A great Christmas dinner can turn a simple gathering into something special. With these 25 Christmas dinner ideas, you’ll find recipes that are easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a main dish or a side to round out the meal, these recipes will help make your celebration memorable.
Lasagna Roll Ups
All the cheesy goodness of lasagna, wrapped in a fun, easy-to-serve roll-up. These rolls make a perfect addition to any Christmas dinner, offering a quick twist on the classic comfort food. They’re sure to disappear from your table as fast as you can serve them, leaving everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Miso Glazed Salmon
A savory glaze coats tender salmon fillets, creating a dish that’s both impressive and simple. The rich umami flavor of the miso makes this a standout choice for your holiday dinner. It’s a delicious option for anyone looking to add something a little different to their Christmas table.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Rich tomato sauce and tender pasta come together with protein-packed tuna in a dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect way to bring flavor and satisfaction to your Christmas dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish offers a delicious balance of taste and convenience, making it ideal for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
Tender meatballs in a savory tomato sauce are a comforting classic that’s perfect for any holiday spread. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re a dish everyone will enjoy. These meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your Christmas dinner, satisfying all your guests with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Smoky and tender, this grilled baby bok choy is a side dish that brings something new to the table. It adds a fresh and flavorful touch to your Christmas dinner with minimal effort. Its vibrant flavor and easy prep make it a perfect addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy, smoky, and packed with flavor. With their caramelized edges and savory bacon, they make a standout side for Christmas dinner. This dish offers a tasty twist on a classic veggie, making it a favorite for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cacio e Pepe
Creamy cheese and cracked black pepper come together in this comforting Italian pasta dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to your Christmas dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes. This dish will add a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday spread, satisfying both your stomach and your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken flavored with zesty lemon and garlic makes this dish a festive and light addition to any holiday meal. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, saving time while still delivering great flavor. Serve this flavorful chicken and bring a burst of brightness to your Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Fresh zucchini, squash, and tomatoes come together in this colorful, Italian-inspired ratatouille. It’s a vibrant side that adds a healthy and flavorful touch to your Christmas dinner. With its rich, savory taste and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress everyone at your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto, brightened with a hint of lemon and sweet peas, makes a savory side dish for your holiday meal. This comforting dish brings richness and a burst of flavor to any Christmas dinner. The balance of creamy texture and fresh taste will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Tangy cranberries and fresh orange juice combine in this vibrant sauce that adds a refreshing burst of flavor to your holiday spread. It’s a perfect complement to your Christmas dinner, offering a sweet and zesty contrast to heavier main dishes. This simple side dish will quickly become a favorite on your table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Harvest Quinoa Salad
This colorful quinoa salad blends roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, cranberries, and roasted red peppers for a vibrant holiday dish. It’s a healthy and flavorful addition to your Christmas dinner, bringing a balance of textures and tastes. Everyone will love the freshness and heartiness of this salad at your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Dinner Roll Knots
Fluffy, buttery dinner roll knots are the perfect side for any meal, adding warmth and comfort to your holiday spread. Their soft texture and irresistible flavor make them a favorite at Christmas dinner. These rolls pair perfectly with everything from roasts to soups, making them a must-have addition.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and velvety mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, making them a perfect side for your Christmas dinner. These Instant Pot mashed potatoes offer a rich texture that pairs beautifully with roasts and casseroles. They’ll quickly become a family favorite, adding smoothness and flavor to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Asian Glazed Salmon
This Asian glazed salmon is a sweet and savory dish that offers a refreshing balance to your Christmas dinner. The glaze brings bold, tangy flavors, while the salmon remains tender and delicious. This dish adds a lighter yet flavorful main option to your holiday meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Packed with protein and flavor, this spinach and parmesan quinoa is the perfect vegetarian side for Christmas dinner. It combines fresh spinach and parmesan for a savory dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. This quinoa will bring both nutrition and deliciousness to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Chicken and Dumplings
Fluffy dumplings, tender chicken, and savory broth come together in this comforting holiday dish. It’s a warm, homestyle meal that’s perfect for Christmas dinner, offering a satisfying and hearty option for your guests. This dish will quickly become a favorite, filling everyone up with delicious, cozy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Poached Orange Salmon
A delicate poached salmon infused with citrus creates a light and flavorful main dish for Christmas dinner. The fresh orange flavor adds a refreshing twist, making it the perfect alternative to heavier holiday meals. Serve this dish for a simple yet impressive main that will brighten up your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Asian Marinated Steak
Bold, savory flavors come together in this juicy, Asian-marinated steak that’s perfect for Christmas dinner. The marinade gives the steak a deliciously unique taste while keeping the meat tender and flavorful. This dish is a great way to add a special touch to your holiday meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Buttery Dinner Rolls
These soft, buttery dinner rolls are a must-have side that will melt in your mouth. Perfect for pairing with anything from roasts to soups, they add that extra touch of comfort to your Christmas dinner. Once you serve them, they’ll be the first thing everyone reaches for at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Soft, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery crescent rolls are the perfect side to add something extra special to your Christmas dinner. These rolls pair wonderfully with any main course, offering a delicious, comforting bite. Don’t be surprised if these rolls become the star of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas bring cheesy goodness and bold flavors to your Christmas dinner with minimal effort. Made with rotisserie chicken, they’re quick to prepare but still packed with flavor. These enchiladas will become a crowd favorite, offering a tasty, comforting dish for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta is rich, savory, and perfectly comforting, making it an ideal side for your Christmas dinner. The creamy sauce and fresh flavors come together in just minutes, making it an easy, satisfying dish to serve. Everyone at your table will love this quick and delicious pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and savory broth come together in this comforting soup that’s perfect for Christmas dinner. Made with leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. This hearty soup will fill everyone up with warmth and comfort, making it a favorite on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Spinach Orzo Salad
Fresh spinach and tender orzo combine in a savory dressing to create this light and flavorful side dish. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner, offering a balance of taste and texture that complements any main course. This refreshing salad will be a hit at your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad