68 Best Christmas Dinner Recipes That Make It Easy to Pull Off a Holiday Feast

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You can serve these as an appetizer or as part of your meal — either way, they're sure to be a hit.

As beautiful as it is tasty, this tortilla wreath doubles as a centerpiece and an appetizer.

These easy-to-make apps burst with flavor from smoked paprika, bacon, and fresh green herbs.

An aromatic brine of juniper, cardamom, and bay imbues this lean cut with juicy flavor. The breadcrumb filling adds heartiness and texture to every bite.

These savory tartlets are inspired by flavors of the Mediterranean. Reminiscent of Greek spanakopita, they combine spinach, feta cheese, and fresh dill in a crunchy phyllo dough shell.

Made from layers of rolled and folded dough, these puff pastries are buttery and flaky. Try cutting this tasty tarte into smaller bites to create a party-ready appetizer.

Move over, turkey: This smoky ham recipe glazed in sweet, fruity apricot will have even the kids craving seconds.

Even the pickiest of eaters won't be able to resist these lemon-maple roasted carrots — they're simply too delicious to pass up.

Turkey is a great alternative to the traditional Christmas ham. This dry-brined version is packed with flavor and has that satisfyingly crispy skin.

Chive butter is the perfect topping for these tasty little potatoes. They're so good you'll want to recreate this recipe all year long.

Here’s a quick and easy appetizer guests will love. Whip up these next-level breadsticks, stuffed with a yummy sour cream and cheese filling.

Roast beef gets a tasty upgrade with this recipe. The trick to a perfect dish is making sure the jarred horseradish is squeezed as much as possible — it has more liquid than you think.

Who says you can only have turkey at Thanksgiving? Wow your guests with this exquisite turkey recipe with garlic, olive oil, and fresh thyme.

Green beans add a fresh, crisp element to any holiday dinner. Flavored with rosemary, garlic, and orange zest, these beans pack a serious flavor punch.

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests on the holiday: For this recipe, cut and wrap onion for the compote and prepare orange sections up to two days ahead. Refrigerate completely covered.

Up your sweet potato game this year by making them with this drool-worthy spiced syrup.

This roast goose makes a wow-worthy, tastes-as-good-as-it-looks Christmas dinner centerpiece.

Start you dinner off right with some tasty sausage roll appetizers. These savory bites will be gobbled up in a flash.

There's nothing typical about this roast: Pears, fennel, and a touch of coriander combine for a taste that's succulent and earthy, with just a hint of citrus.

The sweetness from the pears and the herby flavor from the thyme come together for a extremely tasty side dish.

A good roast will please all on Christmas Eve. This pot roast cooks slowly, but really only takes 15 minutes to prep before you pop it into the oven.

Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? This easy, creamy, one-pot recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

When your oven is overflowing with roasts and cakes and pies and Christmas cookies, breathe a sigh of relief knowing that these Brussels sprouts can be made on the stovetop.

Christmas dinner just isn't complete without Santa — or dessert. Combine the two in this cheeky cake.

Not only do these sweet potatoes look amazing, but they taste just as good. You can't really go wrong with a toasted meringue, now can you?

Load up your potatoes this year with sour cream and bacon. Your guests (and tastebuds) will thank you.

Made from one pound of carrots, this cinnamon-spice sweet potato soup is packed with healthy vitamin A. And it's delicious too!

An unusual spin on the classic butternut squash, this recipe uses plenty of butter, sage, and garlic to make a tasty side dish with a striking visual presentation.

Make mimosas a Christmas tradition with these fresh and bubbly orange-cranberry drinks.

Chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday combination, and when paired together in this rich cake, they make a delectably festive dessert.

Both vegetarians and carnivores will love this whole roasted cauliflower with caper vinaigrette.

Inspired by spinach dip, this baked kale gratin puts a mouthwatering twist on the traditional app we know and love. You can substitute collard, turnip or mustard greens for the kale, but be sure to remove any thick stems.

Wrap these pops in plastic wrap and give them out to neighborhood kids and cousins as a tasty treat.

Sliced pineapple and ham is a classic combination, so why not just slather the pineapple right onto the ham in glaze form? You won't be disappointed.

This pretty-as-a-picture dessert uses lots of individual treats, like cupcakes and cut-out cookies, to create one temptingly sweet holiday masterpiece.

Toss dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or raisins in with the apples for an added touch of sweetness to this apple-walnut stuffing. Assemble up to a day ahead, and simply cover and chill for a grab-and-go casserole.

Smashing your roasted potatoes gives you crispy edges and perfectly cooked insides. You won't regret giving it a try.

Coated in orange juice, spices, and olive oil, this sweet potato, carrot, and onion mix pops with flavor.

Replace the filling's granulated sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons honey, then sub in low-fat Cheddar for a healthier take on everyone's favorite fall pie. Total savings? 72 calories and 8 grams of fat per serving. We'll take two slices in that case!

Crisped, succulent Italian sausage adds loads of flavor to this reinvented version of a holiday staple, topped with grated Parmesan and bread crumbs.

Start off your Christmas fast with these delicious and creative popovers. Jazz up a classic popover with this ginger-pear butter.

Not a fan of marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes? Go the savory route with these mashed potatoes that feature rosemary-roasted pecans.

A yogurt and lemon juice sauce gives these sweet tots a tangy finish.

Add some holiday sweetness to your usual potato gratin with yummy butternut squash.

No boring leaves here: Black-eyed peas and grilled green onions add a Southern kick to this shaved squash salad. It won't disappoint!

Sweet potato casserole is always a holiday dinner favorite, and this one, with brown-sugared pecans, will become a yearly staple.

This simple holiday cocktail will warm up your guests on a chilly winter night. For a little extra heat, add a few slices fresh ginger (unpeeled is fine) before simmering — just remove the ginger slices before serving.

Ham is a Christmas dinner classic, and you will have the entire table impressed with this orange-red pepper jelly glaze that adds a tangy yet sweet taste to the dish.

This comforting classic has a flavorful twist with a tasty mustard-tarragon sauce.

If you don't like ham, then try whipping up these cornish game hens. They're the perfect protein for Christmas dinner because they cook up quickly and are packed with flavor.

You can spend all day playing with the kids and still whip up this dish in just 30 minutes flat.

Though this easy beef bourguignon looks impressive, it's super simple to put together. You'll be making this warm and cozy dish all winter long.

Paired with a creamy béchamel sauce, these stuffed shells are an ideal addition to your holiday spread. (You’re sure to add them into your regular dinner rotation, too.)

Opting out of meat this year? This hearty lasagna is meat-free and packed with veggies. Substitutions like spinach and broccoli florets cut calories without compromising taste.

Give sangria a holiday twist by making a mulled wine studded with red and green fruit. It's perfect hot or cold, so the choice is yours.

You can enjoy these creamy bourbon- and rum-spiked after-dinner treats during the holiday season or on any cozy winter's night.

These marvelous mini cheesecakes, made with a sweet pecan topping and buttery shortbread crust, are the perfect treats to serve at a holiday dinner party or to give as a holiday gift.

Topped with rich buttercream icing and shredded coconut, these deliciously festive cupcakes will be an instant hit.

Peppermint bark is a Christmas classic. This one is topped with mini meringue pieces and white-chocolate coated pretzels.

What's a Christmas dinner without a decadent dessert to finish off the meal? This stunning vanilla cake is layered with raspberry jam for a fruity filling.

This bright and vibrant red cranberry pie is the perfect combo of tangy and sweet.

Try this upgraded shortbread recipe packed with chunks of real cranberries. The twist brings a brightness to the classic holiday flavor.

Flummery might not be a well-known dessert, but it will surely become a Christmas classic in your home after you try this easy-to-make, cranberry-packed recipe.

This partridge in a pear tree dessert is a clever take on everyone's favorite holiday tune, "Twelve Days of Christmas."

This adorable train dessert makes for a fun — and delicious — group activity for adults and kids alike.

Christmas trees rise from these precious vanilla cupcakes. Green sprinkles serve as the pine needles.

This scrumptious recipe comes together with affordable, accessible ingredients including Hawaiian rolls, roasted Brussels sprouts, browned mushrooms, and soy sauce for a savory, umami flavor.

Who says milk shakes are only for summertime? These delectable peppermint shakes get their rich flavor from vanilla ice cream and peppermint extract, and their color from green food coloring.

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68 Best Christmas Dinner Recipes That Make It Easy to Pull Off a Holiday Feast

You can serve these as an appetizer or as part of your meal — either way, they're sure to be a hit.

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

As beautiful as it is tasty, this tortilla wreath doubles as a centerpiece and an appetizer.

Tortilla Wreath with Brie

These easy-to-make apps burst with flavor from smoked paprika, bacon, and fresh green herbs.

Deviled Eggs

An aromatic brine of juniper, cardamom, and bay imbues this lean cut with juicy flavor. The breadcrumb filling adds heartiness and texture to every bite.

Roast Pork Loin with Herb Stuffing

These savory tartlets are inspired by flavors of the Mediterranean. Reminiscent of Greek spanakopita, they combine spinach, feta cheese, and fresh dill in a crunchy phyllo dough shell.

Feta and Spinach Tartlets

Made from layers of rolled and folded dough, these puff pastries are buttery and flaky. Try cutting this tasty tarte into smaller bites to create a party-ready appetizer.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Tart

Move over, turkey: This smoky ham recipe glazed in sweet, fruity apricot will have even the kids craving seconds.

Apricot-Glazed Smoked Ham

Even the pickiest of eaters won't be able to resist these lemon-maple roasted carrots — they're simply too delicious to pass up.

Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots

Turkey is a great alternative to the traditional Christmas ham. This dry-brined version is packed with flavor and has that satisfyingly crispy skin.

Dry-Brined Lemon-Rosemary Roasted Turkey

Chive butter is the perfect topping for these tasty little potatoes. They're so good you'll want to recreate this recipe all year long.

Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter

Here’s a quick and easy appetizer guests will love. Whip up these next-level breadsticks, stuffed with a yummy sour cream and cheese filling.

Parmesan Pastry Pipes

Roast beef gets a tasty upgrade with this recipe. The trick to a perfect dish is making sure the jarred horseradish is squeezed as much as possible — it has more liquid than you think.

Horseradish-Crusted Beef with Roasted Potatoes and Shallots

Who says you can only have turkey at Thanksgiving? Wow your guests with this exquisite turkey recipe with garlic, olive oil, and fresh thyme.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey

Green beans add a fresh, crisp element to any holiday dinner. Flavored with rosemary, garlic, and orange zest, these beans pack a serious flavor punch.

Green Beans with Orange and Almond Gremolata

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests on the holiday: For this recipe, cut and wrap onion for the compote and prepare orange sections up to two days ahead. Refrigerate completely covered.

Pork Loin With Cherry-Orange Compote

Up your sweet potato game this year by making them with this drool-worthy spiced syrup.

Glazed Sweet Potatoes

This roast goose makes a wow-worthy, tastes-as-good-as-it-looks Christmas dinner centerpiece.

Orange-Rosemary Roast Goose

Start you dinner off right with some tasty sausage roll appetizers. These savory bites will be gobbled up in a flash.

Sausage Rolls with Worcestershire Sauce

There's nothing typical about this roast: Pears, fennel, and a touch of coriander combine for a taste that's succulent and earthy, with just a hint of citrus.

Fennel and Garlic Roast Pork Loin

The sweetness from the pears and the herby flavor from the thyme come together for a extremely tasty side dish.

Roasted Maple Pears with Cranberries and Thyme

A good roast will please all on Christmas Eve. This pot roast cooks slowly, but really only takes 15 minutes to prep before you pop it into the oven.

Pot Roast

Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? This easy, creamy, one-pot recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes

When your oven is overflowing with roasts and cakes and pies and Christmas cookies, breathe a sigh of relief knowing that these Brussels sprouts can be made on the stovetop.

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Christmas dinner just isn't complete without Santa — or dessert. Combine the two in this cheeky cake.

Santa Cake

Not only do these sweet potatoes look amazing, but they taste just as good. You can't really go wrong with a toasted meringue, now can you?

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Load up your potatoes this year with sour cream and bacon. Your guests (and tastebuds) will thank you.

Sour Cream Smashed Potatoes with Bacon Crumbs

Made from one pound of carrots, this cinnamon-spice sweet potato soup is packed with healthy vitamin A. And it's delicious too!

Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons

An unusual spin on the classic butternut squash, this recipe uses plenty of butter, sage, and garlic to make a tasty side dish with a striking visual presentation.

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter

Make mimosas a Christmas tradition with these fresh and bubbly orange-cranberry drinks.

Orange-Cranberry Mimosa

Chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday combination, and when paired together in this rich cake, they make a delectably festive dessert.

Peppermint-Chocolate Layer Cake

Both vegetarians and carnivores will love this whole roasted cauliflower with caper vinaigrette.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Caper Vinaigrette

Inspired by spinach dip, this baked kale gratin puts a mouthwatering twist on the traditional app we know and love. You can substitute collard, turnip or mustard greens for the kale, but be sure to remove any thick stems.

Baked Kale Gratin

Wrap these pops in plastic wrap and give them out to neighborhood kids and cousins as a tasty treat.

Jingle Bells Peanut Butter Pops

Sliced pineapple and ham is a classic combination, so why not just slather the pineapple right onto the ham in glaze form? You won't be disappointed.

Pineapple-Glazed Ham

This pretty-as-a-picture dessert uses lots of individual treats, like cupcakes and cut-out cookies, to create one temptingly sweet holiday masterpiece.

Cupcake Wreath

Toss dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or raisins in with the apples for an added touch of sweetness to this apple-walnut stuffing. Assemble up to a day ahead, and simply cover and chill for a grab-and-go casserole.

Apple-Walnut Stuffing

Smashing your roasted potatoes gives you crispy edges and perfectly cooked insides. You won't regret giving it a try.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs

Coated in orange juice, spices, and olive oil, this sweet potato, carrot, and onion mix pops with flavor.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

Replace the filling's granulated sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons honey, then sub in low-fat Cheddar for a healthier take on everyone's favorite fall pie. Total savings? 72 calories and 8 grams of fat per serving. We'll take two slices in that case!

Cheddar Apple Pie

Crisped, succulent Italian sausage adds loads of flavor to this reinvented version of a holiday staple, topped with grated Parmesan and bread crumbs.