Five Ingredient Holiday Recipes

We're all so busy this time of year. One of the best ways to save time yet still serve delicious foods is to limit the ingredient list to five or less. But these recipes aren't your run of the mill recipes; they use special and more expensive ingredients to fit the season.

All of these recipes use five ingredients or less, not counting water, oil, flour, salt, pepper, or seasonings. And all are just a bit special, using gourmet ingredients, ingredients that are seasonal and trendy, and special ingredients for celebrating.

Five Ingredient Appetizer Recipes

• Devils on Horseback
  The combination of dates and bacon with cheese in these little bites is superb. 'Angels on Horseback' use water chestnuts instead of dates.
• Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
  Make this appetizer ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
• Mini Polenta Sandwiches
  Crisp little rounds of polenta are the 'bread' around tomatoes, cheese, and basil. Yum.
• Cheese Puffs
  These little cheesy puffs are crisp and they melt in your mouth!
• Pesto Torte
  This gorgeous torte has the colors of Christmas!
• Crockpot Crab Spread
  Creamy, cheesy, melty crab filled spread is perfect for the holidays.
• Baked Brie with Peaches
  Use frozen peaches in this simple recipe since fresh peaches are out of season.
• Pear Blue Cheese Crostini
  I love the combination of sweet pear with nutty, flavorful blue cheese. Yum.
• Smoked Salmon Pizza
  Smoked salmon is an elegant ingredient that elevates this pizza to another realm.
• Parmesan Breadsticks
  Make a lot of these little crisp breadsticks because they'll go fast!
• Mini Cranberry Filo Shells
  You can omit the turkey in these little shells for a simpler appetizer.
• Orange Mint Slush
  This cold sparkling punch is perfect to accompany any of these appetizers.

Five Ingredient Entree Recipes

• Microwave Shrimp Scampi
  The microwave oven is the perfect way to cook shrimp to tender perfection.
• Pineapple Lamb Chops
  Lamb chops are sweet, succulent, and tender in this simple recipe.
• Italian Turkey Tenderloins
  Turkey tenderloins are one of my favorite cuts of meat; they're so tender and full of flavor.
• Mock Cheese Souffle
  This souffle will wait for guests!
• Crockpot Honey Mustard Pork Roast
  Pork and mustard are natural partners; this easy recipe is perfect for entertaining.
• Crockpot Salmon Filets with Caramelized Onions
  I love this recipe; it's easy, delicious, and beautiful too.
• Cranberry Grilled Chicken
  Tangy cranberry sauce adds the perfect touch to moist chicken.
• Red and White Tortellini
  Make this super easy casserole ahead of time; garnish with rosemary sprigs.
• Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Stuffing
  This recipe can be a Christmas dinner for a smaller family!
• Fettuccine Alfredo
  This rich classic dish must be served the second it's finished for best flavor and texture.
• Pesto Stuffed Steaks
  Grill outside for Christmas dinner! This elegant recipe is delicious and easy.

Five Ingredient Side Dishes and Salads

• Crockpot Garlic Smashed Potatoes
  Lots of garlic makes these tender potatoes fabulous.
• Updated Green Bean Casserole
  A new take on the traditional green bean casserole uses just five ingredients!
• Crockpot Sour Cream Potatoes
  Cook the side dish in your crockpot to make your holiday dinner easier.
• Wild Rice Pilaf
  Pilafs are the perfect side dish for a company dinner, yet this one is so easy!
• Apple Stuffing
  Technically, this should be a dressing since it's not cooked inside a bird - but it still tastes great!
• Vegetable Stir Fry
  A simple stir fry can be a nice accompaniment to any grilled or broiled meat.
• Cranberry Relish
  Relishes are easy to make! And this one is so delicious.
• Artichoke Salad
  This three ingredient recipe is very special; make sure your ingredients are top notch.
• Smoked Gouda Peach Salad
  Nectarines, mangoes, or even clementines can be substituted for the peaches in this recipe.
• Antipasto Salad
  Serve this wonderfully flavored salad alongside a spiral cut ham.
• Pasta Crab Salad
  You can serve this salad as a first course at a formal dinner.

Five Ingredient Cookies and Desserts

• White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
  Enjoy making these easy and colorful recipes with your kids.
• Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies
  One of my favorites!
• Mexican Tea Cakes
  These simple cookies are a must every Christmas.
• Rocky Road Fudge Bars
  Have your kids make this simple bar cookie.
• Candy Bars
  Substitute M&Ms for the chocolate chips in this recipe.
• Caramel Cashew Bars
  Chewy, gooey, crunchy, and sweet!
• Chocolate Almond Pastries
  These little pastries are beautiful and super easy.
• Anise Biscotti
  Dip these biscotti in melted chocolate after they're baked and cooled.
• Ice Cream Pumpkin Tart
  Make this beautiful dessert ahead of time.
• Coffee Almond Tart
  This beautiful dessert is beautiful garnished with chocolate coffee beans.
• Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake
  This cake is fun to make and tastes like a truffle!
• Brownie Pie
  Garnish this decadent pie with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
• Celebration Cake
  Have fun decorating this cake with frostings and candies.