The task of deciding on a Christmas dinner menu can be daunting, but with these reliable recipes, you’ll be well-equipped to host a stress-free holiday gathering. With a plethora of options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect dish that will impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or new to the hosting game, these 45 easy Christmas dinner recipes are designed to make planning a breeze. As you navigate through this collection, you’ll discover a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, take your time, and find the perfect fit for your holiday celebration.
Roast Beef
For a show-stopping Christmas centerpiece, look no further than this slow-cooked beef dish that’s more akin to a tender roast than any traditional roasted offering. Simply plop it in the slow cooker for six hours and let the magic unfold. The best part? This hands-off approach frees you up to focus on other holiday preparations, while still delivering a richly flavored meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And don’t worry about the veggies – any root variety will do, from parsnips and carrots to sweet potatoes and turnips. The real pièce de résistance? You’ll be left with an abundance of cooking liquid, perfect for whipping up a savory gravy that’s sure to elevate your holiday feast to new heights.
Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is a show-stopping centerpiece that never fails to impress. This classic recipe yields four individual filet mignons, each meticulously layered with earthy mushrooms and nutty chestnuts. The combination is then enveloped in golden puff pastry, creating tender beef pockets that are sure to surprise and delight your guests. After all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of enjoying a dish entirely to oneself on special occasions.
To elevate this indulgent treat, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which provide a rich and velvety contrast to the savory beef. With each bite, you’ll be confident that your guests will leave the table feeling satisfied and content.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
When it comes to a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas dinner party, glazed ham is often the unsung hero that steals the spotlight. This simple yet impressive recipe requires only four ingredients: brown sugar, apple juice, and maple syrup. With these sweet and sticky elements, you’ll transform your 10-pound ham into a delectable masterpiece with a caramelized coating that’s sure to impress. The best part? You’ll be left with an abundance of leftovers, perfect for crafting scrumptious ham sandwiches in the days following Christmas. And as if that weren’t enough, this glazed ham pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your holiday menu.
Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Roast potatoes are a staple at many Christmas gatherings, often served alongside roasted or baked meats. In fact, it’s almost a given that you’ll have them on the table. But what if you could simplify the process even further? By using an Air Fryer instead of your oven, which is likely already occupied with hams and dinner rolls, you can achieve delicious results with minimal fuss. Simply toss your chopped potatoes with your favorite seasonings, then let the Air Fryer do its magic.
Roasted Turkey Breast
If you’re looking for a show-stopping turkey breast recipe that deviates from the traditional Thanksgiving fare, yet still satisfies your taste buds, look no further. This flavorful dish is infused with aromatic notes of garlic, thyme, sage, and rosemary, creating an irresistible aroma that’s sure to tantalize your guests. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply apply a savory brine, pop it in the oven, and voila! You’ll be rewarded with crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Mashed Potatoes
The quintessential Christmas dinner staple is undoubtedly a rich and creamy mashed potato dish. This velvety delight not only complements your main course but elevates it to new heights. The secret to its unparalleled smoothness and flavor? A generous helping of cream cheese and butter, carefully balanced to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Pigs in a Blanket
Kick old pigs in a blanket recipes to the curb and get ready to experience a flavor explosion. The game-changer here is caramelized onion relish, which infuses these bacon-wrapped sausages with a rich, deep taste that will leave you craving more. The sweet and crispy caramelization takes them to the next level, making it impossible not to lick your fingers in satisfaction. For an added bonus, try dipping those baked sausages in the onion marinade once again – it’s a simple trick that will elevate the flavor even further. And if you’re looking for more holiday recipes that are kid-approved, be sure to check out our collection of healthy Christmas recipes designed specifically with little ones in mind.
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
When planning a Christmas dinner for a small gathering, a whole turkey might seem excessive. However, serving turkey remains a popular choice for many hosts. This boneless and skinless turkey recipe is an excellent solution for those who want to offer a delicious and satisfying option without overwhelming their guests. By wrapping the turkey in bacon and air frying it to perfection, you’ll achieve a delightful contrast between crispy, caramelized exteriors and tender, juicy interiors.
Garlic Herb Prime Rib
Indulge in the sublime tenderness of this prime rib, effortlessly pulling apart into melt-in-your-mouth morsels that defy resistance. The harmonious fusion of garlic and herbal rub creates an unparalleled flavor profile, consistently delivering exceptional results. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a personal favorite, satisfying even the most discerning palates.
Ideas for Christmas Dinner Other Than Turkey
Not a fan of traditional turkey on Christmas Day? You’re not alone! If you’re looking to mix things up this holiday season, consider opting for one of these delicious and festive main course alternatives.
Roast Lamb Shoulder
Elevate your Christmas celebrations with a show-stopping lamb roast that’s sure to impress your guests. This tender and flavorful shoulder recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both easy to serve and packed with rich, meaty goodness. The pièce de résistance? A generous helping of savory leftover stock that can be transformed into a mouthwatering gravy – complete instructions provided for the ultimate holiday meal.
