50+ BEST CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS

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There’s no better feeling than cooking up succulent, meaty mains for the holidays. And while they seem intimidating, I’ll show you step-by-step just how easy they are to make with helpful tips within each recipe. Now the question is – which one will you be making this year?

– Prime Rib: This garlic-crusted prime rib drizzled with a red wine au jus will satisfy all the beefy lovers around the table. Better yet, this no-fail recipe will ensure crazy good results to impress your guests.

– Beef Tenderloin: Not gonna lie, this may be the most tender meat you will ever have. Oh, and don’t forget the horseradish sauce – it makes all the difference.

– Easy Roasted Turkey: Believe it or not, this roasted turkey doesn’t need any basting or covering. It’s super simple and you’ll end up with the juiciest, most perfectly cooked turkey ever.

– Maple Orange Glazed Spatchcock Turkey: Switch up your turkey routine with the new spatchcock trend. It ensures even cooking every time, plus the maple orange glaze gives the turkey a sweet and savory touch.

Turkey and prime rib are the classics that you can expect every year. So why not have some fun and switch up the traditions? Opt for juicy pork chops cooked with apples, or turkey meatballs doused in a heavenly maple mustard sauce. Whatever flavor profile you’re going for, you can’t go wrong with these options.

– Apple Cider Sage Pork Chops: This is for all the pork lovers at Christmas dinner. The pork chops are brined in apple cider, and seared to a crusty brown with apples and sage. Now that’s how you make pork chops shine!

– Slow Cooker Pot Roast: If you’re limited on time but need a bangin’ main, this pot roast recipe does it all. It serves up the most tender chuck roast and perfectly cooked, chunky vegetables.

– Lemon Garlic Spatchcock Chicken: This spatchcock chicken gives your average roast chicken a whole new vibe with delicious lemon garlic flavor, juicy insides, and perfectly browned skin.

– Best Braised Short Ribs: This easy, ‘set it and forget it’ short ribs result in insanely succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat.

– Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: Another super easy way to serve up juicy chicken is none other than your slow cooker! Just add in some veggies, season the chicken, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

– Turkey Meatballs: These meatballs simmered in a maple mustard sauce are a new reader favorite! Tons of people made this for Thanksgiving and absolutely loved it. So, of course I had to add it to this list of Christmas dinner ideas.

Finger foods are a must, and almost serve as a mini side dish to add to your plate. From rich, creamy dips to deviled eggs every-which-way there’s a lot of options to choose from. But here’s a few favorites that are a hit every Christmas (or any holiday really).

– Stuffed Mushrooms: It’s always a good idea to make two batches of these because they disappear fast! They’re the perfect bite filled with a cheesy, herby, nutty, and garlicky mixture.

– Pomegranate Guacamole: Give my best ever guacamole recipe a festive twist with pomegranate seeds! It adds a pop of sweetness and a vibrant red touch (aka the perfect red and green combo).

– Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball: Of course, I had to share my mom’s signature recipe here, because it’s that good. This cheeseball has hints of smoked salmon, while covered in a nutty, herby coating for extra crunch and fresh flavors

– Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip: Don’t be fooled by the word healthy because this vegan version tastes just like the real thing!

– Deviled Eggs (Every Which Way): You can never go wrong with a platter of these classic deviled eggs. But if you want to switch it up, try my smoked salmon deviled eggs, spicy deviled eggs, or bacon deviled eggs!

– Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes: Think of this as a deconstructed guacamole, in bite-sized form. Creamy avocado on the inside, with juicy tomatoes on the outside… perfect for popping into your mouth!

A holiday dinner is never complete without a selection of the best sides. There’s the classics like creamy mashed potatoes or honey glazed carrots.

But when it comes to vegetables, there’s endless ways they can be prepared and served. So here’s a few ideas to give your winter vegetables a new look for Christmas dinner!

– Best Mashed Potatoes: Nail down classic mashed potatoes with this recipe. But don’t forget there’s other vegetables you can mash! Try making mashed sweet potato, mashed butternut squash, or mashed cauliflower.

– Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Give your simple roasted Brussels sprouts a new twist by adding crispy bacon bits and tossing everything with a balsamic glaze.

– Honey Glazed Carrots: A plate of these sticky sweet glazed carrots is a perennial winner.

– Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon: I love to make these sauteed green beans for a fresh and easy side. Because honestly, green beans itself are already so delicious!

– Baked Sweet Potato: This might be one of the easiest sides, since all you need to do is plop the potatoes on a sheet pan and bake away. Once you cut them open, slather some butter and sprinkled herbs, it’s quite sensational.

– Roasted Butternut Squash: Similar to roasted sweet potatoes, just dice up some butternut squash, season the cubes, and roast away. It’s simple – but oh so good.

– Spaghetti Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Crispy Shallots: Turn spaghetti squash into a veggie-heavy side that’s also loaded with Brussels sprouts and crispy shallots.

– Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: A simple garlic herb seasoning really kicks plain roasted potatoes up a notch (or two or three).

Warm sides are a given, but let’s not forget about bountiful winter salads to cleanse the palette in between bites.

You can keep it simple and serve up a large bowl of leafy greens tossed with a vinaigrette. Or you can add various textures and flavors for a stunning, wow-worthy salad. Either way – I think one of these salads deserves a place on your Christmas dinner table.

– Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: Oh yeah, this salad tossed with apples, cranberries, and a lemon vinaigrette may just be the best winter salad ever.

– Broccoli Salad: A giant bowl of this broccoli salad is always welcome – no matter what holiday it is!

– Tomato Avocado Salad: Add some Christmas colors to the table with this super fresh tomato salad. Bonus – it’s as easy as layering all the ingredients on top of each other. No tossing required!

– Massaged Kale Salad: Make the most of in-season kale and give it a little massage for a super tender salad. Oh, and the garlic infused oil really makes this salad shine. And if you want to amp it up even further, make my kale salad with apples and chicken!

Add extra comfort to your Christmas menu with a big pot of soup! Not only will these options add more vegetables to the table, but they’ll warm you up from the inside out. Extra cozy for sure.

– Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Butternut Squash soup is always a winter favorite. And this version is velvety smooth and perfectly spiced.

– Sweet Potato Soup: When you blend creamy sweet potatoes with carrots, fresh ginger, and a hint of spice – it makes for a sensational side soup.

– Cabbage Soup: This light and healthy soup is perfect for sipping on throughout dinner. But if you want to beef it up – there’s options for adding extra proteins.

– Very Best Lentil Soup: This Mediterranean-inspired lentil soup ought to be on your menu if you’re having a vegetarian Christmas (or not). The combination of mirepoix vegetables, tomatoes, kale, herbs, and lemon is SO delicious.

– Roasted Cauliflower Soup: If you’re not serving up roasted cauliflower as a side yet – turn it into a soup! Just add loads of garlic and herbs to give it a punch of savoriness.

Plates and plates of cookies are a given when it comes to Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Plus, these cookie recipes are super easy to whip up.

So if you’re craving a warm cookie to pair with your hot chocolate, or need a dessert to bring to a holiday party – you’ve got a few options here.

– No Bake Cookies: Yep, no flour or eggs needed to make these chewy, oat-y, chocolatey cookies!

– Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you’re gluten-free, I’ve tested and tested to create the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies. They’ve got chewy insides with perfectly golden edges.

– Banana Oatmeal Cookies (coming soon!): This 3-ingredient cookie recipe is irresistibly chewy and the perfect chocolate banana flavor combo.

– Mint Double Chocolate Cookies: Got mint chocolate lovers? These cookies are rich, decadent, and perfect for drinking with a glass of homemade cashew milk or almond milk.

– Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you have vegan guests for dinner, these classic chocolate chip cookies are ever so good.

There’s always room for desserts, especially when you’ve got so many delicious options to choose from. From decadent cakes to chocolate mousses to baked apples there’s something for everyone on this list.

And whether you’re a baker or not, these holiday desserts are incredibly easy to make!

– Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake: Pumpkin season is still not over with this moist and fluffy cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

– Coconut Macaroons: Tis the season for coconut macaroons! They’ve got chewy insides, crisp coconut flakes on the outside, and they’re dipped in chocolate goodness.

– Baked Apples: Serve these warm, spiced baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination is unreal!

– Chocolate Chia Pudding Mousse: Turn chia pudding into jars of creamy, chocolate mousse! Oh, and don’t forget to top them off with coconut whipped cream and chopped nuts.

– Paleo Chocolate Cake: This chocolate cake is a reader favorite – and for good reason. It’s extra moist, super decadent, and layered with a vegan buttercream chocolate frosting.

