25 Christmas Dinner Ideas That Will Make Your Mouth Water

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Christmas Dinner Ideas

Christmas dinner is a special time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food. Planning the perfect menu can be tricky, but there are many tasty options to choose from. From classic roast turkey to glazed ham, prime rib, or even vegetarian dishes, you can create a memorable feast that will wow your guests.

Whether you prefer traditional favorites or want to try something new, there are plenty of recipes to suit every taste. Side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and festive salads can round out your meal. Don’t forget about appetizers and desserts to make the occasion extra special. With a little planning, you can put together a Christmas dinner that everyone will love.

Classic Roast Turkey

Ingredients:

  • 12-14 lb whole turkey
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:


  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.



  2. Mix butter with herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture under skin and all over turkey.



  3. Stuff lemon and onion in turkey cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen twine.



  4. Place turkey in roasting pan. Pour broth in pan bottom.



  5. Roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.



  6. Turkey is done when thigh temperature reaches 165°F.



  7. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.


Honey Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

  • 1 ham steak (about 1 pound)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Pineapple slices (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and paprika in a bowl.



  3. Place ham in a baking dish and pour glaze over it.



  4. Add pineapple slices on top if you like.



  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.



  6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.


Enjoy your tasty honey glazed ham!

Prime Rib

You’ll need:

  • 5-7 lb bone-in prime rib roast
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper

Instructions:


  1. Take the roast out of the fridge 2-3 hours before cooking.



  2. Preheat your oven to 450°F.



  3. Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  4. Pat the roast dry and rub the butter mixture all over it.



  5. Place in a roasting pan, fat side up.



  6. Cook for 15 minutes at 450°F.



  7. Lower temp to 325°F and cook for about 15 minutes per pound.



  8. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.



  9. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.


Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious Christmas dinner!

Beef Wellington

You’ll need:

  • 2 lb beef tenderloin
  • 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 4 slices prosciutto
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:


  1. Season the beef and sear in a hot pan. Let it cool.



  2. Cook mushrooms until moisture evaporates. Cool.



  3. Spread mustard on the cooled beef.



  4. Lay out prosciutto slices, top with mushrooms, then place beef in center.



  5. Wrap prosciutto around beef. Chill for 15 minutes.



  6. Roll out puff pastry and wrap around the beef. Seal edges with egg wash.



  7. Brush entire pastry with egg wash. Cut slits on top for venting.



  8. Bake at 425°F for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and beef is medium-rare.



  9. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Roast Duck

You’ll need:

  • 1 whole duck (4-5 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 oranges
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Pat the duck dry and prick the skin all over. Season with salt and pepper.



  3. Stuff the duck with orange halves, rosemary, and garlic.



  4. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Surround it with chopped onion, carrots, and celery.



  5. Roast for 1 hour, then flip the duck. Continue roasting for another hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).



  6. Let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving.



  7. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your festive meal!


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Baked Salmon

You’ll need:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.



  2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.



  3. Mix olive oil, honey, orange juice, and thyme in a small bowl.



  4. Place salmon on the baking sheet and brush with the honey mixture.



  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.



  6. Serve hot with lemon wedges. Enjoy your festive Christmas salmon!


Stuffed Pork Loin

You’ll need:

  • 1 pork loin
  • 2 apples, diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp sage
  • Salt and pepper
  • Kitchen twine

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.



  2. Melt butter in a pan. Add garlic, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.



  3. Toss in apples, onion, pecans, and cranberries. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions soften.



  4. Butterfly the pork loin and spread the stuffing inside.



  5. Roll up the loin tightly and tie with kitchen twine.



  6. Season the outside with salt and pepper.



  7. Roast for 60-90 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.



  8. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.


Crown Roast Of Pork

Ingredients:

  • 1 crown roast of pork (8-10 pounds)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.



  2. Season the roast with salt and pepper.



  3. Mix herbs, garlic, and oil in a small bowl.



  4. Brush the herb mixture all over the meat.



  5. Cover the rib ends with foil to prevent burning.



  6. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan.



  7. Cook for about 2 hours or until a thermometer reads 145°F.



  8. Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before carving.



  9. Carve between the ribs and serve.


Herb-Crusted Leg Of Lamb

Ingredients:

  • 1 leg of lamb (4-5 lbs)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Mix olive oil, mustard, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  3. Rub the mixture all over the lamb.



  4. Press breadcrumbs onto the lamb, covering it completely.



  5. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and cook for about 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare.



  6. Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before slicing.



  7. Serve and enjoy your tasty herb-crusted lamb!


Meatloaf

You’ll need:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the glaze:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl.



  3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.



  4. Combine glaze ingredients and spread over the top.



  5. Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).



  6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.


Enjoy your festive meatloaf!

Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.



  2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.



  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.



  4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.



  5. Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.



  6. Serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.


Chicken Marsala

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:


  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.



  2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.



  3. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.



  4. Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth. Simmer for 3 minutes.