Beef Tenderloin Roast
The aroma of rosemary and peppercorn wafts through your kitchen, transporting you to a festive holiday atmosphere. This tenderloin roast is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps. Begin by coating the meat, placing it on a rack, and allowing it to chill for approximately 45 minutes. Next, let it rest before carving it to your desired thickness and serving with a rich gravy. For more delightful Christmas recipes, explore our collection of mouth-watering dishes.
Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
When it comes to roasting a whole chicken, lemons and garlic are an unbeatable duo. By stuffing the cavity with a halved lemon and several cloves of garlic, you’ll unlock a world of flavor. The citrusy zing from the lemon will help keep the meat juicy and tender, while the pungent aroma of the garlic will infuse every bite with depth and complexity. It’s a game-changer that’s sure to elevate your roasted chicken to new heights.
Baked Lamb Chop
For a stress-free and swift Christmas dinner, consider whipping up lamb chops with mint chimichurri. This recipe is remarkably quick, requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy moms who need a hassle-free solution. The best part? You’ll also get some veggies in the mix, making it easy to skip preparing a separate side dish altogether.
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a staple on many American holiday tables, and I have a soft spot for preparing it for special occasions. This particular recipe takes the classic dish to new heights by incorporating creamy mayo and melted Provolone cheese. The result is a meatloaf that’s both super juicy inside and beautifully presented with sliced mushrooms and peppers. It’s a fantastic addition to any holiday table, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Petite Sirloin Roast
When you’re familiar with basic French, you might have already surmised that this roast is designed to serve a smaller gathering, such as a family of four. The ideal meat portion for an intimate dinner party or a cozy evening with loved ones, if you will. The key to its impressive flavor profile lies in the pulsed garlic and parsley oil combination used to rub down the beef sirloin. This simple yet effective technique imbues the roasted meat with an unmistakable depth of flavor.To take it to the next level, consider doubling the amount of rub and allowing the beef to marinate overnight before cooking. The resulting dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Indulge in a tropical twist on your Christmas dinner with this mouthwatering sweet pineapple ham recipe. The best part? It’s a stress-free cooking solution that won’t overload your oven! This slow-cooker masterpiece is the epitome of effortless entertaining, requiring nothing more than a simple ‘dump-and-forget’ approach. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked – the rich flavors and tender texture are sure to make this dish disappear in no time.
Salmon Wellington
Indulge in the flavors of Christmas without the need for red meat with this delightful salmon Wellington recipe. A game-changer for those who crave something different from the traditional roasted turkey or ham, this dish is sure to impress. The Dijon flavor and tangy spinach topping add a rich and creamy element that will leave you wanting more. Pair it with your favorite mashed potatoes and a glass of wine, and you’ll be in for a treat that your family won’t be able to get enough of.
Pork Roast
There’s something special about indulging in a delicious pork roast during the holidays, and this particular recipe delivers. A well-seasoned crust forms on the outside as the flavors meld together within, resulting in a mouthwatering aroma that’s simply irresistible.
The marinade is where the magic begins, combining tangy mustard, pungent garlic, and fragrant herbs to create an explosion of rich flavors. The slow-cooked pork falls apart tenderly, making it effortless to carve and serve.
To take it to the next level, simply drizzle your preferred gravy over the top and dig in – it’s a holiday feast waiting to happen!
Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Indulge in the comforting goodness of pasta cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This rich and flavorful dish combines the perfect balance of creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce. Simply combine all the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work, freeing you up to focus on other holiday preparations.
This mouthwatering recipe is a must-have for an Italian-inspired Christmas dinner or any special occasion when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal. As you take each bite, the gooey cheese and savory tomato sauce will transport you to a state of pure culinary bliss.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and savor every last morsel of this scrumptious slow-cooked pasta dish.
Beef Brisket
The culinary journey begins with a savory dry rub, carefully coated onto the meat. A low-temperature roast followed by a slow, tenderizing process leaves the meat fall-apart in consistency. To add an extra layer of flavor, the meat is then smothered in rich barbecue sauce. Finally, a quick broil transforms it into a sticky, caramelized masterpiece. The aroma alone is enough to tantalize the taste buds and leave you craving more. With its robust seasoning profile, this recipe delivers a truly mouthwatering experience that’s sure to impress at any festive gathering. While the meat itself is certainly the star of the show, a well-paired side dish is all it needs to take it to the next level.
Small Christmas Dinner Ideas
When it comes to holiday meals, size doesn’t always matter. Sometimes, a smaller gathering is exactly what’s needed. If that’s the case for your Christmas celebration, fear not! You can still impress your guests with these deliciously simple dinner recipes, perfect for a cozy and intimate setting.
