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Christmas dinner is a special time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food. I’ve put together a list of 17 recipe ideas to help make your holiday meal memorable. These recipes offer a mix of traditional favorites and creative new dishes to please everyone at your table.
From savory roasts to festive sides and desserts, there’s something for every taste.
I’ve included options for main courses, appetizers, vegetables, and sweet treats. My goal is to inspire a well-rounded Christmas dinner that will impress your guests and create lasting memories.
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
I love making roast turkey with herb butter for Christmas dinner. It’s a classic dish that never fails to impress. I start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary.
I carefully spread this flavorful mixture under the turkey’s skin and all over the outside. This helps keep the meat moist and adds delicious herb flavor throughout.
Get the roast turkey with herb butter recipe.
2. Maple Glazed Ham
I love making maple-glazed ham for Christmas dinner. It’s a festive centerpiece that’s both sweet and savory. I start with a bone-in ham and brush it with a glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
The glaze caramelizes as it bakes, creating a glossy, flavorful crust. I make sure to baste the ham every 20 minutes for maximum flavor.
Get the maple glazed ham recipe.
3. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
I love making garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner. I start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Then I mash them with butter, milk, roasted garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
The result is creamy, flavorful potatoes that pair perfectly with turkey or ham. I can make them ahead and reheat them just before serving.
4. Buttery Brussels Sprouts
I love making buttery Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner. I trim and halve the sprouts, then roast them in a hot oven until golden brown.
While they cook, I melt butter in a pan with minced garlic. I toss the roasted sprouts in this garlic butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Get the garlic butter roasted Brussels sprouts.
5. Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
I love making cranberry walnut stuffing for Christmas dinner. It’s a tasty twist on classic stuffing. I mix toasted bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, and herbs.
Then I fold in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. The cranberries add a sweet-tart pop, while the walnuts give a nice crunch. I bake it until golden and crispy on top.
Get the cranberry walnut stuffing recipe.
6. Honey Glazed Carrots
I love making honey-glazed carrots for Christmas dinner. They’re easy and tasty. I start by boiling carrots until tender. Then I drain them and add butter, honey, and a pinch of salt to the pan.
I cook everything together for a few minutes. The carrots get coated in a sweet glaze. They look shiny and smell great. These carrots add color and sweetness to any holiday plate.
Get the honey glazed carrots recipe.
7. Prime Rib Roast
Prime rib roast is a classic Christmas dinner centerpiece. I love how it’s both impressive and easy to prepare. The key is choosing a high-quality cut of beef with good marbling.
I season mine simply with salt, pepper, and herbs. Roasting at a high temperature initially, then lowering it, helps create a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Letting the roast rest before carving is crucial for the best texture and flavor. I like to serve it with horseradish sauce and au jus on the side.
Get the full prime rib roast recipe.
8. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is a must-have for Christmas dinner. I love its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy inside. It’s made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk.
To make it, I pour the batter into hot oil in a muffin tin. The oven’s heat causes it to puff up beautifully.
Yorkshire pudding pairs perfectly with roast beef and gravy. It’s a delicious British tradition that adds flair to any holiday meal.
Get the Yorkshire pudding recipe.
9. Classic Beef Wellington
I love making Beef Wellington for Christmas dinner. It’s a showstopper dish that never fails to impress. I start by searing a beef tenderloin, then coating it with mushroom duxelles and prosciutto.
Next, I wrap the beef in puff pastry and brush it with egg wash. I bake it until the pastry is golden brown and the meat is cooked to my liking.
The result is a tender, juicy beef roast encased in flaky pastry. It’s a true holiday indulgence.
10. Baked Brie with Cranberries
I love serving baked brie with cranberries as a festive appetizer. It’s easy to make and always impresses guests.
I start by preheating the oven to 425°F. Then I place a wheel of brie in an oven-safe dish and top it with cranberry sauce.
I bake it for about 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey. The warm, melty brie pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
Get the baked brie cranberries recipe.
11. Sage Sausage Stuffing
I love making sage sausage stuffing for Christmas dinner. It’s a tasty side dish that goes well with turkey.
I start by cooking pork sausage with onions and celery. Then I mix in cubed bread, sage, and chicken broth.
The stuffing bakes until golden and crispy on top. It’s savory, herby, and full of festive flavor.
Get the sage sausage stuffing recipe.
12. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
I love making balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner. I trim and halve the sprouts, then roast them on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.
While they’re cooking, I prepare a simple glaze with balsamic vinegar and honey. Once the sprouts are golden brown, I toss them in the glaze.
The result is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors that complements the rest of the meal beautifully.
Get the full balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts recipe.
13. Gingerbread Cookies
I love baking gingerbread cookies for Christmas dinner. The spicy aroma fills my home with holiday cheer.
These classic treats are fun to decorate with my family. We use icing and candies to create festive designs.
Gingerbread cookies are perfect for dessert or as edible gifts. Their crisp texture and warm flavors always delight my guests.
Get the full gingerbread cookies recipe.
14. Eggnog Cheesecake
I love making eggnog cheesecake for Christmas dinner. It combines two holiday favorites into one creamy dessert.
The graham cracker crust provides a nice contrast to the rich, smooth filling. I mix eggnog right into the cheesecake batter for authentic flavor.
A sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds the perfect festive touch. This indulgent treat is always a hit with my guests.
Get the eggnog cheesecake recipe.
15. Pecan Pie Cake
Pecan pie is a classic Christmas dessert that I love to serve. Its sweet, nutty flavor and gooey texture make it irresistible.
I use a simple recipe with pecans, corn syrup, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. The filling bakes in a flaky pie crust until set.
I like to top my pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect ending to a festive holiday meal.
Get the full pecan pie recipe.
16. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a cozy Christmas favorite. I love simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
Adding orange slices and a splash of brandy gives it extra warmth and flavor. It fills the house with a wonderful aroma as it heats.
Serving mulled wine in mugs is perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.
Get the full mulled wine recipe.
17. Pumpkin Soup
I love serving pumpkin soup at Christmas dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for cold winter nights. The sweet and savory flavors of pumpkin blend beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
I usually garnish my pumpkin soup with a swirl of cream and some toasted pumpkin seeds. It’s a festive orange color that looks great on the holiday table. This soup is easy to make ahead and reheat when guests arrive.
