41 Festive Christmas Dinner Ideas

Choosing what to serve for Christmas dinner can be overwhelming. But not with these tried-and-true recipes. Hosting your Christmas party this holiday season will be a breeze with these best Christmas dinner ideas!

It’s that time of the year again, and you’re hosting? Then you need a foolproof Christmas menu to minimize the guesswork and maximize satisfaction on Christmas.

And these 41 easy Christmas dinner recipes will be just the thing your Christmas table needs.

Now, comb through this article, find the match that suits your taste buds the most and have a merry Christmas.

But get ready to make some tough choices because these dinner delights will not go down without a fight! They all taste incredible and they can surely please a crowd!

What is the Most Popular Dish for a Christmas Dinner?

Traditionally, Christmas dinner is served with a grand protein, a versatile side dish, impressive Christmas desserts, and of course some festive cocktails.

Think glazed Christmas hams, turkey, or a giant red-meat roast. Now combine that with classic Christmas side dishes such as mashed or roasted potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls, and salad, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Christmas dinner menu.

The filling dinner is then topped with a sweet finish such as a trifle or pudding.

But, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or two, and whether you’re looking to break tradition or not, Christmas dinner always boils down to the same. Filling you up and pleasing your senses!

Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas

Want to stick to the traditional for your holiday dinner table? Then you definitely cannot go wrong with one of these crowd-pleasing best Christmas dinner recipes.

1. Roast Beef

Source: katykicker.com

Although not technically roasted, this slow-cooked meat makes one heck of roast beef for your Christmas table.

Six hours in the slow cooker, and you’ve got yourself the most hands-off holiday menu you could ask for. And, it tastes amazing!

This recipe also uses parsnips and carrots, but any root veggie will do well.

The best part about this recipe? You end up with enough cooking liquid to whip up some finger-licking gravy.

Don’t forget the perfect mouth-watering Christmas appetizers to serve with your roast!

2. Beef Wellington

Source: littleferrarokitchen.com

Beef Wellington is a traditional star on your holiday table that always satisfies.

And this classic recipe actually makes four individual filet mignons. They are layered with mushrooms and chestnuts. Then wrapped inside golden puff pastry.

Single-serve beefy pockets to surprise your guests. Because let’s face it. No one likes sharing their Christmas food.

It’s best to serve this delight with some creamy mash. That gives some velvety touch to your bites. No one will leave the table with an empty tummy.

3. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Source: lovefromtheoven.com

Glazed ham has to be that classic gourmet dish that we’re all looking for at a Christmas dinner party.

This recipe uses only four ingredients. With brown sugar, apple juice, and maple syrup, your 10-pound ham will take on a sticky and caramelized coating.

The best part? This makes enough leftovers for delicious ham sandwiches for the next day (or two!) after Christmas.

Plus, it takes on side dishes well, so you can serve it with pretty much anything.

4. Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

Source: katykicker.com

Who doesn’t like roast potatoes? If your Christmas dinner features roasted or baked meat, then it is expected of you to have this side dish on the table.

But this recipe makes things even easier. Instead of using your oven, which will clearly be filled with your hams and dinner rolls, this recipe uses the Air Fryer.

Just dump your chopped potatoes, season well, and let this appliance do its thing.

5. Roasted Turkey Breast

Source: flavorthemoments.com

If you don’t like your Christmas dinner to look like Thanksgiving, but you want to serve turkey, then this turkey breast recipe is the real deal.

Flavored with garlic and herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary, this dish is super aromatic. And it can be made without any hassle, too.

Just rub the brine over, bake, and voila! Golden and crispy skin and super juicy meat to satisfy your guests.

6. Mashed Potatoes

Source: wholesomefarmhouserecipes.com

If you ask me, every Christmas dinner needs a creamy mash on the table. Which is why this recipe is on this list, I guess.

A holiday classic, this velvety side dish will pair perfectly with your main protein.

But this isn’t your regular mash. It is loaded with cream cheese and a very generous amount of butter, for the smoothest mashed potatoes ever. Not to mention, the most flavorful, too.

7. Pigs in a Blanket

Source: whattheredheadsaid.com

Tired of your old pigs in a blanket recipe? Then this is something you just have to try.

Caramelized onion relish is the secret ingredient here. And it is what gives these bacon-wrapped sausages a deep flavor.

Caramelized and crispy, you will be licking your fingers in no time.

A tip? Dipping your baked sausages in the onion marinade for a second time will make them even yummier.

Want more holiday recipes your kids will actually eat? Check out the healthy Christmas recipes for kids!

8. Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast

Source: slowthecookdown.com

If you’re hosting a party for just a few people, then a whole turkey may be too much for your Christmas dinner. But what if you want to serve turkey? Then this recipe is a great choice.

Wrapped in bacon, and air fried to perfection, this boneless and skinless turkey recipe is destined to satisfy.

And that’s easy since the meat is crispy on the outside but incredibly juicy on the inside.

9. Garlic Herb Prime Rib

Source: foodieandwine.com

Soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This prime rib is so easy to pull apart, but incredibly hard to resist.

Flavored with garlic and coated with a herbal rub, this is by far the best prime rib recipe I’ve ever tried. And it works every single time.

Plus, it generously serves a crowd. And it pleases one, too!

Ideas for Christmas Dinner Other Than Turkey

Don’t like turkey for your Christmas dinner? No problem! Pick one from these festive main courses, instead.

10. Roast Lamb Shoulder

Source: flawlessfood.co.uk

Lamb roast is a festive gourmet that deserves a special place on your Christmas table. And this shoulder recipe has it all.

It is slow cooked. It is super soft and easy to pull apart. And it is packed with flavor.

The best thing, though? This roasted lamb ends up with enough leftover stock for a delicious gravy. Instructions included!

11. Beef Tenderloin Roast

Source: pizzazzerie.com

With rosemary and peppercorn flavor, this tenderloin roast will fill up your kitchen with nothing but the scent of the holidays.

And it couldn’t be any simpler to make! You just coat the meat, place it on a rack, and let it cool for a little under an hour.

Then you simply let it rest, carve it to the desired thickness, and serve it with your favorite gravy.

Check out these other mouth-watering Christmas recipes!

12. Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

Source: chefjar.com

Lemons and garlic are chicken’s best friends. And this is especially true if you’re roasting a whole bird.

This method stuffs the chicken’s cavity with garlic and a halved lemon. And if you haven’t tried this before, now’s your time.

The lemon will boost the juiciness, and the garlic will simply pierce throughout the meat with its intense aroma. So delicious!

13. Baked Lamb Chop

Source: cuisineandtravel.com

Lamb chops with mint chimichurri for the quickest and easiest Christmas dinner ever. Seriously, you only need 20 minutes from start to finish.

Plus, you also get some veggies in there, too. So you only need one side dish, really.

If that’s not convenient for the busy moms out there, I don’t know what else could be more fitting.

14. Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

Source: chefjar.com

Meatloaf has to be a classic on the American holiday table. And I simply love making it for special occasions. But this is no ordinary loaf of minced meat.

Topped with creamy mayo and cheesy Provolone, this meatloaf recipe takes things to a different level.

Super juicy on the inside, and sitting on top of sliced mushrooms and peppers. What a great fit for a holiday table!

15. Petite Sirloin Roast

Source: jugglingactmama.com

If you know basic French, you’ve probably already guessed that this roast serves a small crowd. In my opinion, this is the perfect meat size for a family of four.

Pulsed garlic and parsley oil are rubbed over the beef sirloin. That gives this roasted meat an intense flavor.

To make it more flavorful? Double the amount of rub and marinate the beef overnight

16.  Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Source: wholesomefarmhouserecipes.com

Want to bring a tropical taste to your Christmas dinner? Then this sweet pineapple ham is just what you have been looking for.

And the best part about this lovely dish? It doesn’t overwork your oven! Made in the slow cooker, this is the definition of a yummy dump-and-forget-about-it dish.

Decadent and luscious, you will be amazed at how quickly all that meat will disappear.

17. Salmon Wellington

Source: littleferrarokitchen.com

Love a good Wellington for Christmas but not necessarily a fan of red meat? Then this salmon version will be a dish to look forward to.

Dijon-flavored and topped with a cheesy and lemony spinach mixture. These golden puffs are guaranteed to be a hit.

Get your mashed potatoes and wine ready, and your family won’t be able to have enough of this.

18. Pork Roast

Source: myorganizedchaos.net

Who doesn’t love a good pork roast for the holidays? And this one makes one well-done, crusty, and rosemary-scented roast.

Marinated in a mustardy, garlicky, and herbal mixture, there is nothing but rich flavors here.

The meat is slow-cooked and juicy, perfect for carving.

Just drizzle your gravy on top, and dig in!

19. Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Source: crockpotsandflipflops.com

Comfort food straight from your slow cooker! This pasta with tomato sauce and cheese is bursting with flavors.

Loads of cheese and a generous amount of marinara sauce. Just add everything to the pot, and let it do all the cooking for you.

The perfect choice for an Italian-inspired Christmas dinner. And a gooey holiday pleasure! You will enjoy every single bite of this. Serve with chopped basil, and enjoy!

