Crowd pleasers: 25 Christmas potluck dishes you can make in under 60 minutes

It is 2023 and recycling last year's Christmas dish is as welcome as repeating our outfits. That's why we've carefully selected 25 classic dishes that have already proven themselves at the annual potluck for your festive feasts this season.

If time is of the essence, you can leave the Christmas roasts to the supermarkets but still arrive with a homemade masterpiece in tow. Each of the following recipes requires only 15 minutes to an hour of preparation, sparing you from a marathon in the kitchen and even leaving room for a trial run before the main event.

APPETISERS

1. Cocktail meatballs

Preparation time: 30 minutes

These cocktail meatballs are proof that cranberry sauce can make just about anything festive, even frozen meatballs that scream, "I forgot about our party." And if folks are willing to navigate a labyrinthine furniture store for them, you can bet your last dollar that IKEA meatballs will deliver any time of the year.

2. Shrimp cocktails

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Speaking of wondrous frozen foods, two words: Shrimp cocktail. But here’s a tip from The New York Times: Instead of washing away all its umami goodness, pour ice directly into the seasoned broth when it has cooled. And if your palate is decidedly Asian, hit the sauce aisle and take your pick from Hoi Sin to Sriracha.

3. Shrimp scampi

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Succulent shrimps seared in garlic butter you'll want to mop up with whatever remaining bread. What could go wrong with shrimp scampi? Overcooked shrimps, that's what. Make sure you cook them only partially at the start so it doesn't turn soggy when reheated with the sauce (and again when you arrive at the party).

4. Seared scallops with pan sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ever ordered seared scallops and complained about how much cheaper it would be to make at home? It’s time to put your money where your mouth is. A word of caution: Only after the scallops have been patted dry will they sear perfectly (Read: Brown exterior and buttery middle). No scrimping on the prep work for this one.

5. Stuffed mushrooms

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Whoever said "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" was obviously referring to these stuffed mushrooms, because we can't think of a better way to combine such unassuming ingredients. Hit the supermarket for breadcrumbs and cremini mushrooms (go for the portobello variety if you're feeling fancy), then cross your fingers that your pantry's got everything else.

6. Crispy baked ravioli

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Speaking of stuffed snacks, this crispy baked ravioli recipe will take those leftover breadcrumbs off your hands. Pasta isn't your typical hors d'oeuvre, but exceptions can be made when you disguise it as light bites accompanied by a moreish dip. Who knew a single pack of store-bought ravioli had so much potential?

7. Cranberry brie crostini

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ditch the traditional bruschetta and stir things up with these cranberry brie crostinis. It looks way more on-brand for Christmas, especially with a sprinkle of thyme sprigs, because let's not pretend we're above posting about our food on Instagram and exclaiming, "Look, ma, I made this!"

MAINS

8. Tagliatelle arrabiata with prawns

Preparation time: 15 minutes

This isn't your run-of-the-mill recipe; it's the masterpiece from Chef Lim Yew Aun of Bar Cicheti, who showed us how to whip up restaurant-grade tagliatelle arrabiata with prawns during the 2020 lockdown.

If you’re looking to bring the heat, forget the store-bought arrabiata sauce and make it from scratch with an extra kick of chillis.

9. Asari clams fettuccine

Preparation time: 15 minutes

The magic of pasta with clams is that the sauce practically makes itself – clam juices effortlessly meld into a savoury broth with just a touch of white wine and a hint of chilli. Thanks to Chef Martin Wong, formerly from the restaurant and cocktail bar Lumo, this asari clams fettuccine recipe will earn you some serious bragging rights.

10. Wild mushroom risotto

Preparation time: 1 hour

Got an hour to spare? Here’s a wild mushroom risotto recipe that screams “I’m fancy, but I’m not trying too hard”. The beauty of bringing risotto to a potluck – apart from the party of textures – is that it hardly loses its flavour or bite even after reheating, so you can count on it to steal the show.

11. Seafood paella

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Seafood paella is the perfect pick for hosts opting for a tangy departure from traditional risottos. Not just because it’s a breeze to serve, but also because the moment this communal delight makes a grand entrance, it starts feeling like Christmas. 

Plus, it's flexible enough to accommodate diverse dietary preferences – you can always swap the crustaceans for chunks of salmon for those allergic to shellfish.

12. Mac and cheese

Preparation time: 1 hour

There are 364 days to uphold that New Year's resolution to eat clean and Christmas isn't one of them. Call it comfort food or a childhood classic, but mac and cheese hardly needs a sales pitch. No holiday is complete without the satisfaction of scraping every last morsel of crusty goodness off the baking dish.

