The Best Holiday Dishes to Bring to Your Next Luxe Holiday Party (with Recipes)
- Christianne Klein
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Holiday parties are back in full swing, and with them comes the familiar question: What should I bring? Whether youâre attending an intimate cocktail soirĂŠe, a glamorous dinner party, or a festive open house, the perfect contribution strikes a balance between luxury and ease- something that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen or last-minute assembly at your hostâs home.
The best holiday dishes (and hostess gifts) share a few key traits: they travel well, look beautiful on arrival, and offer bold, crowd-pleasing flavors. Bonus points if they can be prepared ahead of time and plated with minimal effort. From elevated appetizers to edible gifts that feel thoughtful and indulgent, these dishes deliver maximum impact with minimal stress.
Below are some of the best easy-to-execute holiday dishes to bring to your next luxe gathering- complete with simple recipes you can actually make.
1. Whipped Ricotta with Hot Honey & Pistachios
The Ultimate Elevated Appetizer
Creamy, savory, sweet, and just a little spicy, whipped ricotta is a modern classic that feels right at home on any chic holiday spread.
Why it works: It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, can be made ahead, and looks stunning when garnished.
Easy Recipe:
1½ cups whole-milk ricotta
2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Hot honey (or honey + chili flakes)
Crushed pistachios
Blend ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Spoon into a shallow serving bowl, drizzle with hot honey, and sprinkle with pistachios. Serve with crostini or seeded crackers.
2. Baked Brie with Fig Jam & Rosemary
A Crowd-Pleaser That Always Disappears
Baked brie is a holiday staple for a reason- it feels indulgent, festive, and comforting all at once.
Why it works: Itâs nearly foolproof and can be assembled in advance, then baked just before serving.
Easy Recipe:
1 wheel brie
â cup fig jam
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Puff pastry (optional)
Place brie on a baking dish, top with fig jam and rosemary, and bake at 375°F for 12â15 minutes until soft. For extra elegance, wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking.
OR
Baked Brie with Brown Sugar, Toasted Nuts & Brandy
A Warm, Luxe Holiday Classic
This version of baked brie leans into rich, caramelized flavors, with brown sugar and brandy forming a glossy topping that melts into the cheese. We make it every single year in our family. Removing the rind creates a clean surface, allowing the topping to soak directly into the brie for maximum flavor.
Why it works: Itâs indulgent yet effortless, can be prepped ahead (we always throw together the brown sugar/brandy/nut mix the night before), and delivers a dramatic, crowd-pleasing presentation with minimal effort.
Easy Recipe:
1 wheel brie (8â12 oz)
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted
Âź cup brandy
Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the top rind of the brie, keeping the sides intact. Place the brie in a small oven-safe baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, toasted nuts, and brandy a tablespoon at a time until a thick, spreadable paste forms (you may not need the full 1/4 cup). Spoon the mixture evenly over the exposed top of the brie, spreading to the edges.
Bake for 12â15 minutes, until the brie is soft and melty and the topping is bubbling and caramelized. Finish with a light pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.
Serve immediately with sliced baguette, crackers, or crisp apple slices.
3. Citrus-Marinated Olives
An Effortless Hostess Gift
Skip the store-bought olives and bring a homemade version infused with citrus and herbs.
Why it works: They improve with time, making them perfect to prepare a day or two ahead.
Easy Recipe:
Mixed olives (about 3 cups)
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Warm olive oil gently with garlic, citrus zest, herbs, and chili flakes. Pour over olives and let marinate overnight. Bring in a beautiful jar with a ribbon for an instant luxe gift.
4. Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Sweet, Salty, and Always a Hit
These bite-sized gems deliver big flavor with very little effort.
Why it works: Theyâre easy to assemble and feel restaurant-worthy.
Easy Recipe:
Medjool dates, pitted
Goat cheese
Thinly sliced prosciutto
Stuff dates with goat cheese, wrap with prosciutto, and bake at 400°F for 10â12 minutes until crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies
A Thoughtful Edible Gift
When in doubt, dessert always wins- especially when itâs homemade and beautifully packaged.
Why it works: Shortbread is forgiving, elegant, and travels well.
Easy Recipe:
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups flour
Pinch of salt
Melted dark chocolate
Cream butter and sugar, mix in flour and salt, roll into logs, slice, and bake at 350°F for 12â15 minutes. Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let set. Wrap in parchment or a gift box.
The Takeaway
The best holiday party contributions donât require culinary gymnastics, just smart choices, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Whether you arrive with a dish ready to serve or a beautifully packaged edible gift, these easy yet elegant recipes ensure youâll never show up empty-handed- or stressed- this holiday season.
Christianne Klein is an EmmyÂŽ and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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