13 Last-Minute Christmas Mains You Can Rely On When The Holiday Rush Gets The Best Of You
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
When the holiday rush gets out of hand, dinner is usually the first thing to slip through the cracks. Simple, reliable Christmas recipes make it easy to pull everything together fast without losing the festive spirit. With the right dishes ready to go, you can feed everyone well, skip the panic, and enjoy the night instead of racing against the clock.
Honey Mustard Salmon
Honey mustard salmon comes in clutch when the holiday rush hits, and dinner needs to appear on the table fast. The tender, flaky salmon and glossy, sweet-tangy glaze feel festive enough for Christmas night without demanding extra time you don’t have. It’s a reliable go-to when you want something special but still need a break from all the chaos.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese brings a bright, elegant touch to Christmas week while still being quick enough for those jam-packed days. The light lemon cream sauce and golden crust make the meal feel special even when you’re working with limited time. It’s an easy win when you want dinner to feel calm despite the holiday chaos.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese
New York Strip Steak
New York strip steak brings a little holiday luxury to the table, even when you’re short on time. The quick sear and herb butter finish make it feel like a special occasion meal without slowing down your evening. It’s a great choice for those last-minute Christmas dinners when you want something impressive with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: New York Strip Steak
Lobster
Lobster makes an effortlessly elegant addition to a last-minute holiday dinner because it cooks quickly and needs very little to shine. The tender meat and simple prep help you pull together a Christmas-worthy plate even when errands have taken over your schedule. It’s a reliable pick for nights when you want to keep things special without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Lobster
Baked Ham
Baked ham with pineapple becomes a holiday hero on nights when time is short, but you still want a centerpiece that looks intentional. The caramelized brown sugar and juicy ham deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, which is exactly what you need during the Christmas crunch. It’s a dependable dish that lets you serve a crowd without babysitting the oven.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham
Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon steps in when you want a Christmas dinner that feels fancy even though you’re racing the clock. The quick pan-sear and simple oven finish make it doable on the busiest December evenings. It’s an easy way to offer something impressive without adding stress to an already overloaded day.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air fryer shrimp saves the day when the holiday rush leaves barely any time to cook, but you still want something flavorful on the table. The smoky spices and bright squeeze of lemon deliver a quick burst of freshness that works beautifully for a last-minute Christmas dinner. It’s a dependable option when you need fast protein that doesn’t add to the holiday stress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp
Steak Bites
Steak bites are a lifesaver on nights when winter errands and last-minute wrapping have left zero energy for complicated cooking. The garlic butter finish and caramelized edges taste festive enough for Christmas dinner, even though they cook in minutes. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you fed and relieved that dinner didn’t become another thing on the stress list.
Get the Recipe: Steak Bites
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs deliver hearty comfort with a fast cook time that works well during the holiday rush. The juicy chicken and crisp bacon create a crowd-pleasing combo that feels festive without complicating your evening. It’s a great option when you need something filling that won’t slow you down.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti aglio e olio comes together so quickly that it feels made for nights when Christmas errands take over the entire day. The golden garlic and chili flakes create big flavor without extra effort, which keeps dinner enjoyable instead of overwhelming. It’s the perfect fallback when you want something comforting before diving back into holiday tasks.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Chicken enchiladas casserole comes in handy during the holiday scramble because it’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to assemble. The warm aroma filling the kitchen makes the night feel festive even if you’re running behind schedule. It’s a comforting dish that keeps everyone happy while you focus on everything else December throws at you.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Air Fryer Ham Steak
Air fryer ham steak turns into a quick holiday-ready dinner when time is tight, and the oven is already filled with desserts and sides. The fast cook time keeps the evening moving smoothly while still giving you that classic ham flavor people expect. It’s a reliable fix for nights when you realize dinner needs to happen now.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak
Italian Chicken Cutlets
Italian chicken cutlets offer a crispy, savory bite that works perfectly on those frantic holiday evenings when you need something fast. The quick pan-fry and simple seasoning keep dinner stress-free while still delivering a meal everyone enjoys. It’s an easy way to pull together a festive-feeling plate when time is running short.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets
