Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious treats, but that doesn't mean we have to completely throw our healthy eating habits out the window. Instead of loading up on sugar-laden cookies and cakes, why not try making some healthy Christmas balls? These bite-sized snacks are not only festive and fun, but they are also packed with nutritious ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the holiday season. Here's a simple and tasty healthy Christmas balls recipe to try out this year.
Roasted Cauliflower with Red Bell Pepper, Green...
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Bell Pepper, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground
A twist on the classic beer can chicken, this recipe features roasted cauliflower infused with the flavors of red bell pepper, green onion, and garlic. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped red bell pepper, green onion, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Pour this mixture over the cauliflower and toss to coat. Spread the cauliflower out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive and healthy Christmas Grinch Juice. Made with a blend of green fruits and vegetables, this juice is packed with nutrients and flavor. Spinach, cucumber, apple, and kiwi all contribute to the bright green color and refreshing taste of this juice.
To make this Grinch Juice, simply juice all the ingredients together and pour over ice. You can also add a splash of sparkling water for some extra fizz. This juice is a great way to sneak in some extra greens during the holiday season.
Looking for a healthy and colorful dish to add to your holiday spread? Look no further than this Christmas Salad. Arugula, pomegranate seeds, orange slices, and crumbled feta cheese come together to create a beautiful and delicious salad that is perfect for any Christmas gathering.
Toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl and drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in this salad is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season, but they are often loaded with unhealthy ingredients. This recipe offers a healthier alternative by using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and honey as substitutes for traditional sugar cookie ingredients. The result is a delicious and guilt-free treat that you can enjoy all season long.
Start by creaming together coconut oil and honey until light and fluffy. Add in the dry ingredients, including whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool before decorating with your favorite toppings.
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Healthy Vegan Christmas Salad
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, Red Onion, Green
Vegans can also enjoy a delicious and festive salad this Christmas with this recipe. Kale, quinoa, pomegranate seeds, and roasted sweet potato all come together to create a nutritious and colorful dish.
Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions. In a large bowl, mix together chopped kale, cooked quinoa, pomegranate seeds, and roasted sweet potato. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
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Healthy Christmas Brussel Sprouts
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chopped
Brussel sprouts are a classic holiday side dish, but they can often be overcooked and bland. This recipe adds a flavorful twist by roasting the Brussel sprouts with bacon, garlic, and parmesan cheese. The result is a delicious and indulgent dish that is still packed with nutrients.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss together halved Brussel sprouts, diced bacon, and minced garlic. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Healthy Christmas Rum Balls
Main Ingredients: Pitted Dates, Rum, Coconut Oil, Coconut Meal, Chia
Rum balls are a popular holiday treat, but they are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy ingredients. This recipe offers a healthier alternative by using dates, almonds, cocoa powder, and rum extract to create a delicious and guilt-free dessert.
In a food processor, blend together dates and almonds until a sticky dough forms. Add in cocoa powder, rum extract, and a pinch of salt and pulse until combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat with coconut flakes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
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Grinch Christmas Balls
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Candy Melts, Cream Cheese, Coconut Oil
These Grinch Christmas Balls are a fun and festive treat that will bring a smile to anyone's face. Made with green candy melts, pretzel sticks, and m&ms, these sweet and salty bites are the perfect addition to any holiday party.
To make these Grinch Christmas Balls, melt the green candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions. Dip pretzel sticks into the melted candy and let the excess drip off. Place the pretzel sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and top with a red m&m. Let the chocolate harden before serving.
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Healthy Christmas Pudding Balls
Main Ingredients: Pitted Dates, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Dried
If you're a fan of traditional Christmas pudding, you'll love this healthier version in the form of bite-sized balls. Made with dates, almonds, cranberries, and spices, these Christmas Pudding Balls are a festive and guilt-free treat.
In a food processor, blend together dates and almonds until a sticky dough forms. Add in cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and pulse until combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
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Sweet And Spicy Christmas Nuts
Main Ingredients: Cayenne Pepper, Ground Cumin, Cinnamon, Ginger, Salt
This recipe takes classic roasted nuts to the next level by adding a sweet and spicy twist. A combination of almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews are coated in a mixture of brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon before being baked to perfection.
Mix together brown sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites until frothy. Toss the nuts in the egg whites and then coat with the sugar and spice mixture. Spread the nuts out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Main Ingredients: Shredded Coconut, Egg Whites, Erythritol, Vanilla
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on holiday treats. These Healthy Keto Coconut Macaroons are a delicious and low-carb option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with coconut flakes, almond flour, egg whites, and stevia, these macaroons are a guilt-free indulgence.
