Brilliant Savoury Christmas Baking Ideas Beyond The Sweets

Q: What can I bake for Christmas that isn't sweet?

You can bake a variety of savoury items like flaky sausage rolls, cheesy herb scones, mini quiches, savoury tarts, and pull-apart breads. These items provide a welcome balance to sweet holiday treats and are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or brunch.

Q: Can I make savoury Christmas appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, many savoury baked goods are ideal for making ahead. Doughs can be refrigerated, and items like unbaked sausage rolls or scones can be frozen for weeks and baked directly from frozen.

Q: What is the easiest savoury pastry to make for a beginner?

For beginners, using store-bought puff pastry is the easiest option for making impressive appetizers like pinwheels, cheese straws, and tarts. If making dough from scratch, a simple savoury scone dough is very forgiving.

Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom on my savoury pie or tart?

To prevent a soggy bottom, blind bake the pastry shell for 10-15 minutes before adding wet fillings. You can also add a thin layer of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan to the bottom of the crust to absorb excess moisture.

Struggling to find room for another sweet treat on the holiday table? You’ve baked the cookies, the fudge is setting, but you crave something different.

Savoury Christmas baking is the art of creating festive, non-sweet baked goods like cheesy tarts, herby scones, and flaky sausage rolls. It’s the perfect, delicious solution for balancing those sugar-heavy menus common during the holidays.

Savoury Christmas Baking: It involves creating festive, non-sweet baked goods like cheesy tarts, herby scones, and flaky sausage rolls that provide a welcome balance to sweet holiday treats. This guide will show you how to create impressive savoury dishes that will be the first to disappear at any party.

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Tired of the Holiday Sugar Rush? Here’s Your Savoury Solution

Every year, it’s the same delightful dilemma: tables laden with cookies, cakes, and candy. While wonderful, this sugar overload can lead to palate fatigue. That’s where the magic of savoury Christmas baking comes in, offering a sophisticated and satisfying alternative that cuts through the sweetness and brings balance to your festive menu. These recipes are perfect for Christmas appetizers, holiday party food, or even a unique addition to Christmas dinner. After years of hosting holiday parties, I’ve learned the secret to a memorable menu is balance. These are my tried-and-tested savoury recipes that disappear first, every time.

This curated collection of brilliant, impressive but easy savoury baking ideas is perfect for any festive gathering. From cheesy tarts with flaky crusts to aromatic scones, you’ll find foolproof options that are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. Get ready to discover your new holiday tradition.

9 Brilliant Savoury Christmas Baking Ideas for a Festive Feast

Ready to add some unforgettable flavour to your celebration? This collection is curated to include a variety of techniques and flavours, from simple shortbread to classic puff pastry, ensuring there’s a perfect bake for every skill level and occasion. These 9 foolproof savoury Christmas bakes are designed to be delicious, easy to make, and beautiful additions to your holiday spread. Each idea includes simple steps and make-ahead tips to ensure perfect results for your Christmas party food.

Rosemary Parmesan Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry & Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Classic Flaky Sausage Rolls
Spinach and Feta Christmas Pinwheels
Sharp Cheddar and Chive Scones
Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tart
Festive Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Tree Bread
Spicy Cheddar Cheese Straws
Mini Quiches with Bacon & Gruyère

1. Rosemary Parmesan Savoury Shortbread

Pin these addictive savoury cookies for your holiday cheese board!

Buttery, crumbly, and packed with salty Parmesan cheese and aromatic rosemary, this savoury shortbread recipe is a game-changer. These elegant cookies are incredibly easy to make ahead and are the perfect addition to a festive charcuterie board. Their long shelf life also makes them a wonderful edible gift for friends and family.

Ingredients Needed:

1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, from a high-quality block
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions:

In a food processor, pulse the flour, Parmesan, rosemary, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Press the crumbly dough together into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (rectangles or rounds work well).
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for another 15 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on the sheet.

Pro-Tip: Do not overwork the dough! The key to a perfectly crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread is to handle it as little as possible once the butter is incorporated.

2. Cranberry & Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Save this quick and elegant appetizer idea for your next party!

When you need an incredibly easy Christmas canape that looks and tastes impressive, these 3-ingredient wonders are the answer. The combination of store-bought all-butter puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce is a holiday classic. This quick appetizer comes together in minutes and is guaranteed to be a hit.

