You can wow your guests with delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen. From elegant appetizers to show-stopping desserts, these recipes will surely be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

1. Breaded Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

They are great little bites for entertaining. They contain the creamy richness of Brie and the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, and all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry.

To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and roll out your sheet of thawed puff pastry on a floured board. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares with a knife or pizza cutter. Cut the Brie into small pieces and place a piece in the middle of each square. The first step says, Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on the cheese. Fold the corners of the pastry inward a bit to create a pouch. When baking, use a beaten egg to brush the exposed edges so it browns nicely. Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Sprinkle with rosemary sprigs for a festive touch; serve warm.

2. Holiday Glazed Salmon

This simple but elegant recipe combines honey's sweetness, soy sauce's saltiness, and Dijon mustard's slight acidity to make a delightful glaze, perfect for glazing tender salmon.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, two tablespoons soy sauce, one tablespoon Dijon mustard, and one teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Arrange salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin side down (if skin-on). Brush the glaze liberally over the top of each fillet, saving a little for later. Roast the salmon for 12-15 minutes until firmer to the touch (depending on thickness), basting with the rest of the glaze halfway through the cooking time. When complete, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added splash of color and flavor. Serve with roasted vegetables or steamed rice to make it a full meal.

3. Holiday Pomegranate and Feta Salad

This colorful salad adds freshness to your holiday table. Sweet pomegranate seeds balance salty feta and crunchy pecans.

First, gather your ingredients: mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. In a big salad bowl, toss 6 cups mixed greens with 1 cup pomegranate seeds and 1/2 cup crumbled feta. Then add 1/4 cup toasted pecans for a nutty crunch. Just before plating the salad, drizzle a balsamic glaze over it all to bring all the flavors together. For a rise in presentation, do a shallow platter and layer the ingredients to show off their lovely colors.

4. Herbed Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a holiday classic, and this recipe takes the beloved side to the next level with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs for a delicious twist.

2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into evenly sized chunks (Yukon Gold and Russet are best). Boil them in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. As the potatoes cook, combine 1/2 cup of heavy cream and three minced garlic cloves in a small saucepan and gently heat over low to infuse the cream with garlic flavor. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until smooth, and gradually mix in the garlic-infused cream. Add two tablespoons of fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme, torn or finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with melted butter.

5. Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

Finish your holiday meal with a bang with this decadent, no-bake dessert that marries velvety chocolate with bright peppermint.

Melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each zapping, until smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool a little so as to not curdle the cream. In another bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and fold cooled chocolate into the whipped cream until combined. 10 As an option, you serve in individual serving glasses, which you place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until they have set. Crushed candy canes are for decoration and to serve (optional). Add crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and a hint of peppermint flavor before serving.

These festive recipes combine ease and elegance, ensuring your holiday meals are memorable and stress-free. From creamy puff pastry appetizers to decadent mousse, these dishes will delight your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Happy holidays and bon appétit!