10 Classic Christmas Dinner Ideas
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and with it comes the age-old question: what’s for Christmas dinner? As the snowflakes start to fall and the fireplace crackles to life, the pressure’s on to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress the whole family. But don’t stress, dear readers, because we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be dishing out a plethora of mouth-watering Christmas dinner ideas that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From classic roasts to innovative twists, we’ll explore the most delicious and festive ways to ring in the holiday season.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and get ready to make this Christmas one to remember with these delectable dinner ideas.
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48% OffHoney Glazed Ham
Honey Glazed Ham is a delightful centerpiece for any Christmas dinner, combining a sweet, sticky glaze with the savory flavor of tender ham. The honey and brown sugar caramelize beautifully, creating a rich, golden crust that is sure to impress your guests. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes for a festive and satisfying meal.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). 2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate. 3. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. 4. Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas. 5. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. 6. Bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until heated through. 7. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the glaze caramelize. 8. Once done, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Roast Beef Wellington
Roast Beef Wellington is a luxurious centerpiece that offers a stunning visual appeal and an incredible burst of flavors. This dish features a succulent beef tenderloin coated in a rich mushroom duxelles and wrapped in flaky puff pastry, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience. Perfect for Christmas dinner, Roast Beef Wellington impresses guests while providing a hearty and satisfying meal.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides. 3. Remove the beef and let it cool, then spread a layer of Dijon mustard over it. 4. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped mushrooms with shallots and thyme until the moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes a paste. 5. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and spread the mushroom mixture on top, then carefully place the beef in the center. 6. Wrap the pastry around the beef, sealing the edges and ensuring it is tightly sealed. 7. Brush the pastry with an egg wash for a golden finish. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches your desired doneness. 9. Let the Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Herb Crusted Turkey
Herb Crusted Turkey is the centerpiece of any festive Christmas dinner, bringing flavorful herbs and spices together to enhance the natural taste of the turkey. This dish is not only visually stunning but also tender and juicy, making it a sure hit with family and friends. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a delightful holiday feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). 2. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. 3. In a bowl, combine fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley with minced garlic and softened butter to create a herb paste. 4. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey, being careful not to tear it, and spread half of the herb paste underneath the skin. 5. Rub the remaining herb paste all over the outside of the turkey, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. 6. Place the turkey on a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. 7. Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 2 to 3 hours depending on size. 8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. 9. Serve and enjoy your delicious Herb Crusted Turkey!
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for your Christmas dinner. This dish features buttery potatoes blended with rich cream and roasted garlic, creating a velvety texture that’s irresistible. Pair them with your holiday roast for a deliciously satisfying side that will impress your guests.
1. Begin by peeling and chopping 2 pounds of russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. 2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. 3. While the potatoes are cooking, roast 4-5 cloves of garlic wrapped in foil with a drizzle of olive oil at 400°F for about 20 minutes. 4. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return to the pot. 5. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of butter. 6. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash until creamy and smooth. 7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 8. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delightful addition to any Christmas dinner table, bringing a balance of sweetness and savory depth. The caramelized edges paired with the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts create an irresistible side dish that both kids and adults will love. Drizzled with pure maple syrup and tossed in olive oil, these sprouts are simple to prepare and sure to impress your holiday guests.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. 3. In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. 4. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and caramelized. 6. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar.
Classic Stuffing with Sausage
Classic Stuffing with Sausage is a delectable side dish that brings warm, cozy flavors to your Christmas dinner table. Packed with fragrant herbs, savory sausage, and soft bread, this stuffing is a crowd-pleaser that complements roasted meats beautifully. Its rich taste and delightful texture make it a must-have recipe for the holiday season.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. 3. In the same skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter and sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cups of chopped celery until softened. 4. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, and salt and pepper to taste; cook for an additional minute. 5. In a large bowl, combine 10 cups of cubed bread, the sausage, and the vegetable mixture. 6. Slowly add 2 to 3 cups of chicken broth to the bread mixture until it’s moist but not soggy. 7. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. 8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown. 9. Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors!
Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry Orange Relish is a vibrant and tangy side dish that adds a refreshing twist to your Christmas dinner. This bright, jewel-toned relish balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty sweetness of oranges, making it a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, bringing a burst of flavor to your holiday table.
To make Cranberry Orange Relish, start by rinsing 12 ounces of fresh cranberries and placing them in a food processor. Add one peeled orange, cut into quarters, and 1 cup of sugar to the processor. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped but still chunky, then transfer it to a bowl. Let the relish sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled alongside your holiday meals.
Eggnog with Nutmeg
Eggnog with nutmeg is a classic holiday beverage that warms the heart and brings the festive spirit to your Christmas dinner. This creamy, rich drink is typically made with eggs, sugar, milk, and cream, all spiced with nutmeg to evoke the comforting essence of the season. Perfect for gatherings, this delightful concoction can be served chilled or warmed, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table.
1. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. 2. Slowly stir in 4 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. 3. In a separate bowl, beat 6 large egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the milk mixture. 4. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, stirring to combine. 5. Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. 6. Serve in glasses, garnished with additional nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, combining rich, creamy cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie. This indulgent dessert features a graham cracker crust that perfectly complements the smooth filling, making it a festive addition to any Christmas dinner. Serve it chilled, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. 2. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, mixing until well incorporated. 4. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. 5. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. 6. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a slight jiggle remains. 7. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. 8. Remove from the springform pan, slice, and serve with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon on top.
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a delightful holiday treat that combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint. This festive dessert is not only visually appealing with its beautiful layers but also adds a sweet, minty crunch to your Christmas dinner table. Perfect for sharing, it’s an easy and impressive addition to your holiday dessert lineup.
1. Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Melt 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. 3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. 4. Let it cool slightly while you melt 4 ounces of white chocolate in the same manner. 5. Once melted, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the white chocolate. 6. Pour the white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer and spread it smoothly. 7. Crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them over the top while the chocolate is still warm. 8. Refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces and serve.
