No-Oven

Christmas Dishes

That’ll Make The Celebrations Easier

Caprese Christmas Tree 

Given the nature of the classic Italian Caprese salad, it can be easily arranged into a nice Christmas tree shape. Do it on a large plate or serving platter, a dark one preferably, to show off the salad. This appetiser features alternating layers of fresh mozzarella slices, ripe tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves, all arranged in rows that form a triangular tree shape. Generously splash good-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze over the ‘tree’. Then sprinkle dried oregano and flaky sea salt all over it.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts might sound like something that is exclusive to an oven, but it can be a delicious main course that cooks entirely on the stovetop. You need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied to make space for the fillings. The fillings, to fit the classic holiday feel, include spinach, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes with three cheeses. This cooks in a skillet, pan-seared with butter until both sides develop a golden-brown crust.

Cauliflower Gratin

While gratin dishes are traditionally baked, a stovetop cauliflower gratin brings all the creamy, cheesy comfort without the oven. The cauliflower florets are cooked in a skillet until they're just tender, then smothered in a rich cheese sauce (béchamel) that's made right in the same pan. To create the signature crispy top without baking, many stovetop gratin recipes call for toasting breadcrumbs separately in a dry pan until golden, then mixing them with melted butter, garlic, and additional parmesan before sprinkling over the finished dish.

Air Fryer Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

The meatballs can be made from ground turkey, pork, or beef, mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Many holiday recipes incorporate brown sugar and spices directly into the meat mixture, creating a subtle sweetness that complements the cranberry sauce well. Once they are airfried for 12-15 minutes at 190°C, they go into a saucepan with a cranberry sauce made with whole cranberries, cranberry juice mixed with brown sugar, ketchup or chilli sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.

Crispy Sliced Roasted Potatoes

The technique involves cutting potatoes into uniform pieces, typically cubes or thick slices. The key is starting them in a cold skillet with oil. For the crispiest roasted potatoes, parboil the potatoes until they're just tender on the outside but still firm in the centre, then drain them and shake them vigorously in the covered pot. Let them sit undisturbed for several minutes to develop a proper crust before flipping. Season generously with salt and pepper, and consider adding aromatics like rosemary, thyme, or garlic during the final minutes of cooking.

Air-Fried Crispy Cheese Balls

Who does not like cheeseballs, and ones that go into the air fryer turn out healthier than the deep-fried ones? They make spectacular appetisers which are made with goat cheese logs cut into portions and rolled into balls, though variations exist using mixtures of mozzarella and cheddar or even mac and cheese formed into orbs. The key to preventing a melted cheese disaster is the freezing step – after rolling the cheese balls, they must be frozen solid before coating. Use panko crust mixed with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or parmesan and air fry.

Christmas Spread Made Easy

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of a cooler kitchen and a more flexible cooking schedule. Who says Christmas cooking has to revolve around the oven? With these no-oven dishes and a little creativity and smart use of your stovetop, air fryer, and refrigerator, you can create a holiday feast that's every bit as impressive and delicious as a traditional menu.