  5. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle boil.



  6. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until cooked through.



  7. Serve hot, spooning sauce over the chicken.


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Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Put potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes.



  2. Drain potatoes and return to pot.



  3. Add milk, cream, butter, and garlic to potatoes.



  4. Mash until smooth and creamy.



  5. Season with salt and pepper.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy mashed potatoes!


Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:


  1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash.



  2. Mix in milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.



  3. Spread mixture in a greased baking dish.



  4. For topping, mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans.



  5. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.



  6. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.


Green Bean Casserole

You’ll need:

  • 2 cans green beans, drained
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.



  2. Mix green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in a casserole dish.



  3. Stir in 1/2 cup of the crispy onions and cheese if using.



  4. Bake for 25 minutes.



  5. Top with remaining onions and bake 5 more minutes until golden.



  6. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty green bean casserole!


Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.



  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.



  4. While sprouts roast, cook bacon in a pan until crispy. Set aside.



  5. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.



  6. Remove sprouts from oven, add bacon, and drizzle with syrup mixture.



  7. Toss everything together and serve hot.


Roasted Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 2 parsnips
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Peel and chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces.



  3. Place the veggies in a large baking dish.



  4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.



  5. Toss everything together to coat evenly.



  6. Roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through.



  7. Your roasted root vegetables are ready when they’re golden and tender.


Cranberry Sauce

You’ll need:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:


  1. Rinse cranberries and pick out any bad ones.



  2. In a saucepan, mix sugar and water. Heat until sugar dissolves.



  3. Add cranberries, cinnamon stick, and orange zest.



  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.



  5. Stir occasionally until most cranberries have popped.



  6. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.



  7. Take out the cinnamon stick before serving.


Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with your Christmas dinner!

Stuffing/Dressing

You’ll need:

  • 1 loaf bread, cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Cut bread into cubes and let dry overnight. Melt butter in a pan. Add onion and celery, cook until soft.

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Mix bread, vegetables, and herbs in a bowl. Pour in broth, stir well. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 more minutes until golden.

Gravy

You’ll need:
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.



  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.



  3. Slowly pour in stock while whisking to prevent lumps.



  4. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened, stirring often.



  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.



  6. Pour into a gravy boat and serve hot with your Christmas dinner.


Rolls Or Biscuits

You’ll love these festive Christmas rolls! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • Orange zest (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.



  2. Add warm milk, butter, and egg. Knead until smooth.



  3. Let dough rise for 1 hour.



  4. Shape into 12 rolls. Place on baking sheet.



  5. Let rise again for 30 minutes.



  6. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.



  7. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with orange zest if desired.


Enjoy your warm, homemade rolls with your Christmas dinner!

Spinach Salad

You’ll love this festive spinach salad for your Christmas dinner! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup mandarin orange segments
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

  1. Wash and dry the spinach.
  2. Toss spinach with oranges, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and pecans in a large bowl.
  3. Mix dressing ingredients in a small jar and shake well.
  4. Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
  5. Sprinkle goat cheese on top.
  6. Toss gently and enjoy your colorful Christmas salad!

Antipasto Platter

Ingredients:

  • Assorted Italian meats (salami, prosciutto, mortadella)
  • Fresh mozzarella balls
  • Olives (green and black)
  • Marinated artichoke hearts
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pepperoncini peppers
  • Parmesan cheese cubes
  • Breadsticks or crackers

Instructions:


  1. Choose a large platter or board for your antipasto.



  2. Start by laying out the meats in small piles or rolls around the edges.



  3. Add cheese cubes and mozzarella balls in different spots.



  4. Place small bowls of olives and marinated vegetables on the platter.



  5. Fill in gaps with cherry tomatoes and pepperoncini peppers.



  6. Arrange breadsticks or crackers on one side of the platter.



  7. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for a festive touch.



  8. Serve at room temperature and enjoy your tasty Christmas appetizer!


Cheese Board

You’ll need:

  • 2-3 types of cheese (soft and hard)
  • 2-3 kinds of meat (prosciutto, sopressata)
  • Crackers or bread
  • Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries)
  • Nuts
  • Olives or pickles
  • Preserves or honey
  • Large board or platter

How to make it:


  1. Place cheeses on the board. Cut some into cubes or slices.



  2. Add meats in small piles or rolled up.



  3. Put crackers or bread slices in groups.



  4. Add fruit for color. Cut larger fruits if needed.



  5. Fill empty spaces with nuts and olives.



  6. Add small bowls of preserves or honey.



  7. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary for a festive touch.



  8. Add serving knives and spoons.


Serve right away and enjoy your tasty Christmas cheese board!

Pecan Pie

You’ll love this classic pecan pie recipe for your Christmas dinner! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 unbaked pie crust
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).



  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt.



  3. Stir in the pecans.



  4. Pour the mixture into your pie crust.



  5. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the filling is set.



  6. Let it cool before serving.


Enjoy your homemade pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream!