60+ Mouthwatering Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas

Easy Christmas dinner is not just a meal. It’s the cornerstone of the holiday season. It’s that one magical night when the world is all about family, food and friends seated around a table piled high with delicious dishes as laughter fills the air and the smell of holiday cheer consumes us. If you’re hosting a Christmas dinner for the first time or if it just feels that way, look for recipes that are comforting and heartwarming, yet also have a touch of novelty, to surprise friends and family with something new. These are festive, flavorful dishes and all of them are made to impress.

Delicious & Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas Straight from Heart

We’ve collected more than 60 Christmas dinner ideas from the heart some of our most beloved classics, some contemporary riffs on the traditional, a couple of vegetarian options, and one or two over-the-top desserts.

Timeless Christmas Mains You Can Always Count on

Some dishes simply define Christmas. These classic mains offer comfort, nostalgia and happiness for fans of the traditional flavors of the holidays, they’re just right.

• Roast Turkey with Herb Butter – The golden star of Christmas. Baste it with butter flavored with herbs and you’ll get succulent meat and flavor-packed skin.

• Honey Glazed Ham – The best way to have a large ham, made with honey, brown sugar and Dijon mustard for a fantastic sweet ‘n sour crust.

• Garlic Butter Prime Rib – Soft, juicy prime rib seeping with flavorful garlicky butter a great alternative to turkey.

• Stuffed Roast Chicken – Herbs, breadcrumbs and sausage make this great for smaller family get-togethers.

  

• Beef Wellington – The classic British Christmas centerpiece encased in puff pastry with mushroom duxelles.

• Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin – Sweet, smoky and moist the perfect centerpiece dish for weeknight or weekend meals.

• Rosemary Crusted Rack of Lamb – Sophisticated, full-flavored and perfect for intimate dinners.

• Slow-Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze – Crispy skin and a hint of citrus sauce make this shine.

• Cranberry Stuffed Meatloaf – A fun and flavorful spin on a comfort food favorite.

• Herb Crusted Roast Beef – Simple yet massive on garlic, thyme and rosemary flavor.

Side Dishes Vying for Center Stage

Sides are where your dinner table can really shine. They complement the flavors, add splashes of color and are often the unsung heroes of the meal.

• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Buttery mashed potatoes with freshly roasted garlic.

• Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – A great combo of crunch, salt and caramelized taste.

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows – A sweet and savory time-honored treat that kids love.

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes layered and baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce.

• Herbed Dressing – Classic bread stuffing full of herbs, onions and celery.

• Green Bean Almondine – Fresh green beans cooked with butter and lemon juice and topped with toasted almonds.

• Maple Glazed Carrots – Soft carrots cooked in a rich and buttery maple glaze.

• Cranberry Orange Sauce – Tart cranberries and zesty orange zest make a bright, tangy side dish.

• Cauliflower Gratin – Dreamy, cheesy, and healthier than your average potato casserole.

• Buttered Corn on the Cob – Easy, kid-friendly and a big hit with all ages.

• Garlic Butter Mushrooms – Quick and flavorful mushrooms cooked in garlic butter in under 15 minutes.

  

• Roasted Root Veggies – A blend of colorful parsnips, carrots and sweet potatoes with olive oil and herbs.

• Yorkshire Pudding – A great accompaniment to roast beef or prime rib, light and puffy from the oven.

• Garlic Sautéed Spinach – Fast, healthy, and garlic-infused!

• Wild Rice Pilaf – Fragrant and earthy with cranberries, pecans and herbs.

Vegetarian & Vegan Christmas Food

Who says Christmas dinner must be carnivorous to feel festive? These vegetarian and vegan dishes are so rich and satisfying that even meat-lovers won’t complain.

• Lentil and Walnut Loaf – Loaded with protein and baked with a tangy tomato glaze.

• Stuffed Bell Peppers – Stuffed with rice, vegetables and herbs, cooked to perfection.

