65 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas To Make the Feast Unforgettable

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This juicy beef tenderloin is brightened by a tangy cauliflower-pomegranate salad that is sure to satisfy any crowd.

Pro tip: Use a large cooler to brine your turkey. It will free up precious refrigerator space.

This roast is simple but bright, with grape tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and orange working to create a subtle Mediterranean feel.

Although it serves eight, you'll definitely have leftovers—which will make for amazing sandwiches.

Seasonal apricots add a touch of sweetness to this hearty winter dish.

Take a cue from both British and Southern traditions: serve up a Christmas turkey, but get it gorgeously crisp and tender. Though this deep fryer recipe takes a little work, the tasty results are well worth it.

For a lighter take on Christmas dinner, this rich, succulent salmon fillet is full of seasonal citrusy goodness, and opulent enough to feel fully festive.

Mashed potatoes are a must-have side dish at any feast. But the bright, peppery flavor of fresh horseradish takes them to a new level.

Give this simple salad a try. The earthy mushrooms pair incredibly well with the bitter radicchio, tempered in a balsamic vinaigrette.

Everyone's favorite side dish is a must-have on your Christmas dinner table. Don't forget to broil it before serving to get that beautiful browned top.

Deck out your plain dish of corn with chopped up pieces of crispy bacon and a drizzle of honey.

Why make two pecan pies when you can just make this easy pecan slab pie that'll feed 16 people?

Yes, you have to include vegetables in your dinner spread—but why not load them up with cheesy, creamy goodness? Everyone will be singing your praises.

No dinner table is complete without fresh-baked dinner rolls— especially this recipe that guarantees a fluffy, warm center.

Switch things up this Christmas with these scalloped oysters, baked with leeks, plenty of butter, and topped with Saltine crackers.

If you're short on time, this stuffing is a great solution. From start to finish, it takes under an hour to make—which means the quicker you get to eat it.

Take a break from cookies and pies with this old-fashioned trifle, complete with rich custard and soft sponge cake.

Dust these delicious pecan cookies with powdered sugar to make them look like actual snowflakes.

Your appetizer table needs this cheese ball packed with flavorful herbs and coated in crunchy pine nuts.

Wow your guests with these homemade crackers that are perfect for dips, cheese platters, or just eating on their own!

Eggnog is the best after dinner drink on Christmas—especially this old-fashioned version full of nutmeg, cinnamon, and of course, your dark liquor of choice.

Only three steps are needed to make these rich truffles filled with Speculoos cookies; the fourth step is eating them!

Combine cranberry syrup, gin, elderflower liquor, and club soda for an easy and colorful cocktail.

Everyone will love this adorable cake with its retro light bulbs and frosted branches.

Please a crowd with this delicious punch, sweetened by pear nectar and sparkling wine.

Looking to add some bright color to your Christmas dinner spread? Check out this citrus salad that's topped with pomegranates.

Kick your butternut squash up to the next level by adding goat cheese, cranberries, and roasted pepitas.

Hosts who want to take a break from the traditional ham and turkey should look to these delightful pork chops smothered in a buttery bourbon-molasses glaze.

A heaping mound of whipped cream tops off this tangy and sweet dessert with candied orange slices.

Liven up your Brussels sprouts so that everyone will want a serving. The pickled shallots and toasted hazelnuts add the perfect tang and crunch to this classic side dish.

No Christmas table is complete without two things: cheese and loads of potatoes. Luckily, this dish has both.

Step aside, milk. We've found a new drink that goes best with Christmas cookies: this fantastic rum, white chocolate, and ginger cocktail with a crushed candy cane rim.

Whether you serve it with our Pear-Thyme Brined Turkey or just need a little something to drizzle over your mashed potatoes, this gravy is sure to delight. It's a fresh, herb-infused take on a classic.

Spiced and satisfying, this creamy cheesecake is finished with graham crackers and pecans. Lemon zest adds some aesthetically-pleasing brightness.

Buttery and warm, cornbread served straight from the skillet is the ultimate Southern side. It pairs beautifully with almost any meat too.

The eggnog recipe gets a serious upgrade when it's spiced with all the flavors of gingerbread. Fair warning, though: We're not sure it's possible to drink a cup of this without whipping up a batch of gingerbread cookies to go alongside it.

You can't go wrong with cranberry flavors on Christmas Day. This slightly sweet, berry-packed pilaf is the ultimate festive side, and we guarantee it'll appeal to all palates.

Presenting this stunner of a cake to your guests is a glorious way to close out your Christmas dinner. And get this: It actually tastes as good as it looks.

Who says greens have to be boring? These dark, leafy veggies not only work beautifully with any Christmas color palette, but they're also loaded with flavorful garlic and crispy bacon.

Fresh ginger gives a classic sweet potato pie recipe a delicious upgrade.

Serve up a simple, healthy side with this 20-minute recipe.

Served by the slice, this flavorful stuffing made with herbs and focaccia bread tastes great with gravy or cranberry sauce on top.

This turkey is fantastic for the coveted center spot on your Christmas dinner table, bursting with flavor and easy to make.

End Christmas on a sweet note with this chocolate chip cake that's as festive as it is delicious.

Store-bought candied pecans add crunch to this comfort food dish.

These creamy and spicy buttermilk and hatch chile grits will be your new holiday side-dish go-to.

Everybody gets their own individual serving of this vegetarian dish.

With sweet and earthy flavors, this ham is perfect for holiday dinners.

Warm up before you get cozy by the fire with this bourbon-infused chocolate drink.

Allowing tea to steep—as opposed to quickly dunking a bag in hot water—adds much more depth to a cup of tea. The same idea is at work here: infusing the half-and-half with garlic, rosemary, and peppercorns lends a rich flavor that really wows.

Three simple, flavorful ways to prepare your bird.

Oven management on the big day can be hectic, but don't stress. Bake your sides once the bird comes out of the oven. The turkey will stay warm for about an hour, leaving you plenty of time to finish cooking the meal.

Need something healthy and hands-off? Look no further than this easy-yet-impressive Christmas dinner idea that's sure to please your whole flock.

Anjou pears add a sweetness to this savory lager-beer braised pork chop dinner.

These savory biscuits are the perfect starter to your meal.

The secret to the hearty texture of these rolls is dry buttermilk powder—in a pinch, substitute nondairy coffee creamer.

Bacon adds a salty decadence to this roasted fall vegetable dish.

Sautéed onions, bacon, and eggs are baked inside a delicate crust.

Golden fried potato pancakes receive a boost from freshly grated nutmeg.

Cheesy, baked Brussels sprouts make a crowd-pleasing holiday side.

Put a new spin on this traditional casserole by opting for fresh ingredients.

A rich sauce with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a touch of Parmesan elevates this traditional side. For a twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or diced roasted red peppers to the sauce.

A no-cook dessert replete with ladyfingers, creamy Greek yogurt, and an assortment of berries.

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65 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas To Make the Feast Unforgettable

This juicy beef tenderloin is brightened by a tangy cauliflower-pomegranate salad that is sure to satisfy any crowd.

Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Pro tip: Use a large cooler to brine your turkey. It will free up precious refrigerator space.

Red Chile and Orange Glazed Turkey

This roast is simple but bright, with grape tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and orange working to create a subtle Mediterranean feel.

Orange and Cumin Leg of Lamb with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

Although it serves eight, you'll definitely have leftovers—which will make for amazing sandwiches.

Orange and Cumin Leg of Lamb with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

Seasonal apricots add a touch of sweetness to this hearty winter dish.

Apricot-Stuffed Pork Loin

Take a cue from both British and Southern traditions: serve up a Christmas turkey, but get it gorgeously crisp and tender. Though this deep fryer recipe takes a little work, the tasty results are well worth it.

Deep-Fried Turkey

For a lighter take on Christmas dinner, this rich, succulent salmon fillet is full of seasonal citrusy goodness, and opulent enough to feel fully festive.

Citrus-Roasted Salmon

Mashed potatoes are a must-have side dish at any feast. But the bright, peppery flavor of fresh horseradish takes them to a new level.

Horseradish–Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Give this simple salad a try. The earthy mushrooms pair incredibly well with the bitter radicchio, tempered in a balsamic vinaigrette.

Roasted Mushrooms and Radicchio

Everyone's favorite side dish is a must-have on your Christmas dinner table. Don't forget to broil it before serving to get that beautiful browned top.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Homemade Marshmallow

Deck out your plain dish of corn with chopped up pieces of crispy bacon and a drizzle of honey.

Corn Salad with Bacon and Honey

Why make two pecan pies when you can just make this easy pecan slab pie that'll feed 16 people?

