Christmas dinner is typically the last big, over-the-top feast of the year. It's when the whole family (and all the friends who are also family) come over and gather around a table decorated just so. You serve a Christmas cocktail (and a nonalcoholic drink for kids and those who want it). People dress up in their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters, keeping warm despite the cold outside, listening to Christmas music and enjoying the company, while the dinner finishes cooking.
Then everyone gathers around a well-decorated table to say grace and dig into a hearty, wholesome feast.
It's really a moment we live for, perhaps even more than wrapping the presents or opening them.
This year, give your family (and any guests) a meal to remember with these Christmas dinner ideas. We've filled this list with main dishes, sides, desserts, snacks, and drinks galore. From a traditional British style feasts(turkey and pudding!) to innovative and smart winter ideas like colorful Holiday salsa with tree-shaped tortilla chips, a festive wreath cake, and much more, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for. And all of these recipes are tested, so you know they work, they taste good, and they're not too complicated.
Plan out your Christmas dinner menu now, and you should be able to prep a good bit of it a day or two ahead of time. That way you can spend more time on Christmas clinking glasses and laughing with family, and less of it in the kitchen.
1
Rosemary Roast Turkey
When Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage celebrates Christmas, she does it the way the British do: with a big roast turkey!
Get the recipe for Rosemary Roast Turkey.
2
Pork-and-Sage Stuffing
If you're serving turkey, then stuffing is a must-have! This classic recipe is everything you love, and nothing unnecessary.
Get the recipe for Pork-and-Sage Stuffing.
3
Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries in Cider
Think cabbage is boring? Taste this.
Tart cranberries, fresh apples, plenty of brown sugar and butter — as well as a few key spices — turn this into a wow-worthy side.
Get the recipe for Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries in Cider.
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4
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts
Add this classic dish to your holiday sideboard!
Get the recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts.
5
Mulled Red Wine
Want to warm up guests as they arrive and wait for dinner? There's nothing like a cup of spiced wine to do it.
Get the recipe for Mulled Red Wine.
6
Christmas Plum Pudding
If you've never had one, a classic British plum pudding is like the very best fruitcake you've never had: boozy, sweet, rich, and drizzled in a brandy cream sauce that you'll want to lick straight off the plate.
Get the recipe for Christmas Plum Pudding.
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7
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadews
Have these feisty snacks ready when guests arrive, and they'll fly off the platter!
Get the recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadews.
8
Asiago Cheese Biscuits with Prosciutto
As every good Southerner knows, it's never a bad time for biscuits. These are great as a side dish, or on a platter as a pre-dinner appetizer.
Get the recipe for Asiago Cheese Biscuits with Prosciutto.
9
Classic Beef Wellington
Make this ageless recipe for a Christmas feast to remember!
Get the recipe for Classic Beef Wellington.
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10
“White Christmas” Margarita
Start guests off with a cocktail that'll warm them to their toes.
Get the recipe for “White Christmas” Margarita.
11
Easy Creamed Spinach
We leaned into what makes this dish so good: plenty of cream and butter, and just a touch of spice from nutmeg and cayenne. Your dinner guests are sure to head back for seconds.
Get the recipe for Easy Creamed Spinach.
12
Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
We've made them just the way your mom and grandma probably did. For bite-size ease and full-size joy, it just doesn't get much better than these.
Get the recipe for Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms.
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13
Tom and Jerry Cocktail
This classic drink is a serious upgrade to egg nog!
Get the recipe for Tom and Jerry Cocktail.
14
Merry Cherry Hand Pies
These sweet pies are the perfect Christmas treat!
Get the recipe for Merry Cherry Hand Pies.
15
Herb-Spiced Cashews
Spiced nuts are a must-have at any Christmas party! They're perfect for both before and after the feast.
Get the recipe for Herb-Spiced Cashews.
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16
Mulled Cherry Cocktail
Give your mulled wine an upgrade.
Get the recipe for Mulled Cherry Cocktail.
17
Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon-Clove Clementine Glaze
The rich glaze on this tenderloin uses whole clementines, so it's extra flavorful!
Get the recipe for Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon-Clove Clementine Glaze.
18
Roasted Fennel-and-Beet Salad
This hearty winter salad will help round out the plate!
Get the recipe for Roasted Fennel-and-Beet Salad.
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19
Christmas Wreath Cake
A festive Christmas wreath can add some holiday joy practically anywhere—even the dessert table!
Get the recipe for Christmas Wreath Cake.
20
Clementine Cake with Candied Orange Slices
Dessert doesn't have to be complicated to be festive or delicious! This simple, seasonal, clementine cake is easy and tasty—and the glazed oranges are impressive enough to elicit plenty of "oohs" and "ahhs."
Get the recipe for Clementine Cake with Candied Orange Slices.
