Christmas Day Buffet Recipes

This Christmas ploughman’s platter is essentially a cold selection of from www.pinterest.com

Introduction

Christmas is a time for family gatherings, celebration, and of course, delicious food. This year, instead of a formal sit-down meal, why not try something different with a Christmas Day buffet? A buffet allows everyone to help themselves to their favorite dishes and creates a relaxed and casual atmosphere. In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering buffet recipes that are perfect for Christmas Day.

1. Honey Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

- 1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds) - 1 cup honey - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). 2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan. 3. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and cloves. Heat over low heat until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. 4. Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts. 5. Bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). 6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. 7. Serve the ham warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition:

Calories: 250 Total Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 85mg Sodium: 600mg Carbohydrates: 20g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 19g Protein: 20g

2. Roast Beef

Ingredients:

- 4 pounds beef roast (such as ribeye or tenderloin) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Rub the beef roast with olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. 3. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness (145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, or 170°F for well-done). 4. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. 5. Serve the roast beef with horseradish sauce and your favorite sides.

Nutrition:

Calories: 350 Total Fat: 15g Saturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 150mg Sodium: 400mg Carbohydrates: 0g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 0g Protein: 50g

3. Smoked Salmon Platter

Ingredients:

- 1 pound smoked salmon - 1 lemon, sliced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 8 ounces cream cheese - 1 tablespoon capers - Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Arrange the smoked salmon on a platter. 2. Garnish with lemon slices, red onion, and fresh dill. 3. Serve with cream cheese and capers on the side. 4. Provide crackers or bread for guests to assemble their own smoked salmon bites.

Nutrition:

Calories: 200 Total Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 50mg Sodium: 600mg Carbohydrates: 4g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 2g Protein: 25g

4. Mini Quiches

Ingredients:

- 1 package store-bought pie crust - 4 eggs - 1 cup milk - 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss) - 1/2 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach) - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Roll out the pie crust and use a cookie cutter to cut circles that fit into a muffin tin. 3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. 4. Divide the cheese and diced vegetables evenly between the muffin cups. 5. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings, filling each cup about 3/4 full. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are set and lightly golden. 7. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition:

Calories: 150 Total Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 100mg Sodium: 300mg Carbohydrates: 10g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 2g Protein: 8g

5. Festive Salad

Ingredients:

- 8 cups mixed salad greens - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and toasted almonds. 2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss until well coated. 3. Serve the festive salad as a refreshing and healthy option alongside the other buffet dishes.

Nutrition:

Calories: 150 Total Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 10mg Sodium: 250mg Carbohydrates: 18g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 10g Protein: 4g

Conclusion

A Christmas Day buffet is a great way to keep things relaxed and allow everyone to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes. From a succulent honey-glazed ham to a flavorful roast beef, and from a smoked salmon platter to mini quiches and a festive salad, these recipes are sure to impress your guests. Don't forget to provide a variety of sides, bread, and condiments to complete the buffet spread. Enjoy the festivities and have a merry Christmas!