Christmas gatherings bring family, friends, and full kitchens together. Planning a holiday menu can feel overwhelming when multiple dishes, desserts, and appetizers all compete for oven space. A step by step holiday cooking guide paired with the right kitchen appliances helps simplify the process and keeps everything running smoothly.
This Christmas cooking guide highlights festive dishes designed for entertaining, using Select Brands appliances that handle everything from slow cooked mains to crowd pleasing desserts. These recipes focus on comfort, efficiency, and presentation so you can spend less time managing the kitchen and more time enjoying the season.
Start with Make Ahead Holiday Mains Using Slow Cookers
Slow cookers are essential for Christmas entertaining. They keep food warm, free up oven space, and allow flavors to develop throughout the day.
Holiday Meatball Trio Using the Triple Slow Cooker
The TRU Triple Slow Cooker is ideal for serving multiple appetizers at once. Each crock can hold a different flavor, making it perfect for variety without extra effort.
Ingredients for Each Crock
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2 pounds frozen homestyle meatballs
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Crock 1: 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
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Crock 2: 1 ½ cups cranberry sauce and ¼ cup orange juice
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Crock 3: 1 ½ cups sweet chili sauce
Instructions
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Add frozen meatballs evenly to each crock.
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Pour the corresponding sauce over the meatballs.
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Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
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Switch to warm before serving to keep meatballs ready throughout the gathering.
This setup keeps appetizers organized and visually appealing for guests.
Classic Christmas Pot Roast Using the Toastmaster Slow Cooker
The Toastmaster Slow Cooker is a reliable option for hearty holiday mains that cook while you prepare sides and desserts.
Ingredients
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3 pound chuck roast
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cups baby potatoes
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3 cups baby carrots
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1 onion sliced
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2 cups beef broth
Instructions
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Season the roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the roast for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
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Place vegetables in the slow cooker and top with the roast.
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Pour beef broth over everything.
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Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until tender.
This dish delivers classic holiday comfort with minimal hands on time.
Prepare Crispy Holiday Sides with the TRU 8 Quart Air Fryer
The TRU Air Fryer lineup offers multiple sizes to fit any gathering. Smaller sizes work well for side dishes, while the TRU 8 Quart Air Fryer handles larger portions for family style meals.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings.
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
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Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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Sprinkle Parmesan over the sprouts and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
The air fryer delivers crisp texture without taking up oven space during peak cooking time.
Mix and Prep with Compact Kitchen Tools
Holiday baking and prep work move faster with the right countertop tools.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Using the TRU Hand Mixer
Ingredients
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3 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cubed
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½ cup warm milk
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Boil potatoes for 15 to 18 minutes until fork tender.
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Drain and return to the pot.
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Add butter and milk.
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Use the TRU Hand Mixer on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
This hand mixer provides control and consistency for classic holiday sides.
Fresh Cranberry Relish Using the Toastmaster 1 Cup Mini Chopper
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh cranberries
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1 orange peeled and segmented
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¼ cup sugar
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to the mini chopper.
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Pulse for 20 to 30 seconds until finely chopped.
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Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
This bright side dish balances richer holiday flavors.
Finish with Festive Desserts Using the Babycakes 3 in 1 Maker
Desserts complete the Christmas table, and the Babycakes 3 in 1 Treat Maker offers versatility for multiple treats using one appliance.
Holiday Cake Pops
Ingredients
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1 cup prepared cake batter
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½ cup frosting
Instructions
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Preheat the cake pop plates.
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Fill each cavity with 1 tablespoon batter.
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Bake for 4 to 5 minutes until set.
- Cool, then frost with vanilla frosting and top with festive decorations.
Christmas Cupcakes
Ingredients
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1 cup cupcake batter
Instructions
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Preheat cupcake plates.
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Fill each cavity ¾ full.
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Bake for 6 to 7 minutes.
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Cool and decorate with holiday frosting.
Mini Holiday Donuts
Ingredients
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1 cup donut batter
Instructions
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Preheat donut plates.
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Add batter to each cavity.
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Bake for 3 to 4 minutes.
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Toss warm donuts in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
These desserts allow variety without cluttering the kitchen.
Christmas Entertaining Made Easier with Select Brands
A successful Christmas gathering depends on timing, organization, and reliable kitchen appliances. Using slow cookers, air fryers, and compact prep tools creates a streamlined cooking experience that supports both small gatherings and larger celebrations.
Shop holiday ready kitchen appliances and gifts at selectbrands.com to prepare your Christmas menu with confidence.
FAQs
How early can I start holiday cooking with slow cookers?
Slow cooker dishes can begin 6 to 8 hours before guests arrive. Most recipes hold well on the warm setting for serving.
What size air fryer is best for holiday meals?
Larger gatherings benefit from the TRU 8 Quart Air Fryer, while smaller sizes work well for side dishes or desserts.
Can the Babycakes 3 in 1 Maker handle multiple desserts in one day?
Yes, interchangeable plates allow you to switch between cake pops, cupcakes, and donuts with minimal cleanup.
Are these appliances good gift ideas for Christmas?
Select Brands kitchen appliances are practical gifts that support everyday cooking and special occasions alike.
