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There’s nothing more memorable than Christmas Dinner. It’s a culmination of the holiday season, when the rush is through, and it’s time for feasting. The food doesn’t need to be complicated to be festive and memorable. We’ve gathered some simple, delicious, and easy Christmas dinner recipes and ideas to help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
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When it comes to the holidays, Christmas Dinner is the showstopper. The culmination of all your planning and baking and shopping… and working. It’s the gathering close of those you love. Here are some simple and festive Christmas Dinner Recipes and ideas to browse.
Christmas Dinner Recipes & Ideas
These Christmas Dinner recipes include everything from appetizers to first courses, like soup and salad, to the main course—deliciously festive recipes from roast turkey to ham, prime rib, pork recipes, and more.
You will also find delicious holiday side dish recipes. You may also want to read my Festive Christmas Side Dishes for the Holidays for more ideas and recipes. Plenty of delicious recipes there, along with a list of the most favorite holiday side recipes according to recent surveys.
As you plan menus for the holidays, from Christmas Eve through Christmas morning, I’ve included her a list of idea posts for these as well. Keep reading for the Christmas dinner recipes below the following links.
Christmas Soup Recipes
Soup is an easy course to add to Christmas Dinner. Plus, it’s a great option for vegetarian guests as well. Here are some delicious soup recipes, perfect for Christmas dinner!
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Turmeric and Cumin
- Warm Vichyssoise Soup Recipe
- A Curried Carrot Soup
- Creamy Chestnut Mushroom Soup
- French Pea Soup: Simple Potage Saint Germain
- Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Dill
Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Dill
Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Turmeric and Cumin
Warm Vichyssoise Soup Recipe: Quick and Easy
Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Creamy Chestnut Mushroom Soup
A Curried Carrot Soup
Holiday Desserts Recipes & Ideas
Christmas cookies and cakes always fill dessert tables, but here are some more Christmas dessert recipes you might also want to consider.
- Simple Raspberry Christmas Trifle Recipe
- 10 Minute No Bake Cheesecake or for holiday-inspired flavor, try my 10 Minute Peppermint No Bake Cheesecake
- Lighter Christmas Cake with Apple and Fruit
- Figgy Pudding: A Classic Every Christmas Table Needs
- Chocolate Bundt Cake: Deliciously Simple Christmas Cake
- Cinnamon Brioche Bread Pudding
- Banana Bread Pudding
- Christmas Candy Recipes to Make Ahead
- 5 Minute Christmas Crack: A Simple Sweet and Salty Snack
Christmas Breakfast Ideas
The day is filled with delicious food from morning to night. Here are some Christmas breakfast ideas:
- Easy Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
- Fluffy Pancake Recipe for a Thick Delicious Delicious Stack
- Easy Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
- Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Quiche
- 5 Minute Christmas Mini Pancake Stacks
- Holiday Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
- Make Ahead Easy Vegetable Egg Bake Breakfast Casserole
- SunShine Egg and Bacon Cups
- Easy Sheet Pan Breakfast
- Easy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
60 Easy Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Christmas Granola
Easy Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Swedish Pancakes Recipe
Fluffy Pancake Recipe for a Thick Delicious Delicious Stack
Easy Christmas Breakfast Charcuterie Board
5 Minute Christmas Mini Pancake Stacks
Easy Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Quiche Recipe
Make Ahead Easy Vegetable Egg Bake Breakfast Casserole
Holiday Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
Simple and Festive Christmas Dinner Recipes
1
Honey Almond Baked Brie Recipe
Photo Credit:www.theseasonedmom.com
"With just three ingredients and a few minutes you can have a beautiful and festive holiday appetizer to share with friends and family. This Honey Almond Baked Brie recipe is salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy -- making it the perfect party food for any gathering!"
2
Holiday Cheese Board
This easy Holiday Cheese Board takes minutes to assemble, is a beautiful and delicious display of seasonal finger foods and appetizers that will keep everyone satisfied for parties and gatherings. I'm keeping it super simple with store-bought ingredients and almost zero prep.
3
Holiday Crostini Trio
Photo Credit:www.thebakingfairy.net
"This Holiday Crostini Trio is simple and delicious, and has something for everyone! There's shrimp and avocado for the seafood lovers, prosciutto and provolone for the meat-eaters, and mushrooms with herbed mascarpone for a vegetarian option.."
4
Celebration Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
Photo Credit:www.theseasonedmom.com
"Full of beautiful flavors and textures from pomegranate, red grapes, candied pecans, pears, and cheese, this Christmas Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is an easy, festive recipe for your holiday table!"
5
Mandarin Orange Salad with Thai Crunch Salad Dressing
This Mandarin Orange Salad with Thai Crunch Salad Dressing may remind you of California Pizza Kitchen. It's an incredibly delicious quick and easy salad with little to no chopping. It comes together in minutes with sweet oranges, greens, and a zingy dressing you will love.
6
Winter Greens Salad with Pomegranate and Blood Oranges
Winter Greens Salad with Pomegranate and Blood Oranges is a sweet and zesty, crispy salad that is perfect for the holidays.
7
Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
Photo Credit:www.tasteofhome.com
"We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing."
8
Jewelled Pot Roast Moroccan Turkey Breast
Photo Credit:donalskehan.com
“Subtly spiced with a ras el hanout butter and stuffed with a bejeweled stuffing, this turkey breast is rolled for easy serving. The only tricky part with a rolled turkey breast is the butterflying process, but most butchers will do this for you if you ask.”
9
Crown Roast of Pork with Onion and Bread-Crumb Stuffing
Photo Credit:www.epicurious.com
"Nothing is more majestic than this regal cut of meat — and nothing makes your house smell better while it roasts. Here, pork's natural sweetness is coaxed forward by the herbs and onions in the stuffing. And the crispy, savory bones are a delightful bonus."
10
Maple Glazed Ham
Photo Credit:damndelicious.net
"Thisclassic ham recipeis made with the most incredible maple, brown sugar glaze. With just a few ingredients, this will be a hit with everyone!"
11
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Apple & Rice Stuffing
Photo Credit:hostthetoast.com
"This recipe– though stunning– is actually much easier to make than it seems. And if you’re willing to give it a go, the rewards (in both flavor and appreciation) are astronomical. Roast this baby up for Christmas dinner and your whole family will think you’re a superstar. Swear it."
12
Rosemary Rubbed Prime Rib
“Meltingly tender and full of flavor, prime rib is a festive main course for a Christmas feast, and it couldn’t be easier to make, leaving you time to enjoy your guests. Here we’ve included two classic accompaniments, both horseradish cream, and a red wine jus, but feel free to make only one or the other if you prefer.”
13
Standing Rib Roast Recipe
Photo Credit:www.aspicyperspective.com
"How about a juicy flavorful Standing Rib Roast Recipe with a crusty exterior and pink center for your holiday feast? This fool-proof recipe is a show-stopper every time you make it!"
14
Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
Photo Credit:donalskehan.com
"A traditional ham is the perfect choice if you’ve got a full house with lots of people to feed. We always cook ours on Christmas Eve so that it can be enjoyed on its own and then there is plenty leftover for the festive lunch."
15
Garlic Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Photo Credit:whatsgabycooking.com
A foolproof recipe for Garlic Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin that feeds a crowd and is perfect for any special occasion.
16
Salt-and-Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Sage Jus Recipe
Photo Credit:www.foodandwine.com
"The great thing about doing a whole rib roast is that you don't have to concentrate," Michael Mina says. "Season it right with salt and pepper, put it in the oven and then you can focus on all the dishes that go along with it."
17
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce.
Photo Credit:www.halfbakedharvest.com
“The beef is seasoned simply with crushed peppercorn, kosher salt and Dijon mustard. If you don’t like mustard, don’t let that scare you off. It adds flavor, but in a subtle way. You’d never guess the mustard was there, but trust me, you need it.”
18
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
“Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine produces tender, juicy meat. In this recipe, our brine mixture also includes buttermilk, which adds flavor to the turkey and helps keep the meat incredibly moist.”
19
Rolled Turkey Breast with Sweet Apricot Stuffing
Photo Credit:donalskehan.com
“For an easier to carve option this Christmas day, try this rolled turkey breast, which is stuffed with a sweet and aromatic stuffing.”
20
Easy Roast Turkey Recipe with Apple Cider and Thyme
An easy Roast Turkey recipe with Apple Cider and Thyme that's a simple, foolproof method for roasting a juicy, deliciously flavored turkey for your feast.
