In this post, we will look at 25 delicious Christmas dinner recipes.
The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy and of course, delicious food shared with loved ones. As we gather around the table to celebrate Christmas, the centerpiece of our festivities is often a lavish dinner that brings everyone together.
If you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a grand holiday feast, having a variety of dishes to choose from is essential for creating a memorable dining experience.
In this collection of 25 Christmas dinner recipes, you will find everything you need to plan the perfect holiday menu.
From show-stopping main courses like succulent roast turkey and honey-glazed ham to comforting side dishes like buttery mashed potatoes and maple-glazed carrots, these recipes cover all the traditional favorites and offer some delightful new twists as well.
We’ve also included a selection of fresh and vibrant salads to lighten up your table, and decadent desserts that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Each recipe has been carefully crafted to capture the essence of the season, blending rich, comforting flavors with festive flair.
If you are looking for classic dishes that evoke nostalgia or something a bit more innovative to surprise your guests, this collection of Christmas dinner recipes has you covered.
So, gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite holiday tunes and let’s get cooking.
With these 25 Christmas dinner recipes, your holiday meal is sure to be a joyous celebration of food, family and the spirit of the season.
25 Christmas Dinner Recipes.
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter.
This classic roast turkey is seasoned with a rich herb butter made from a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage, combined with garlic and lemon zest. The butter is spread generously under the turkey skin, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful. And roast the turkey until golden brown and juicy, this dish is perfect as the centerpiece of your Christmas feast. Serve it with gravy and cranberry sauce for a traditional touch.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham.
A succulent ham, slow-cooked and glazed with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and cloves. The glaze caramelizes on the ham, giving it a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. And the sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory meat, making it a crowd-pleaser at any Christmas dinner.
3. Prime Rib Roast with Garlic and Rosemary.
This luxurious prime rib roast is seasoned with a blend of garlic, fresh rosemary, kosher salt and black pepper. The meat is roasted until it reaches the desired doneness, with a beautifully crusty exterior and a tender and juicy interior. Serve it with a side of creamy horseradish sauce for a classic pairing.
4. Stuffed Beef Tenderloin.
A show-stopping dish that features a beef tenderloin stuffed with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and cheese. The tenderloin is then seared to lock in the flavors and roasted to perfection. The stuffing adds moisture and flavor to the already tender beef, making it a memorable main course for Christmas.
5. Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce.
For a lighter main course, this baked salmon is an excellent choice. The salmon is seasoned simply with salt, pepper and lemon juice, then baked until it becomes flaky and tender. It’s served with a creamy dill sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon zest, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This dish is both elegant and healthy, offering a fresh contrast to richer holiday fare.
6. Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyère Cheese.
Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, garlic, and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. The Gruyère adds a nutty flavor that complements the creamy potatoes, making this a rich and comforting side dish. It’s a perfect accompaniment to roast meats.
7. Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
These mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy and full of flavor. Thanks to the addition of roasted garlic and plenty of butter. The roasted garlic gives a sweet and mellow flavor, while the butter adds richness. They are a must-have side dish for any holiday meal, especially when topped with a savory gravy.
8. Maple-Glazed Carrots.
Tender baby carrots are roasted with a glaze made from pure maple syrup, butter and a pinch of cinnamon. The glaze caramelizes as the carrots cook, giving them a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon. These carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to the dinner table.
9. Green Bean Almondine.
This classic French side dish features crisp-tender green beans sautéed in butter with slivered almonds and garlic. The almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the garlic provides a savory depth. It’s a simple yet elegant side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and caramelized, then tossed with crispy bacon pieces and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts with the salty bacon and sweet-tangy balsamic is irresistible. This dish is sure to convert even those who aren’t usually fans of Brussels sprouts.
11. Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower.
Cauliflower florets are coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and herbs, then roasted until golden and crispy. The Parmesan crust adds a savory, cheesy flavor and a satisfying crunch to the tender cauliflower. This side dish is a delicious way to elevate simple roasted vegetables.
12. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest.
This homemade cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, sugar and a touch of orange zest and juice. The orange adds a bright citrusy flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries. It’s a fresh and zesty side that pairs beautifully with turkey and other holiday meats.
13. Sausage and Sage Stuffing.
A hearty and flavorful stuffing made with Italian sausage, onions, celery, garlic and fresh sage. The bread cubes soak up all the flavors as the stuffing bakes, creating a moist and savory dish with crispy edges. This stuffing is a perfect complement to roast poultry and makes the whole meal feel more festive.
14. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows.
A sweet and creamy casserole made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. It’s topped with a layer of mini marshmallows, which melt and brown in the oven to create a gooey sweet topping. This dish is a favorite at many holiday tables and offers a delightful contrast to the savory dishes.
15. Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg.
Fresh spinach is cooked down and combined with a rich, creamy sauce flavored with garlic and a hint of nutmeg. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that enhances the creaminess of the dish. Creamed spinach is a luxurious side that pairs well with roasted meats, especially beef.
16. Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Dinner Rolls.
These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are infused with the flavors of roasted garlic and fresh rosemary. The dough is enriched with butter, giving the rolls a tender crumb, while the garlic and rosemary add an aromatic and savory flavor. Serve them warm with butter for a perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal.
17. Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate.
This refreshing salad features a mix of winter citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, along with pomegranate seeds and mixed greens. The salad is dressed with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, honey, and a splash of citrus juice. The combination of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors makes this salad a bright and vibrant addition to your Christmas dinner.
18. Apple and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese.
Crisp apple slices, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese are tossed with mixed greens and dressed with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. The sweetness of the apples and the nuttiness of the walnuts balance the sharpness of the blue cheese, creating a well-rounded and flavorful salad.
19. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad.
Roasted beets are paired with creamy goat cheese, mixed greens, and a balsamic reduction. The earthy sweetness of the beets complements the tangy goat cheese, while the balsamic reduction adds a touch of acidity and sweetness. This salad is both beautiful and delicious, offering a sophisticated start to your Christmas meal.
20. Classic Pumpkin Pie.
A timeless holiday dessert, this pumpkin pie features a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling made with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, all nestled in a flaky and buttery crust. It’s baked until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect ending to your Christmas dinner.
21. Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
This moist gingerbread cake is full of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon and cloves. It’s topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, which complements the spiciness of the cake. The cake is perfect for the holiday season, with its cozy flavors and festive appearance.
22. Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël).
A traditional French Christmas dessert, the Yule Log features a light chocolate sponge cake rolled with chocolate buttercream and decorated to resemble a log. The exterior is often textured to look like bark, and the log may be adorned with meringue mushrooms and powdered sugar to resemble snow. This dessert is both delicious and visually stunning.
23. Eggnog Cheesecake.
This creamy cheesecake is flavored with eggnog and a hint of nutmeg, capturing the essence of the holiday season. The graham cracker crust adds a crunchy contrast to the smooth cheesecake and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds warmth. It’s a festive twist on the classic cheesecake, perfect for Christmas.
24. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake.
This moist bundt cake is bursting with fresh cranberries and orange zest, giving it a bright and tangy flavor. It’s drizzled with an orange glaze that adds sweetness and a beautiful finish. The cake is as delicious as it is beautiful, making it a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings.
25. Pecan Pie Bars.
These pecan pie bars offer all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a more portable form. The bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, sweet filling made from brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd.
This post will lead you to the 25 delicious Christmas dinner recipes.
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