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45 Easy Christmas Lunch Ideas for a Festive Afternoon

Keep your family fueled up for the holiday!

By Kate Trombly O'Brien and Kara Zauberman
christmas lunch ideaspinterest icon
Caitlin Bensel

Everyone remembers a festive Christmas dinner. And who can forget about waking up to Christmas brunch? But what about those hours in between when your busy opening gifts, attending church services, or putting the finishing touches on your Christmas cookie plate? It’s easy to miss out on that afternoon lunch. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some quick and easy Christmas lunch ideas to keep your family fueled up for anything the holiday has in store. Read on for some of our favorite sandwiches, winter soup recipes, and crowd-pleasing Christmas casseroles that can feed all your out-of-town guests.

Ahead, you'll find plenty of festive recipes, like honey-glazed ham sliders, pumpkin chili, and sausage and kale quiche. Most of these easy lunch recipes are quick to whip up or completely hands-free, so you can go on to finish prepping your holiday pies. Think 15-minute paninis, slow cooker potato soup, and make-ahead sausage casseroles that you can pop in the microwave. If a full lunch course isn't your thing, consider a few bite-sized snacks for grazing on throughout the day, like cocktail meatballs or Christmas deviled eggs that might just become a new Christmas tradition. No matter which recipe you choose, these easy ideas will ensure that Christmas lunch is never forgotten!

1

Country Gravy

christmas lunch ideas country gravy
Caitlin Bensel

Whether you serve it with chicken fried steak or biscuits, there's something so comforting about a creamy country gravy. For a fun twist on a classic, try using seasoned salt instead of regular salt.

Get the Country Gravy recipe.

SHOP COOKWARE

2

Ham Casserole

christmas lunch ideas ham casserole
Caitlin Bensel

If you made a big ham for Christmas Eve, use the leftovers for this comforting casserole. It's hearty, cheesy, and slightly spiced from the poblano pepper.

Get the Ham Casserole recipe.

3

Pull-Apart Patty Melt Sliders

christmas lunch ideas pull apart patty melt sliders
David Malosh

This might just be the easiest way to serve burgers to a crowd. The seasoned beef, caramelized onions, and swiss cheese make it even more delicious.

Get Ree’s Pull-Apart Patty Melt Sliders recipe.

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4

Broccoli Salad

christmas lunch ideas broccoli salad
Caitlin Bensel

A make-ahead salad that you can stash in the fridge is an easy way to prepare lunch on the holidays. Just leave the cheese, bacon, and almonds on the side until you’re ready to serve so they stay nice and crunchy.

Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.

5

Sweet Potato Hash

christmas lunch ideas sweet potato hash
Caitlin Bensel

Smoky and sweet—this recipe is the perfect side dish for just about anything! You can add a couple of fried eggs on top or serve it alongside some slices of steak.

Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe.

SHOP SKILLETS

6

Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket

christmas lunch ideas pull apart pigs in a blanket
David Malosh

You can't go wrong with pigs in a blanket! And Ree's version that looks like a wreath is even more festive for Christmas.

Get Ree's Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe.

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7

Ham and Cheese Sliders

christmas lunch ideas ham and cheese sliders
Will Dickey

These sliders are piled high with melty cheese, salty ham, and a sweet-and-tangy honey mustard spread. They’re just the right size to fuel you up without ruining your appetite for dinner.

Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.

8

Perfect Potato Soup

christmas lunch ideas perfect potato soup
Will Dickey

If the weather outside is frightful, you’ll be glad you made this cozy potato soup! Sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits and shredded cheese, and your family will be happy, too!

Get Ree’s Perfect Potato Soup recipe.

9

Stromboli

christmas lunch ideas stromboli
Will Dickey

Slice up this pizza roll to keep your family and friends satisfied throughout the day. It's easily shareable, cheesy, and great for dipping in marinara sauce.

Get the Stromboli recipe.

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10

Reuben Sandwich

christmas lunch ideas reuben sandwich
Ralph Smith

A classic reuben combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. It’s cooked on a griddle so the cheese gets nice and melty.

Get Ree's Reuben Sandwich recipe.

SHOP PLATES

11

Chicken Noodle Soup

christmas lunch ideas chicken noodle soup
Caitlin Bensel

We don't know what's better: the creamy noodles or the buttery cracker topping. Either way, this dish is a family favorite for a reason.

Get the Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe.

12

Chicken Fried Chicken

christmas lunch ideas chicken fried chicken
Caitlin Bensel

These boneless chicken pieces are seasoned with buttermilk and pickle juice, then dredged and fried for a decadent lunch. You can serve them up with gravy or turn them into fried chicken sandwiches!

Get the Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.

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13

Meatball Sub

christmas lunch ideas meatball sub
Caitlin Bensel

Saucy meatballs are cozier than cold cuts and they're perfect for a heartier lunch. Plus, the red sauce and green herbs feel festive for the holidays.

Get the Meatball Sub recipe.

14

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

brussels sprouts salad in wood bowl
Caitlin Bensel

Refreshing, light, and crunchy—this salad will change any notions you may have had previously about Brussels sprouts! When shaved into a slaw-like salad and tossed with sweet cranberries and toasted almonds, it's a seasonal delight.

Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

15

Christmas Deviled Eggs

christmas deviled eggs trees
Caitlin Bensel

You can't go wrong with deviled eggs! But if you want to make sure they have a holiday spin, try this version that looks like little trees.

Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.

SHOP EGG PLATTERS

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16

Vegetable Soup

vegetable soup in mug
Caitlin Bensel

After staying up late eating a plate full of cookies, this veggie-packed soup will be a nice change of pace. It has ten different vegetables and you can even swap in veggies based on your preferences.

Get the Vegetable Soup recipe.

17

Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto

ham sandwiches with arugula and pesto
Ryan Dausch

If a glazed ham was on your Christmas Eve dinner menu, you might want to consider using any leftovers to make this quick ham sandwich! Of course, you can also use honey ham from the deli, too.

Get Ree's Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto recipe.

18

Quiche Lorraine

quiche lorraine
Will Dickey

Quiche is a great option for a holiday lunch because it can easily be made in advance and served at room temperature. In fact, it can be kept in your refrigerator for up to three days.

Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe.

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19

Potato Leek Soup

potato leek soup
Will Dickey

When you want to warm up from the chilly weather, this potato-leek soup will save the day. It's cozy, comforting, and hearty.

Get the Potato-Leek Soup recipe.

20

Bacon Brunch Ring

bacon brunch ring
Will Dickey

Don't be confused by the name—this wreath-shaped dish can be served for lunch, too! In fact, it's delicious any time of day.

Get the Bacon Brunch Ring recipe.

SHOP SERVING PLATTERS

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