Christmas dinner should be about great food and good times with loved ones. These 27 Christmas dinner recipes cover everything from the main course to the perfect sides. Whether you’re feeding a big crowd or keeping it simple, these dishes will make your holiday meal one to remember. Get ready for a spread that everyone will enjoy.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Miso Glazed Salmon
Give your Christmas dinner a boost with tender salmon coated in a savory miso glaze that’s rich and flavorful. The umami-packed glaze makes this dish stand out, offering something exciting for your holiday table. This salmon is a perfect choice when you want a main that’s both impressive and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Add this satisfying pasta dish to your Christmas dinner, where rich tomato sauce and tender pasta meet protein-packed tuna. This recipe balances hearty flavors with convenience, making it ideal for a festive meal. It’s a delicious way to serve something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Brighten your Christmas dinner with tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and garlic. This recipe delivers bold, fresh flavors while being effortless to prepare, making it perfect for a festive meal. Pair it with your favorite sides for a dish that feels light but still hearty.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, buttery dinner rolls are an irresistible addition to your Christmas dinner table. They complement everything from roasts to soups, adding warmth and comfort to every bite. Serve these, and they’ll become the side dish everyone reaches for first.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Poached Orange Salmon
This citrus-infused poached salmon offers a light and refreshing option for Christmas dinner. The delicate orange flavor adds a unique twist, making it a great alternative to heavier main dishes. It’s a simple but elegant centerpiece for any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, velvety mashed potatoes are the ultimate side for any Christmas dinner. These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are rich, smooth, and a perfect pairing with roasts or casseroles. Their comforting flavor makes them a family favorite that you’ll want to serve again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Chicken and Dumplings
Cozy up your Christmas dinner with this hearty dish of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth. This homestyle classic offers a filling, comforting option for guests of all ages. Each bite is packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug during your festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Add something special to your Christmas dinner with soft, flaky crescent rolls that melt in your mouth. They pair beautifully with any main course, bringing an extra layer of comfort to the table. Don’t be surprised if these rolls become everyone’s new favorite side.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Chicken Enchiladas
Make your Christmas dinner more exciting with cheesy, flavorful chicken enchiladas that are so easy to prepare. Using rotisserie chicken keeps things simple while delivering bold flavors in every bite. This dish will quickly become a crowd favorite on your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Bring a touch of healthy, delicious balance to your Christmas dinner with spinach and parmesan quinoa. This protein-packed dish is both satisfying and light, making it a versatile side. It’s perfect for anyone looking to serve something that’s nutritious and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Add color and flavor to your Christmas dinner with this vibrant quinoa salad featuring roasted butternut squash, feta, and cranberries. The mix of textures and tastes creates a refreshing yet hearty dish for your table. Everyone will appreciate the balance it brings to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Asian Marinated Steak
Bring bold, savory flavors to your Christmas dinner with this perfectly marinated Asian-style steak. The tender, juicy meat offers a unique twist that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s a dish that adds flair and flavor to any holiday spread with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Dinner Roll Knots
These fluffy, buttery dinner roll knots are a must-have for your Christmas dinner table. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them an instant hit with guests. Whether paired with soup or roast, they’ll be a favorite addition to any festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Cacio e Pepe
Serve up comforting Italian flavors at your Christmas dinner with this creamy, peppery pasta. The simplicity of cheese and black pepper makes it satisfying without being heavy. It’s a quick but elegant addition to any holiday spread, perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Sweet and tangy, this cranberry orange sauce is a bright addition to any Christmas dinner. The fresh citrus pairs beautifully with the bold flavor of cranberries, creating a delicious contrast to richer dishes. It’s a side that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts a flavorful twist for Christmas dinner with this smoky, bacon-roasted recipe. The crispy, caramelized edges, and savory bacon make them irresistible to everyone at the table. This dish is a standout side that turns a classic vegetable into something special.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Bring vibrant flavors to your Christmas dinner with this colorful, vegetable-packed ratatouille. Fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and squash combine in a savory dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. Its beautiful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille
Lasagna Roll Ups
Bring comfort and fun to your Christmas dinner with cheesy lasagna roll-ups that are easy to serve. This dish offers all the goodness of traditional lasagna with a convenient twist. Guests will love the rich flavors and playful presentation that make this meal unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll Ups
Spinach Orzo Salad
Add freshness to your Christmas dinner with this savory spinach orzo salad in a light, flavorful dressing. The mix of textures and bright flavors pairs well with any main course. This dish will be a hit with guests looking for something light and satisfying on the table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Comfort everyone at your Christmas dinner with this hearty chicken tortellini soup. Packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and rich broth, it’s both satisfying and easy to make. It’s a warm, flavorful dish that guests will enjoy from the first spoonful to the last.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bring something fresh to your Christmas dinner with smoky, tender grilled baby bok choy. This side dish offers bold flavors without much effort, making it a standout choice for any festive table. Its vibrant taste and simplicity make it a perfect pairing with your main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Meatballs and Sauce
Add a classic favorite to your Christmas dinner with tender meatballs in savory tomato sauce. This comforting dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with a variety of sides. Everyone at the table will love the hearty taste and timeless appeal of this meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Asian Glazed Salmon
This sweet and savory Asian-glazed salmon is a flavorful addition to any Christmas dinner. The tangy glaze complements the tender fish perfectly, making it a lighter yet satisfying main. It’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is memorable for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Creamy Pea Pasta
Round out your Christmas dinner with this creamy pea pasta that’s both comforting and satisfying. The rich sauce and fresh flavors make it a versatile side dish for any festive meal. Guests will appreciate the balance of creaminess and freshness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Add a creamy, vibrant side to your Christmas dinner with risotto flavored with peas and a touch of lemon. This dish offers a rich texture and bright flavors that complement roasts and other main dishes. Its balance of comfort and freshness makes it a standout addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Instant Pot Ham
Treat your Christmas dinner guests to a juicy, succulent ham made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This dish delivers a rich, flavorful main course that’s perfect for any holiday feast. It’s a classic that combines simplicity and bold taste in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham
Instant Pot Pork Roast
Serve a tender and juicy pork roast for Christmas dinner that’s cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. With its flavorful gravy and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s sure to impress your guests. This recipe offers an easy way to serve a hearty, crowd-pleasing main dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Roast