Potato Gratin
Looking to make a lasting impression at your Christmas gathering? Consider serving individualized gratins that are sure to delight. Each guest receives their own portion, eliminating the need for sharing and ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want. The combination of crispy textures, creamy cheese, and starchy potatoes is a match made in heaven. This unique side dish is sure to be a hit with any potato enthusiast and adds a personal touch to your holiday meal.
Grilled Shish Kabob
Imagine a Christmas dinner that feels more like an intimate backyard gathering, where the focus is on delicious food and great company. Serving a smaller group of people can be a wonderful opportunity to get creative with your main course. One unique option could be Shish Kabobs, which are sure to impress.For this dish, you’ll start by marinating chicken and sirloin steak in a mixture of soy sauce and mustard. Then, add some chopped veggies of your choice to the mix, and thread everything onto skewers. When you grill them to perfection, the charred flavor will be impossible to resist.
Spinach and Persimmon Salad
Looking for a refreshing addition to your Christmas gathering? Why not try this stunning salad that’s as vibrant as it is delicious! The combination of spinach, sweet strawberries, juicy persimmons, and tart pomegranates creates a flavor profile that’s sure to impress. And let’s not forget the delightful textural contrast from the crunchy pistachios and crumbly feta cheese. But what truly brings this salad together is the tangy dressing – a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that ties everything together in harmony.
Pork Tenderloin
Indulge in the sweetness of roasted pork tenderloin, perfectly seasoned and transformed by a luscious maple glaze. The subtle balance of sugar and butter elevates the dish to new heights, making it a true delight for the taste buds.
For added convenience and flavor, consider roasting the tenderloin in a larger pan and surrounding it with chopped root vegetables. This one-pan wonder allows you to achieve a mouthwatering roast that’s both visually appealing and packed with flavor.
Baked Pasta
Savor the warmth of Christmas with a hearty pasta dish that’s sure to become a new tradition. Imagine rigatoni – or any other type you prefer – smothered in a rich medley of flavors. A symphony of tastes and textures, featuring crushed tomatoes, carrots, onions, and celery, all bound together by generous helpings of cheese. As the casserole emerges from the oven, golden brown and bubbly, you’ll know that this is a true feast for the senses.
Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf
When hosting a vegan Christmas gathering, impress your guests with this innovative plant-based meatloaf alternative that’s sure to become a holiday favorite. This nutritious and filling dish boasts an impressive protein content, making it an excellent substitute for traditional meatloaf. The combination of lentils, cauliflower, peppers, onions, and a medley of spices creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
The real showstopper is the smoky ketchup glaze, which adds a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to each bite. Whether you’re catering to vegan family members or simply looking to shake up your holiday menu, this recipe is an excellent choice. For more healthy holiday ideas, be sure to check out our collection of nutritious Christmas dinner recipes.
Pomegranate Glazed Winter Vegetables
As Christmas approaches, winter vegetables take center stage at many holiday gatherings. A trio of ingredients – butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and shallots – form the foundation of this recipe. However, it’s the pomegranate glaze that truly steals the show with its vibrant orange hue and spicy kick. The resulting roasted vegetables are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds, offering a healthy and indulgent experience that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without this flavor combination.
Apple Avocado Cranberry Walnut Salad
A mouthwatering mix of textures combines to create a delightful salad: crunchy walnuts and sweet dried cranberries are tossed together with tender apples and creamy avocados, all atop a bed of baby spinach. For an added burst of flavor, crumbled feta adds a tangy contrast. The dressing, with its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, harmonizes beautifully with the avocado’s richness and the apple’s natural sweetness. If you’re not a fan of apples, pears make a suitable substitute; however, in that case, consider swapping the feta for a milder gorgonzola to maintain the dish’s overall harmony.
Brussel Sprouts Salad
This salad boasts a captivating blend of nutty, sweet, and subtle bitter notes, tantalizing the taste buds with every bite. The medley of spices infuses a depth of flavor that’s both intriguing and satisfying. The addition of crunchy pepitas and sunflower seeds adds a delightful textural element, making it a filling and wholesome meal option. Meanwhile, the dressing is refreshingly straightforward, relying solely on the harmonious union of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to elevate the salad’s natural charm. Its richness proves sufficient, rendering unnecessary any additional embellishments.
Christmas Pesto Tree Bread
The quintessential Christmas dinner simply wouldn’t be complete without a majestic Christmas tree standing tall at its center. However, an equally important yet often overlooked element is the festive flair brought to the table itself. A visually appealing and delectable addition can be achieved by transforming a pizza crust into a tree-shaped pesto crust, requiring only two simple ingredients: a pizza crust and a jar of pesto. The finishing touches involve sprinkling some chopped dill and arranging fresh tomato slices to create a charming and edible garnish that’s sure to delight both the eyes and taste buds.
