This collection of Christmas Dinner Ideas will help you put on the best spread to wow your family and friends.
It includes mains, sides, desserts and even appetizers that your guests won’t be able to get enough of.
Here you’ll find all the classics like turkey and ham, as well as some unique and creative dishes for when you’re just looking for something new and exciting.
Go through all of these amazing Christmas dinner ideas, and get ready for the best feast ever!
The Best Christmas Dinner Ideas:
1. Roast Turkey
It’s only natural that we would start our list of Christmas Dinner Ideas with the centerpiece of most tables, the roast turkey!
No Christmas spread is complete without this giant bird!
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort foods. They go great with turkey, ham, roast beef, or whatever main you’re serving up.
This is a MUST on Christmas.
3. Pork Pinwheels
Stuffed and roasted pork loin with spinach and mushrooms… with plenty of feta cheese.
Gourmet, sophisticated and elegant, it’s a great alternative to turkey, or alongside it if you’re serving two mains.
4. Butternut Squash Blossom
1Now here’s a real stunner! This gorgeous Butternut Squash Blossom will be the new star on your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
Not only will it be the prettiest dish on the table, the flavors are absolutely amazing (and, it has bacon!).
5. Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions
Now here’s a real classic that has been on holiday spreads for generations. Sweet peas are slathered in creamy white sauce, sprinkled with pearl onions.
This easy side is a great addition to your Christmas feast!
6. Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey
If you want some great Christmas appetizer, you can’t go wrong with this Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey.
Who doesn’t love some nice creamy brie? Take your favorite soft cheese to a new level with this fancy yet easy recipe. You are in for a cheesy spectacle!
7. Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)
Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican Roast Pork commonly eaten at Christmas.
Pork butt is marinated in garlic, herb, and other amazing Latin seasonings overnight, and then slow roasted for hours, until the meat is tender and the skin is perfectly crispy and delicious.
Great idea if you’re looking for something other than turkey.
8. Creamed Spinach
This Creamed Spinach is going to be the new star of your side dish spread. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh so comforting.
With just a few simple ingredients you can easily whip up this recipe, which is so much better than store bought.
9. Shrimp de Jonghe
Now here’s a classy addition to your Christmas appetizer spread…
Little know outside of Chicago, Shrimp de Jonghe is a restaurant appetizer of shrimp in a buttery, sherry laced garlic sauce topped with breadcrumbs and baked. It’s so good!
10. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
You’re going to love this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel. The crunchy pecans add so much flavor and texture to the dish.
You’ll never go back to marshmallows!
11. Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine!! Doesn’t it sound fancy? It’s such a big upgrade over your basic beans.
Vibrant French style green beans tossed with brown butter, toasty almonds (that’s where almondine comes from), shallots, garlic and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it in the end.
12. Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
These chili maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans have a nice kick due to being topped with a marvelous maple-chili glaze.
The maple syrup adds sweetness, and the chili adds spiciness to make for a great sweet and spicy combo.
13. Steak Pizzaiola
Looking for some impressive new alternatives to the traditional Christmas menu? Here it is, Steak Pizzaiola!!
Try your steak the old school Italian way. It’s absolutely delicious, and every bite you will make a nod or two to heavenly skies.
It just might become one of your new favorite Christmas dinner ideas!
14. Corn Casserole
This easy 5 ingredient Corn Casserole is a great southern style side dish, and takes next to no effort. Seriously, just mix up the ingredients, then stick it in the oven.
It’s a versatile dish that would goes great with your other Christmas favorites!
15. Cherry Tomato Gratin
This Cherry Tomato gratin is the newest star on your spread. It’s the perfect combination of easy, tasty and pretty.
Impress everyone with this gorgeous dish!
16. Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
These golden yellow Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash are a beauty to the eyes. These gorgeous veggie bowls with their scalloped, caramelized edges are stuffed with the most delicious sausage stuffing…
It’s a great alternative Christmas main dish.
