This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Christmas dinner is the dinner of the of year I truly feel the magic of everyone coming together—sharing stories, laughter, and love over a table filled with delicious food. Whether it’s the one dish that brings back memories or the one recipe I look forward to every year, these moments mean everything to me. I’m so excited to help you create your own unforgettable Christmas dinner this year!
Jump to Section
Tips for Making Christmas Dinner
- Plan ahead. This goes without saying but worth repeating. A little planning goes a long way. Make a shopping list and prepare dishes in advance so you’re not scrambling on Christmas day.
- Choose make-ahead recipes. When planning your Christmas dinner, choose some recipes that can be made a day or two ahead of time so you don’t feel like you’re in the kitchen all day. Some fantastic make-ahead dishes are soups and desserts.
- Ask guests to contribute. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring something or to come early to help with the cooking. This will take some pressure off of you and your guests will love contributing to the meal in this small way.
- Consider dietary restrictions. Check with your guests ahead of time if they have any food sensitivities or follow a specific diet. Consider making a gluten-free and/or plant-based main course to satisfy everyone and check out this round up of vegetarian Christmas dinners for some tasty ideas.
- Stay organized with cleanup. Clean as you go to avoid a huge pile of dishes at the end. Or better yet – do you have a friend who finds washing dishes therapeutic? She will love this task!
- Balance your menu. Offer a variety of textures, flavors, and colors. Pair rich dishes with lighter, fresher sides to balance the meal, and don’t overdo it with too many heavy sides. Simple roast vegetables always keep things fresh.
- Create a cozy environment. Set the mood with holiday music, candles, and a beautifully set table. It makes the meal feel extra special.
How to Plan Menu for Christmas Dinner
- Start with appetizers. Offer small bites to keep your guests happy as they mingle before the main meal. Appetizers can be light and festive, such as cheese boards, bruschetta, or shrimp cocktail.
- Decide on your main dish. This will be the highlight of the Christmas dinner. Some popular options are roasted turkey, leg of lamb, or prime rib. You can also go with a vegetarian main dish for a lighter meal.
- Choose your sides. Consider traditional Christmas sides like mashed potatoes and mac-n-cheese. Vegetable-based dishes like roasted Brussel sprouts, glazed carrots, or green beans are always a good option. Depending on how many people will be at your Christmas dinner, you’ll want to serve about 2 or 3 different side dishes.
- Add some freshness. Fresh green salads are a great way to balance out a Christmas dinner. Choose a salad or two that complements the rest of the dishes for the night and uses seasonal ingredients. Some excellent options are Caesar Brussel sprouts salad and roasted beet salad.
- Don’t forget the drinks. Depending on how many people you will have and if there will be children, I like to serve one rich drink like egg nog or hot chocolate bar and one lighter drink like a Christmas punch.
- Finish with dessert. Don’t forget to consider options for those with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or dairy-free desserts. Some great Christmas dinner finishers are seasonal pies like pecan or apple pie, and indulgent cakes such as gingerbread or chocolate olive oil cake.
Best Christmas Dinner Recipes
If you’re looking to serve traditional Christmas dinner this year, I have you covered. Whether you’re serving lamb, beef, or good old turkey, you’re in the right place because I’m also sharing delicious pairings to make it a complete and festive holiday dinner menu.
Menu #1: Beef Tenderloin Roast
A beef tenderloin roast is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday dinner. It’s elegant with major flavor and can be seasoned ahead of time, so it’s super convenient for holiday prep. Because it’s such a showstopping dish, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that I share here.
Christmas Punch
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Beef Tenderloin Roast
Christmas Wreath Salad
Fondant Melting Potatoes
Roasted Broccolini
Beef Gravy
White Chocolate Bark
Menu #2: Dry Brined Turkey Breast
A dry-brined turkey breast is a flavorful, juicy, and perfect option for your holiday table with smaller gatherings. It’s great paired with pear salad and mashed potatoes for a complete holiday feast.
Pomegranate Mocktail
Cranberry Brie Bites
Dry Brine Turkey Breast
Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts
Healthy Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Skillet Dinner Rolls
Reindeer Brownies
Menu #3: Garlic Herb Prime Rib
If you really want to impress your guests this Christmas, you won’t go wrong with garlic herb prime rib. Pair it with classic sides and you’ll have a holiday meal that your guests won’t ever forget.
Cranberry Mocktail
Christmas Charcuterie Board Wreath
Garlic and Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Massaged Kale Salad
Potato Galette
Green Beans with Almonds
French Bread Rolls
Cranberry Cheesecake
Menu #4: Roasted Leg of Lamb
A roasted leg of lamb is an elegant choice for a holiday dinner, but it has a richer flavor than other classic roasts. It’s perfect for those who want something a bit more unique. Simple sides like roasted carrots and Persian rice enhance this main dish without overpowering it, creating a well-rounded holiday meal for you.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Roasted Leg of Lamb
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Crispy Persian Rice
Oven Roasted Carrots
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Chimichurri Sauce
Pistachio Baklava
How To Keep Food Warm
- Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
- Aluminum Foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protects the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food which maintains the moisture, flavor and texture.
- Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep warm during the party. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
- Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.
How To Store All the Leftovers
- Follow the recipe instructions. Some dishes require refrigeration immediately, while others can be safely stored at room temperature. It’s always a great idea to check the recommended storage instructions in the individual recipe post to maintain food safety and freshness.
- Divide into smaller portions. That way, you’ll have ready-to-go individual servings that can be easily reheated in the future.
- Store wet and dry foods separately. If possible, keep the wet foods separate from the dry ingredients. Serve salad dressing on the side so that if there are any leftovers, it won’t go to waste.
- Freeze for longer storage. Following the individual recipe recommendations, many recipes are freezer-friendly, especially the meats and some veggies. This provides the convenience of having ready-made meals on hand for busy weeknights.
- Pack a complete meal for your guests. I like to use to-go containers with compartments and make a complete meal for my guests to take home with them. This way, they can enjoy a little bit of all our favorite Christmas dinner recipes when they’re home.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a general rule, plan for approximately ½ pound of meat per person for the main dish, along with 2-3 side dishes. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts will depend on how many guests and the timeline of the event. If your event includes more time for mingling before the main meal, consider offering additional drinks and a variety of appetizers to keep guests happy. On the other hand, for shorter gatherings, fewer appetizers and simpler drink options will do.
Unfortunately, some dishes are best served fresh. However, many recipes like casseroles, mashed potatoes, and desserts can be prepared in advance and reheated if necessary. Also, don’t forget prep work, like chopping vegetables or salad dressings, can be done in advance.
Get creative with other kitchen appliances. Slow cookers, pressure cookers like Instant Pot, and your air fryer can free up oven space for your main dish. You can also prepare sides like mashed potatoes in advance and keep them warm in the slow cooker while your meat is roasting.
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Christmas Cookie Recipes, Best Potato Side Dishes, Cozy Winter Recipes, and Easy & Festive New Years Recipes.
If you found this recipe roundup for Christmas Dinner Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
