Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or preparing for a full house of friends and relatives, planning the menu can feel like a mix of excitement and “Oh my gosh, what was I thinking?” Don’t worry, I got your back! From show-stopping mains to side dishes that might just outshine the turkey, these recipe ideas will help you pull off a Christmas dinner that’s as memorable as the twinkle lights on your tree. Let’s dive in!
CAN WE SKIP HAVING CHRISTMAS DINNER THIS YEAR?
Okay, hear me out—what if, just this once, we skipped Christmas dinner? I mean, do we really need a 12-pound ham and enough side dishes to feed a small village? Let’s be honest, half the table only shows up for the rolls anyway, and Aunt Linda’s “signature” Jell-O salad always ends up in the trash (sorry, Linda). Think about it: no sweating over the oven, no endless dishwashing, no pretending you actually like cranberry sauce. But then again, if we skipped it, we’d miss Uncle Tim finishing off three plates of green bean casserole like it’s an Olympic event, or the kids sneaking cookies while “helping” in the kitchen, or those moments around the table where everyone’s laughing so hard they forget they’re holding forks. And that’s what Christmas is really all about, isn’t it?
Today I’ve rounded up some great ideas for your Christmas dinner this year. From the main dish to the sides, I’ve got you covered!
Don’t miss our 8 Unique Stuffing Ideas, The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes, and Christmas Morning Brunch Recipes.
Cranberry Orange Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Brussels Sprouts get a bad rep but I think they are delicious! I also think your guests will agree when they try this delicious dish mixed with cranberries and roasted in a simple, homemade orange dressing.
Honey And Rye Glazed Ham. Here’s a great idea for your Christmas dinner main course this year. The traditional boozy glaze is punched up in this rendition with honey, molasses, and brassy red chilies.
Pomegranate White Cheddar Toasted Almond Cheeseball. Serve this pretty jeweled cheeseball up with your favorite crackers and breads!
Kale, Pomegranate, and Parsnip Salad. This salad not only tastes good, it looks good, too!
Hot Cross Buns. These apricot, cherry, cranberry, and cardamom hot cross buns are perfect for Christmas!
Porchetta. Seal your pork roast in plastic wrap to make this delicious main course!
I hope these Christmas dinner recipe ideas have sparked some inspiration—or at least made you a little excited about what’s hitting your holiday table this year. Whether you go all-out with a feast fit for a king or keep things simple and cozy, the most important part is sharing the meal (and the laughs) with the people you love. So, grab your apron, turn up the Christmas tunes, and let the magic of holiday cooking begin. Merry Christmas, and may your mashed potatoes be smooth, your desserts be decadent, and your green bean casserole survive Uncle Tim’s appetite!