24+ Easy Christmas Recipes from New Zealand to Delight Your Holiday Gatherings!
Christmas in New Zealand is a delightful celebration filled with sunshine, vibrant flavors, and festive cheer. The local cuisine offers a unique twist that will make your holiday gatherings unforgettable. Get ready to explore some easy and mouth-watering recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 2 h 20 min Total Time: 2 h 20 min.
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Light and airy, the Kiwi Pavlova is a classic dessert that brings a taste of New Zealand to your table. With its crispy outer meringue shell and soft, marshmallow-like center, it’s topped with fresh kiwifruit and a dollop of whipped cream.
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 cups whipped cream
3-4 ripe kiwifruits, sliced
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
This dessert is particularly popular during the holiday season because it’s both beautiful and delicious. The combination of the sweet meringue and the tart kiwifruit creates a perfect balance that everyone loves. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 5 min Total Time: 1 h 5 min.
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Christmas Mince Pies are a festive staple, bursting with rich, spiced flavors and a buttery crust. Each bite is filled with a delicious mixture of dried fruits, spices, and a hint of brandy, making them irresistible!
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
1/2 cup apples, finely chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg)
1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
1 pack of shortcrust pastry
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Mince pies are often associated with Christmas traditions, making them a must-have during the holiday season. The delightful aroma of spices baking in the oven fills your home with warmth and cheer. These little pies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and they make a great addition to any festive spread!
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.
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These cookies are a delightful combination of creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts. They’re chewy, sweet, and absolutely satisfying, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are native to New Zealand, and combining them with white chocolate creates a cookie that’s both rich and indulgent. These cookies are not only perfect for munching but also make fantastic gifts when packaged in a festive box. They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.
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This vibrant salad brings a fresh twist to your holiday table with its earthy roasted beetroot and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with leafy greens and a zesty dressing, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
2 medium beetroot, roasted and sliced
100g feta cheese, crumbled
Mixed salad greens (rocket, spinach, or lettuce)
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
This salad is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for your festive meals. The combination of sweet beetroot and tangy feta is simply divine, and the toasted walnuts add a lovely crunch. It’s a refreshing choice that balances out the richer dishes on your holiday table!
Comfort food at its finest, this Cheesy Kumara Bake is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Made with layers of sweet kumara (sweet potato), it’s baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
2 large kumara, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 cup cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
This dish is a twist on the classic potato bake and is a favorite among Kiwis during festive gatherings. The sweetness of the kumara pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese, creating a dish that everyone will love. It’s a great side that complements any holiday meal!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: rosemary grilled lamb chops with mint apple sauce.
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Nothing says New Zealand like succulent grilled lamb chops, and this recipe is a delightful way to showcase them. Marinated in a simple mix of garlic and herbs, they’re grilled to juicy perfection and served with a refreshing mint sauce.
8 lamb chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
This dish is a showstopper that’s perfect for festive gatherings, capturing the essence of New Zealand’s love for quality lamb. The mint sauce adds a refreshing kick, elevating the flavors even more. Whether grilled on the barbecue or cooked in the oven, these chops are sure to impress your guests!
Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this fruit salad is a refreshing addition to any holiday feast. Tossed with a tangy passionfruit dressing, the kiwifruit adds a unique twist that’s both sweet and tart.
2 ripe kiwifruits, peeled and sliced
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 banana, sliced
2 passionfruits, pulp scooped out
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
This vibrant salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option that’s naturally sweet. The freshness of the fruits combined with the tangy passionfruit dressing makes it a delightful way to end your holiday meal. It’s a light and refreshing treat that everyone will appreciate!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pineapple juice, brown sugar, dijon mustard, maraschino cherries, fully cooked Total Time: 2 hr 30 min.
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There’s nothing like a beautifully glazed Christmas ham to bring everyone together. This recipe features a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making the ham juicy and flavorful.
1 fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pineapple rings for decoration (optional)
This ham is a centerpiece that will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to get a slice. The combination of the sweet glaze and savory ham creates an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for holiday feasting. It’s a tradition that brings joy and deliciousness to every Christmas celebration!
