Under the mistletoe and around the table: 21 delicious Christmas dinner recipes

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The holidays are all about coming together with loved ones and sharing great food. Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or a smaller dinner, these 21 Christmas dinner recipes will make the meal feel special. From hearty roasts to tasty sides, these dishes bring the perfect mix of flavor and comfort to your holiday table. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the smells of the season and create a memorable meal everyone will enjoy.

A plate of pulled pork with mashed sweet potatoes and a side of mixed greens salad.
Instant Pot Pork Roast. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a side dish everyone will enjoy? These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are creamy, velvety, and full of flavor, making them the perfect addition to any Christmas dinner. Their rich texture pairs perfectly with roasts, casseroles, or any holiday main dish, and they’ll quickly become a favorite on your table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a simple yet delicious dish that brings Italian tradition to your Christmas dinner? This cacio e pepe pasta combines creamy cheese and cracked pepper, creating a savory experience that’s easy to make in just 15 minutes. Serve this dish and bring a touch of Italian comfort to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and flavorful? This creamy pea pasta is rich, savory, and packed with fresh flavors, making it the perfect side for any Christmas dinner. It’s easy to prepare, and its satisfying taste will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a side dish that adds a little extra to your Christmas dinner? These buttery crescent rolls are soft, flaky, and melt in your mouth, making them a perfect pairing with any main course. Don’t miss out on these delicious rolls that will quickly become the highlight of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts with caramelized edges in a serving dish.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a side dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make? These bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy, smoky, and caramelized to perfection, offering a savory twist on a classic veggie. Serve them at your Christmas dinner and enjoy a side everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Spinach Orzo Salad

This photo shows a spinach orzo salad in a square glass bowl sitting on a black granite countertop.
Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a refreshing side dish that stands out? This spinach orzo salad combines fresh spinach and orzo in a savory dressing, creating a light but satisfying addition to your Christmas dinner. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture that will leave everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Asian Glazed Salmon

Image shows a fork holding a bite of an Asian glazed salmon with the remaining serving in the background.
Asian Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a healthy and delicious main dish for your holiday dinner? This Asian glazed salmon is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance to the rich dishes typically served at Christmas. Serve it at your holiday gathering for a fresh, flavorful option everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon

Miso Glazed Salmon

Image shows a Bite of miso glazed salmon with rice on a fork with the rest of the plate in the background.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a flavorful fish dish that’s both simple and impressive? This miso-glazed salmon is tender, savory, and offers a delicious umami flavor that will make your Christmas dinner feel special. It’s an easy dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a light yet flavorful main dish for Christmas? This Instant Pot lemon garlic chicken is juicy, tender, and bursting with zesty flavors, making it a perfect addition to any holiday dinner. Make this dish your go-to for a festive meal that’s quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows a bowl filled with Buttery Dinner Rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want rolls that everyone will fight over? These buttery dinner rolls are soft, warm, and perfect for pairing with just about anything, from roasts to soups. They’re the kind of side that adds that extra special touch to your Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a healthy and flavorful side? This spinach and parmesan quinoa is packed with protein and vibrant flavors, making it the perfect vegetarian option for your Christmas table. It’s a dish that will bring both nutrition and deliciousness to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a delicious twist on a classic Italian Christmas dish? These lasagna roll-ups offer all the cheesy goodness of lasagna without the long baking time, making them perfect for a busy holiday meal. Make these for your Christmas dinner and watch them disappear off the table.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for something comforting and satisfying for Christmas dinner? This chicken and dumplings dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth, creating a cozy, homestyle meal. It’s the perfect choice when you want a dish that’s warm and comforting for your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Orange Sauce. Photo credit: .

Want a side that adds a burst of flavor to your Christmas dinner? This cranberry orange sauce combines tangy cranberries and fresh orange juice, creating a vibrant, refreshing dish. Add this sauce to your holiday spread and enjoy a sweet and zesty complement to your main course.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a veggie side that’s a little different? Grilled baby bok choy, with its smoky flavor and tender texture, is a perfect side for Christmas dinner. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that adds variety to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want something quick and satisfying for Christmas dinner? This tuna and tomato pasta is ready in just 25 minutes, combining rich tomato sauce with tender pasta and protein-packed tuna. It’s the perfect dish when you want something delicious without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a vibrant and flavorful side for your holiday dinner? This Italian-inspired ratatouille combines fresh zucchini, squash, and tomatoes for a colorful, savory dish. Add this to your Christmas dinner and impress your guests with its rich flavors and gorgeous presentation.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Image shows a Spoonful of risotto with peas and lemon with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a creamy, savory side that’s perfect for any holiday meal? This risotto with peas and lemon is rich and comforting, with a zesty hint of lemon that adds brightness to the dish. Serve it as the perfect side for your Christmas dinner and watch everyone enjoy its creamy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a comforting dish that’s always a hit at Christmas? These meatballs, served in a rich tomato sauce, are juicy and packed with flavor, making them perfect for any holiday spread. Don’t miss out on these classic meatballs—they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a light, flavorful fish dish for Christmas dinner? This poached orange salmon is infused with citrus, offering a deliciously fresh and light alternative to heavier main dishes. Make it the star of your holiday table and enjoy a simple yet impressive main course.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Instant Pot Pork Roast

Shredded pork roast on a plate next to mashed sweet potatoes and a green salad.
Instant Pot Pork Roast. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Looking for an easy yet impressive main dish? This Instant Pot pork roast is tender, juicy, and cooked in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. With a rich, flavorful gravy that complements the roast perfectly, it’s a great option for any holiday or family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Roast

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