17. No Knead Bread
No big feast is complete without some nice bread. This artisan quality bread can happen very fast and is super duper simple.
It’s very forgiving and only takes 3 minutes of active effort. Now that sounds unbelievable, right?
18. Green Rice Casserole
This green rice casserole is a great alternative to your typical Christmas sides. Creamy, cheesy goodness with spinach and peppers, this might become your new favorite.
19. Moussaka
Another great Christmas dinner idea for those tired of turkey, Moussaka is to the Greeks what Lasagna is to Italians.
A rich tomato meat sauce layered with eggplant instead of pasta sheets, and topped with a thick layer of béchamel sauce.
This traditional Greek recipe takes time to assemble – but it’s well worth the effort!
20. Sweet Potato Mash
Give your feast a healthier twist with this easy Sweet Potato Mash recipe. It’s a healthier twist on your conventional mashed potatoes, and goes especially good with ham.
21. Ribollita
If you want a great soup to start your feast, this is it!
This stew-y thick, rich Italian soup includes white beans, some seasonal fall and winter vegetables, and is layered with slices of day old bread.
It’s all finished with copious amount of extra virgin olive oil. YUM!
22. Creamed Corn
After you try this easy Creamed Corn recipe, you will never, ever go back to canned. Made with fresh corn (though you can use frozen), it’s so creamy and full of flavor.
This side dish is addictively good. It will make a great addition to your Thanksgiving and Christmas spreads.
23. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This stunning platter is full of crispy roasted brussels sprouts with sweet caramelized onions, apples, sprinkled with holiday favorites like candied pecans and cranberries, some salty goat cheese, and oh yes… Bacon (don’t forget the bacon).
A treat for all seasons, this dish is sure to impress!
24. Toad in the Hole
Yorkshire pudding finds its way onto many Christmas tables. This fun British recipe with a funny name takes it to the next level with the inclusion of sausages!
Your guests will love eating it, and saying it!
25. Fall Pasta Salad
Who says pasta salad is just a summertime potluck thing? Our Fall Pasta Salad is brimming with all the best flavors of autumn.
Roasted veggies, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and so much more. This is one of those salads where every bite brings a new combination of flavors.
26. Succotash
Succotash is another Christmas side that has been around for generations. With corn and lime beans as the stars, it also features a variety of other veggies.
27. Shrimp Remoulade
This shrimp recipe is a famous appetizer in New Orleans. Plump boiled shrimp drenched in a creamy, tangy and slightly spicy remoulade sauce.
Don’t prepare too much, or the guests might get too full for turkey!
28. Squash Casserole
This squash casserole is a popular southern side dish that will go great on your spread.
Mildly flavored sweet squash folded into a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with buttery cracker topping. People will be going for seconds and thirds!
29. Eggplant Parmesan
Do you like Italian food? Do you like comfort food? Eggplant Parmesan is the perfect combination of both!
This is a perfect Christmas main if you’re having vegetarian guests.
30. Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe
If you want an innovative new ham recipe, here it is!
This Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe combines savory and sweet with a touch of spicy smokiness. So good!
Get the Recipe @ thefoodcharlatan
31. Homemade Hummus
Hummus… this luscious, creamy dip is everyone’s favorite. The richness of tahini and chickpeas blended with tangy fresh lemon juice, a tiny hint of garlic and some toasty pine nuts.
Put it on the table and see your guest gets drawn towards it, itching to scoop it with some pita or other crunchies…
32. Garlic Herb Prime Rib
Make a quick garlic herb butter sauce, smear it all over your rib roast and cook it in the oven to perfection.
It’s one of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas.
33. Oyster Stew
Traditionally eaten around Christmas in the South, Oyster Stew is creamy, buttery and sooo delicious.
This is a perfect winter warmer.
34. Smoked Salmon Flatbread
This smoked salmon flatbread is going to be one of the biggest hit on your appetizer table.
