The lazy guide to Christmas lunch: 15-minute recipe ideas

You don't have to spend hours slaving over a hot stove to make a delicious Christmas lunch. These recipes are quick and easy to make. 

ALSO READ: Presenters share must-try recipes for Christmas

Main dish

Many people will spend close to two hours prepping and cooking roast chicken this festive season. Turkey lovers will spend three hours plus keeping an eye on their big birds.  But if you are looking for a fuss-free Christmas lunch then these 10-15 minute meal ideas are just for you. 

You can serve a pasta salad like 'Chicken Mozzarella Pasta' or a hearty 'Chicken Pasta'. Not only will these pasta dishes leave your guests feeling full like a main but they also require very little effort. There are also plenty of cold Christmas lunch recipes that don't take hours to make. 

Check out Gordon Ramsay's YouTube video for some 10-minute recipe ideas including corn fritters, beef tacos with wasabi mayo and lamb with fried bread. 

ALSO READ: Cooking with Kris and Kylie Jenner: Pasta Primavera

Side dishes

You can take your Christmas lunch from basic to fancy with some great sides. Side dishes are often easier to make and they can also outshine the main meal.  Roast potatoes and honey-glazed carrots are Christmas lunch favourites and super easy to make. But you are probably tired of making them every holiday. 

Non-traditional sides like smoky creamed corn or air fryer okra are great additions to your Christmas lunch 2022 menu. 

ALSO READ: The internet is going crazy over Olivia Wilde’s “special” salad dressing

Dessert

No-bake desserts will save you a lot of time in the kitchen. Some favourites include no-bake cheesecake and Peppermint Crisp Tart.

You can also give these a try this festive season:

- 3-Ingredient Caramilk cheesecake truffles
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- No-Bake Caramel Shortbread Pie

ALSO READ: Yummy! Quick and easy holiday cookie recipes

Precooked meals

But the ultimate lazy guide to Christmas lunch has to be precooked meals. Thankfully, many grocery stores have Christmas-themed ready-to-eat mains, sides, and desserts. Woolworths' festive season dessert range includes Christmas Cracking Chuckles Trifle and Our Best Ever Christmas Malva Crown Pudding. Checkers has Forage And Feast Limited Edition Festive Gammon and a Frozen Ebony & Ivory Cake.

Pick n Pay's Honey Burst Mince Pies and Spar's Festive Mince Pies are a must! 

ALSO READ: Three fun places to take your children to in Durban during the holidays

ALSO READ: Meals to serve on the Christmas table

Main image credit: iStock/vladans