21
Herb-Crusted Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
“Have your butcher cut the ribs from the roast and tie them back on. Use muffin tins if you don’t have popover pans. Preheating the pans makes the popover batter start cooking and fluffing the second you pour it in.”
22
Zupan's Porchetta Pork Tenderloin
A holiday tradition, "Porchetta Pork Tenderloin is an Italian savory and tender boneless pork with traditional spices of rosemary, fennel, thyme and garlic. Wrapped is bacon and served over mashed potatoes, it’s a feast for the eyes as well the palate."
23
Easy Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb
ThisHerb Roasted Leg of Lambis an easy, foolproof recipe with few ingredients and easy preparation. Tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious, it’s perfect for the holidays!
24
Grilled Lollipop Lamb Chops
Photo Credit:www.cookingchanneltv.com
“Tender lamb caramelized with agave nectar is quick and easy to make, but looks like a showstopper at the center of the table.”
25
Roast Goose Recipe with Swede and Citrus
Photo Credit:www.greatbritishchefs.com
"A stunning roast goose recipe, with a selection of bright, zesty 'friends' and a Swiss chard stuffing. This recipe is a must for those seeking something a little different to the traditional Christmas goose."
26
Rolled Stuffed Turkey Breast
“An easy yet elegant centerpiece for a celebratory meal, this recipe uses our focaccia stuffing mix and turkey gravy base to streamline prep, though you can substitute your own favorite stuffing and gravy if you prefer. During roasting, the stuffing will absorb the flavorful juices from the turkey. Ask your butcher to butterfly the turkey breast halves for you, so they can be opened out like a book.”
27
Holiday Hens with Fig Glaze and Cornbread Stuffing
Photo Credit:www.cookingchanneltv.com
“Each guest can enjoy his or her own bird when you serve these perfectly portioned Cornish game hens. Remember to season the cavities before adding the sausage and cornbread stuffing, and dot the top of each bird with butter for evenly browned skin. A honey-sweetened balsamic glaze finishes the dish nicely.”
28
Glazed Ham for the Holidays
Photo Credit:www.dinneratthezoo.com
“This glazed ham is coated in a sweet brown sugar and honey glaze, then baked until golden brown and caramelized. The ultimate holiday ham that’s super easy to make and always gets rave reviews.”
29
Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy
Cooking a turkey breast in the Instant Pot will result in one of the juiciest turkey breasts you’ve ever had. Incredibly easy to make in under an hour. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices and even makes its own gravy!
30
Warm Vichyssoise Soup Recipe
This Warm Vichyssoise Soup is a vintage potato soup recipe, much like cream of potato soup. It's a French-inspired creamy and velvety soup that is deliciously special and even elegant. Plus, it can be made in 15 minutes or less.
31
Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Dill
ThisHungarian Mushroom Soupis a creamy, warm and satisfying soup. And traditional for many on Christmas day!
32
Creamy Chestnut Mushroom Soup
Tis the season for Creamy Chestnut Mushroom Soup. It's also the time of year when I begin dreaming about chestnuts roasting over an open fire.
33
Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
This Sweet Potato Soup is an incredibly delicious hearty vegetable soup that's naturally vegan, velvety in texture, and fragrant with herbs and spices. And quick to make in 30 minutes or less.
34
Spicy Garlic Green Beans
Photo Credit:whatsgabycooking.com
“These green beans are so good they basically taste like candy! Doused with garlic, lemon zest, shallots and a decent amount of spice, you’ll get anyone to love them!”
35
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & Pomegranate
Photo Credit:www.eatingwell.com
"This gorgeous warm salad with nutty roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, and creamy goat cheese is perfect for any winter meal—from a weeknight dinner to Christmas dinner."
36
Granny's Apple Scalloped Potatoes
Photo Credit:www.tasteofhome.com
"This scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with breaded baked pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired and it's just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe."
37
Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks.
Photo Credit:www.halfbakedharvest.com
“These are probably the simplest potatoes ever. Just potatoes, fresh oregano, thyme, butter, cheese, salt and pepper. Seven ingredients and so delish. The secret is definitely the thinly sliced potatoes.”
