Christmas dinner is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of warmth, family, and traditions shared around the table. From perfectly roasted meats to cozy sides and indulgent desserts, these 24 Christmas dinner recipes will make your holiday menu sparkle with flavor and love.
1. Herb Butter Roast Turkey
Crisp skin, juicy meat, and a buttery herb aroma fill the kitchen with Christmas magic.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp chopped thyme
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix butter, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub under and over turkey skin. Stuff cavity with lemon halves.
- Roast 3–3.5 hours, basting every 45 mins.
2. Honey Glazed Ham
Sweet, smoky, and show-stopping on any Christmas table.
Ingredients
- 1 spiral ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Whisk glaze ingredients and brush over ham.
- Bake 2 hours, basting every 30 mins.
3. Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib
A classic Christmas centerpiece with rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs prime rib roast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Rub roast with oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 450°F (230°C) for 20 mins, then 325°F (165°C) for 1.5 hrs.
- Rest 20 mins before slicing.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery comfort that pairs with everything.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until soft.
- Mash with butter, then mix in cream.
- Season and serve warm.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crunchy, smoky, and the perfect contrast to rich mains.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Toss all ingredients together on a sheet pan.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 mins, stirring halfway.
6. Baked Mac and Cheese
Cheesy, gooey perfection—everyone’s favorite comfort side.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Make roux, whisk in milk, then cheese.
- Mix with cooked pasta.
- Top with breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 mins.
7. Garlic Green Beans Almondine
A light, elegant side with a nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Blanch beans for 3 mins, drain.
- Sauté garlic in butter, add almonds and beans.
- Toss and serve.
8. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Tangy and sweet—pairs beautifully with turkey or ham.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp zest
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in saucepan.
- Simmer 10 mins until thickened.
9. Creamed Spinach
Rich, velvety, and full of holiday comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup cream
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
Instructions
- Sauté spinach until wilted.
- Make white sauce with butter, flour, and cream.
- Combine and season.
10. Cheesy Potato Gratin
Golden, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Layer potatoes, garlic, cream, and cheese in dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
11. Yorkshire Pudding
Light, crispy, and perfect for soaking up gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whisk ingredients, rest 30 mins.
- Pour into muffin tins with hot oil.
- Bake at 425°F for 25 mins.
12. Honey Glazed Carrots
Naturally sweet with a touch of caramelized flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Toss carrots with honey and oil.
- Roast at 400°F for 25 mins.
13. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Savory meets sweet in this cozy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp sage
- 2 cups broth
Instructions
- Cook sausage with onion and apple.
- Toss with bread, broth, and herbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 mins.
14. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery perfection for any holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 12 dinner rolls
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Bake rolls as directed.
- Brush with garlic butter mix while warm.
15. Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A sweet and savory side that screams Christmas comfort.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Toss ingredients together.
- Roast at 400°F for 30 mins.
16. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
A light and flavorful veggie side that feels fancy but takes minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss asparagus with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on baking sheet, sprinkle with cheese.
- Roast 12–15 minutes.
17. Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Festive, gooey, and the ultimate holiday appetizer-meets-side.
Ingredients
- 1 round sourdough loaf
- 6 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice bread crosswise without cutting through.
- Stuff with brie and cranberry.
- Brush with butter and rosemary.
- Wrap in foil, bake 15–20 mins.
18. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Colorful, earthy, and bright enough to balance the rich holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 4 beets, roasted and sliced
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Roast beets at 400°F for 45 mins, peel and slice.
- Toss arugula with dressing, top with beets, cheese, and walnuts.
19. Mushroom Gravy
Rich, savory, and perfect over turkey, beef, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden.
- Stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add broth, whisking until thick.
- Season and simmer 5 mins.
20. Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
An eye-catching, savory-sweet side that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Blanch green beans for 3 mins, drain.
- Wrap bundles with bacon, secure with toothpicks.
- Brush with syrup, bake at 400°F for 20–25 mins.
21. Creamy Baked Corn Casserole
Sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 can creamed corn
- 1 can whole corn, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 box cornbread mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients and pour into greased 9×13 dish.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until set and golden.
22. Herb Roasted Potatoes
Crisp on the outside, fluffy inside—holiday potato perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes with oil, herbs, and seasoning.
- Roast 30–35 mins until golden.
23. Mini Beef Wellington Bites
A classy, bite-sized version of the classic main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz beef tenderloin, cut in cubes
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 egg (for wash)
Instructions
- Sear beef cubes 1–2 mins per side.
- Sauté mushrooms in butter until dry.
- Wrap beef and mushrooms in pastry squares.
- Brush with egg wash, bake 15 mins at 400°F.
24. Chocolate Peppermint Trifle
A festive, no-fuss dessert that ends dinner with a sweet sparkle.
Ingredients
- 1 chocolate cake, cubed
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 box chocolate pudding, prepared
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Layer cake, pudding, and whipped cream in trifle bowl.
- Repeat layers and top with peppermint.
- Chill 1 hour before serving.
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