These Christmas dinner concepts will depart your friends merry and vivid, with cozy mains, hearty sides, and decadent desserts all bursting with vacation cheer and versatile for various diets!

What to serve for Christmas dinner? Concern not, vacation hosts, right here is your one-stop information to crafting a Christmas dinner that can have your loved ones singing your praises (and possibly even requesting seconds!).
After internet hosting this vacation for years, listed below are my prime Christmas dinner concepts for entertaining a crowd! From comforting casseroles to Christmas aspect dishes, Christmas appetizers, festive Christmas desserts and vacation cocktails, I’ve obtained one thing for everybody. Once I’m entertaining, I attempt to have choices obtainable many diets, together with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. These are my prime recipes to verify your Christmas dinner will wow everybody.
Prime Christmas Dinner Concepts
A enjoyable Christmas dinner concept: spotlight vibrant purple and inexperienced in these lasagna rolls! Roll the noodles across the filling for tasty and enjoyable dinner recipe. This recipe contains a filling of spinach, basil and ricotta, topped with a garlicky simple do-it-yourself tomato sauce. (Vegetarian, gluten-free with GF noodles)
Shepherd’s pie is the right cozy dinner for Christmas! It's like sporting a fuzzy sweater whereas consuming mulled cider: cozy consolation meals to the max! Think about: a creamy gravy crammed with tender greens, lentils and scented with fennel and sage. (Vegan and vegetarian)
Right here's a traditional dish that's excellent to impress at Christmas: rooster piccata! Tender, golden-brown rooster cutlets are bathed in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce with pops of briny capers. This traditional Italian American dish has captured hearts and stomachs world wide, and it's an enormous favourite over right here. To make it for a crowd, pan fry the rooster in batches, then make a double recipe of the sauce and pour it over proper earlier than serving.
Cozy pot pie is ideal for Christmas dinner! This one is crammed with a load of veggies, pesto and Parmesan within the filling, and it makes for a filling that's extremely savory and irresistibly creamy. (Vegetarian; vegan possibility)
You don't must be vegetarian to take pleasure in this meatloaf! It's made totally of nuts, rice, mushrooms, onions, herbs, and cheese. One way or the other, all of it melds into an look and texture identical to a meatloaf. it tastes higher than the meat model, and it's all the time a request in our household at Christmas! (Vegetarian)
This French onion rooster bake is irresistibly savory, pairing tender rooster breasts with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese! It’s excellent for events, holidays, and any time you want a showstopper dish.
This roast turkey is juicy, moist, and so flavorful, your friends will need seconds and thirds! The turkey is roofed in a roasted garlic compound butter and sluggish roasted within the oven for an excellent tender turkey that melts in your mouth. (Gluten-free) by way of Britney Breaks Bread
Right here’s a Christmas dinner concept that's extremely simpe: this Honey Glazed Salmon recipe! In underneath half-hour, you’ve obtained tender, flaky salmon fillets which might be bursting with taste from a sticky glaze of honey, soy, and garlic. (Pescatarian and gluten-free)
A major rib makes for a traditional Christmas dinner! When you're in search of your golden ticket to “host of the yr,” that is it! Serve it with creamy horseradish sauce. (Gluten-free) by way of Grandbaby Desserts
Right here's a favourite Christmas dinner concept: Butternut Squash Lasagna with Sage! The flavors are impeccable: creamy ricotta, punchy Pecorino, and contemporary sage envelop the candy squash in a comfortable embrace. (Vegetarian; gluten-free with gluten-free noodles)
Right here’s a festive Christmas dinner concept that makes dinnertime extra particular: Eggplant Rollatini! It’s like a mix of eggplant Parmesan and lasagna roll ups. Tender strips of eggplant are wrapped round a creamy three-cheese filling, then baked in do-it-yourself tomato sauce and extra cheese. (Vegetarian and gluten-free)
Right here's a traditional Christmas dinner concept: glazed ham! This tender and moist ham is cooked in its personal juices and glazed with a mix of honey, pineapple juice and brown sugar. It comes out candy and salty, buttery and sticky: excellent for the vacation desk! (Gluten-free) by way of Grandbaby Desserts
There's nothing like a pasta bake to feed a crowd at Christmas! This Italian American casserole is full of savory taste and comfortable nostalgia. Its floor is crammed with pockets of seasoned ricotta, lakes of garlicky tomato sauce, and punctuated by strands of gooey mozzarella. (Vegetarian, gluten-free with gluten-free pasta)
Mediterranean-style baked fish is a shocking Christmas dinner! Roast up any white fish with lemon, garlic and a easy mixture of tomatoes, onions and olives. It comes out completely fork tender with a punchy zip from the lemon and tender greens to taste every chew. (Pescatarian and gluten-free)