38
Festive Christmas Side Dishes for the Holidays
More Christmas side recipes and which ones are the most popular on every Christmas table.
39
Truffle Potato Gratin
“Ordinary potatoes become a sensational side dish when baked in a rich mixture of cream, crème fraîche, and nutty Gruyère cheese. Finishing it with a drizzle of truffle oil adds an aromatic touch.”
40
Bacon Potatoes Au Gratin
Photo Credit:www.cookingchanneltv.com
“To get this comforting classic right, be sure to break the crust that the cream forms several times while cooking. It’ll allow the cream and potatoes to meld perfectly — and prevent the top from overcooking.”
41
Easy Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Favorite
This iconicGreen Bean Casseroleis aclassic favorite holiday side dish. Requiring only minutes of prep, it can be made with canned, frozen, or fresh green beans. And with a couple of unique ingredients, thistwist on a classic favoriteis just as delicious as ever.
42
Creamed Spinach
Photo Credit:www.cookingchanneltv.com
“There’s a reason this vegetable side makes its way onto so many holiday tables: It’s a perfect complement to heartier meat dishes (and impossible to mess up). Don’t forget the nutmeg, which adds essential, festive warmth.”
43
One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake.
Photo Credit:www.halfbakedharvest.com
"Think French onion soup, with the addition of pasta, a creamy sauce, and melty Gruyere cheese."
44
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Individual servings of this favorite comfort food is a delicious and classic addition to Christmas Dinner!
45
Baked Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Photo Credit:www.lecremedelacrumb.com
Sweet, caramelized baked southern candied sweet potatoes make the perfect Fall side dish – especially for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas!
46
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy, iconic side dish perfect for the holidays with a smooth, velvety texture and sweet distinctive flavor. Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and a hint of citrus, it's a classic favorite.
47
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Toasted Pecans
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Toasted Pecans is one of my all-time favorite sides for the holidays.
48
Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
It's the festive season and this Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is savory treat you, your family, and guests will love. Simple to make with a cheesy spinach filling, store-bought puff pastry and pizza sauce for serving.
49
Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
Photo Credit:damndelicious.net
"Warm, soft, pillowy bread bites smothered in garlicky, buttery heavenly goodness. An absolute crowd-pleaser!"
50
Simple Christmas Raspberry Trifle Recipe
This simple Raspberry Christmas Trifle Recipe is an easy to make layered dessert of fresh raspberries, ladyfingers, and a heavenly pastry cream. It's a festive, traditional style British Christmas dessert that takes minutes to make, plus chilling time.
51
10 Minute Peppermint No Bake Cheesecake
This Peppermint No Bake Cheesecake is a 10-minute prep (plus chilling time), no-bake, foolproof way to make cheesecake for the holidays. It's easy, utterly delicious, and simple. And invokes all things Christmas... and festive!
52
Steamed Christmas Figgy Pudding
Figgy Pudding-- the name itself conjures visions of Christmas and sugarplums and family... and tradition. A moist and tender Christmas pudding, redolent with the spices of Christmas, figs, and oranges.
53
Chocolate Bundt Cake: Deliciously Simple Christmas Cake
Rich and utterly divine, this Chocolate Bundt Cake is an easy-to-make, super moist, dense, chocolate pound cake recipe you won't forget anytime soon. Rich but simple with a hint of espresso.
54
Red Velvet Bundt Cake
ThisRed Velvet Bundt Cakeis an incredibly moist, velvety, soft,red-colored cakewith a decadentlydelicious cream cheese filling. Utterly perfect for Christmas Day.
55
Lighter Christmas Cake with Apple and Fruit
This Christmas Cake is a delicious and moist cake packed with dried fruit, citrus zest, and applesauce. And with every bite, you will taste the holidays.
56
Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Danish
These easyCranberry Cream Cheese Danisheswill bring the holidays to your table! Twirls of flaky pastry are braided over layers of sweetened cream cheese and a delicious cranberry filling with hints of cinnamon and citrus. Every bite of this glazed braided danish is holiday-worthy!
57
Simple Anytime Almond Cake
This simple Almond Cake is an Almond Anytime Cake. Simple, incredibly moist, and delicious. A buttery, slightly sweet snacking cake delicious enough for the Christmas dinner.