– Homemade Nutella: Once you make this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought jars. And for serving, it makes the perfect dip with fresh fruit or spread on crackers!

A festive cocktail or drink certainly keeps the merry holiday vibes going. And whether you’re mixing these up for a Christmas party or cozy night in at home – there’s something enticing for everyone!

– Homemade Eggnog: This holiday favorite is made easy with a blender! It’s super easy, not to mention how deliciously creamy and spiced it is.

– Pomegranate Margarita: For the tequila lovers, this pomegranate cocktail is just what you need.

– White Christmas Sangria: Put a festive spin on your favorite white wine sangria combo with this recipe!

– Classic Red Sangria: A pitcher of sweet red sangria is always a party favorite. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation with this pitcher.

– Best Hot Chocolate: Oh yeah, a cup of this warm and rich hot chocolate will surely hit the spot. And if you’ve got some leftover Nutella, give this Nutella hot chocolate a try!

– Easy Chai Latte: Tis the season for warm chai drinks! This one is simmered on the stovetop with black tea, creamy milk, warming spices, and a hint of sweetness. And if you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, you’ll love this chai spiced coconut milk!

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50+ BEST CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS

There’s no better feeling than cooking up succulent, meaty mains for the holidays. And while they seem intimidating, I’ll show you step-by-step just how easy they are to make with helpful tips within each recipe. Now the question is – which one will you be making this year?

THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER

– Prime Rib: This garlic-crusted prime rib drizzled with a red wine au jus will satisfy all the beefy lovers around the table. Better yet, this no-fail recipe will ensure crazy good results to impress your guests.

THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER

– Beef Tenderloin: Not gonna lie, this may be the most tender meat you will ever have. Oh, and don’t forget the horseradish sauce – it makes all the difference.

THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER

– Easy Roasted Turkey: Believe it or not, this roasted turkey doesn’t need any basting or covering. It’s super simple and you’ll end up with the juiciest, most perfectly cooked turkey ever.

THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER

– Maple Orange Glazed Spatchcock Turkey: Switch up your turkey routine with the new spatchcock trend. It ensures even cooking every time, plus the maple orange glaze gives the turkey a sweet and savory touch.

THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

– Apple Cider Sage Pork Chops: This is for all the pork lovers at Christmas dinner. The pork chops are brined in apple cider, and seared to a crusty brown with apples and sage. Now that’s how you make pork chops shine!

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

– Slow Cooker Pot Roast: If you’re limited on time but need a bangin’ main, this pot roast recipe does it all. It serves up the most tender chuck roast and perfectly cooked, chunky vegetables.

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

– Lemon Garlic Spatchcock Chicken: This spatchcock chicken gives your average roast chicken a whole new vibe with delicious lemon garlic flavor, juicy insides, and perfectly browned skin.

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

– Best Braised Short Ribs: This easy, ‘set it and forget it’ short ribs result in insanely succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat.

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

– Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: Another super easy way to serve up juicy chicken is none other than your slow cooker! Just add in some veggies, season the chicken, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

– Turkey Meatballs: These meatballs simmered in a maple mustard sauce are a new reader favorite! Tons of people made this for Thanksgiving and absolutely loved it. So, of course I had to add it to this list of Christmas dinner ideas.

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS (THAT AREN’T TURKEY OR PRIME RIB)

Finger foods are a must, and almost serve as a mini side dish to add to your plate. From rich, creamy dips to deviled eggs every-which-way there’s a lot of options to choose from. But here’s a few favorites that are a hit every Christmas (or any holiday really).

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

– Stuffed Mushrooms: It’s always a good idea to make two batches of these because they disappear fast! They’re the perfect bite filled with a cheesy, herby, nutty, and garlicky mixture.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

– Pomegranate Guacamole: Give my best ever guacamole recipe a festive twist with pomegranate seeds! It adds a pop of sweetness and a vibrant red touch (aka the perfect red and green combo).

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

– Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball: Of course, I had to share my mom’s signature recipe here, because it’s that good. This cheeseball has hints of smoked salmon, while covered in a nutty, herby coating for extra crunch and fresh flavors

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

– Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip: Don’t be fooled by the word healthy because this vegan version tastes just like the real thing!

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

– Deviled Eggs (Every Which Way): You can never go wrong with a platter of these classic deviled eggs. But if you want to switch it up, try my smoked salmon deviled eggs, spicy deviled eggs, or bacon deviled eggs!

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

– Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes: Think of this as a deconstructed guacamole, in bite-sized form. Creamy avocado on the inside, with juicy tomatoes on the outside… perfect for popping into your mouth!

FESTIVE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE

A holiday dinner is never complete without a selection of the best sides. There’s the classics like creamy mashed potatoes or honey glazed carrots.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

But when it comes to vegetables, there’s endless ways they can be prepared and served. So here’s a few ideas to give your winter vegetables a new look for Christmas dinner!

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Best Mashed Potatoes: Nail down classic mashed potatoes with this recipe. But don’t forget there’s other vegetables you can mash! Try making mashed sweet potato, mashed butternut squash, or mashed cauliflower.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Give your simple roasted Brussels sprouts a new twist by adding crispy bacon bits and tossing everything with a balsamic glaze.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Honey Glazed Carrots: A plate of these sticky sweet glazed carrots is a perennial winner.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon: I love to make these sauteed green beans for a fresh and easy side. Because honestly, green beans itself are already so delicious!

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Baked Sweet Potato: This might be one of the easiest sides, since all you need to do is plop the potatoes on a sheet pan and bake away. Once you cut them open, slather some butter and sprinkled herbs, it’s quite sensational.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Roasted Butternut Squash: Similar to roasted sweet potatoes, just dice up some butternut squash, season the cubes, and roast away. It’s simple – but oh so good.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Spaghetti Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Crispy Shallots: Turn spaghetti squash into a veggie-heavy side that’s also loaded with Brussels sprouts and crispy shallots.

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

– Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: A simple garlic herb seasoning really kicks plain roasted potatoes up a notch (or two or three).

ALL THE SIDE DISHES TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

Warm sides are a given, but let’s not forget about bountiful winter salads to cleanse the palette in between bites.

WINTER SALADS FOR A REFRESHING BITE IN BETWEEN

You can keep it simple and serve up a large bowl of leafy greens tossed with a vinaigrette. Or you can add various textures and flavors for a stunning, wow-worthy salad. Either way – I think one of these salads deserves a place on your Christmas dinner table.

WINTER SALADS FOR A REFRESHING BITE IN BETWEEN

– Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: Oh yeah, this salad tossed with apples, cranberries, and a lemon vinaigrette may just be the best winter salad ever.

WINTER SALADS FOR A REFRESHING BITE IN BETWEEN

– Broccoli Salad: A giant bowl of this broccoli salad is always welcome – no matter what holiday it is!

WINTER SALADS FOR A REFRESHING BITE IN BETWEEN

– Tomato Avocado Salad: Add some Christmas colors to the table with this super fresh tomato salad. Bonus – it’s as easy as layering all the ingredients on top of each other. No tossing required!

WINTER SALADS FOR A REFRESHING BITE IN BETWEEN

– Massaged Kale Salad: Make the most of in-season kale and give it a little massage for a super tender salad. Oh, and the garlic infused oil really makes this salad shine. And if you want to amp it up even further, make my kale salad with apples and chicken!

WINTER SALADS FOR A REFRESHING BITE IN BETWEEN

Add extra comfort to your Christmas menu with a big pot of soup! Not only will these options add more vegetables to the table, but they’ll warm you up from the inside out. Extra cozy for sure.

COLORFUL, COZY SOUPS (AKA COZY CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS)

– Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Butternut Squash soup is always a winter favorite. And this version is velvety smooth and perfectly spiced.

COLORFUL, COZY SOUPS (AKA COZY CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS)

– Sweet Potato Soup: When you blend creamy sweet potatoes with carrots, fresh ginger, and a hint of spice – it makes for a sensational side soup.

COLORFUL, COZY SOUPS (AKA COZY CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS)

– Cabbage Soup: This light and healthy soup is perfect for sipping on throughout dinner. But if you want to beef it up – there’s options for adding extra proteins.

COLORFUL, COZY SOUPS (AKA COZY CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS)

– Very Best Lentil Soup: This Mediterranean-inspired lentil soup ought to be on your menu if you’re having a vegetarian Christmas (or not). The combination of mirepoix vegetables, tomatoes, kale, herbs, and lemon is SO delicious.

COLORFUL, COZY SOUPS (AKA COZY CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS)