80 Best Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for a Festive Family Meal

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Smothered in gravy, these pork chops are perfect for a chilly winter night. Plus, they'll taste great with your classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

For a fun twist on your regular mashed potato dish, try mashed sweet potatoes instead. They'll add a pop of color (and flavor) to your holiday table.

Not only is this side dish ready in just 15 minutes, but it also won't take up any space on your stovetop. Now that's an easy Christmas recipe!

This festive red and green cocktail is made with pomegranate juice, which has a cranberry-like flavor. It'll make you wonder why you've never served margaritas at Christmas before!

Warm, comforting, and loaded with wintry flavors—this risotto will make any night feel like a special occasion. It's especially pretty with the crispy bacon and sage leave garnish.

Not really made for weddings, this comforting soup is all about the "marriage" of flavors between the broth, pasta, and mini meatballs. In fact, it's perfect for Christmas or any family dinner!

This recipe tastes just like homemade stuffing meets chicken pot pie. But the best part is that it's easy to make and it feeds a crowd!

A warm spiced maple and bourbon glaze gives these sweet potatoes their caramelized flavor. It's perfect alongside beef, pork, turkey, or any holiday main.

If you're serving a crowd and need a second main course to serve with your prime rib or Christmas ham, consider this air fryer turkey recipe—it couldn't be easier!

Perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail feels like a special treat to welcome your guests. Making it at home is all the more fun!

The Drummond family enjoys a big prime rib for dinner on Christmas. Ree's easy recipe takes the stress out of cooking the beef.

Add this melty brie cheese to your charcuterie board for the ultimate cozy winter vibes. It's topped with seasonal herbs and a touch of honey for sweetness.

If you want to make a big statement this holiday season, look no further than this show-stopping main course. The turkey is covered in a bacon lattice that helps make it smoky, salty, and so gorgeous.

This new twist on a classic gratin is made with cauliflower instead of potatoes. But it still has plenty of flavorful gruyere cheese and the crunchy topping you know and love.

Celebrate your Christmas dinner with a toast and a glass of this champagne cocktail. It's bright, refreshing, and perfect for saying "Cheers!"

You can serve these bacon-wrapped scallops on their own as a holiday appetizer or over a plate of rice or pasta for a more filling main course. Either way, don't forget to drench them in the flavorful chili butter sauce!

This 20-minutes main course will look like you spend hours in the kitchen. It's adorned with a delicious glaze that's surprisingly easy to make.

All your guests will be raving over this tasty holiday starter—it's a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy. Basically, the perfect bite!

This fancy-looking twist on mashed potatoes will look extra-impressive alongside your holiday roast. All you need is a piping bag with a star tip to make it happen.

This decadent pasta dish will trump your usual mac and cheese. It's made with pillow-soft gnocchi that are easy to find these days at the grocery store.

The combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon in a creamy baked casserole dish will have even picky eaters cleaning their plates. To get a head start on your Christmas prep, trim and halve the veggies up to two days in advance.

If you're looking for a show-stopping Christmas centerpiece, this impressive beef wellington will do the trick! The tender beef is wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a layer of savory mushrooms.

The combination of maple syrup and bacon makes this side dish the perfect balance of salty and sweet. It'll make even the harshest skeptics of this vegetable ask for seconds.

Here's a fun way to serve Christmas ham—try making a bit platter with sliced ham, cheese, and dinner rolls for a DIY slider that everyone will love.

This creamy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Along with plenty of cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, there's also a buttery breadcrumb topping that's unbelievably good.

These fall-of-the-bone short ribs can do with just about any side dish but serve them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta and it’s pure heaven.

This popular party food is even better in bite-sized form. And it’s so easy to prepare too—all you need is puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and nuts.

This decadent casserole dish isn't just for Thanksgiving. Everyone will be happy to see it on your Christmas table, too.

We love a holiday main where both meat and veggies are all cooked in one pot. And not just any pot for that matter—it's all done in a slow cooker—so you don't have to take up precious oven space.

It's always a good idea to start with something fresh like a plate of veggies with a creamy, herby dip. Plus, the red and green colors of this holiday starter is perfect for celebrating Christmas.

This savory casserole is loaded with seasonal winter veggies like butternut squash, kale, and parsnips. It’s a healthy addition to your Christmas dinner menu.

Treating your other half to a special holiday meal? These dual filets will be a hit, topped with herby butter.

Make Ree's popular smashed potatoes instead of your usual mashed version this year.

Looking for a foolproof Christmas main course or side? This easy Caprese pasta will hit the spot.

No dinner is complete without warm rolls. This buttery, no-knead recipe is so easy to make.

Turn your salad into a showstopper with this wild rice option. It has a maple mustard dressing that packs a ton of flavor.

It's always a good time to make crispy, creamy baked macaroni and cheese. Serve this side with prime rib, a pork roast, or whatever you want!

Make this gorgeous (and tasty!) beet salad served at The Merc. You'll want to make the vibrant beet vinaigrette over and over again.

Because Hanukkah will have just ended, make Molly Yeh's latke recipe to celebrate both holidays under one roof.

Roast Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and red onions to make this easy veggie side. Pomegranate arils are a festive topping.

Put these bite-sized fig toasts together in just 20 minutes for an easy holiday app.

Swap your typical side salad for a delicious antipasto instead. Serve it as an app or alongside dinner.

Start the meal off with a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup. It's an easy, hearty dish everyone will love.

Make a quick punch that your kids will love. The cranberry ice gives it a festive touch.

You don't have to wait for a big pot of water to boil to make these mashed potatoes. It's the perfect last-minute Christmas side.

Make these stuffed shells either for your main course or a cheesy side. Everyone will help themselves to seconds.

Put a wintery spin on a classic mac and cheese side with this butternut squash dish. It'll make your Christmas dinner even more satisfying.

You can't go wrong with a side of carrots! These roasted beauts have an herby vinaigrette you'll love.

Because you're probably having an intimate dinner this year, think outside the box and serve delicious shrimp and grits.

Make this festive cocktail with just three ingredients: pomegranate seeds, pomegranate juice, and white wine. It's sweet, bubbly, and fun to sip!

Serve a gorgeous roast turkey for Christmas dinner. This bird is made with a super-flavorful citrus brine.

If you've never incorporated turnips into your holiday menu, now is the time. This gratin has lots and lots of delicious Gruyère cheese.

Easy sides are the bread and butter of Christmas dinner planning. These carrots and parsnips require little prep and are so good.

Surprise your Christmas crew with this fruit-infused appetizer. The salmon cakes will be a light bite among more heavy dishes.

No cans were used in the making of this green bean casserole. Instead this homemade version is totally made from scratch—and it's so good!

These are no ordinary mashed potatoes. They're an ultra-creamy baked dish, topped with heavenly crispy shallots.

These goat cheese balls are the perfect festive appetizer. You can make them in under 30 minutes.

Make your holiday turkey stand out by using this maple-rosemary recipe. It's sweet, savory, and super delicious.

Start your dinner party with this gorgeous retro-inspired punch. It's made with raspberry sherbet and ginger ale, so both kids and adults can enjoy a glass.

When you think of Christmas dinner appetizers, do you immediately picture beautifully stuffed mushrooms? If so, you've got to make these brie-stuffed delights.

Roast veggies are always a great side dish. This version has a pecan crumble on top for a sweet crunch with each bite.

Break out this recipe for every holiday meal going forward. Ree's buttery, garlicky mashed potatoes will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Every Christmas dinner menu needs a salad to lighten things up. This one is loaded with shredded vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots, plus candied pecans and roasted butternut squash.

Oranges, cranberries, and apples mingle in this festive sangria. It's perfect to enjoy from Christmas through New Year's Eve.

Offer an unexpected side with these crispy Hasselback potatoes. The cilantro dressing will be a standout taste.

You just can't beat a holiday cheese ball, so make this seasonal cranberry and goat cheese recipe. The top is covered in crushed pistachios.

Although you can enjoy this creamy corn casserole any time of year, it's a great addition to your Christmas feast.

Nothing beats a dish of potatoes, cheese, and...more cheese! It's guaranteed to be a Christmas crowd-pleaser.

You can never go wrong with a side of cornbread. Cut it up into slices and serve instead of dinner rolls.

Because you have to have veggies at your Christmas feast, make this broccoli and cauliflower casserole that's loaded with cheese.

Lightly season Brussels sprouts with Parmesan cheese and lemon. It'll go with any main course!

Creamy, buttery, and hearty, this sweet potato casserole is a holiday dinner must-have. The sage breadcrumb coating is out-of-this-world scrumptious.

Beef tenderloin is a great Christmas Day main course. It'll feed a crowd, it's quick, and it's "heaven on a fork," as Ree describes it.

Thinly sliced potatoes and thick pieces of ham are a winning combination in this cheesy casserole.

You can make Ree's meaty lasagna for your Christmas main course or for a hearty side. No matter what you choose, she calls it the "best lasagna ever"—see for yourself!

Make these for a savory appetizer at your holiday gathering. You might want to double the recipe, since they'll vanish quickly!

A pot of mulled wine is great for a cozy Christmas celebration. Serve it after dinner and sip while sitting by the fire.

Stuffed dates are always a hit on the appetizer table. This version is stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in thick-cut bacon.

Make this loaf pan lasagna for an easy Christmas dinner side or main course. Your guests will love the butternut squash flavor.

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80 Best Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for a Festive Family Meal

Smothered in gravy, these pork chops are perfect for a chilly winter night. Plus, they'll taste great with your classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

For a fun twist on your regular mashed potato dish, try mashed sweet potatoes instead. They'll add a pop of color (and flavor) to your holiday table.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Not only is this side dish ready in just 15 minutes, but it also won't take up any space on your stovetop. Now that's an easy Christmas recipe!

Air Fryer Green Beans

This festive red and green cocktail is made with pomegranate juice, which has a cranberry-like flavor. It'll make you wonder why you've never served margaritas at Christmas before!

Pomegranate Margarita

Warm, comforting, and loaded with wintry flavors—this risotto will make any night feel like a special occasion. It's especially pretty with the crispy bacon and sage leave garnish.

Pumpkin Risotto

Not really made for weddings, this comforting soup is all about the "marriage" of flavors between the broth, pasta, and mini meatballs. In fact, it's perfect for Christmas or any family dinner!

Italian Wedding Soup

This recipe tastes just like homemade stuffing meets chicken pot pie. But the best part is that it's easy to make and it feeds a crowd!

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A warm spiced maple and bourbon glaze gives these sweet potatoes their caramelized flavor. It's perfect alongside beef, pork, turkey, or any holiday main.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

If you're serving a crowd and need a second main course to serve with your prime rib or Christmas ham, consider this air fryer turkey recipe—it couldn't be easier!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail feels like a special treat to welcome your guests. Making it at home is all the more fun!

Shrimp Cocktail

The Drummond family enjoys a big prime rib for dinner on Christmas. Ree's easy recipe takes the stress out of cooking the beef.

Prime Rib

Add this melty brie cheese to your charcuterie board for the ultimate cozy winter vibes. It's topped with seasonal herbs and a touch of honey for sweetness.

Easy Baked Brie

If you want to make a big statement this holiday season, look no further than this show-stopping main course. The turkey is covered in a bacon lattice that helps make it smoky, salty, and so gorgeous.

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

This new twist on a classic gratin is made with cauliflower instead of potatoes. But it still has plenty of flavorful gruyere cheese and the crunchy topping you know and love.

