38 Delicious Christmas Dinner Recipes to Impress Your Guests

When it comes to Christmas dinner, there are certain dishes that are synonymous with the holiday. Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and stuffing are just a few examples of these beloved staples. But, why stick to tradition? Why not mix things up and try something new this year? Perhaps you’re tired of turkey and want to switch things up with beef or goose instead. Or maybe you’d like to start the meal off right with a festive salad or some Cranberry Brie Bites.

The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about finding what works best for you. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most delicious and innovative recipes out there, covering everything from starters to sides, main courses, and even desserts.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Kick off your meal with an impressive appetizer that will transport your guests to a festive cheeseboard. Miniature bites that not only look stunning but also pack a flavorful punch. Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly greasing one mini muffin tray with cooking spray.

For added convenience, you can use a tube of crescent dough which can be easily rolled out on a floured surface and then pinched at the seams when cut into 24 squares.

Place these squares into the tin slots, portion out bite-sized pieces of brie, and insert them inside each square. Next, add a dollop of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and a sprig of rosemary on top.

Pop the tray into the oven for 15 minutes, or until the mini bites are golden brown. Serve warm to impress your guests with this delightful and easy-to-make starter.

Christmas Tree Bread

To create this festive holiday treat, you’ll need to start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, flour a surface and divide the pizza dough into two portions, rolling each out into a long rectangle before cutting them into 2-inch squares – aim for 33 pieces in total.

Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 1-inch lengths and wrap each piece of dough around one to form a tight ball, placing them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Once you’ve formed your desired Christmas tree shape, ensure that each ball is touching its neighbor before brushing with an egg wash. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown.

After baking, whisk together herbs such as basil and parsley, melted butter, and grated Parmesan to create a flavorful brush-on topping, then apply it to the cooled cheese balls. Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce for an added touch of holiday cheer.

Mashed Potatoes

The quintessential Christmas dinner companion, mashed potatoes are a must-have for many families. To prepare this beloved side dish, start by filling a large pot with water and adding a pinch of salt. Next, submerge peeled Yukon Golds or russets in the seasoned water and bring it to a boil. Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Use either a potato masher or whisk to smooth out the spuds until they’re silky and consistent.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat with whole milk, warming the mixture until it’s just right for pouring. Pour this creamy concoction over the mashed potatoes, stirring until fully incorporated. Finally, add a dollop of sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. As always, feel free to adjust the amount of butter and pepper to suit your individual preferences prior to serving.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Elevate your mashed potato game with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a delightful spin on the traditional recipe. To create this flavorful dish, simply combine mashed roasted garlic cloves with softened butter and whole milk, then blend until smooth for a creamy, aromatic side that’s sure to impress.

Stuffed Mushrooms

To delight your taste buds, prepare a scrumptious vegetarian dish by stuffing baby mushrooms. Initially, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Next, separate the mushroom caps from their stems, roughly chop the stems, and place the caps on the prepared baking sheet. In a skillet, melt butter, then cook the chopped stems until most of their moisture is released, adding garlic for extra flavor.

Once fragrant, toast the breadcrumbs by cooking them in the skillet with the stem mixture. Season to taste and let cool before proceeding. In a bowl, combine the cooled breadcrumb mixture with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, thyme, parsley, and any desired seasonings. Stuff each mushroom cap with the filling, topping it off with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.

Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan

Combine the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the savory flavor of Parmesan for a delicious fall-inspired side dish. In a bowl, combine roasted butternut squash with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crumbled Parmesan cheese. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F (205°C) for ten minutes. Toss the squash around to ensure even cooking, then sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Continue roasting until the squash is golden brown, finishing with a sprinkle of thyme for added depth of flavor.

Roasted Parsnips

Indulge in the quintessential festive flavor of roasted parsnips as an essential component of your Christmas dinner. Begin by peeling and chopping the parsnips into long, thin strips, known as matchsticks. Next, drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to awaken their natural sweetness. Place the parsnip matchsticks in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, allowing them to tenderize slightly before giving them a gentle toss.

Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown hue, filling your kitchen with the enticing aroma of caramelized sweetness.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

The allure of Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is undeniable, especially when it takes center stage on a Christmas dinner plate. The siren call of prosciutto’s delicate flavor and crunchy texture is hard to resist when paired with the tender snap of asparagus. To create this show-stopping side dish, begin by applying a generous helping of garlic butter to each spear, then wrap them snugly in halved slices of prosciutto.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil before cooking the spears for about two minutes on each side, or until they develop a satisfying golden brown hue.

Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Transforming Brussels sprouts into a culinary masterpiece is just as easy as it sounds. Start by cooking halved sprouts in oil over medium heat in a large pan. Once they develop a golden brown crust on the bottom, add water to the pan and cover it with a lid to allow them to steam. Remove the sprouts from the pan and set them aside for later use. Next, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic in the same pan, whisking until smooth.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it thickens into a rich syrup. To finish the dish, coat the previously cooked Brussels sprouts with the sweet and tangy glaze, then reheat them until they’re warm and fragrant. Finally, season with a pinch of salt and your Brussels sprouts are ready to be devoured.

Maple Roasted Carrots

When it comes to pairing ingredients, few combinations are as delightful as maple syrup and carrots – especially during the holiday season. To bring out the best flavors, start by boiling a pot of carrots until they’re tender, then transfer them to a bowl. Next, melt some butter and whisk in a drizzle of maple syrup, warming it through before pouring it over the carrots.

For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider roasting the glazed carrots in the oven to let the sweet and sticky glaze caramelize and crisp up.

Parmesan Roasted Carrots

To elevate your roasted carrots to a whole new level of flavor, try pairing them with the savory taste of Parmesan. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and garlic until well combined. Toss in the carrots, coating them evenly, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle some additional garlic butter over the carrots for extra flavor. Roast them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to get them started.

Next, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots and return them to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned.

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Transform your vegetarian dinner game by whipping up a creamy and indulgent Cheesy Cauliflower Bake. In a medium-heated pan, mix together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions to create a rich and savory base. Next, add in the broccoli and cauliflower florets, then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Allow it to bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes before adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness on top.

Finish it off by basking in the golden brown glow of melted cheese and onions. This delightful vegetarian option is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Corn Casserole

To add some extra flavor to your vegetarian side dishes, you might consider whipping up a delicious Corn Casserole. This recipe is perfect for those who love the sweet and creamy combination of corn and cheese. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then get started by mixing together creamed corn, drained sweet corn kernels, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and a stick of melted butter. Don’t forget to grease a casserole dish before adding the mixture and baking it uncovered for 45 minutes.

Once it’s done, top it with shredded cheese and return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This will give the top a nice golden brown color. With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, this Corn Casserole is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Candied Yams

To prepare yams for Christmas, combine dark brown sugar, orange juice, nutmeg, kosher salt, and a cinnamon stick in a pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick and prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and slicing them into half-inch rounds. In a greased baking dish, layer the yams, pouring the syrup over them, and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for another hour, basting every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization.

Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes

When it comes to Christmas dinner, a flavorful and aromatic side dish can make all the difference. One such recipe is Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes, which adds a bright and zesty twist to traditional roasted potatoes. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your potatoes by cutting slits into their surface. This will help them cook evenly and allow for maximum absorption of the delicious flavors that are to come.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of your favorite seasoning. This mixture is the key to unlocking the full potential of these potatoes, so don’t be afraid to get creative with the proportions and adjust to taste.

Next, place the slitted potatoes in a roasting pan and brush them liberally with the herb-infused oil mixture, making sure to get some into the slits as well.

Roast the potatoes for approximately one hour, or until they’re golden brown and tender, basting them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even caramelization.

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. The resulting dish is sure to impress your guests and add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.

Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes

Indulge in the ultimate festive treat – duck fat roasted potatoes! The process begins by peeling and chopping your spuds, then boiling them for 10 minutes before draining and allowing them to steam for an additional 5 minutes. A pinch of salt and a sprinkle of semolina help bring out their natural flavor. Next, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and cook the duck fat in a metal roasting pan until it reaches a shimmering consistency.

Once prepared, coat the potatoes with the fragrant fat and roast for 25 minutes. Flip them over and continue roasting for another 15 minutes, before giving them one final flip and finishing their cooking time at 15 minutes more. When they emerge from the oven, expect golden-brown, crunchy delights, perfect for serving alongside your holiday feast – simply sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt to complete the experience.

Potatoes au Gratin

To ensure a stress-free Christmas dinner, prepare your Potatoes au Gratin in advance. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and slicing peeled potatoes into thin rounds, approximately 3mm thick. In a separate bowl, combine cream, melted butter, and garlic for the sauce. Pour one-third of the mixture over one-third of the potato slices in a baking dish, sprinkling with thyme and seasoning as desired. Add grated cheese to this layer before repeating the process two more times.

For the final layer, omit the cheese and proceed with covering the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 75 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and top with additional cheese, returning the dish to the oven for a further 15 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and bubble nicely, ready to serve alongside your Christmas feast.

Sausage Stuffing Balls

To take your stuffing to the next level, consider adding some extra flavor and texture by incorporating sausage into the mix. One popular variation is Sausage Stuffing Balls (also see ’15 Vienna Sausage Recipes To Die For’). Preheat your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine ground breakfast sausage with crispy bacon, savory stuffing, and melted Cheddar cheese.

Once the ingredients are well combined, shape them into tight balls and pop them into the oven for a satisfying 25 minutes.

Stuffing

Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without a savory stuffing to accompany it. This classic side dish is a staple of holiday feasts, and its warm, aromatic flavors perfectly complement the main event: roasted turkey. The key to making an unforgettable stuffing is incorporating a medley of textures and tastes. To achieve this, combine cubed white bread with sautéed onion, crunchy celery, earthy mushrooms, sweet dried apricots, tart cranberries, toasted walnut halves, and fragrant pine nuts.

A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning tie everything together. Simply cook the mixture inside the turkey or under foil at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb all the delicious juices.

Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

Indulge in the sweet and savory union of cranberries and apples by crafting a mouthwatering pork chop dish. Begin by browning the pork chops and enhancing their flavor with a blend of chopped onion, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth. Seal the pork in a pan covered with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Next, combine cranberries, sugar, diced apple, and water to create a luscious sauce.

Return the pork chops to the oven and allow them to simmer with the sauce for an additional 20-30 minutes until tender and fully infused with flavor.

Beef Brisket

For a show-stopping centerpiece, slow cook a brisket to tender perfection. Begin by crafting a custom rub using a blend of brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, mustard powder, and seasoning. Coat the brisket generously with the mixture to enhance its flavor profile.

Next, combine garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in your slow cooker.

Once the ingredients are well combined, add the brisket to the pot and let it simmer for eight to ten hours.

After the cooking time has elapsed, reduce any leftover juices in a pan until they’re syrupy and transform them into a rich BBQ sauce. To add a crispy glaze, drizzle the brisket with oil and roast it in the oven at 390°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Baste the brisket with the BBQ sauce every five minutes until it’s caramelized to your liking.

Roast Beef

Consider swapping out turkey for roast beef, a delicious alternative that’s sure to please your Christmas dinner guests. To prepare the beef, let it sit on a baking sheet overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. On the day of cooking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, combine thyme, rosemary, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper to create a savory rub that will enhance the flavor of the beef.

Next, place the roast in a pan with a rack and roast it at high heat for 15 minutes before reducing the temperature to 325°F (160°C) to finish cooking it. For a well-done roast, cook it for an additional 105-120 minutes. Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and allow it to rest for at least half an hour before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, making the roast even more tender and flavorful.

Beef Wellington

To create an impressive Beef Wellington for your Christmas dinner, start by seasoning a beef tenderloin generously and searing it in a hot skillet pan with olive oil. Allow it to cool, then remove any twine and coat it with mustard before refrigerating it until needed. Next, prepare the duxelles by blending mushrooms, thyme leaves, and shallots, then cooking them in butter until the liquid has evaporated. Season to taste and let it cool in the refrigerator as well.

To assemble the Wellington, place the cooled tenderloin on a piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover it, and create a rectangle with prosciutto that will also fit over the beef. Top the prosciutto with the duxelles, season the beef, then roll it into the prosciutto-duxelles mixture, forming a tightly-fitting log. Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that will cover the entire tenderloin.

Remove the plastic wrap from the beef and place it at the bottom of the pastry, brushing the other sides with egg wash before rolling it up tightly. Trim any excess pastry, crimp the edges to create a tight seal, then roll the Wellington in more plastic wrap and chill for about 20 minutes while your oven preheats. Remove the plastic wrap, transfer the tenderloin to a baking sheet lined with foil, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt flakes before baking until golden.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 120°F (49°C), which should take around 45 minutes. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Maple Glazed Ham

Transform your Christmas celebrations with a show-stopping Maple Glazed Ham at the center of it all. Start by removing the skin from the ham, then mix together a sweet and savory glaze comprised of maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and All Spice. To add an extra layer of flavor, spoon some freshly-squeezed orange juice over the ham before applying the glaze. Finally, bake for two hours, carefully basting every 30 minutes to ensure a sticky, caramelized finish.

Oven-Roasted Turkey

To achieve a perfectly cooked turkey, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Next, apply an herb butter rub underneath the skin of the bird. Once prepared, place the turkey in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe minimum of 160°F (72°C), ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake)

Transform your Christmas dinner table with a show-stopping Bûche de Noël. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, greasing it with cooking spray for easy removal. In one bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt. In another, beat egg yolks until pale, then gradually add sugar until the mixture is smooth. Combine these two mixtures and set aside.

In yet another bowl, whip egg whites to soft peaks, adding sugar in increments until stiff peaks form. Fold this mixture into the batter to create a light and airy texture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched. Remove from the oven and let cool. While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling by whipping powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to medium peaks.

Refrigerate until ready to use. Once the cake is completely cooled, unroll it and spread the prepared filling evenly. Roll the cake back into a log shape, placing the seam side down. Refrigerate for at least an hour before making the frosting. To make the buttercream, beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar until no lumps remain. Beat in heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract to create a creamy and rich frosting.

Frost the cake with the buttercream and dust with powdered sugar. Finish by decorating with cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch.

Peppermint Bark

Indulge in a refreshing after-dinner treat by creating your own Peppermint Bark. Begin by melting separate batches of white and semi-sweet chocolate, adding half a teaspoon of oil to each mixture to ensure a smooth consistency. Set aside half the melted white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract for added flavor. Pour this mixture into a prepared baking tin lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until set.

Next, add peppermint extract to the remaining melted semi-sweet chocolate and pour it over the first layer. Finish by topping the bark with crushed candy canes and a final layer of melted white chocolate, sans peppermint extract. Once fully set in the refrigerator or freezer, remove the parchment paper and break the bark into pieces for a delightful treat.

Potato Leek Soup

Indulging in a warm, comforting bowl of soup is the perfect way to start any meal. To create this mouthwatering treat, begin by sautéing leeks in butter until they’re tender. Next, add diced potatoes and chicken stock to the pot, allowing the mixture to simmer until the potatoes are so tender they practically fall apart. Once the ingredients have melded together, use a hand blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Finally, stir in a generous dollop of heavy cream to enhance the creamy texture and rich flavor.

Cauliflower Soup

Transforming a meal with Cauliflower Soup is an effortless endeavor. Begin by sautéing onions in a large pot until they’re softened, then introduce garlic and let its aromatic properties unfold. As the mixture reaches a fragrant peak, add the cauliflower florets along with stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Allow the soup to simmer and cook until the cauliflower is tender, then remove the bay leaf and thyme from the equation.

Finally, blend the mixture into a silky smooth consistency and stir in heavy cream to elevate its richness.

Prawn Cocktail

Start off with a sophisticated first course by crafting a delectable prawn cocktail. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated horseradish, Tabasco sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create the perfect blend. Toss in your succulent peeled prawns and arrange them within crisp lettuce leaves, finishing with an additional layer of prawns on top. To add an extra touch of elegance, serve alongside lemon wedges and garnished with chopped parsley.

Christmas Salad

Add a touch of festive flair to your salads by incorporating seasonal ingredients and creative flavors. One such idea is to create a Christmassy-inspired salad featuring caramelized pecans as the star. To start, cook brown sugar, water, and pecans in a frying pan over low heat until the mixture thickens and the pecans are coated in a sticky, sweet glaze. Allow it to cool and harden before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Next, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, and black pepper in a bowl. The combination of tangy and sweet will add depth to your salad without overpowering the other ingredients. To assemble the salad, place chopped kale in a large bowl. Top it with chopped oranges, crumbled blue cheese, and pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and texture. Finally, drizzle the dressing over the top, ensuring each component is well-coated.

This salad’s unique flavors and textures will make it a standout at any holiday gathering.

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts are a classic Christmas dinner staple that can also shine in a salad. The key to bringing out their natural sweetness is a tangy and refreshing dressing. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the perfect marinade for thinly sliced Brussels sprouts. Allow them to sit for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, fold in some pomegranate seeds and toasted almonds with shaved Parmesan for added crunch and depth of flavor.

This dish is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Cranberry And Almond Spinach Salad

Infuse your Christmas gathering with the essence of the season by serving a Cranberry And Almond Spinach Salad that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful. To create this show-stopping side dish, start by combining fresh spinach leaves with peppery arugula in a large bowl. Next, add an assortment of crisp and colorful elements – thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, ripe pears, sweet candied apples, tart cranberries, and bursting pomegranate seeds.

Finish the dish off with a drizzle of your preferred vinaigrette and serve immediately to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Final Thoughts

To avoid the holiday cooking chaos, plan your Christmas dinner meticulously. Start by selecting your recipes and ensuring that you have some plant-based options prepared, just in case unexpected guests join the celebration. Next, meticulously list all the ingredients required for each dish, and strive to complete as many tasks as possible before the big day. This will allow you to devote more time and attention to the main course, which can be cooked in a relatively open oven with ease.