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75 Best Christmas Dinner Ideas for a Memorable Feast

Fill your table with holiday roasts, sides, and appetizers!

By Erin Cavoto and Kara Zauberman
christmas dinner menu roast beef with onions and herbs
Caitlin Bensel

Time just seems to speed up around the holiday season. With Christmas gift shopping, tree trimming, and a Christmas dinner menu to plan, there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day! Well, we’re here to help—at least in terms of some festive Christmas dinner ideas (the tree is something you’ll have to decorate yourself)! Whether you’re planning a big Christmas potluck with friends or a smaller Christmas dinner with your immediate family, this list of Christmas recipes will make the holiday dinner a night you’ll never forget. You can choose from a classic Christmas roast or Christmas ham, then get creative with one of many Christmas side dishes.

To kick things off, we've also included a slew of festive Christmas appetizers, like cocktail meatballs, baked brie, and pull-apart pigs in a blanket in the shape of a wreath. Serve them up with a cherry punch or winter sangria to keep your guests satisfied while you finish the cooking. Then, pull up a seat at the holiday table for a feast filled with family favorites. If you’re anything like Ree Drummond, then a prime rib is a must-have main course. But you’ll also find rack of lamb, roast chicken, and pasta recipes for anyone planning a vegetarian Christmas menu.

Whether it's an elegant holiday party or a more casual family affair, these recipes will make your dinnertime one to remember. Just don't forget the Christmas desserts!

1

Chicken Cacciatore

christmas dinner menu chicken cacciatore
Hector M. Sanchez

Ree has made this comforting chicken dinner many times, and it's easy to see why. The crispy chicken thighs, flavorful white wine sauce, and noodles make it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Get Ree's Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

2

Slow Cooker Green Beans

christmas dinner menu slow cooker green beans
Caitlin Bensel

Not only is this dish perfectly on theme with its festive red and green colors, but it's also loaded with savory flavor thanks to the bacon.

Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.

3

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

christmas dinner menu bacon wrapped dates
Will Dickey

These sticky-sweet dates are filled with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon. But what sets them apart from other bacon-wrapped dates, is the kick from the slice of jalapeño!

Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.

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4

Butternut Squash Lasagna

christmas dinner menu butternut squash lasagna
Caitlin Bensel

Seasonal winter squash becomes a creamy sauce for this hearty lasagna. Add Italian sausage, spinach, and lots of cheese for a fun twist on the baked pasta dish.

Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.

5

Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey

christmas dinner menu honey chipotle glazed turkey
David Malosh

If your family doesn't shy away from spice, try giving your holiday menu a kick with this turkey that has a sweet and spicy glaze. There's even a gravy made with flavorful adobo sauce.

Get Ree's Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey recipe.

SHOP ROASTING PANS

6

Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

christmas dinner menu pull apart cheese bread
Caitlin Bensel

This is a quick and easy way to upgrade your bread basket! The pull-apart loaf is filled with jarred pesto and shredded mozzarella cheese, then baked until melty.

Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.

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7

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

christmas dinner menu slow cooker pot roast
Caitlin Bensel

Not only will the slow cooker save you space in the oven for baking all those Christmas cookies, but it also makes this pot roast meltingly tender.

Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.

8

Cranberry Martini

christmas dinner menu cranberry martini
Will Dickey

It doesn't get more festive than a cranberry martini! Add a lime twist to the glass for that red and green flair.

Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.

9

Moussaka

christmas dinner menu moussaka
Caitlin Bensel

This traditional Greek dish is layered with a hearty meat sauce, vegetables, and a bechamel topping that's unbelievably creamy.

Get the Moussaka recipe.

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10

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes

christmas dinner menu crockpot scalloped potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

Scalloped potatoes might seem labor intensive but using the slow cooker makes them even easier. The whole thing cooks up into a creamy, cheesy sensation with little effort.

Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.

SHOP CROCK-POTS

11

Christmas Deviled Eggs

christmas deviled eggs shaped like trees
Caitlin Bensel

Deviled eggs are must-have at any Drummond holiday party, but instead of the simple variety, this one is transformed into adorable little Christmas trees!

Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.

12

Roast Beef

roast beef with onions and herbs
Caitlin Bensel

When you bring this big holiday roast out to the table, you'll be greeted with "oohs" and "ahhs." After all, it's an impressive main course that's topped with caramelized onion gravy!

Get the Roast Beef recipe.

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13

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

twice baked sweet potatoes with crumble
Caitlin Bensel

A nutty streusel topping makes sweet potatoes even more festive. We love the idea of adding a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.

Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.

14

Garlic Green Beans

garlic green beans
Caitlin Bensel

Sometimes simple is best, as is the case with these quick and easy green beans. They have just enough flavor from fresh garlic cloves.

Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.

15

Chicken Fried Chicken

chicken fried chicken with gravy
Caitlin Bensel

For a twist on fried quail (a classic Drummond family tradition), this fried chicken is worth a try. It's extra crunchy and flavorful thanks to buttermilk, pickle juice, and cayenne pepper. Just don't forget the gravy!

Get the Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.

SHOP CAST IRON SKILLETS

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16

Christmas Charcuterie Board

christmas charcuterie wreath
Ryan Liebe

Let your creativity shine with this festive wreath-shaped cheese board! All you need is a round platter, your favorite deli meats, mozzarella balls, and red and green olives.

Get the Christmas Charcuterie Board recipe.

17

Pepper-Jack Mashed Potatoes

pepper jack mashed potatoes
David Malosh

You can't go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes! But if you want to take things to the next level, try adding a little spice in the form of pepper jack cheese. There's also some chili powder and cayenne for good measure.

Get Ree's Pepper-Jack Mashed Potatoes recipe.

18

Cherry Punch

cherry punch in bowl on red surface
David Malosh

Serving a festive punch will make it easier for you as the host. Guests can help themselves to a drink while you put the finishing touches on the Christmas dessert!

Get the Cherry Punch recipe.

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19

Grilled Lobster Tail

grilled lobster tail
Caitlin Bensel

Whether or not you celebrate with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, lobster is a great idea for those looking to impress. And if you serve it up with prime rib, it'll be a surf and turf Christmas like none other!

Get the Grilled Lobster Tail recipe.

20

Stuffing with Chorizo and Poblano

stuffing with chorizo and poblano
David Malosh

Stuffing is one of those dishes that's great for customizing. In this case, poblano peppers and chorizo give it a subtle kick.

Get the Stuffing with Chorizo and Poblanos recipe.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

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