Your Complete Guide to Last-Minute Cooking for the Holidays

Caroline StankoUpdated: Dec. 05, 2022

Don't get stuck in the kitchen this holiday season! These delicious last-minute recipes are a breeze to throw together so you can spend more time knocking out your to-do list.

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Our Best Last-Minute Holiday Recipes

Say hello to our all-stars! If you have 15 minutes then you have time to make some truly impressive apps, sides and desserts for your holiday table.

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Last-Minute Appetizers

Start your meal off on the right foot with some tasty bites. Each canape, dip and bite takes about 30 minutes to come together.

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Last-Minute Holiday Salads

Put the season’s bounty to good work with these satisfying salads. From leafy sides to hearty mains, these salads are a must for your holiday dinner.

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Grandma’s Last-Minute Holiday Recipes

It turns out not all of grandma’s recipes take a day and change to make. Get her secret methods to speedy desserts, sides, mains and apps.

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A casserole dish filled with Cauliflower Au Gratin

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Last-Minute Holiday Side Dishes

For some, the sides are even more important than the holiday roast. Satisfy their craving with these 30 minute (or less!) side dishes.

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Last-Minute Holiday Baking

Is there anything better than baked goods that are fresh out of the oven? These baked goods that are ready in half an hour!

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Last-Minute Thanksgiving Recipes

Get a perfectly tailored Thanksgiving dinner without having to wake up at dawn with these 30-minute dishes. And yes, that includes the turkey, too!

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Last-Minute Christmas Recipes

More worried about your Christmas day dinner? Turn to this guide of quick Christmas recipes that range from apps to desserts. If you forgot to pick up a must-have ingredient or gift, make sure you run out to one these stores that will definitely be open.

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Last-Minute Holiday Desserts

You’ll definitely want to save room for these oh-so-easy desserts. From cookies and brownies to fudge and much more, your dessert table won’t be complete without a few of these treats.

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Originally Published: October 23, 2019

Caroline Stanko

As Editor, Caroline writes and edits all things food-related and helps produce videos for Taste of Home. When she’s not at her desk, you can probably find Caroline cooking up a feast, planning her next trip abroad or daydreaming about her golden retriever, Mac.