With countless recipes available, you’re sure to find something your family will enjoy. There are dishes for every taste and budget, from the most fuss-free to the pickiest eater. And with so many easy, fast, and crowd-pleasing options, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. If you’re looking for more Christmas dinner ideas, check out our collection of holiday recipes below.
Soups can be a delicious holiday side dish, and you can dress up your favorite soups with anything from croutons and goldfish crackers to chopped fresh herbs and cheese. To make the meal even more festive, serve winter vegetables in creative ways. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and cauliflower are all delicious substitutes for traditional mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts can be dressed with a balsamic glaze.
Traditional Christmas dinners feature turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Other dishes might include roast beef, chicken, and other poultry. Fruit cakes and chestnuts round out the menu. You can’t go wrong with these holiday favorites. They’ll be a hit at any holiday dinner, and will impress your guests. So get in the holiday spirit and make Christmas dinner a memorable occasion. With so many festive dinner ideas, you’ll be sure to find a meal that everyone will love.
Aside from turkey, roasted vegetables are always a favorite. Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great option for vegetarians and vegans. And for the more adventurous, try roasting cauliflower and Brussels sprouts in a skillet with olive oil and minced garlic. Other dishes call for additional seasonings. Green bean casserole, with its creamy filling and crispy top, is a crowd-pleaser and a healthy alternative to roasted tots.
More tips
Ham is a classic centerpiece for many Christmas dinners. Glazes are an easy way to change it up from year to year: brown sugar and honey, apricot jam with a little dry mustard, or maple syrup with mustard all pair well with ham.
Pork loin roasted with apple slices, cranberry sauce and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger is another festive option.
Whatever you serve, use a food thermometer. USDA guidance is to cook fresh pork to 145°F with a three-minute rest, and to reheat a fully cooked ham to 140°F (165°F if it isn’t from a USDA-inspected plant or has been repackaged).
Let roasts rest before carving so they stay juicy.