Make the holiday meal special with 19 tasty Christmas dinner recipes that are full of flavor and easy to make. From rich mains to comforting sides and sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone at the table. These recipes help bring the family together and make the evening feel complete. With simple steps and delicious results, they’re perfect for wrapping up the holiday with a satisfying feast.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Start Christmas dinner with soft, buttery rolls that guests will reach for first. The warm, fluffy texture works perfectly with mains, sauces, and sides, adding a comforting feel to the table. These rolls are easy to bake and always bring a classic, satisfying touch to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
End Christmas dinner with a rich chocolate mousse touched with Bailey’s for a smooth, grown-up dessert. The creamy texture melts in the mouth while the subtle bourbon note adds warmth. This dessert brings a special, elegant finish to the holiday table without requiring complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Creamy Pea Pasta
Serve creamy pea pasta as a warm, satisfying main that adds comfort to Christmas dinner. The tender pasta and smooth, lightly sweet sauce make it filling without being heavy. This dish brings flavor and richness to the table while pairing well with other mains and traditional holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Miso Glazed Salmon
Add a miso-glazed salmon to Christmas dinner for a rich, savory main that cooks quickly. The glaze seeps into the fish, giving it deep flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. This dish adds a simple yet impressive protein that pairs well with traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Brighten Christmas dinner with a cranberry orange sauce that balances sweet and tart flavors. The citrus lifts the berries and provides a lively touch next to rich mains and hearty sides. This simple sauce adds a festive accent that brings the meal together.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Asian Marinated Steak
Bring bold flavor to Christmas dinner with a tender steak soaked in a savory marinade. The meat stays juicy while the seasoning gives it depth, making it stand out on the table. This dish offers a satisfying and flavorful option alongside classic holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Place a warm bowl of tuna and tomato pasta on the Christmas table for a cozy, hearty main. The mix of protein and rich sauce keeps it satisfying while staying simple to prepare. This dish adds comfort and variety to a holiday menu filled with traditional favorites.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Start Christmas dinner with chicken tortellini soup full of tender pasta and savory broth. The cheesy tortellini makes the dish hearty without feeling heavy. This soup provides a warm, satisfying beginning to the holiday spread that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Lemon Butter Pasta
Add a bright, buttery pasta to Christmas dinner for a simple and flavorful dish. The lemon keeps the sauce fresh and smooth, coating every noodle evenly. This pasta pairs well with chicken, fish, or beef and brings a light, satisfying touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Place a mix of tender zucchini, squash, and tomatoes on the Christmas table for a colorful, savory side. The vegetable flavors balance richer mains while adding visual appeal. This dish provides a lighter option that complements a full holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Add soft mint chocolate crinkle cookies to your Christmas meal for a sweet and festive treat. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint makes them stand out among other sweets. These cookies can be made ahead and bring a playful, holiday-appropriate flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Mashed Potatoes
Serve a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes to provide a comforting, classic side for Christmas dinner. The smooth, buttery texture blends perfectly with gravies and main dishes while staying hearty. This dish feels familiar and satisfying, making it a must-have for a festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Start Christmas dinner with golden crescent rolls that pull apart with a soft, buttery texture. Their warm flavor pairs well with mains, sauces, and sides, making the meal feel cozy. These rolls are easy to bake and always disappear quickly once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Roast a lemon chicken to bring bright, fresh flavor to your Christmas dinner. The citrus keeps the meat juicy and tender while adding a lively twist to the traditional main. This dish provides a simple yet satisfying centerpiece that pairs well with richer sides.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Serve roasted Brussels sprouts topped with toasted pine nuts as a side with texture and savory flavor. The crisp edges and nutty crunch balance richer mains and make the plate more interesting. This dish brings warmth and earthy flavor to complete the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Hearts of Palm Salad
Add a hearts of palm salad to Christmas dinner for a fresh and crisp dish that brings variety to the table. The tender vegetables and light dressing provide a clean contrast to richer, heavier mains. Its bright flavors and delicate texture add balance and a refreshing touch that complements the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Dinner Roll Knots
Include soft dinner roll knots on the table for a fun and buttery side that pulls apart easily. They soak up sauces and gravies, making them perfect for pairing with richer mains. These rolls are simple to make and always disappear quickly during holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Serve a salad of shaved Brussels sprouts with a light dressing to bring fresh flavor to Christmas dinner. The thin slices give a soft crunch that balances heavier dishes. This salad adds a clean and refreshing touch to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Layer brownies, mint cream, and chocolate in a trifle to add a sweet and festive touch to Christmas dinner. The cool mint balances the rich chocolate while the layers make every serving impressive. This dessert brings color, flavor, and a playful note to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Trifle