Nancy Fuller's Pecan Slab Pie

Yes, you have to include vegetables in your dinner spread—but why not load them up with cheesy, creamy goodness? Everyone will be singing your praises.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin

No dinner table is complete without fresh-baked dinner rolls— especially this recipe that guarantees a fluffy, warm center.

Parker House Rolls

Switch things up this Christmas with these scalloped oysters, baked with leeks, plenty of butter, and topped with Saltine crackers.

Scalloped Oysters

If you're short on time, this stuffing is a great solution. From start to finish, it takes under an hour to make—which means the quicker you get to eat it.

Fresh Herb Stuffing

Take a break from cookies and pies with this old-fashioned trifle, complete with rich custard and soft sponge cake.

Fruit and Nut Trifle

Dust these delicious pecan cookies with powdered sugar to make them look like actual snowflakes.

Pecan Snowflake Cookies

Your appetizer table needs this cheese ball packed with flavorful herbs and coated in crunchy pine nuts.

Herbed Cheese Ball

Wow your guests with these homemade crackers that are perfect for dips, cheese platters, or just eating on their own!

Cheddar Holly Crackers

Eggnog is the best after dinner drink on Christmas—especially this old-fashioned version full of nutmeg, cinnamon, and of course, your dark liquor of choice.

Old-Fashioned Eggnog

Only three steps are needed to make these rich truffles filled with Speculoos cookies; the fourth step is eating them!

White Chocolate Truffles

Combine cranberry syrup, gin, elderflower liquor, and club soda for an easy and colorful cocktail.

Cranberry Gin Fizz

Everyone will love this adorable cake with its retro light bulbs and frosted branches.

Retro Christmas Tree Cake

Please a crowd with this delicious punch, sweetened by pear nectar and sparkling wine.

Sparkling Pear & Orange Champagne Punch

Looking to add some bright color to your Christmas dinner spread? Check out this citrus salad that's topped with pomegranates.

Honey-Drizzled Citrus Salad With Pistachio-Poppy Seed Granola

Kick your butternut squash up to the next level by adding goat cheese, cranberries, and roasted pepitas.

Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries

Hosts who want to take a break from the traditional ham and turkey should look to these delightful pork chops smothered in a buttery bourbon-molasses glaze.

Pork Chops With Bourbon-Molasses Glaze

A heaping mound of whipped cream tops off this tangy and sweet dessert with candied orange slices.

Cranberry Tart

Liven up your Brussels sprouts so that everyone will want a serving. The pickled shallots and toasted hazelnuts add the perfect tang and crunch to this classic side dish.

Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Shallots and Hazelnuts

No Christmas table is complete without two things: cheese and loads of potatoes. Luckily, this dish has both.

Hasselback Potato Gratin

Step aside, milk. We've found a new drink that goes best with Christmas cookies: this fantastic rum, white chocolate, and ginger cocktail with a crushed candy cane rim.

Driven Snow Cocktail

Whether you serve it with our Pear-Thyme Brined Turkey or just need a little something to drizzle over your mashed potatoes, this gravy is sure to delight. It's a fresh, herb-infused take on a classic.

Thyme-Pear Gravy

Spiced and satisfying, this creamy cheesecake is finished with graham crackers and pecans. Lemon zest adds some aesthetically-pleasing brightness.

Gingerbread Cheesecake with Pecan-Graham Crust

Buttery and warm, cornbread served straight from the skillet is the ultimate Southern side. It pairs beautifully with almost any meat too.

Skillet Cornbread

The eggnog recipe gets a serious upgrade when it's spiced with all the flavors of gingerbread. Fair warning, though: We're not sure it's possible to drink a cup of this without whipping up a batch of gingerbread cookies to go alongside it.

Gingerbread Eggnog

You can't go wrong with cranberry flavors on Christmas Day. This slightly sweet, berry-packed pilaf is the ultimate festive side, and we guarantee it'll appeal to all palates.

Wild Rice-and-Cider-Cranberry Pilaf

Presenting this stunner of a cake to your guests is a glorious way to close out your Christmas dinner. And get this: It actually tastes as good as it looks.

Candy Cane Cake

Who says greens have to be boring? These dark, leafy veggies not only work beautifully with any Christmas color palette, but they're also loaded with flavorful garlic and crispy bacon.

Braised Greens

Fresh ginger gives a classic sweet potato pie recipe a delicious upgrade.