Looking for new ideas to make this year’s Christmas dinner stand out? These 21 irresistible Christmas dinner recipes cover everything from roasts to sides, making it easy to put together a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, these recipes offer something for every taste and skill level. Keep reading to find the perfect dishes for your holiday table.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Asian Glazed Salmon
Add something unforgettable to your Christmas dinner with this sweet and savory Asian-glazed salmon. The tangy glaze brings out the best in the tender fish, making it a flavorful yet light main dish that pairs perfectly with festive sides. This elegant and easy-to-make option will impress your guests and make your holiday meal feel special.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Dinner Roll Knots
These buttery, fluffy dinner roll knots are a must-have for Christmas dinner. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a perfect match for roasts or any savory dish on the table. Serve these rolls, and they’ll become the go-to side that everyone will enjoy at the holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
In Italy, pasta is always a Christmas favorite, and this tuna and tomato pasta brings a unique, flavorful dish to your holiday table. The combination of savory tuna and rich tomato sauce creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish is a great way to keep things simple yet delicious, adding a touch of Italian tradition to your Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Miso Glazed Salmon
Bring a new flavor to your Christmas dinner with this miso-glazed salmon. The savory miso glaze adds a rich umami flavor to the tender fish, creating a memorable main dish. This easy-to-make recipe offers a sophisticated touch without the effort, making it perfect for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Lasagna Roll Ups
Italians traditionally serve pasta for Christmas dinner, and these lasagna roll-ups offer a delicious, fun twist on the classic. With layers of cheese, sauce, and savory meat, each roll-up delivers all the rich flavors of lasagna in a manageable, individual serving. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a hearty and satisfying option that will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll Ups
Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up the holiday table with chicken and dumplings in savory broth. This classic dish is hearty, comforting, and loved by all ages, making it perfect for any Christmas dinner. Serve it for a satisfying, homestyle meal that will bring everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Creamy Pea Pasta
Pasta is a staple in Italian Christmas meals, and this creamy pea pasta adds a refreshing touch to your festive dinner. The creamy sauce and tender peas make for a satisfying, light side that complements any main course. It’s a great way to offer a balance of flavor and texture, adding variety and richness to your Christmas feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Buttery Dinner Rolls
These soft, buttery dinner rolls are the ideal addition to Christmas dinner. Their rich flavor and fluffy texture make them a perfect match for any hearty main dish. Serve these rolls to round out your meal with something warm and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Spinach Orzo Salad
Bring a refreshing side to your Christmas dinner with this spinach orzo salad. The bright dressing and combination of textures make it the perfect complement to any rich main course. Serve it as a light, flavorful side that adds variety to your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add a zesty touch to your Christmas dinner with this lemon garlic chicken. The bold lemon and garlic flavors pair perfectly with tender chicken, creating a fresh and hearty dish. Serve this dish as a main course that is both light and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
This spinach and parmesan quinoa brings a light yet satisfying option to your Christmas dinner. The fresh spinach and creamy parmesan provide a healthy balance that complements any main dish. Serve this quinoa for a nutritious and flavorful side that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Asian Marinated Steak
Impress your guests with this Asian-marinated steak that brings bold flavors to your Christmas dinner. The tender steak is infused with savory marinade, making it a standout main course. Serve this flavorful dish to add excitement and a touch of sophistication to your festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Cacio e Pepe
Bring a taste of Italy to your Christmas dinner with this creamy, peppery cacio e pepe pasta. The simplicity of cheese and black pepper makes it a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs well with any main course. Serve this dish for a memorable, flavorful touch to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Ratatouille
Add a burst of fresh flavors to your Christmas dinner with this vegetable-packed ratatouille. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, and squash makes for a healthy and savory dish that will brighten up the table. Serve this colorful side to bring something unique and vibrant to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts a festive twist with crispy bacon and caramelized edges that everyone will love. The smoky, savory flavor of the bacon enhances the natural taste of the sprouts, making it a perfect side for any Christmas main course. Serve this dish for a flavorful and satisfying side that will be a hit with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Mashed Potatoes
These creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with any Christmas dinner. Made in the Instant Pot, they’re rich and smooth, making them an ideal match for roasts, casseroles, or any hearty main. Serve these mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying addition to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Add color and texture to your Christmas dinner with this harvest quinoa salad. Roasted butternut squash, feta, and cranberries come together for a refreshing and hearty side that pairs beautifully with festive mains. Serve this dish for a healthy and vibrant option that balances the flavors of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
For a juicy and tender turkey this Christmas, try this buttermilk brined recipe. The tangy buttermilk combined with herbs like rosemary and thyme ensures the turkey is moist and full of flavor. Serve this turkey for a main dish that’s both comforting and delicious, making it perfect for any holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Crock Pot Spiral Ham
Make Christmas dinner easy and delicious with this sweet and savory Crock Pot spiral ham. The peach preserves and honey glaze create a rich flavor that’s perfect for the holiday table. Serve this effortless yet tasty dish and enjoy a flavorful centerpiece that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham
Instant Pot Pork Roast
This tender Instant Pot pork roast makes for a flavorful and unforgettable Christmas dinner. The rich gravy and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it the perfect main course for any festive gathering. Serve this easy-to-make roast for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Roast
Instant Pot Ham
This Instant Pot ham is a juicy, succulent main dish that will make your Christmas dinner unforgettable. The tender, flavorful ham is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, making it an easy yet impressive choice for any holiday feast. Serve this classic dish for a meal that’s both simple and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham