Christmas Party Pleasers!

I’ve curated a selection of mouthwatering recipes designed to make your Christmas menu both effortless and extraordinary.

From stunning mains that bring all the festive flavours to life, like a cheats Ballotine Turkey with Roast Root Vegetables and Gravy, to indulgent desserts that steal the show, such as a rich Chocolate & Caramel Tiramisu Trifle, these dishes will both ensure your celebration is filled with delicious moments and save you time in the kitchen. Click on the recipe title to get the link to the full method & ingredients.

For Your Starter: Blue Cheese Soufflés

Soufflés have a reputation for being tricky, but this recipe makes a very elegant Christmas starter, and really debunks that theory. You can make these ahead of time, and once you are ready to serve, put them back in the oven and they will puff up again. Unlike the typical souffle, these are baked twice.

For a Snack/Canape: Irish Boxty Style ‘Blini’ with Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon & Chives

These Irish Boxty Style ‘Blini’ are the ultimate make-ahead hack for stress-free entertaining during the festive season. The boxty can be made in advance and stored in a container in layers of kitchen paper. Revive in the oven or dare I suggest the air-fryer and they will crisp up and warm through ready to be adorned with their savoury toppings. Combining the familiarity of a traditional Irish favourite with the elegance of a classic canapé, they’re perfect for adding a festive twist to your table. Add a dollop of cream cheese, silky smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of chives, and you’ve got a simple yet stunning bite that’s sure to impress.

A Side Dish Option: Smoked Bacon & Pecan Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but this recipe proves they deserve a spot in your festive feast. With the smoky richness of bacon and the nutty crunch of pecans, this dish transforms a traditional side into a standout star. The real cheat? You can cook and refresh the sprouts a few hours ahead of time, ensuring they retain their perfect bite and never end up soggy or overcooked. When you’re ready to serve, a quick toss in the pan brings everything together, leaving you with a dish that’s vibrant, flavourful, and utterly foolproof for the big day.

A Side Dish Option: Croque Monsieur Hasselback Potatoes

These Croque Monsieur Hasselback Potatoes are a festive side dish with a luxurious twist, perfect for elevating your holiday table. The cheat? Most potatoes can be hasselbacked, so you can work with whatever you have on hand, though a fluffy roasting potato like a Maris Piper is ideal. Even better, the potatoes can be roasted in advance, saving you precious time on the day. When ready to serve, simply finish them in the oven with a drizzle of melted butter and your upgraded béchamel sauce—enhanced with Dijon mustard and a touch of nutmeg—for a crisp, golden dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly elegant.

For the Mains: Ballotine Turkey with Roast Root Vegetables & Gravy

Ask your butcher to cut turkey breast into thin cutlets weighing about 200g each for the turkey escalopes. You can ask them or roll them out yourself at home with a rolling pin to about 1cm thickness. You can make the ballotines a few days in advance and keep them in the fridge or freezer till you are ready to cook.

For the Dessert: Chocolate & Caramel Tiramisu Trifle

Trifle is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining nostalgia with a touch of indulgence. Classic tiramisu is given trifle treatments with this chocolate and caramel twist takes the classic to new heights offering endless scoops of festive decadence. The cheat? You can make it up to two days in advance, letting the flavors meld beautifully while freeing up precious time. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge and save the decorating for the last minute to ensure it’s as show-stopping as it is delicious.

For a Sweet Treat: Mince Pie Tart

This Mince Pie Tart is the ultimate shortcut to festive dessert success. Made with store-cupboard staples and ready-made mincemeat, it’s a cheat’s dream that looks and tastes like you’ve been baking all day. I’ve included a recipe for the pastry but please feel free to use storebought all butter shortcrust. Serve it warm from the oven with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and your guests will never suspect how effortlessly it came together. For an extra twist, add finely sliced cooking apples to the filling for a hint of tartness and texture—perfect for taking this easy dessert to the next level.

For a Sweet Treat: Christmas Candy Cane & Marshmallow Fudge

When it comes to festive treats, this Christmas Candy Cane & Marshmallow Fudge is as easy as it is proper fun. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavour and Christmas cheer, making it perfect for a cheat’s approach to home made sweet treats. Yes it does have a whiff of all-American nonsense but tried and tested, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. Better yet, package it in a gift bag with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got an impressive homemade edible gift- minimum effort- the kids will love it!