Running short on time? 18 Recipes for Christmas dinner

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The holiday season can be a whirlwind of activity, and sometimes, prepping a lavish Christmas dinner isn’t at the top of the priority list. That’s where the beauty of simple Christmas dinners comes into play. These easy yet delectable recipes allow you to create a festive and memorable meal without the stress or hours spent in the kitchen.

Whether you’re celebrating with a small group or simply want a fuss-free feast, these recipes cover everything from appetizers to desserts, ensuring you can savor the flavors of the season without sacrificing precious time. From roasts and comforting sides to delightful desserts, simple Christmas dinners are all about embracing the joy of the holiday while keeping things relaxed.

A plate of roast beef with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad is a vibrant medley of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh veggies, all drizzled with zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing start to your meal. It’s a delightful appetizer that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Pine Cone Cheese Ball on a board with bread behind.
Pine Cone Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

Pine Cone Cheese Ball is an irresistible appetizer, featuring a creamy cheese blend rolled in nuts and shaped like a pine cone, perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s a whimsical addition to your table that will have guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Pine Cone Cheese Ball

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries combine the sweetness of sweet potatoes with tart cranberries and crisp apples, creating a delightful side dish that’s both comforting and festive. It’s a colorful and flavorful accompaniment that pairs beautifully with your holiday entrees.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad offers a refreshing and crunchy mix of fresh veggies and bacon bits, all coated in a creamy dressing for a satisfying side. This salad is a simple and tasty way to incorporate more greens into your meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

A bowl of whipped potatoes with butter and herbs on top.
Creamy Whipped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy Whipped Potatoes

Creamy Whipped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring fluffy potatoes whipped to perfection, perfect for complementing any main dish. With their velvety texture and buttery flavor, they’re a classic side that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Whipped Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a timeless classic, featuring tender green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions, making it a must-have side. This dish is a nostalgic favorite that brings comfort and flavor to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

A pile of bread rolls on a plate.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Garlic Knots

Garlic Knots are soft and garlicky rolls that add a delectable touch to any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. They’re a simple yet flavorful addition to your menu that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cheese Stuffed Christmas Tree Bread

Cheese Stuffed Christmas Tree Bread is a festive delight, filled with gooey cheese and shaped like a holiday tree, making it a fun and delicious addition to your table. This cheesy masterpiece is a delightful way to add a touch of holiday whimsy to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Christmas Tree Bread

A roasted turkey is sitting on top of rice.
Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey

Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey is a show-stopping centerpiece, glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture for a flavorful twist on a classic. It’s a succulent and festive turkey that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey

Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast

Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast is a mouthwatering roast, seasoned with fragrant herbs and garlic, making it a perfect choice for a special holiday meal. This savory and tender roast is a true holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast

A bowl of cranberry sauce with oranges and cinnamon.
Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Orange Cranberry Sauce balances sweet and tart flavors, serving as a delightful accompaniment to your holiday dishes. It’s a homemade sauce that adds a burst of citrusy freshness to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sauce

Oven Roasted Turkey with Stuffing

Oven Roasted Turkey with Stuffing combines juicy turkey with flavorful stuffing, creating a complete and delicious holiday meal in one. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a traditional feast with all the trimmings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey with Stuffing

Cajun Shrimp

Cajun Shrimp is a quick-to-prepare and spicy dish that packs a flavorful punch, perfect for adding a kick to your holiday spread. These zesty shrimp are a crowd-pleaser that will spice up your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp

A bite of pecan pie on a fork.
Maple Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Maple Pecan Pie

Maple Pecan Pie is a classic dessert, featuring nutty pecans and rich maple syrup in a flaky crust for a sweet treat that captures the essence of the season. It’s a comforting and indulgent pie that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie

Chocolate Mousse Tart

Chocolate Mousse Tart is a luxurious dessert that combines silky chocolatey mint mousse with a buttery tart crust, satisfying even the most discerning chocolate lover. It’s a decadent and elegant way to end your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mousse Tart

3 mini yule log cakes on Christmas plates.
Mini Yule Log Cakes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mini Yule Log Cakes

Mini Yule Log Cakes are adorable and delicious, offering individual-sized portions of Buche de Noel, perfect for indulging in a festive holiday treat. These mini cakes are a charming and delightful addition to your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Mini Yule Log Cakes

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie is a timeless favorite, featuring a buttery and nutty filling in a flaky crust, capturing the essence of traditional holiday baking. This classic pie brings the comfort of nostalgia to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie

Top down shot of a yule log cake.
Buche de Noel. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Buche de Noel

Buche de Noel, also known as Yule Log Cake, is a festive dessert rolled with a rich filling and decorated like a holiday log. It’s a whimsical and delightful centerpiece that adds a touch of enchantment to your holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Buche de Noel

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