20. Beef Brisket

Source: sweetandsavorymeals.com

Coated with a tasty dry rub. Roasted on low. A fall-apart consistency. Drowned in barbecue sauce. And finally, broiled until sticky and caramelized. Does that make your mouth water?

Rich in seasonings (seriously, the list is quite lengthy), but the extra measuring is so worth it. This recipe yields one super flavorful meat.

Isn’t that perfect for your festive table? All this meat needs is a good side next to it.

Small Christmas Dinner Ideas

Oh, so you’re not feeding a small village for Christmas? Then you don’t need to go overboard! Here are the best smaller dinner recipes, perfect for a holiday table.

21. Potato Gratin

Source: biteontheside.com

Want to leave an impressive mark this Christmas? Then these single-serve gratins are the way to go.

Every guest gets their individual portion, which they don’t get to share.

So crispy, creamy, cheesy, and starchy, this will be devoured by any potato lover.

This has to be the most uniquely delicious side dish you can serve on Christmas Eve.

22. Grilled Shish Kabob

Source: eatingglutenanddairyfree.com

Do you want your Christmas dinner to be more like a backyard party? Are you also serving a small group of people? Then these Shish Kabobs will be a unique main dish, for sure.

Chicken and sirloin steak are marinated with soy and mustard marinade. And along with your chopped veggies of choice, the meat is threaded on skewers.

Grilled to charred perfection, they are simply irresistible.

23. Spinach and Persimmon Salad

Source: beyondmeresustenance.com

Do you want something fruity on your Christmas table? Then brighten your holiday with this vibrant salad.

Spinach, strawberries, persimmons, and pomegranates. How sweet is that?

But that’s not all! This colorful bowl also includes crunchy pistachios and crumbled feta cheese.

The thing I love the most here has to be the dressing. Bittersweet and tangy, it wraps everything up. Delicious!

24. Pork Tenderloin

Source: lovefromtheoven.com

If you like your roasts with a sweet glaze, here is another great recipe. Pork tenderloin, seasoned to perfection, and roasted into soft delight.

Brushed with a sugary and buttery maple glaze, the meat takes on an even more delicious taste.

A small tip? Roast this in a larger pan. Then add some chopped root veggies around the meat, for an all-in-one kind of roast.

25. Baked Pasta

Source: theshortordercook.com

If your idea of a comforting Christmas dinner includes pasta, then you simply have to try this one. Baked rigatoni (although you can use any type of pasta), loaded with flavors.

Crushed tomatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and a lot of cheese. Baked in the oven until bubbly and delicious.

A real feast on your tongue, for sure!

26. Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf

Source: strengthandsunshine.com

Serving Christmas dinner for a vegan bunch? This plant-based meatloaf alternative will be a total hit on your holiday table.

Hearty and super nutritious. You won’t even miss meat when serving this vegan loaf. And, it is still packed with protein.

With lentils, cauliflower, peppers, onions, and a mix of spices you love. How can it not taste good?

Brushed with a smoky ketchup glaze, it is even more delicious.

Looking for more healthy holiday ideas? Check out the healthy Christmas dinner recipes.

27. Pomegranate Glazed Winter Vegetables

Source: beyondmeresustenance.com

Winter veggies are a definite must for Christmas dinners. Butternut squash, Brussel Sprout, and shallots are the starts of this recipe.

But the thing that shines the most? The spicy and orangey pomegranate glaze, for sure! Luscious and healthy, you have never tried more delicious roasted veggies before. Have you?

28. Apple Avocado Cranberry Walnut Salad

Source: becomingness.com

Apples and avocados with crunchy walnuts and super sweet dried cranberries. Tossed along with a generous amount of baby spinach. And some sliced feta, for a cheesy bite.

The sweet and tangy dressing here pairs beautifully both with the avocados and apples.

If you don’t like apples, you can substitute them with pears. But in that case, I’d swap the feta for some gorgonzola.

29. Brussel Sprouts Salad

Source: thedevilwearssalad.com

Nutty, sweet, and with just enough hints of bitterness to keep you tempted. Tossed with tons of spices, there is a deep and interesting flavor in this salad.

Also packed with pepitas and sunflower seeds, it is also quite filling.

The dressing is simple. Just olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Because really. It is so rich that it doesn’t need any extra depth.

30. Christmas Pesto Tree Bread

Source: twokidsandacoupon.com

Okay, you cannot have a Christmas dinner without a Christmas tree. But do you have one ready for your table, as well?

If not, this tree-shaped pesto crust will be a creative way to serve your bread. The only thing you need is a pizza crust and a jar of pesto.

To decorate the tree? Just add some chopped dill and tomato slices. Pretty and delicious!

Non-traditional Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas

Stepping away from the traditional doesn’t mean that you’ll disappoint your guests. Here are some unexpected Christmas main dishes that everyone will love.

31. Lasagna

Source: meaningfuleats.com

Lasagna for Christmas? Why not? A classic Bolognese, accompanied by some cheese sauce for the most comforting dish ever.

I’m telling you, this is so much better than your classic bechamel-loaded recipe.

It may not be up to the usual “festive food” standards,  but it is surely a feast for your mouth.

32. Ratatouille

Source: happykitchen.rocks

This is that French side dish that uses such simple ingredients. Still, it always looks impressive. Plus? It is ridiculously delicious, too!

Vegan and gluten-free, also. This dish is also very healthy for you.

Zucchini, peppers, and eggplants have never tasted this amazing. Plus, there’s tomato sauce. What’s not to like? It almost tastes like veggie lasagna.

The kids will love it too. Especially if they know that chef mouse Remi.

33. Vegan Holiday Roast

Source: veganhuggs.com

No beef. Or pork. No giant turkey, either. Just plant-based ingredients. That’s what’s needed for this vegan festive roast. Even meat lovers will absolutely love it.

With wheat gluten, miso, and beans, this stuffing-filled roast is the most delicious thing ever. Plus, it has a nice glaze.

Whether you’re a vegan or not, I suggest you try this recipe, especially if you’re looking for something different.

34. Sweet Potato Souffle

Source: belleofthekitchen.com

A large souffle-like dish made with sweet potatoes (or yams!) and topped with crunchy and buttery pecans.

So sweet and pumpkin-pie spice, that everyone will ask for seconds.

It tastes like fall in your mouth, but it is definitely suitable for a Christmas table.

Don’t forget the half-and-half, as it gives a creamy touch to the dish.

35. Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Source: strengthandsunshine.com

Just in 20 minutes, you can have a delicious stroganoff right on your table. And this recipe will actually be perfect for your Christmas party.

Because, yes, everyone will be thrilled to give it a try.

Creamy, gluten-free, and vegan, this delicious mushroom delight is just the topping your cooked pasta needs. Okay, that, and some parmesan cheese.

36. Seafood Stew with Mash Potatoes

Source: theforkedspoon.com

Stew for Christmas is an unexpected, yet super warming and comforting dish. And this rich and fancy seafood stew is nothing but festive.

Called cioppino, this San Franciscan classic will become a favorite in your house. It includes almost any seafood you can think of, so it is created to satisfy.

Serve with white wine and some garlic bread for a filling dinner.

Desserts for Christmas Dinner

Not sure which dessert belongs on your Christmas table? You cannot go wrong with any of these five delights.

37. Christmas Figgy Pudding

Source: healthychristianhome.com

This figgy pudding, as you’ve already probably guessed, includes figs. And a lot of them. It also has some orange zest and molasses, which deepens the flavor.

So sweet but never boring, this pudding bake is best if served with some whipped cream over. Or even better, warm with an ice cream scoop.

Looking for a slightly more nutritious holiday dessert? Check out these healthy Christmas desserts.

38. Chocolate Salad

Source: thedevilwearssalad.com

This chocolatey platter is a real feast for the eyes. Your taste buds, too.

It is loaded with truffles, coconut balls, and chocolate bars. Plus, there are coated berries. There are also nougat and pistachios.

And the most fun part? There are also candy canes in this mix.

Trust me, this will be your kids’ favorite thing ever.

39. Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake

Source: practicallyhomemade.com

Minty chocolate with cream cheese? How’s that for sweet satisfaction?

This no-bake goodness has an Oreo crust, a chocolate cheesecake filling, and a whipped and creamy Oreo topping.

Serve it straight from the fridge, and everyone will be licking their plates, even after a filling meal.

40. Butter Pecan Cream Pie

Source: practicallyhomemade.com

A graham cracker crust. A sweet and crunchy cream-cheese filling. And a buttery pecan topping to keep you coming for more.

Those are the three layers of this lovely pie. And those are the layers you will fall in love with after the first bite.

I suggest you make a double batch. It will be devoured in a speed-light fast way.

41. English Christmas Trifle

Source: whatagirleats.com

Okay, I have to admit it. There’s nothing I look forward to more than a classic berry trifle at the end of a great Christmas dinner.

If you’re anything like me, here is a recipe that will please all your senses.

With poached pears, berries, amaretto, and enough whipping cream to have you lick your fingers. This Victorian-way trifle is something you simply have to put on your menu.