Materials Needed:

1 sheet of all-butter frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 wheel (8 oz) of brie, rind on, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Optional: chopped pecans for topping

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 equal squares.
Gently press each pastry square into a cup of the mini muffin tin.
Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup.
Top each bite with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans, if using.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Lesson Learned: Chilling the brie before cubing makes it much easier to cut cleanly. If it gets soft, it can become messy.

3. Classic Flaky Sausage Rolls

Pin this foolproof recipe for the best homemade sausage rolls!

A classic for a reason, homemade sausage rolls are the ultimate savoury Christmas party food. This recipe uses seasoned pork sausage meat wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. They are a true crowd-pleaser and are surprisingly easy to make from scratch—and so much better than store-bought.

Materials Needed:

1 lb (450g) high-quality pork sausage meat, casings removed
1 small onion, very finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
1 sheet (approx. 10×15 inches) of all-butter puff pastry
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sesame or poppy seeds for topping

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the sausage meat, finely chopped onion, and sage until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Unroll the puff pastry and cut it in half lengthwise to create two long rectangles.
Divide the sausage mixture in half and form each half into a long log down the center of each pastry rectangle.
Brush one long edge of the pastry with the beaten egg wash. Fold the other edge over the meat to enclose it, pressing down to seal.
Cut each long roll into 6-8 smaller rolls. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with more egg wash, sprinkle with seeds, and cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each roll.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed, deep golden brown, and cooked through.

Pro-Tip: You can assemble the sausage rolls completely, then freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

4. Spinach and Feta Christmas Pinwheels

Save this easy vegetarian appetizer idea for the holidays!

These spinach and feta pinwheels are a fantastic vegetarian Christmas appetizer that everyone will love. The classic combination of salty feta cheese, savory spinach, and a hint of garlic is rolled into versatile puff pastry to create a beautiful swirl. They are an easy party snack that can be prepared ahead and baked just before guests arrive.

Materials Needed:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed completely dry
6 oz block of feta cheese, crumbled
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of nutmeg
1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the thoroughly squeezed spinach, feta, cream cheese, minced garlic, and nutmeg. Mix well.
Unroll the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border on one long edge.
Brush the clean border with the beaten egg.
Tightly roll the pastry up into a log, starting from the long edge opposite the egg-washed border.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Unwrap and slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and puffed.

Pro-Tip: The most critical step is squeezing every last drop of water from the thawed spinach. Use a potato ricer, a clean kitchen towel, or your hands. Any excess water will make the pastry soggy.

5. Sharp Cheddar and Chive Scones

Pin this recipe for the most tender, cheesy scones imaginable!

This foolproof scone recipe yields incredibly tender, flaky results every time. Packed with extra-sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives, these savoury scones are perfect for a Christmas brunch, served alongside a hearty soup, or simply enjoyed warm with a pat of butter. The buttermilk ensures a soft crumb that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients Needed:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) very cold unsalted butter, grated on a box grater
1 1/2 cups (150g) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
3/4 cup (180ml) cold buttermilk

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the grated frozen butter to the flour mixture and toss with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and chives.
Pour in the cold buttermilk and mix with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with a little buttermilk, and bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and golden brown.

Lesson Learned: Grating the butter while it’s frozen is the ultimate trick for flaky scones. It creates tiny butter pockets that steam and separate the dough into layers as it bakes.

6. Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tart

Save this stunning tart recipe for your Christmas brunch menu!

This rustic yet elegant tart is a true showstopper. The deep, sweet flavor of slow-cooked caramelized onions pairs perfectly with tangy, creamy goat cheese, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. This savoury galette is an impressive vegetarian main for a holiday meal or can be cut into smaller slices for a sophisticated appetizer.

Materials Needed:

1 sheet of ready-made pie crust or puff pastry
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Fresh thyme leaves
1 egg, beaten for egg wash

Step-by-Step Directions:

To caramelize the onions, melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft.
Stir in the sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes until jammy. Set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll the pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spread the cooled caramelized onions over the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border all around.
Crumble the goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Fold the pastry border up and over the edge of the filling, pleating it as you go to create a rustic crust.
Brush the crust with the beaten egg wash.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro-Tip: Patience is key for truly caramelized onions. Don’t rush the process by turning up the heat; low and slow is the only way to develop that deep, sweet flavour.