Cauliflower Gratin

Celebrate your Christmas dinner with a toast and a glass of this champagne cocktail. It's bright, refreshing, and perfect for saying "Cheers!"

French 75 Cocktail

You can serve these bacon-wrapped scallops on their own as a holiday appetizer or over a plate of rice or pasta for a more filling main course. Either way, don't forget to drench them in the flavorful chili butter sauce!

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

This 20-minutes main course will look like you spend hours in the kitchen. It's adorned with a delicious glaze that's surprisingly easy to make.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves

All your guests will be raving over this tasty holiday starter—it's a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy. Basically, the perfect bite!

Cocktail Meatballs

This fancy-looking twist on mashed potatoes will look extra-impressive alongside your holiday roast. All you need is a piping bag with a star tip to make it happen.

Duchess Potatoes

This decadent pasta dish will trump your usual mac and cheese. It's made with pillow-soft gnocchi that are easy to find these days at the grocery store.

Baked Gnocchi Alfredo

The combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon in a creamy baked casserole dish will have even picky eaters cleaning their plates. To get a head start on your Christmas prep, trim and halve the veggies up to two days in advance.

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

If you're looking for a show-stopping Christmas centerpiece, this impressive beef wellington will do the trick! The tender beef is wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a layer of savory mushrooms.

Beef Wellington

The combination of maple syrup and bacon makes this side dish the perfect balance of salty and sweet. It'll make even the harshest skeptics of this vegetable ask for seconds.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Here's a fun way to serve Christmas ham—try making a bit platter with sliced ham, cheese, and dinner rolls for a DIY slider that everyone will love.

Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls

This creamy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Along with plenty of cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, there's also a buttery breadcrumb topping that's unbelievably good.

Cheesy Potato Casserole

These fall-of-the-bone short ribs can do with just about any side dish but serve them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta and it’s pure heaven.

Braised Short Ribs

This popular party food is even better in bite-sized form. And it’s so easy to prepare too—all you need is puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and nuts.

Cranberry Brie Bites

This decadent casserole dish isn't just for Thanksgiving. Everyone will be happy to see it on your Christmas table, too.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow

We love a holiday main where both meat and veggies are all cooked in one pot. And not just any pot for that matter—it's all done in a slow cooker—so you don't have to take up precious oven space.

Slow Cooker Brisket

It's always a good idea to start with something fresh like a plate of veggies with a creamy, herby dip. Plus, the red and green colors of this holiday starter is perfect for celebrating Christmas.

Christmas Crudites

This savory casserole is loaded with seasonal winter veggies like butternut squash, kale, and parsnips. It’s a healthy addition to your Christmas dinner menu.

Butternut Squash Casserole

Treating your other half to a special holiday meal? These dual filets will be a hit, topped with herby butter.

Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Cowboy Butter

Make Ree's popular smashed potatoes instead of your usual mashed version this year.

Crash Hot Potatoes

Looking for a foolproof Christmas main course or side? This easy Caprese pasta will hit the spot.

Caprese Chicken Pasta

No dinner is complete without warm rolls. This buttery, no-knead recipe is so easy to make.

Skillet Dinner Rolls with Garlic-Herb Butter

Turn your salad into a showstopper with this wild rice option. It has a maple mustard dressing that packs a ton of flavor.

Holiday Wild Rice Salad

It's always a good time to make crispy, creamy baked macaroni and cheese. Serve this side with prime rib, a pork roast, or whatever you want!

Macaroni and Cheese

Make this gorgeous (and tasty!) beet salad served at The Merc. You'll want to make the vibrant beet vinaigrette over and over again.

Roasted Beet Salad

Because Hanukkah will have just ended, make Molly Yeh's latke recipe to celebrate both holidays under one roof.

Latkes with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream

Roast Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and red onions to make this easy veggie side. Pomegranate arils are a festive topping.