It has a great combination of flavors: cold smoked salmon, dill infused cream cheese, capers, fresh tomatoes, arugula and a nice squeeze of lemon juice.
It’s like your bagels and lox taken to the next level!
35. Caprese Christmas Wreath
Now nothing looks as perfect as this appetizer for your Christmas party. This is healthy, great looking and eye catching.
Just a few easy ingredients and you can make this Caprese Wreath as your center piece.
36. Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing
Cornish hens are the perfect alternative to turkey if you’re serving a smaller crowd. This recipe featuring roasted birds stuffed with wild rice.
They’re seasoned generously with fresh herbs and taste phenomenal.
Get the Recipe @ zestffulkitchen
37. Stollen
Stollen is a famous fruit bread, usually served around Christmas time in Germany.
It’s moist and flavorful, loaded with nuts and candied fruits. You have to try this one!
Get the Recipe @ thedaringgourmet
38. Christmas Fruit Salad
Add some healthy cheer to your holiday spread with this Christmas Fruit Salad.
Featuring a variety of green and red fruits, it’s a welcome light contrast to all those heavy gravies, stuffings and pies.
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
39. Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce
This Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce is a real crowd pleaser. It’s one of the best Christmas dinner ideas to impress.
This leg of lamb is coated in a garlic rosemary lemon crust, then roasted to perfection.
40. Italian Cheese Log
Introduce this Italian Cheese log, it is perfect for Christmas eve’s appetizer spread! It looks super fancy and the taste is just phenomenal.
It’s like a deconstructed antipasto platter in the form of a dip. It’s loaded with minced salami, olives, peppers, green onions, Italian seasonings, and sun-dried tomato. YUM!
Get the Recipe @ recipetineats
41. Roast Duck
Guys, celebrate your festive Christmas dinner with this stunning Roast Duck!
This recipe is all about slow and low cooking, which will deliver tender meat and crispy skin, along with absolutely outstanding flavors.
Serve this amazing roasted duck with an outstanding port raspberry sauce for extra special deliciousness. You need to try this classy dish for sure.
Get the Recipe @ justalittlebitofbacon
42. Maple Glazed Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Take a look at these stunning Maple Glazed Roasted Rainbow Carrots! This gorgeous recipe is amazingly easy to make.
Give your holiday spread a colorful and delicious side dish with this perfectly balanced and roasted Rainbow Carrots. It’s just yummy…
Get the Recipe @ eatwithclarity
43. Lobster Thermidor
If you’re looking for some super fancy Christmas dinner ideas, it’s hard to beat this one!
Lobster thermidor looks and tastes so elegant, but is so easy to make in your own home. The guests are sure to be impressed!
Get the Recipe @ thesuburbansoapbox
44. Eggnog
Eggnog is a Christmas must! This homemade eggnog is sooo much better than the store bought stuff.
Just don’t forget the rum 😉
Get the Recipe @ tastesbetterfromscratch
45. Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board
We’re wrapping up our list of Christmas recipes with this stunning dessert charcuterie board. You can make it with whatever dessert treats like candies, cookies, pretzels and Christmas goodies, along with some sweets dips.
So much fun, art and creativity in this centerpiece.
Get the Recipe @ thefoodcharlatan
So many amazing Christmas recipes to feed your guests! Which ones will you make this year?
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Ham Recipes
Prime Rib Recipes
Cornish Hen Recipes
Duck Recipes
Lamb Chop Recipes
Steak Recipes
Lobster Recipes
45 BEST Christmas Dinner Ideas
This collection of amazing Christmas Dinner Ideas will help you put on the most crowd pleasing spread ever! Try these basic mashed potatoes:
Ingredients
- 4 lbs potatoes
- 1.25 cups milk, warmed
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into same size pieces and place them in a large pot full of cold water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them by hand. Add in warm milk a little at a time, melted butter, salt and pepper and keep on mashing until smooth.
- Taste and season. Stir in parsley and add additional butter on top before serving.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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