The holiday season calls for memorable meals, and these five recipes will elevate your celebrations without adding stress. From starters to desserts, each dish is designed to impress your guests with minimal effort.

1. Breaded Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

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

To do this, start by preheating your oven at 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 sort of pouch. Use beaten egg to brush the exposed edges so it browns nicely when baking. 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 the sweetness of honey, the saltiness of soy sauce and the slight acidity of Dijon mustard 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, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Arrange salmon fillets, skin side down (if skin-on) on a parchment lined baking sheet. 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 cook 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 complete meal.

3. Holiday Pomegranate and Feta Salad

This colorful salad adds a big bite of freshness to your holiday table, with sweet pomegranate seeds that balance out 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 of 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, in a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 3 minced garlic cloves 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, gradually then mixing in the garlic-infused cream. Add 2 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 a drizzle of melted butter.

5. Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

Finish your holiday meal with a bang with this rich, 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 not to 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 in cooled chocolate into the whipped cream until just 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 for decoration, 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 that your holiday meals are both 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!