7. Festive Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Tree Bread

Save this fun and festive bread recipe for your Christmas party!

This cheesy garlic bread is as fun to make as it is to eat. Using refrigerated pizza dough makes this festive bread recipe incredibly simple. Each dough ball is stuffed with stringy mozzarella cheese, arranged in a tree shape, and brushed with aromatic garlic butter before baking. It’s the ultimate shareable holiday appetizer bread.

Materials Needed:

1 lb (450g) refrigerated pizza dough or bread dough
4 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 28 small cubes
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Marinara sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 28 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the dough around it, pinching to seal and form a ball.
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (start with one at the top, then a row of two, then three, etc., and use the last few for a trunk).
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the entire tree.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro-Tip: For an extra cheesy and festive look, sprinkle the tree with grated Parmesan cheese before baking and garnish with fresh rosemary “branches” after it comes out of the oven.

8. Spicy Cheddar Cheese Straws

Pin this addictive cheese straw recipe – perfect for parties and gifts!

This cheese straws recipe uses an easy puff pastry method to create crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive snacks. The sharp cheddar provides a robust flavour, while a kick of cayenne pepper makes them a perfect spicy appetizer to serve with drinks. They also make fantastic edible Christmas gift ideas when packaged in a festive tin.

Materials Needed:

1 sheet of all-butter puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp of water
1 cup finely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface with the egg wash.
In a small bowl, combine the grated cheddar, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Gently press it down with a rolling pin.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips.
Gently twist each strip several times and place it on the prepared baking sheets, pressing the ends down slightly.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Let cool on the baking sheets.

Lesson Learned: For the best flavour, use a block of high-quality extra-sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt and taste.

9. Mini Quiches with Bacon & Gruyère

Save this classic mini quiche recipe for a perfect Christmas brunch!

This mini quiche recipe is a classic for Christmas brunch ideas and make-ahead appetizers. The rich savoury custard filling is loaded with smoky bacon and nutty Gruyère cheese, all held in an easy, store-bought pie crust. They are the perfect bite-sized treat for a crowd and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Materials Needed:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Chopped chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let pie crusts sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Unroll the pie crusts and use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out 24 circles.
Press each circle into a cup of a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded Gruyère evenly among the pastry cups.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
Carefully pour the egg mixture into each cup, filling it almost to the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are set and the tops are lightly golden.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Garnish with chives and serve warm.

Pro-Tip: To prevent a soggy bottom, you can “blind bake” the mini crusts for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. Just prick the bottoms with a fork before their initial bake.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Savoury Christmas Baking

Savoury Bake Idea	Best For…	Key Flavours	Pro Tip
Cranberry & Brie Bites	Last-minute, elegant party appetizers	Sweet, Tart, Creamy	Use store-bought puff pastry for a super-fast prep time.
Classic Sausage Rolls	Crowd-pleasing party food & buffets	Meaty, Herby, Flaky	Assemble and freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen for less stress.
Caramelized Onion Tart	Christmas brunch or a light main	Sweet, Tangy, Buttery	Cook onions low and slow for 30+ minutes for the best flavour.
Savoury Shortbread	Homemade gifts & cheese boards	Salty, Cheesy, Herby	Make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep chilled.

Final Thoughts

Stepping away from the endless sweets to create something savoury is a fantastic way to make your holiday menu stand out and delight your guests. Whether it’s a batch of flaky sausage rolls, a stunning caramelized onion tart, or some addictive cheesy shortbread for a gift, these recipes prove that the best festive flavours aren’t always sweet. They bring warmth, comfort, and a delicious balance to any celebration.

This 2025, embrace the delicious world of savoury baking and give your guests a festive treat they won’t expect. Which of these savoury ideas are you most excited to try for your holiday celebration? Let me know in the comments below

Last update on 2025-11-27 at 01:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Brilliant Savoury Christmas Baking Ideas Beyond The Sweets

Tired of the Holiday Sugar Rush? Here’s Your Savoury Solution