Non-traditional Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas
While deviating from conventional Christmas fare, it’s entirely possible to create a memorable dining experience for your guests. By offering unique and unexpected main courses, you’ll not only showcase your culinary creativity but also cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are some unconventional yet delicious Christmas main dishes that are sure to delight:
Lasagna
Why not bring a taste of Italy to Christmas dinner? A rich and comforting Bolognese lasagna with cheese sauce is a game-changer, eclipsing traditional bechamel-based recipes. While it may not fit the typical ‘festive food’ mold, this hearty dish is sure to delight your palate.
Ratatouille
This humble French side dish is a true crowd-pleaser, boasting a simplicity in ingredients that belies its impressive presentation and mouthwatering flavor. Moreover, its vegan and gluten-free credentials make it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. Furthermore, this dish is remarkably healthy, thanks to the nutrient-dense vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and eggplants. The addition of tomato sauce adds a rich, velvety texture that’s reminiscent of veggie lasagna. It’s no wonder that even kids will enjoy it – especially if they’re familiar with the charming chef Mouse Remi.
Vegan Holiday Roast
This vegan festive roast skips traditional animal-based ingredients altogether, instead relying on plant-based goodness that even the most devoted meat-eaters will adore. The star of the show is a savory blend of wheat gluten, miso, and beans, all wrapped up in a deliciously glaze-covered package. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just looking to mix things up, this recipe is sure to delight – it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a unique twist on holiday cooking.
Sweet Potato Souffle
Indulge in a warm and inviting side dish that’s perfect for any autumn or winter gathering: a delectable sweet potato casserole topped with crunchy pecans and infused with the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie spice. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy Thanksgiving dinner or a festive holiday celebration. While its seasonal allure is undeniable, this dish’s creamy half-and-half topping ensures it remains a crowd-pleaser year-round.
Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
In just 20 minutes, you can effortlessly prepare a mouthwatering stroganoff to impress your Christmas party guests. This recipe’s versatility is undeniable, as it will undoubtedly spark joy among those who try it. By combining the earthy flavors of mushrooms with creamy, gluten-free, and vegan elements, this dish becomes the ultimate topping for cooked pasta – and let’s be honest, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese doesn’t hurt either.
Seafood Stew with Mash Potatoes
Christmas stew is an unlikely yet deeply satisfying and comforting dish. And this luxurious seafood cioppino is the epitome of festive cheer. This San Francisco classic is a veritable treasure trove of seafood, designed to delight even the most discerning palates. Serve it with a glass of white wine and some crusty garlic bread for a truly indulgent dinner experience.
Desserts for Christmas Dinner
When it comes to deciding on a show-stopping dessert for your Christmas gathering, you’re spoiled for choice. Amongst the countless options available, these five festive treats are sure to impress and satisfy the sweet tooth of your guests.
Christmas Figgy Pudding
This indulgent figgy pudding recipe boasts an abundance of fresh figs, carefully balanced by the subtle nuances of orange zest and molasses, which collectively elevate its rich flavor profile. The perfect sweet treat, it’s ideally served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or accompanied by a scoop of your favorite ice cream. For those seeking a slightly healthier holiday dessert option, consider exploring our selection of nutritious Christmas treats.
Chocolate Salad
Indulge in a visual feast with this decadent chocolate platter, sure to tantalize both the eyes and taste buds. A medley of treats awaits, featuring an assortment of truffles, coconut balls, and chocolate bars, accompanied by coated berries, nougat, and crunchy pistachios. But that’s not all – the pièce de résistance is the inclusion of candy canes, adding a playful touch to this already irresistible mix. Your kids will surely go wild for this sweet extravaganza.
Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake
Indulge in a treat that’s equal parts sweet and satisfying – minty chocolate with cream cheese. This no-bake delight features an Oreo crust as its foundation, followed by a rich chocolate cheesecake filling that’s sure to please. The crowning glory is a whipped and creamy Oreo topping that adds a playful touch. Serve it chilled, straight from the fridge, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who isn’t eagerly licking their plate – even after a hearty meal.
Butter Pecan Cream Pie
The trifecta of flavors and textures that makes this pie truly irresistible is its well-balanced composition of three distinct layers. At the base, a crispy graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy cheese filling adds a richness and sweetness that will leave you wanting more. The pièce de résistance is the buttery pecan topping, which adds a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to each bite. It’s no surprise that this pie has the potential to disappear quickly – we recommend making a double batch just to be safe!
English Christmas Trifle
There’s an undeniable allure to a classic berry trifle, especially after a satisfying Christmas dinner. For those who share my enthusiasm, I’m pleased to offer a recipe that will delight the senses. By combining poached pears, luscious berries, a hint of amaretto, and a generous dollop of whipping cream, this Victorian-inspired trifle is sure to become a holiday tradition.