Christmas dinner is all about comfort, warmth, and coming together. With twinkling lights and a cheerful table, even simple recipes feel special.
This list gathers 35 Christmas dinner ideas—mains, sides, and a few crowd-pleasing starters and desserts—so you can mix and match a menu that suits your family. You’ll find classic roasts, slow-cooker favorites, easy pasta bakes, and bright vegetables that balance the feast.
Each idea uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, so you spend more time at the table and less in the kitchen. Whether you cook for two or a full house, these dishes make planning easy and delicious.
1. Oven-Roasted Turkey
A classic centerpiece that’s simple to master. Tuck lemon, onion, and garlic into the cavity, then brush the skin with butter and herbs. Roast until the meat is juicy and the skin turns golden and crisp.
Let it rest before carving to keep every slice tender. Serve with pan juices or a quick gravy, plus mashed potatoes and green beans for a timeless Christmas plate.
2. Beef Wellington
This show-stopper wraps a rosy beef tenderloin in mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry. Sear the beef, chill, then assemble and bake until the pastry is bronzed and crisp.
Slice to reveal the buttery layers and tender center. Serve with a quick red-wine pan sauce and simple sides like roasted carrots or garlicky greens. It’s elegant, celebratory, and surprisingly manageable with a little prep.
3. Crockpot Maple-Glazed Ham
Let your slow cooker do the work. Place a spiral ham inside and pour over a mix of maple syrup, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.
The low, steady heat keeps everything juicy while the glaze turns sticky and fragrant. Baste a few times, then slice and serve. It’s an easy make-ahead star that frees your oven for sides, rolls, or a dessert.
4. Braised Lamb Shanks
Lamb shanks become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow in a tomato-wine broth with onions, carrots, and herbs. Brown the shanks for flavor, deglaze the pot, then braise until the meat slips from the bone.
The sauce reduces into a rich, velvety gravy perfect for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta. Comforting, elegant, and ideal for a cozy Christmas table.
5. Stuffed Cornish Hens
Personal mini roasts feel special and cook faster than a whole turkey. Fill Cornish hens with a wild-rice blend dotted with apple and cranberry, then glaze the skin with honey and herbs.
Roast until the juices run clear and the skin turns lacquered and crisp. Plate one hen per person for an easy, festive presentation. It’s an impressive option for smaller gatherings.
6. Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy risotto brings gentle sweetness and comfort. Toast arborio rice in butter, then slowly add warm stock while stirring. Fold in roasted butternut squash and finish with Parmesan for richness.
A splash of white wine and fresh thyme brightens every bite. Serve as a vegetarian main or a luxe side beside roasted meats. It’s silky, soothing, and feels special without being fussy.
7. Slow-Roasted Prime Rib
Salt the roast well in advance, then cook low and slow for an evenly rosy interior. Finish with a brief high-heat blast for a gorgeous crust. Pair with horseradish cream and au jus for dipping.
The result is tender, buttery beef that carves into generous slices. Add scalloped potatoes and a simple salad and you’ve got a festive, restaurant-worthy plate at home.
8. Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty casserole layers savory ground meat and vegetables under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. Simmer the filling with stock and herbs until thick and flavorful.
Spread the mash on top, rough up the surface with a fork, and bake until bubbling with browned peaks. It’s humble, comforting, and great for using leftovers. Add cranberry sauce on the side for a holiday touch.
9. Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
A lighter main that still feels festive. Sear salmon fillets until crisp at the edges and just flaky inside. Stir together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, dill, and a pinch of garlic for a bright sauce.
Serve with roasted asparagus or a winter salad dotted with pomegranate seeds. It’s fresh, fast, and balances richer dishes on the table beautifully.
10. Baked Ziti
Crowd-pleasing and easy to assemble. Toss cooked ziti with marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake until the cheese melts and turns bubbly and golden. Add Italian sausage for extra flavor or keep it vegetarian with spinach and mushrooms.
This pan travels well, feeds many, and reheats like a dream. Pair with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
11. Chicken Pot Pie
Flaky pastry on top, creamy filling underneath. Sauté onion, carrot, and peas, then stir into a silky chicken gravy. Pour into a dish, cover with puff pastry or pie dough, and bake until the crust is puffed and deeply golden.
Each spoonful delivers cozy, familiar flavors. Make mini versions in ramekins for individual servings that look adorable on a holiday table.
12. Christmas Pizza
Give pizza night a festive twist. Shape the dough into a wreath or tree, spread pesto or marinara, and decorate with red peppers, onions, and mozzarella “garlands.”
Bake until the crust is crisp and the cheese melts. Slice into shareable pieces for a fun starter or casual main. It’s playful, customizable, and a hit with kids and adults alike.
13. Mushroom Stroganoff
A meatless classic that’s rich and satisfying. Brown mushrooms until they’re deeply caramelized, then simmer with stock, paprika, Dijon, and a swirl of cream or sour cream.
Toss with egg noodles or spoon over buttery rice. Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the sauce. It’s quick to make, comforting to eat, and a thoughtful option for vegetarian guests.
14. Crockpot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Warm, creamy, and perfect for grazing. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichokes, garlic, and Parmesan in a slow cooker. Let it melt and mingle while you prep other dishes.
Serve with toasted baguette, crackers, or crisp veggies. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that welcomes guests the moment they arrive and keeps the holiday energy relaxed and happy.
15. Chicken & Waffle Sliders
Sweet meets savory in handheld bites. Sandwich crispy chicken tenders between mini waffles and drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Add a pickle slice or a dab of hot sauce for contrast.
They’re fast to assemble and fabulous for nibbling while the main course rests. Great for kids, game lovers, and anyone who enjoys playful party food with big flavor.
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
Colorful beets, carrots, and parsnips roast into caramelized goodness with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of rosemary. High heat brings out sweetness and crisp edges while keeping centers tender.
Finish with a splash of balsamic or a sprinkle of feta for brightness. This side is hearty, healthy, and pairs with everything from ham to prime rib.
17. Pork Tenderloin with Lingonberry Sauce
Lean pork tenderloin sears quickly and roasts to juicy perfection. Slice and spoon over a tart-sweet berry sauce (cranberry works, too) made with a little stock and thyme.
The fruity glaze adds holiday color and a festive note that complements the meat’s mild flavor. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans for an elegant, balanced plate.
18. Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, garlic, and sharp cheddar bake into a bubbling, golden casserole. The top turns beautifully crusty while the inside stays silky and rich.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. This side loves company—ham, turkey, and beef all shine with a generous scoop. It’s classic comfort that disappears fast.
19. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Roast zucchini, peppers, onions, and mushrooms until sweet and tender. Layer with lasagna sheets, ricotta, mozzarella, and a bright tomato sauce. Bake until everything melds into gooey, cheesy layers.
It’s a generous vegetarian main that feels indulgent yet balanced thanks to the roasted veg. Leftovers make an excellent day-after lunch with a simple side salad.
20. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spicy, tangy, and cheesy, this dip brings energy to the table. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch or blue-cheese dressing, and cheddar.
Bake until melted and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot batons for crunch and cooling contrast. It’s easy, affordable, and guaranteed to draw a crowd.
21. Roast Turkey Breast
Perfect for smaller gatherings. Rub a bone-in breast with butter, garlic, and herbs, then roast until the skin crisps and the meat stays moist. Rest before slicing to keep juices in.
It cooks faster than a whole bird and delivers classic turkey flavor without the fuss. Add gravy, cranberry sauce, and your favorite sides for a streamlined feast.
22. Dutch-Oven Roasted Chicken
A whole chicken roasts beautifully in a heavy pot that locks in moisture. Tuck in onions, lemon, and herbs; baste once or twice as it cooks.
The result is tender meat and a self-made pan sauce that’s perfect over potatoes or rice. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and elegant enough for Christmas dinner with very little stress.
23. Cranberry-Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Butterfly a flank steak and spread with a creamy, herby cheese filling dotted with chopped cranberries. Roll, tie, and roast until juicy within and browned outside. Slice into spirals that show off the festive red-white pattern.
The tart berries cut richness while the cheese keeps everything luscious. It’s eye-catching and delicious with garlicky greens and roasted potatoes.
