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Not exactly the best chef around? No worries! These quick Christmas recipes will make your life (and your holidays) much easier

As we're sure it will be for most people, noche buena 2022 is incredibly important. After two years of living amidst a pandemic, people have begun to see their loved ones again for Christmas—so of course the evening's menu needs to be extra special! But a meal that's special doesn't necessarily equate to difficult. Those who are looking to create an enjoyable and fulfilling meal without muss or fuss can look here the perfect recipe! 

Make the season extra special by preparing these tasty yet easy-to-make recipes for all to enjoy. 

Read more: 10 Places To Order a Juicy Christmas Ham For Noche Buena Dinner

1. Queso de Bola Spread

Tatler Asia
Top view of fresh homemade creamy cheese sauce in a glass bowl with rosemary and parmesan pieces on light background.
Above (Photo: Getty Images)
Top view of fresh homemade creamy cheese sauce in a glass bowl with rosemary and parmesan pieces on light background.

Start the night off with some appetisers. Guests will love to nibble on this delicious queso de bola spread that's best paired with tortilla (like in the recipe), or even a few crackers or breadsticks! 

See the recipe here

2. Macaroni Salad

This classic party food is an absolute must on Christmas Eve. Not only is it indulgent, it's also easy to make and packed with plenty of flavour! Your guests are sure to find something exciting to love. 

3. One Pot Lasagna

Erwan Heussaff shows us how to make a quick and easy one-pot "lasagna". Though it's not a lasagna in the traditional sense, this hodgepodge of delicious ingredients brings to mind some of the best, most familiar Italian flavours. And the best part? It's less cleanup work than the usual Christmas spaghetti. 

4. Lumpia

You can't really have a classic Filipino Christmas party without lumpia now can you? This quick and easy recipe will teach you how to make this important party staple without sacrificing quality. The video itself is only one minute long but shows you all that's necessary to create mouthwatering lumpia party guests will rave about for the rest of the year. 

5. Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

A glazed ham sounds intimidating to prepare—that is until you realise all you need are five ingredients and a slow cooker. Mix everything in and let it cook on its own for four to five hours for a delicious and fuss-free noche buena

See also: A Filipino Christmas Feast: 11 Nostalgic Food to Serve on Noche Buena

6. Roast Beef

Don't be intimidated by roast beef! This straightforward technique simply calls for a bit of math. After seasoning, simply bake at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes per pound and voila—the perfect meaty main for an indulgent Christmas Eve dinner. 

7. Parmesan Potatoes

For an easy side dish or appetiser, consider roast parmesan potatoes. Though simple, they're also hearty and incredibly aromatic. All you need are potatoes, parmesan cheese, and some oil to slip into your oven!

8. Fried Rice

Make noche buena even more special with fried rice! This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be cooked alongside almost any protein or vegetable. Though some people prefer to use Christmas leftovers to make it, it's also a fun dish to add to a full spread table this Christmas eve!

9. Chocolate Bonbons

How many ingredients does it take to make chocolate bonbons? This recipe gets straight to the point with only three ingredients: biscuits, chocolate, and bananas. They make a pretty addition to any dining table and are a joy to munch on with friends and family. 

Read more: Filipino Christmas Jargons For Expats: 5 Pinoy Words You Need to Know

10. Mango Float

Mango float desserts are a no-fail at any gathering. Prepare one for your celebration using these easy-to-access ingredients, no baking required! Even though it's a bit of a lazy recipe, the results always speak for themselves when it's the first dessert that's finished at a party. 

11. No Bake Crema de Fruta

This classic Filipino dessert earns its rightful spot on your dinner table. This recipe is almost like a hybrid of two different Filipino dessert favourites (mango float and crema de fruta) but is all-around delicious. Creamy, fruity, and full of sweetness, it's definitely one for the (Christmas) books! 

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