• Mushroom Wellington – A vegetarian twist on the original, packed with umami.

• Risotto di Zucca – Arborio rice prepared with roasted squash and sage.

• Vegan Shepherd’s Pie – Lentils, veggies, and mashed potatoes cooked into a dish of golden deliciousness.

• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni – Soft and cheesy, baked in a rich tomato sauce.

• Vegetable Pot Pie – Flaky crust filled with creamy veggies total holiday comfort food.

• Roasted Vegetable Tart – Puff pastry layered with roasted peppers, zucchini and eggplant.

  

• Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms – Bite-sized, garlicky and perfect as sides or appetizers.

• Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Pecans – A light, nutty salad that balances hearty mains.

• Vegan Mac and Cheese – Cashew-based, super creamy and completely plant based.

• Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans – Sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Grilled Cauliflower Steaks – Charred and topped with chimichurri or garlic butter.

• Vegetarian Lasagna – Layers of spinach, zucchini and ricotta make this a hearty festive dish.

• Vegan Mushroom Gravy – Deep, savory and perfect with any main or side.

Breads, Salads & Starters

Before the main act, these starters and sides set the tone from cozy soups to fresh salads and pull-apart breads.

• Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread – Slathered in butter, cheesy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Caprese Christmas Wreath – Mozzarella and tomatoes arranged like a holiday wreath.

• Roasted Pumpkin Soup – Smooth and comforting with a touch of nutmeg.

• Cranberry Walnut Salad – Crunchy greens, feta and cranberries with balsamic drizzle.

• Spinach Artichoke Dip – A crowd-pleaser that’s creamy, garlicky, and rich.

• Smoked Salmon Crostini – Bite-sized perfection with cream cheese and dill.

  

• Mini Brie and Cranberry Puffs – Crispy, warm and festive delights perfect for any Christmas gathering.

• Garlic Knots – Pillowy, golden, and perfect with soups or roasts.

• Butternut Squash Soup – Velvety smooth with a hint of ginger.

• Warm Apple Walnut Salad – A warm mix of crunchy apples, nuts and vinaigrette.

• Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus – Elegant and easy finger food for any occasion.

• Herbed Dinner Rolls – Soft rolls brushed with rosemary and melted butter.

• Roasted Beets Salad with Goat Cheese – Sweet, earthy and beautifully colorful.

• Baked Camembert with Garlic & Rosemary – Serve with crusty bread for a luxurious appetizer.

• Pomegranate Kale Salad – Bright, healthy, and bursting with festive flavor.

Christmas Desserts

A Christmas dinner is not complete without something sweet. These desserts tie a bow on your meal with indulgence and joy.

• Traditional Christmas Pudding – Dark, rich and packed with dried fruit  a true British favorite.

  

• Gingerbread Cheesecake – Creamy cheesecake with a spiced gingerbread crust.

• Christmas Log Cake – Rolled sponge cake filled with chocolate cream, designed to resemble a log.

• Eggnog Trifle – Layers of sponge, custard and whipped cream festive and decadent.

• Sticky Toffee Pudding – Soft sponge cake soaked in caramel sauce heaven in a bowl.

• Peppermint Bark – Crunchy, chocolatey, and perfect for gifting.

• Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Ice Cream – Aromatic, comforting, and perfect for cozy winter nights.

  

• Mini Tiramisu Cups – Bite-sized Italian dessert layered with coffee and mascarpone.

• Cranberry Orange Cake – Tart, citrusy, and topped with a cream cheese glaze.

• Chocolate Fondue Platter – Fun, interactive, and great for families.

• Pecan Pie Bars – Sweet, nutty, and perfect for sharing.

• Christmas Sugar Cookies – Decorate with royal icing and let everyone join the fun.

• White Chocolate Mousse – Airy, creamy, and a refreshing end to the feast.

• Mulled Wine Poached Pears – Elegant, aromatic, and easy to make ahead.

• Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Bold, rich, and undeniably festive.