24. Slow-Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
Another effortless ham option with a different flavor profile. Nestle the ham in your slow cooker, add honey, orange juice, and a touch of mustard, then let it simmer to tender perfection.
The glaze becomes shiny and fragrant. Carve at the table for a celebratory moment. Leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches, omelets, or breakfast biscuits.
25. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Smoky bacon keeps lean pork wonderfully moist. Rub the tenderloin with spices, wrap in bacon, and roast until the bacon crisps and the center is just cooked.
Rest, slice, and serve with a simple pan sauce or apple chutney. It’s quick, impressive, and pairs well with bright vegetable sides to balance the richness.
26. Grilled New York Strip Roast
Take the party outdoors or use an indoor grill pan. Coat the roast with garlic-herb butter, then grill over indirect heat until medium-rare inside with a charred crust.
Rest well before slicing. The flavor is beefy and bold, perfect with roasted Brussels sprouts and a creamy potato side. It’s a great alternative to prime rib with similar wow-factor.
27. Red-Wine Pot Roast
Low-and-slow braising turns chuck roast into tender, spoonable strands. Simmer with onions, carrots, garlic, and a generous splash of red wine until the sauce reduces into a silky gravy.
Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. It’s cozy, affordable, and feeds a crowd with minimal effort—ideal for a laid-back Christmas gathering.
28. Pecan-Crusted Salmon
Crushed pecans mixed with a little maple syrup make a crisp, sweet-savory topping. Press onto salmon fillets and bake until the nuts toast and the fish flakes easily.
A squeeze of lemon brightens everything. Serve with roasted broccolini or a winter salad for color. It’s quick to prepare and feels special without heavy sauces.
29. Air-Fryer Turkey Breast
For speed and crisp skin, the air fryer shines. Rub a boneless or bone-in breast with butter, garlic, and herbs, then cook until juicy within and golden outside.
It frees the oven for casseroles and rolls. Slice and serve with gravy and cranberry relish. Great for small families or as a second protein alongside ham.
30. Herb-Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Butterfly chicken breasts and fill with garlicky spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Sear for color, then finish in the oven until the filling melts and the chicken stays tender.
Slice to reveal the creamy green center. It’s weeknight-easy but holiday-worthy, especially with roasted carrots and a simple rice pilaf on the side.
31. Beef Bourguignon
A French classic fit for Christmas. Brown beef cubes, then braise in red wine with onions, carrots, bacon, and mushrooms until everything turns rich and velvety.
The sauce clings to each piece, delivering deep flavor in every bite. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the gravy. It’s luxurious, comforting, and unforgettable.
32. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes, a crunchy pecan layer, and a crown of toasted marshmallows—this side is nostalgic and irresistible. A touch of cinnamon and vanilla adds warmth.
Bake until the marshmallows are golden and the filling is hot and fluffy. It pairs beautifully with ham and turkey and always brings smiles to the table.
33. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Ultra-cheesy and oven-baked for a golden top. Stir a simple cheese sauce, fold in pasta, and bake until set and bubbling. Add a hint of paprika or mustard for depth.
This side comforts all ages and rounds out any plate, from roast beef to chicken. Make two pans if you’re feeding a crowd—it disappears fast.
34. Green Beans with Almonds & Caramelized Onions
A lighter, fresher side to balance rich mains. Slowly caramelize onions until sweet, then toss with crisp-tender green beans, a squeeze of lemon, and toasted almonds for crunch.
It’s simple, elegant, and colorful on the plate. Make ahead and rewarm just before serving to keep the beans bright and snappy.
35. Bûche de Noël (Yule Log)
End with a festive flourish. Bake a thin chocolate sponge, spread with whipped filling, and roll into a log. Cover with chocolate frosting and drag a fork to create “bark.”
Dust with powdered sugar for snow and decorate with cranberries or sugared rosemary. It’s a playful dessert that looks magical and tastes even better.
Conclusion
With these 35 Christmas dinner ideas, you can build a menu that suits your time, budget, and guests. Choose a show-stopping main, add a few easy sides, and finish with something sweet. Keep flavors balanced and prep simple, and you’ll have more moments to enjoy. Here’s to a relaxed kitchen, full plates, and happy memories.
