The struggle of scooting around a kitchen and taking turns using the oven is one I don’t wish upon my worst enemy. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my family, but there are plenty of times when I’ve wished my recipe book had more no-bake recipes for the holidays. If you have a gathering on the calendar this season or are just trying to minimize your time in the kitchen, these recipes have you covered.
While some of these require a bit of prep time and a stovetop, no oven is needed. From simple appetizers to stunning main courses and bite-sized desserts, these no-bake recipes for the holidays are the easiest way to enjoy the cooking process.
Burrata Toasts With Caramelized Walnuts and Mint-Pomegranate Pesto
If your goal is festive, this appetizer has you covered. With bright and juicy pomegranate seeds and a touch of mint, this homemade pesto is the perfect topping to pair with a creamy burrata base.
Holiday Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie is a must for every holiday for two reasons—one, it makes for a stunning centerpiece, and two, it requires no cooking time. Just assemble to your liking and get the snacking started!
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Holiday food can get heavy, fast. I find myself craving fruits and veggies more often than not when I’m surrounded by baked hams and mashed potatoes. For that reason, this shaved Brussels sprout salad is a no-bake holiday recipe that everyone is bound to appreciate.
Winter Kale Salad with Apple & Gruyere
Learning how to make kale taste great is the perfect skill for the holiday season. Take this festive green and pair it with savory toppings like creamy gruyère and crunchy additions like fresh apples for an easy and quick side salad.
Bitter Greens, Citrus, and Prosciutto Salad
Salty prosciutto deserves more than just a space on your charcuterie board. This thinly sliced meat goes well with seasonal produce like blood oranges and grapefruits, as well as the more traditional pairings like parmesan cheese.
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates from Half Baked Harvest
From Europe to Texas, I’ve tried an abundance of cheese dips, and this whipped goat cheese from Half Baked Harvest is still one of my favorites. There’s something about the sweet candied bacon that contrasts with the tart and tangy goat cheese to make such a well-balanced appetizer.
Caprese Christmas Tree from Sparkles to Sprinkles
It doesn’t get more festive (or easier) than this Caprese Christmas tree. Slice up your tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, garnish with basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you’ll have a show-stopping side.
Cheddar and Onion Cheese Ball from The Modern Proper
I’ll never turn down a good cheese ball. It’s one of those appetizers I never eat throughout the year, but when it comes to a holiday party, it’s hard to tear me away. Coated in fresh green onion and filled with delicious cheese, this cheese ball will be gone before the main dish hits the table.
May0-Free Deviled Eggs from The Modern Proper
Deviled eggs are a no-bake classic during the holidays. Everyone has their family recipe, but I’m a big fan of this simple, mayo-free option from The Modern Proper. A big plus of this dish is that you can customize the recipe to yield however many eggs you please.
Pumpkin Gnocchi
If you’re feeling adventurous this holiday season and want to break away from the traditional baked main courses, this pumpkin gnocchi is full of warm and cozy spices that your guests will surely “fall” in love with (pun intended).
Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Fresh Ricotta
I’m not the biggest fan of turkey or ham, but a few years ago, one of my family members made lamb for our Easter celebration, and I became hooked. This recipe clearly differs from your traditional roast, but it’s an easy way to enjoy this protein without extensive cooking.
Slow-Cooker Pork Loin Roast from the kitchn
My in-laws typically cook a beef tenderloin during the holidays, but my partner and I secretly prefer a pork tenderloin. If you’re intrigued to try a new protein, this recipe is the perfect place to start with a balanced blend of sweet and savory.
Pumpkin Tiramisu
Individual desserts are perfect for serving a small, yet intimate crowd. Tiramisu is always my answer when searching for a special and simple dessert to put out during the holidays. It’s nice to incorporate seasonal flavors as this recipe does.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
As far as no-bake recipes for the holidays go, these pumpkin pie bars might land on top. They’re stunning and require very little prep time in the kitchen, meaning more effort can go into hosting and enjoying time with your friends and family.
No-Bake Brownies
Brownies are a highly underrated holiday dessert. Without any cooking time, it’s hard to say no to such a stunning, sweet treat. Plus, there are endless topping options for making these brownies just a pinch more festive.
Pumpkin & Gingersnap Pie
While I’m a bit biased toward Camille’s pumpkin pie with a gingersnap crust, this recipe doesn’t require baking, winning it a spot on this list. It has all the same flavors, minus the oven!
Grand Marnier Truffles from Baker by Nature
Serve ’em after dinner or pack as a take-home dessert party favor. Regardless of how you share these grand Marnier truffles, these are a must-make, no-bake holiday dessert.
Rum Balls from My Baking Addiction
Full of rich chocolate and a hint of spiced rum, these bite-sized treats are a boozy and sweet dessert option to mix things up. Made with vanilla wafers and unsweetened cocoa powder, each bite gives you the right amount of all the unique flavors.