13. Vegetarian lasagna

Preparation time: 1 hour

Lasagna in an hour? You heard it right. Just ditch the beef and get straight to the point. Vegetarian lasagna isn't only a practical make-ahead choice for busy hosts and guests anticipating a hectic evening; it's also a lighter option when the Christmas roasts get too jelak, or overwhelmingly rich. 

SIDE DISHES

14. Mashed potatoes

Preparation time: 55 minutes

Mashed potatoes are a hit among both adults and children, complementing most dishes and tasting fantastic on their own – especially when infused with garlic, thyme, and sour cream, as in this recipe. And for kitchen rookies, here’s a tip: Dunk those potato cubes in cold water and crank up the heat because adding them to boiling water is a one-way ticket to an unevenly-cooked batch.

15. Potato gratin

Preparation time: 50 minutes

We love potatoes in all forms, but if we’re being honest, showing up with potato gratin may earn you more street cred than bringing mash. For overachievers out there, this show-stopper will make a grand entrance with its layers and golden-brown crust. Pro-tip: Stick to one type of potato so they cook evenly.

16. Creamed spinach

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Well, somebody’s gotta think about the vitamins amidst the carbs and meats, right? Count on this steakhouse staple to sneak those in with a cheeky (and cheesy) twist, complementing the Christmas roasts beautifully while duping the carnivorous grown-ups around the table into eating their greens.

17. Roasted Brussels sprouts with honey and miso

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Brussels sprouts are controversial – you either think they taste like acid, or you take it upon yourself to convert every hater by saying, “but have you tried it with bacon?” Love them or despise them, this classic side dish is going to stick around. And if you’re pro-Brussels sprouts, try winning the naysayers over by roasting them with honey and miso.

18. Roasted carrots and parsnips with honey

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Carrots and parsnips, too, could use a bit of that honey, striking just the right balance when paired with balsamic glaze. The best part? The lazy crew can prepare the recipe a day ahead, but remember to keep the parsnips fresh until the last minute. With just six ingredients, it adds a pop of colour to the holiday table, making it a low-effort, high-return addition.

19. Whole roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto

Preparation time: 1 hour

The first time I had a cauliflower “steak”, I glimpsed into an alternate universe wherein I’m vegetarian and at peace with it. If it has taken you long enough to see its potential, it’s time to give the humble cauliflower the credit it deserves, along with a medley of herbs, pistachios and Parmesan cheese in this recipe.

20. Kale salad with butternut squash, pomegranate and pumpkin seeds

Preparation time: 1 hour

A salad is a wise choice for end-of-week potlucks where guests have stuffed themselves silly all week. If you’re bringing one, make it a kale salad; compared to the delicate lettuce, it’s a sturdy green that will stay crisp even when dressed in advance.

DESSERTS

21. Classic tiramisu

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Now, here's a beloved dessert that takes less time to prepare than an episode of Friends. But lest your classic tiramisu ends up looking like Rachel Green’s infamous Thanksgiving trifle, we would stick to the ingredients list closely and not venture beyond the usual suspects of espresso, ladyfingers and cream.

22. Creme brulee

Preparation: 1 hour

No blow torch? No worries. Your oven’s broiler, usually located near the top, will help you achieve the creme de la creme of every creme brulee – a crackly sugar top. All you need are five readily ingredients from the neighbourhood minimart, saving you a trip to the baking supplies store.

23. Rice pudding

Preparation: 55 minutes

There’s something charming about having rice pudding at Christmas time, if only because it rarely makes its appearance. Sure, it might not be the flashiest star of the show, but we can fix that with a dash of cinnamon, fruit compote, or some rum-soaked raisins, so it wouldn’t feel like you’ve gathered round the table for a riveting bowl of oatmeal.

24. Bread pudding

Preparation time: 45 minutes

If your crowd happens to be the “go big or go home” sort, you might consider satisfying their sweet tooth with this bread pudding recipe instead. Besides, it’s your chance to transform that sad-looking loaf of leftover bread with some fresh or dried fruits, spices, and spreads.

25. Mulled wine

Preparation: 20 minutes

So you’ve volunteered to bring the drinks because none of the 24 recipes above seem doable. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a mixologist to pull traditional mulled wine off. Simmer your choice of red wine with spices, citrus and sweetener, and voila – a steaming mug in what we can only hope would be a chilly December.