Right here’s one other recipe starring Christmas colours that feeds a crowd: this simple Stuffed Shells recipe! Stuff pasta shells with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and spinach, then bake them up in a shower of garlicky tomato sauce. (Vegetarian, gluten-free with gluten-free noodles)
This oven baked chuck roast makes a straightforward and comforting Christmas dinner! Juicy fork tender beef is braised in purple wine with carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and contemporary herbs for an throughout scrumptious, traditional dish. (Gluten-free) by way of Britney Breaks Bread
Christmas is a superb excuse for making restaurant fashion scallops at dwelling: simple Pan Seared Scallops! Scallops have a phenomenal, gentle candy taste that’s simple to like: and there’s nothing higher than that excellent seared crispy exterior. Serve on a mattress of candy potato puree or mashed butternut squash. (Pescatarian and gluten-free)
Christmas is a superb time to solurge on fancier fish like halibut! This genius option to prepare dinner this widespread white fish bakes it till flaky and tender with garlic and lemon, together with fried onions and capers should you love that salty, briny pop. (Pescatarian and gluten-free)
Let's transfer to appetizers for Christmas dinner! This Baked Brie recipe couldn’t be an simpler appetizer. Right here’s what you could learn about making a melty, scrumptious pile of brie. The good half? The toppings are versatile relying in your preferences, and you can also make a phenomenal platter with little effort.
This do-it-yourself focaccia bread is showy and excellent for Christmas! It’s thick and ethereal, crispy on the surface with lovely pillowy air pockets on the inside. The flavour is developed and completely seasoned, with the traditional notes of salt, rosemary and olive oil notes.
A cheese ball is ideal for Christmas! This recipe freshens up the traditional with cheddar, inexperienced onion, Worcestershire, garlic powder and smoked paprika for a creamy, savory punch. It’s excellent for vacation entertaining, surrounded by crackers or crostini.
What's extra festive than Christmas tree bread for Christmas dinner? That is the right appetizer recipe to make a splash. I really like serving it with marinara sauce and cranberries to embellish – they appear like ornaments!
Wish to impress at Christmas dinner? Right here’s the perfect simple appetizer: the Final Cheese Board! Cheese boards are my go-to for entertaining: they’re easy to place collectively, simple to customise for varied diets, and look merely sensible.
Cranberries and salsa aren’t the most probably pair: till you’ve tried this Cranberry Salsa recipe! This enjoyable Christmas dinner appetizer is zingy and vivid, pairing tart berries with contemporary cilantro, onion, and jalapeno for a candy tart dip.
This tangy, creamy dip recipe is such a crowd pleaser that it’d intervene with the dialog whenever you serve it! This traditional appetizer is ideal for Christmas. For vegan, do that Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Right here’s my go-to appetizer that's excellent for Christmas or anytime: this Veggie Dip recipe! It’s extremely creamy and savory, and easy to whip up with simply the proper mixture of spices.
It's not Christmas with out fruit dip in my household! This one is 3 substances, takes 2 minutes, and tastes like a dream. That’s proper: no want to purchase store-bought dip, which is commonly overly candy or synthetic tasting. This one tastes superbly pure, merely candy, and a base of Greek yogurt retains it wholesome and pure.
Want a easy Christmas appetizer to wow? Do this simple cranberry cream cheese dip! The do-it-yourself sauce bursts with candy and tart cranberries, orange juice, and should you’d like, slightly jalapeno for a tang. Spoon it over cream cheese and it’s excellent for dipping crackers and even apple slices. It comes collectively in minutes with minimal effort.
Right here’s an simple appetizer that appears beautiful and depends on easy, spot-on flavors: Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites! The traditional mixture of smoked salmon, dill, cucumber and cream cheese is a success each time. Combine the cream cheese with contemporary dill, inexperienced onion and Dijon for a wealthy, zingy pop.
On the lookout for an important traditional appetizer recipe for Christmas? Do this easy stuffed mushrooms recipe! These little bites have every thing occurring: they’re savory, meaty, and herby, with a young exterior and a crunch in every chew.
These simple deviled eggs are completely traditional for Christmas and style superb. Greek yogurt, mayo and Dijon mustard add the right flavoring to those eggs with out being overly wealthy! Garnish with dried dill or smoked paprika for a purple and inexperienced colour theme!
This pinwheels recipe is nice for anytime, but it surely's ideally suited for Christmas Eve with the festive purple and inexperienced! This finger meals is stuffed with Italian-style flavors: mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a mix of spices. They give the impression of being completely beautiful on a platter.
Let's transfer on to Christmas aspect dishes! These actually are the perfect mashed potatoes, swirled with contemporary garlic sauteed in butter, milk, and slightly bitter cream, then mashed into fluffy oblivion. For the creamiest texture you’ll be able to whip them with a stand mixer. Take them excessive with my secret ingredient to make everybody across the desk go mad over them.
Right here’s a easy option to gown up contemporary inexperienced beans as a gourmand aspect for Christmas dinner: Inexperienced Beans Almondine! Make it at dwelling, and this dish is sensible! The beans are vivid inexperienced and completely tender, sautéed in butter with garlic and toasted almonds and completed with slightly lemon zest.
The purple and inexperienced colour scheme makes this apple salad excellent for Christmas dinner! Crisp tart apple slices pair with pops of pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, cinnamon spiced pecans. Toss them throughout contemporary greens with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing, and it’s actually salad perfection.
These Outdated Customary Candied Candy Potatoes are a traditional soul meals dish. Soften-in-your-mouth candy potatoes are baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze with heat spices and vanilla. Scrumptious! by way of Britney Breaks Bread
This sourdough stuffing recipe is a taste packed do-it-yourself stuffing that's excellent for Christmas dinner! It's made with sausage, contemporary herbs, and topped with pecans and dried cranberries for a candy and savory twist. by way of Britney Breaks Bread
Right here's a scrumptious aspect for Christmas dinner: crispy Brussels sprouts! You already know these crispy Brussels which you could get at a restaurant? These are simply pretty much as good. They’re baked till impossibly crunchy, then tossed with a balsamic and honey sauce that brings within the tangy and candy notes.
Right here’s a dreamy Christmas salad: this sensible Pear Salad! It’s a research in contrasts: contemporary, juicy pear in opposition to funky gorgonzola cheese; vivid pomegranate in opposition to savory shallot. Throw in some toasted pecans and canopy it in tangy poppy seed dressing, and nicely: it’s completely irresistible.
Right here’s a wealthy and scrumptious Christmas aspect dish that can have everybody speaking about it: this excellent Brussels Sprout Casserole! As a result of what’s higher than making Brussels that style like mac and cheese? Bake up these tender sprouts with a wealthy and creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, then prime it with crunchy breadcrumbs toasted till they’re golden brown.
Oh hi there, luscious and velvety Candy Potato Soup! This root vegetable is makes the perfect candy and creamy puree. Intensify it with a wholesome dose of smoked paprika and the flavour is earthy, subtly smoky and completely irresistible.
Want a enjoyable aspect for Christmas? Do this Endive Salad: equal elements refreshing, tangy, bitter, crunchy, and tangy! Bitter endive pairs completely with juicy orange and a candy tart purple wine French dressing. Prime it off with savory Parmesan shavings and crunchy almonds, and the contrasts are divine.
This mixture of rice with crunchy veggies, pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese crumbles is right for the vacations. A maple Dijon French dressing dressing infuses a tangy taste all through, punctuated by bursts of contemporary parsley.
Strive these oven roasted candy potatoes to pair with absolutely anything at Christmas dinner! Cube them up, season with care, and roast till they’re browned and caramelized on the outsides.
Right here’s a Christmas aspect dish that impresses each time: Hasselback Potatoes! This widespread option to put together the ever-present spud tastes simply pretty much as good because it seems. Slice a complete potato into skinny strips, then bake till the slices separate and kind crispy, roasted slices. It’s a complete new option to love a potato! It takes slightly effort to organize, but it surely’s completely value it for a shocking aspect dish.
Broccoli’s cooler and extra refined cousin is completely value making an attempt. One way or the other it’s even extra scrumptious than roasted broccoli (if that’s doable!), with a candy taste and tender crunch. Even higher: its lengthy, elegant stems makes it look fancier and it takes much less time to prepare dinner.
Let's transfer to Christmas dinner treats ! Right here's the right simple Christmas dessert: strive gingerbread cake! This tender, moist model of the long-lasting cookie is very easy to whip up: no rolling or slicing out dough required! Fire up the batter and bake it into this lovely moist and spiced cake. The wealthy molasses taste tastes like a tender and fluffy model of the cutout cookies, and it’s made in a giant pan to feed a crowd.
This Christmas traditional is straightforward to make, requiring no particular gear and underneath half-hour of your time. Whip up a batch and luxuriate in that crunchy chocolate coating masking an irresistibly creamy and chewy peanut butter inside.
These molasses cookies…they're one thing particular. This recipe makes tender and chewy cookies with a sugar-crisp exterior, infused with cozy, daring spices. Every one is fractured into picture-perfect crinkles, and whenever you sink in your enamel for the primary chew, it's like being enveloped in a heat hug.
These Scorching Chocolate Cookies style identical to the vacation drink! The cookie batter channels simply the proper taste of the liquid chocolate: it’s textured with sugar crystals and studded with chocolate chunks. The perfect half? A marshmallow heart ties all of it collectively, forming a melty lake of gooey bliss.
This traditional Christmas pudding is a stunner! Prime this bittersweet spongy pudding in a dreamy, creamy butter sauce and put together to be amazed. It's one hundred pc definitely worth the effort and the excellent Christmas dessert to impress everybody across the desk.
This traditional Austrian sandwich cookie is a Christmas traditional: buttery almond shortbread sandwiches a layer of fruity preserves, making a deal with that’s nuanced and simply candy sufficient. A enjoyable cutout window within the sandwich reveals the jam peaking by means of.
Right here's a enjoyable Christmas dessert concept: cranberry apple crisp! The tartness of contemporary cranberries melds with candy, comforting crisp apples in a cinnamon-spiced fruit layer. The berries add a zingy taste and a vivid purple hue to the fruit, which shines topped with golden buttery crisp crumbles.
Lastly, let's transfer on to Christmas dinner drinks! This Christmas punch is fruity and scrumptious, with slightly sparkle from ginger ale. You may make it with rum for a punch with alcohol, or omit it for non alcoholic. Both manner, it tastes unbelievable!
Right here's a straightforward drink for entertaining: strive the Christmas Moscow mule! This spin on the traditional Moscow mule is a zingy, festive mixture of cranberry juice, vodka, peppermint schnaps and ginger beer. It’s so easy you’ll be able to construct it proper within the glass, no cocktail shakers required!
This scorching chocolate is spiked with not one however two liqueurs, including each mint and chocolate flavors to the wealthy physique of this drink. It’s stellar with do-it-yourself scorching chocolate, however you may also make it with bought scorching cocoa combine. The quantity of cozy taste right here is unreal.
Right here's a comfortable Christmas cocktail that makes your kitchen odor like a vacation wonderland: spiked and spiced apple cider! It’s excellent for the transition to cooler climate. It's very simple to make, and the rum enhances the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise completely. Not solely will it raise your spirits, it makes your kitchen odor like a candle store.
Strive the Peppermint White Russian! This spin on the traditional may be much more enjoyable than the unique. It’s obtained a vivid, minty end that melds into the Kahlua and cream completely. It’s quick and simple to swirl collectively in a lowball glass, and it’s a complete crowd pleaser.
This vivid purple drink is completely beautiful to have a look at, and the candy tart taste is crisp and refreshing. It’s obtained all of the character of the traditional margarita, however a phenomenal new look and nuance to the flavour!
Lastly, what's higher to finish Christmas dinner than a cup of do-it-yourself scorching chocolate? Right here’s our very greatest do-it-yourself scorching chocolate recipe: it’s creamy, wealthy, chocolaty, and tastes like a dream.
Planning a Christmas Dinner Menu
Once I’m constructing a Christmas dinner menu, I take into consideration a showstopper important dish, after which easy aspect dishes I can add alongside. I attempt to do no less than one salad and one starch, and bonus factors if they are often made forward.
Additionally, I normally go for a soup for Christmas eve dinner, like wild rice soup or Italian lentil soup. Then I’m going large on Christmas dinner the following day!
Don’t be afraid to assign dishes to helpers. I’ve discovered the best to delegate are appetizers or desserts.
Make-Forward Christmas Dinner Ideas
Casseroles like baked ziti, stuffed shells, and lasagna roll-ups can typically be assembled upfront and refrigerated, then baked when able to serve.
Many appetizers shine when ready upfront. Cheese balls, dips, and cranberry sauce all get higher within the fridge when made upfront. You’ll be able to even assemble a cheese board upfront and refrigerate.
For sides, mashed potatoes will be made totally forward and reheated gently with additional butter and cream. Salad parts work nicely when saved individually after which tossed proper earlier than serving.
Extra Christmas recipes
Need extra choices? Browse by kind with all our Christmas recipes:
- Strive all our greatest Christmas Recipes or Christmas Aspect Dishes
- Go for cozy and crowd-pleasing Christmas Appetizers
- Make the perfect Christmas Cocktails and Drinks
- Bake up Christmas Desserts
- Seize Christmas Breakfast Concepts for the morning




