Christmas dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year, filled with tradition, flavor, and the spirit of togetherness. A few mouthwatering recipes are essential, whether hosting a large family gathering or having an intimate meal with close friends. From savory main dishes to indulgent sides and decadent desserts, the right combination can make your holiday meal unforgettable.
We’ve compiled 10 Christmas dinner recipes to impress your guests and fill everyone with joy. These dishes balance classic flavors with modern twists, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
No Christmas dinner is complete without a juicy, golden-brown turkey. This classic recipe ensures a tender and flavorful bird, thanks to the addition of herb-infused butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Combine butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Carefully loosen the turkey’s skin and rub the herb butter mixture under the skin and on top.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with onion, lemon, and carrot.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the turkey for 3-3.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—Based occasionally with the pan juices.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Pro Tip: For the last 30 minutes of roasting, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to get an extra crispy skin.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham
A sweet and savory ham adds a festive touch to the table. This honey-glazed ham is succulent and flavorful with a beautiful caramelized crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral-cut ham (about 8 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the ham on a roasting rack and brush the glaze over the ham. Reserve some glaze for basting.
- Roast the ham for 1.5-2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting for a glossy finish.
3. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
No holiday meal is complete without a side of crispy, golden potatoes. These roasted potatoes are seasoned perfectly and baked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes for 10 minutes before roasting.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must-have side dish for Christmas. This recipe incorporates roasted garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- While the potatoes cook, cut the top off the head of garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap in foil and roast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the mashed potatoes and add butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Pro Tip: Use a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
5. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
These Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection and paired with crispy bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze. A vegetable dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Add balsamic vinegar and honey in the same skillet, cooking over low heat until the glaze thickens.
- Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with the bacon and balsamic glaze before serving.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving for an extra savory kick.
6. Stuffing with Sausage and Cranberries
This hearty stuffing combines the savory richness of sausage with the sweet tartness of cranberries—it is a perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the turkey or ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, parsley, sage, and chicken broth—season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, bake the stuffing uncovered.
7. Classic Gravy
A rich, flavorful gravy ties everything together. This classic gravy uses pan drippings from the roast turkey or ham.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups pan drippings (or chicken broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the pan drippings or chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with turkey or ham.
8. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Fresh cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, and this version with orange zest adds a zesty twist that perfectly complements savory dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add orange zest and cinnamon stick, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature before serving.
9. Pumpkin Pie
End your Christmas dinner with a classic pumpkin pie spiced just right and topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust, unbaked
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, cream, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Let the pie cool before serving with a dollop of whipped cream.
10. Eggnog Cheesecake
For a rich and indulgent dessert, this eggnog cheesecake is a creamy and festive treat everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggnog, eggs, and nutmeg, mixing until combined.
- Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
These 10 mouthwatering Christmas dinner recipes will bring joy to your holiday and Plan your Perfect Christmas Getaway On A Budget table. Whether you serve traditional dishes like roast turkey and mashed potatoes or try something new like eggnog cheesecake, your guests are in for a treat. Enjoy your meal and happy holidays!