Last Minute Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas When You're Too Busy Wrapping Gifts

If you're short on time and looking for last minute Christmas Eve dinner ideas, consider one of these 6 options.

1. Spaghetti with meatballs

2. Grilled cheese with tomato soup

3. Quesadillas

4. Sliders

5. Pizza bagels

6. Mac and cheese

If you're short on time and looking for last minute Christmas Eve dinner ideas, consider one of these 6 options.

If you're struggling to come up with a Christmas Eve dinner idea at the last minute, don't worry - we've got you covered.

Here are 6 delicious options that will surely please your guests.

1. Spaghetti with meatballs

When it comes to last minute Christmas Eve dinner ideas, there's nothing more classic than spaghetti and meatballs. This dish is hearty and filling, and can easily be made ahead of time. Simply cook the spaghetti and meatballs, then reheat before serving. For an extra special touch, top with a dollop of freshly made pesto.

2. Grilled cheese with tomato soup

Nothing quite says "home" like the classic grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of piping hot tomato soup. This comfort food meal is the perfect way to end a busy day of Christmas Eve gift wrapping. Plus, it's a cinch to make!

For the grilled cheese, all you need is some bread and cheese. Slice the cheese into thin pieces, and then layer it on top of the bread. If you want to get fancy, you can add a slice of ham or some other type of meat. But the plain cheese grilled cheese is just as delicious.

For the tomato soup, you can either make it from scratch or use a can of pre-made soup. If you're making it from scratch, start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add in the canned tomatoes and some broth. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for awhile, and then ladle it into bowls.

Enjoy your grilled cheese and tomato soup while cozying up by the Christmas tree. It's the perfect way to end a busy day and prepare for the big day ahead.

3. Quesadillas

Christmas Eve is a hectic night for most people. Between wrapping last minute gifts and getting the house ready for Santa, there is hardly any time for cooking. That's why quesadillas make the perfect last minute Christmas Eve dinner. They are quick and easy to make, and you can customize them to fit your family's tastes.

For a traditional quesadilla, you will need:

-Tortillas

-Shredded cheese

-Salsa

-Refried beans

To make the quesadillas, simply place a tortilla in a frying pan over medium heat. Add a layer of shredded cheese, followed by a layer of salsa and refried beans. Top with another tortilla and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

For a festive twist, try adding some diced ham or crumbled bacon to the quesadillas.

You can also swap out the traditional salsa for a holiday salsa made with cranberries and jalapeños.

Whatever you do, quesadillas are sure to be a hit with the whole family on Christmas Eve.

4. Sliders

When it comes to last minute Christmas Eve dinner ideas, sliders are the way to go. They're easy to make, and you can easily customize them to your liking. Plus, they're perfect for feeding a crowd.

One of the great things about sliders is that they're relatively small, which means they cook quickly. This is especially helpful when you're short on time and need to get dinner on the table quickly. And, since they're small, they're also easy to eat. No need for a knife and fork - just pick them up and take a bite.

When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit.

You can go the traditional route with ketchup and mustard, or get creative and toppings like grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, or even bacon. If you're looking for something a little more unique, try a savory slider with a cream cheese and herb spread.

No matter what toppings you choose, sliders are a guaranteed hit on Christmas Eve. So if you're looking for a quick and easy meal that everyone will love, look no further than the humble slider.

5. Pizza bagels

If you're anything like me, you're scrambling to get all your gifts wrapped up before Christmas Eve. And while you might not have time to make a big, fancy dinner, that doesn't mean you have to resort to eating out or getting take-out. These pizza bagels are the perfect solution for a last-minute, yet tasty, Christmas Eve dinner.

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, grab a package of bagels and slice them in half. Next, Spread on some tomato sauce, and then top with your favorite toppings.

I like to keep it simple with just cheese and pepperoni, but feel free to get creative. Once your bagels are all topped, pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Voila! Now you have a delicious and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. So go ahead and finish wrapping those gifts, and don't worry about dinner. These pizza bagels will save the day.

6. Mac and cheese

This dish is so easy to make and can be thrown together with items you likely already have in your pantry.

Plus, everyone loves mac and cheese! If you need to feed a larger group, simply double or triple the recipe.

Ingredients:

-1 package (16 oz) of elbow macaroni

-2 tablespoons of salted butter

-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon of dry mustard

-1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

-1/4 teaspoon of onion powder

-1/4 teaspoon of paprika

-1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

-2 cups of whole milk

-8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese

-Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Cook macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Pour in milk and continue to stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.

7. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve immediately.

Some last minute dinner ideas for those who find themselves too busy wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve include ordering pizza or Chinese take-out, having a potluck dinner with friends or family, or making a simple dinner of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

No matter what you end up doing, spending time with those you love is what truly matters on this special day.