In a bowl, mix together coconut flakes, almond flour, egg whites, and stevia until well combined. Use a cookie scoop to form the mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Christmas Salad with Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette
Main Ingredients: Salad Greens, Navel Oranges, Salted Pistachios
This Christmas Salad is a show-stopping dish that is perfect for a holiday dinner party. A combination of mixed greens, orange slices, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans come together to create a flavorful and colorful salad. The citrus-champagne vinaigrette adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together orange juice, champagne vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.
If you're looking for a boozy and indulgent treat, these Christmas Rum Balls are the perfect choice. Made with crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, cocoa powder, and rum, these bite-sized balls are a delicious and festive addition to any holiday spread.
In a large bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in rum until a dough forms. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat with powdered sugar. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
This addictive and easy-to-make Christmas Crack is sure to be a hit with your guests this holiday season. Made with just saltine crackers, brown sugar, butter, and chocolate chips, this sweet and salty treat is perfect for snacking on while watching your favorite Christmas movies.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a single layer of saltine crackers on the sheet. In a small saucepan, melt together brown sugar and butter until smooth. Pour this mixture over the crackers and spread it out evenly. Bake for 10 minutes and then sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Return to the oven for a few minutes until the chocolate is melted. Let cool before breaking into pieces.
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Christmas Cookies for Dogs
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, Natural Peanut Butter, Egg, Banana
Don't forget about your furry friends this Christmas with these delicious and healthy Christmas Cookies for Dogs. Made with oats, peanut butter, and bananas, these treats are sure to make your pup's tail wag with joy.
In a large bowl, mash together bananas and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in oats until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten the balls with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool before serving to your furry friend.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
This breakfast casserole is the perfect dish for Christmas morning. Layers of bread, ham, cheese, and eggs come together to create a hearty and delicious meal that can be made ahead of time. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy a stress-free breakfast with your family.
Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer bread, ham, and cheese in the dish. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the layers in the dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
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Sausage Cheese Balls - Rolling into Christmas
Main Ingredients: Pork Sausage Meat, Nutmeg, Sliced Green Onions, Sharp
These Sausage Cheese Balls are a classic holiday appetizer that is always a crowd-pleaser. Made with a combination of sausage, cheddar cheese, and bisquick, these bite-sized balls are perfect for snacking on while waiting for Christmas dinner to be served.
In a large bowl, mix together sausage, cheddar cheese, and bisquick until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Rum Balls
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Wafer Crumbs, Pecans, Confectioner S Sugar
This classic recipe for Rum Balls is a must-have for any holiday party. Made with vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, cocoa powder, and rum, these indulgent treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
In a large bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in rum until a dough forms. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat with powdered sugar. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
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10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
No holiday meal is complete without a variety of side dishes. This list of 10 Holiday Side Dishes includes a range of options, from traditional favorites like roasted carrots and mashed potatoes, to more unique dishes like cranberry and goat cheese crostini and roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. These side dishes are sure to impress your guests and add some variety to your holiday spread.
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Christmas Pine cone Cranberry Cheese Balls
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Soft Goat Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Rosemary
The Benefits of Healthy Christmas Balls
1. Nutritious Ingredients
The best thing about healthy Christmas balls is that they are made with nutritious ingredients that offer a range of health benefits. The base of these balls is usually made from nuts or seeds, which are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Adding in ingredients like dried fruits, oats, and coconut flakes also adds a boost of fiber and antioxidants.
2. Easy to Make
Not only are healthy Christmas balls a healthier alternative to traditional holiday treats, but they are also incredibly easy to make. No baking is required, which means you can save time and avoid the stress of trying to perfect a complicated recipe. All you need is a food processor and some simple ingredients, and you can have a batch of these delicious snacks ready in no time.
3. Versatile Flavors
Another great thing about healthy Christmas balls is that they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add in your favorite spices like cinnamon or ginger for a festive flavor, or mix in some chocolate chips for a touch of decadence. You can even experiment with different types of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create unique flavor combinations.
How to Make Healthy Christmas Balls
Now that you know the benefits of these tasty treats, let's get to the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
1 cup of nuts or seeds (almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, etc.)
1 cup of dried fruits (dates, cranberries, raisins, etc.)
1 cup of oats
1/4 cup of coconut flakes
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, chia seeds, protein powder
Instructions:
In a food processor, blend the nuts or seeds until they are finely ground.
Add in the dried fruits, oats, coconut flakes, and cinnamon. Blend until well combined.
Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup and blend until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency.
If desired, mix in any additional add-ins.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
In Conclusion
Don't let the holiday season derail your healthy eating habits. With this healthy Christmas balls recipe, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious treats that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Get creative with different flavors and ingredients, and have fun making these festive snacks for yourself and your loved ones. Happy holidays!
