed candy canes for that classic cool, minty crunch. Make it a few days ahead, store it in the fridge, and break it into pieces right before serving. Any leftovers make a great last-minute gift for neighbors or teachers.
Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
- Melt semisweet chocolate in 30 second bursts, stirring between.
- Spread the melted semisweet chocolate in the prepared pan. Refrigerate just until the surface is set but still slightly tacky, checking after about 10 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
- Spread over the dark layer.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Chill 1 hour, then break into pieces.
12. Buffalo Chicken Dip with Ranch
Buffalo chicken dip is the crowd pleaser you can count on at any gathering, especially when served warm in a cast iron skillet alongside some tortilla chips, crackers or crisp celery sticks. Six ingredients, including cooked chicken, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, hot sauce, ranch dressing and scallions, come together for this spicy addition to a holiday menu with minimal prep. Mix it all up, top with more cheese and pop into the oven until bubbly. Guaranteed to have your guests hovering over the snack table!
11. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Bonus points for making them in the slow-cooker too. That frees up oven and stove space for everything else, and the potatoes can stay on the warm setting until serving, provided they remain at 140°F or hotter. Yukon gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe. Once they’re cooked along with broth and garlic in the slow-cooker until tender, mash them right there and stir in cream, butter, cream cheese (key to their rich and creamy flavor) and seasonings. Leave them in the slow-cooker on warm and guests can help themselves all meal long.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Add potatoes, broth, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Cook on high 4 hours or low 6 to 7 hours.
- Add butter, cream, and cream cheese.
- Mash until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Set the slow cooker to warm and keep the mashed potatoes at 140°F or hotter, stirring occasionally until serving.
10. Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are hearty holiday food and take minimal hands-on time. Use frozen meatballs that are cooked in a slow cooker in a creamy gravy that’s seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir in sour cream towards the end of cooking for a rich, silky texture. Serve straight out of the crock with toothpicks for an effortless Christmas appetizer. Or, set out a pot of warm egg noodles and encourage guests to serve themselves meatballs and plenty of gravy for a more substantial fare.
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk soup, broth, Worcestershire, nutmeg, and allspice in the slow cooker.
- Add meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for approximately 4 hours, until the meatballs are heated thoroughly and the sauce is hot.
- Stir in sour cream. Cook 15 more minutes.
- Top with parsley.
9. Classic Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic at any holiday party. And this recipe couldn’t be easier! Mix the cooked yolks with mayo, horseradish, sweet relish and Dijon mustard and spoon or pipe into egg whites. Dust with sweet paprika for color and you’re done. This dish is inexpensive and easy to make and is also one of those recipes that lends itself to make ahead prep which is always helpful during the hectic holiday season. Just refrigerate till your guests arrive and serve. They’ll love the creamy, tangy taste.
8. Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Carved slices are arranged on a serving platter and served with cranberry sauce and lots of gravy. If the prospect of serving an entire turkey seems like a lot of trouble, serve a roast turkey breast. Seasoned with garlic butter and fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme which also help the skin to turn a deliciously attractive color as it roasts, a roast turkey breast takes much less time to prepare than an entire turkey and comes out of the oven juicy and crisp-skinned. It’s easier to carve a turkey breast. Cut into neat slices for the holiday buffet. Serve warm.
Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Rub butter under and over the skin.
- Place in a roasting pan and add broth.
- Roast at 350°F for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F without the thermometer touching bone.
- Rest 15 minutes, then slice.
7. Gingerbread Trifle
Bake the moist spiced gingerbread cake ahead of time (the day before) and cube it, which makes assembly of this trifle quick and easy when your guests arrive. Presented in a large glass bowl on your buffet table, this trifle is the perfect dessert for Christmas. Each layer, homemade whipped cream, pomegranate seeds, pecans, and a luscious caramel sauce, offer a surprise. Each bite will have a bit of everything, crunchy, creamy, soft. One large trifle will serve a crowd.
6. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Another easy buffet superstar are ham and cheese sliders. Hawaiian rolls are layered with ham and Swiss, slathered with a buttery Dijon and poppy seed sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. Guests love them because they’re an easy to prepare buffet fare and don’t require a plate or fork! One pan of sliders feeds a crowd and tastes great served hot or at room temperature. Sliders are a great way to serve Christmas ham the day after the holidays as an easy and delicious appetizer.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Slice rolls in half as one sheet.
- Place bottoms in a 9×13 dish.
- Layer ham and Swiss. Add the tops.
- Whisk butter, Dijon, poppy seeds, Worcestershire, and onion.
- Pour over rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 5 more minutes.
5. Brie Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a favorite of even the most picky of eaters, and this recipe gives the dish a holiday flair. Creamy brie melts perfectly with Parmesan and Swiss into a wonderful cheese sauce, which is tossed with the pasta and topped with buttery crushed Ritz. This recipe can be made in a 9×13 inch pan to make enough for a crowd for your Christmas buffet, but you can also divide the mac into crocks and make individual servings for smaller portions. Either way, pop them into the oven until bubbling and golden and serve.
4. Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
Beef tenderloin makes a great addition to any holiday buffet. Arrange slices of meat on a large platter so your guests can easily help themselves during the meal. Tenderly seasoned with nothing more than salt, pepper, garlic, this beef is cooked to perfection. A tangy horseradish cream sauce offers a nice contrast to the meat’s rich flavor. Tenderloin holds well at room temperature so it’s an ideal candidate for advance preparation. Make-ahead tips are offered. Try this recipe for a perfectly tender addition to your next Christmas dinner.
Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
Ingredients
Method
- Let beef sit out 1 hour.
- Heat oven to 425°F.
- Rub beef with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Roast at 425°F, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For the USDA-recommended minimum, cook the center to 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes.
- Rest 15 minutes.
- Mix sauce ingredients.
- Slice and serve with sauce.
3. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Before you take a bite, make sure to snap a photo of your Christmas tree charcuterie board. Cubed and sliced cheese, salami, and fresh fruit are arranged to form a Christmas tree shape. All ingredients are available at the standard grocery store, keeping the cost down for this Christmas buffet. Assembly time is only a few minutes and you can get right into holiday mode. Plus, there’s always something to snack on while waiting for the other dishes.
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
Want a gorgeous and impressive appetizer to wow your next crowd? These cranberry brie bites are perfect for entertaining. Flaky pastry cups are filled with brie and cranberry sauce. The mini muffin pan makes these bites quick and easy to assemble and they only take about 15 minutes in the oven. Add some crunchy pecans for texture and garnish with a little sprig of fresh rosemary to dress them up. These will be gone in a hurry, make a ton. Enjoy these little beauties warm so the pastry is nice and crisp and the brie is nice and gooey.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin pan.
- Cut pastry into 24 squares.
- Press each square into a muffin cup.
- Add a cube of brie.
- Top each bite with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce and a small portion of the 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
- Bake 15 minutes until golden.
- Garnish with rosemary.
1. Honey Glazed Ham
Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, soups, omelets or casseroles. Honey glazed ham is a traditional part of the Christmas meal. It’s an easy dish to prepare that feeds a crowd. Spiral hams are fully cooked, all that’s left is to reheat and glaze it with honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. As it bakes, it’s coated with the sticky sweet glaze which caramelizes beautifully while keeping the ham juicy and delicious. It’s a great addition to your Christmas holiday buffet.
Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 325°F.
- Place ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Add water.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for approximately 1 1/2 hours, checking the internal temperature.
- Simmer honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon, cinnamon, and cloves 2 minutes.
- Uncover the ham and brush with half of the prepared glaze, reserving the remainder.
- Raise oven to 400°F and bake 15 minutes.
- Brush with the remaining glaze and let the ham rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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