Quick and Easy Holiday Recipes with Less Than 10 Ingredients

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. But with all the hustle and bustle, who has time to prepare elaborate meals? Fear not! We've compiled a list of quick and easy holiday recipes that require less than 10 ingredients, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.

Appetizers

Brie and Cranberry Bites

These Brie and Cranberry Bites are a perfect starter for any holiday gathering. With just three ingredients, they are incredibly simple to make and look stunning on a platter.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a sheet of puff pastry into small squares and place them in a mini muffin tin.
3. Add a small piece of Brie cheese and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce to each square.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted.

Main Courses

Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken

This Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken is a crowd-pleaser and only requires a handful of ingredients. It's a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Side Dishes

Honey Glazed Carrots

These Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any holiday main course. With just five ingredients, they come together in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the honey and brown sugar, and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Desserts

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

No holiday meal is complete without a sweet treat, and this Chocolate Peppermint Bark is both festive and easy to make. With only three ingredients, it's a great last-minute dessert option.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
3. Spread the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the dark chocolate layer.
5. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top and let it set in the refrigerator for about an hour.
6. Once hardened, break into pieces and serve.

Conclusion

With these quick and easy holiday recipes, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Each dish is made with less than 10 ingredients, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Happy holidays and happy cooking!