Christmas Dinner Ideas
Dec 14, 2025
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When it comes to planning the menu for Christmas Dinner, these are tried-and-true recipes I turn to that deliver big flavor, feed a crowd well, and keep the day joyful instead of stressful.
Appetizers for Christmas Dinner
After a big holiday brunch and days of Christmas cookies, I usually don't plan many appetizers before Christmas dinner. Just a couple of quick, easy options to keep everyone satisfied without spoiling their appetite, or adding more work to my plate!
Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
A few minutes of prep and you have the cutest veggie platter that you kids may just actually eat. And this simple appetizer won't ruin anyone's appetite.
Tortellini Skewers
Incredibly easy to make and beautifully festive with fresh basil and grape tomatoes, these skewers are always a hit.
Baked Brie
The easiest appetizer you will ever make. Pop a wheel of brie into the oven, serve with crackers and watch it disappear. If you are feeling fancy, top with jam and toasted nuts.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Turn a classic appetizer into one to impress your guests with a bit of food coloring and festive touches.
Main Course Ideas for Christmas Dinner
These are the centerpiece recipes that anchor the entire Christmas Dinner. Each one feels special, feeds a crowd well, and is designed to deliver big flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.
New York Strip Roast
If you want a show-stopping main without the stress, this is it. It's leaner than prime rib, more flavorful than tenderloin, and easier on the grocery budget. And the au jus? You'll want to drink it!
Glazed Baked Ham
Glazed ham is a Christmas classic for good reason. The sweet-and-savory glaze caramelizes beautifully, and the meat stays tender and juicy. Even better? Leftover ham recipes keep you satisfied for days after the holiday.
Instant Pot Ham
Perfect for smaller gatherings, Instant Pot Ham is juicy, tender, and ready in record time. And a simple glaze makes it memorable.
Baked Meatballs
These are not just any meatballs! They are the kind people quietly go back for seconds (and thirds). Serve them with pasta and garlic toast, or keep them warm in a slow cooker for an easy, hearty option that feeds a crowd without fuss.
Instant Pot Short Ribs
These are, without exaggeration, the best short ribs I've ever had. Wine, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce create a deeply nuanced braising liquid that turns rich and glossy under pressure. Perfect for a cozy, elevated Christmas dinner.
Bolognese Sauce
This slow-simmered sauce is rich, hearty, and worthy of Christmas dinner! And while it does take a bit of time to prepare, it can be prepared several days in advance and reheated without sacrificing any flavor. In fact, the flavor deepens!
Christmas Dinner Salads & Sides
The supporting cast matters. These salads and sides add balance, freshness, and familiar favorites to your holiday meal.
Christmas Salad
We call this Christmas Salad, because this bright and fresh salad has been a part of our Christmas Dinner for decades. Bonus: Several components can be prepared in advance so you can simply toss and serve when ready to sit down to your holiday meal.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crisp apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, salty Parmesan, and a bright honey-lemon dressing make this salad worthy of Christmas Dinner. It can just be our secret how easy it is to make.
Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, decadent, and timeless. These classic scalloped potatoes bake up tender and luxurious, pairing beautifully with both beef and ham. A reliable holiday side that never feels boring.
Mashed Potato Casserole
The kind of make-ahead side dish every Christmas dinner needs. It is incredibly creamy, perfectly rich, and always a winner. It is no wonder my mother-in-law always referred to this recipe as her go-to holiday potatoes.
Potatoes Romanoff
Unapologetically rich and cheesy, this potato dish is unique and memorable! It can be prepped ahead and baked when needed, making it ideal for holiday entertaining.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes that can be held warm for hours? It sounds like a Christmas miracle, but this easy recipe delivers!
Roasted Asparagus
Every holiday table needs something green, and this is a vegetable even picky eaters welcome. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and keeps things simple, while adding garlic and lemon elevate into a holiday worthy side.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
It's the honey balsamic glaze that sets these roasted Brussels sprouts apart. They are sweet, tangy, and perfectly crispy. Worthy of any Christmas Dinner.
Green Beans Almondine
This is my go-to easy but elegant side. Crisp-tender green beans, buttery almonds, and just enough seasoning to make them feel special. It comes together quickly and balances out the richer dishes on the table.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
If you are looking for one side dish that delivers both carbs and veggies, this is it! The rich and creamy cheese sauce wins over the pickiest of eaters and it can be assembled in advance, making your holiday meal that much easier to pull off.
Christmas Dessert Ideas
We typically set out Christmas cookies and then pick one dessert to end our Christmas dinner on a joyful note.
Sour Cream Banana Cake
My family adores this light and tangy banana cake and I love how easy it is to make! We often put a candle in it and sing Happy Birthday to remember the real reason we are celebrating Christmas.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
This easy make-ahead dessert is best prepared at least 12 hours in advance, which makes it ideal for a low-stress holiday meal. The raspberry swirl gives it that festive touch.
Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafer Crust
Individually portioned and ridiculously easy to make, these mini cheesecakes are always a crowd-favorite. Adorn them with raspberries and mint or festive sprinkles and you have the perfect finishing touch to Christmas Dinner.
Sour Cream Chocolate Bundt Cake
This chocolate bundt cake is simple to prep, feeds a crowd, and somehow tastes even better the next day. Perfect for Christmas dinner.
There you have it, my favorite ideas for Christmas Dinner! Whether you pick one, two, or ten, I hope these recipes create a meal your family will remember and one you can actually enjoy right along with them. xo, Kristen
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Hi Kristen!
I haven’t sent you any emails in a long time. But I do enjoy your recipes. Thank you. Now, of course, I need your help. I would love to make scallop potatoes for my Christmas meal. However, my son-in-law is allergic to onions and garlic. Since I have to leave out the shallots in your recipe, is there something else that you would suggest I add in? Or do you feel it will be OK? You are so clever in the kitchen. I really do appreciate your insight. Oh yeah, and all your recipes! 🫶🏼
Hi Laurie! Thrilled to hear from you again and happy to help! I would simply omit the shallots. The thyme in the sauce will help to season the dish. The other option is to make my cheesy scalloped potatoes (omit the ham, onion, and garlic powder) The cheese sauce will add all the flavor you need. I hope that helps and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.