If you are looking for a traditional Christmas dinner, vegetarian Christmas recipes, delicious holiday recipes for kids, or recipe ideas to spend a cozy Christmas eve with quick and easy dishes that are total crowd-pleasers, you are at the right place, I have covered you all. This is my collection of the very best Christmas food ideas and dinner menus. I have included appetizers, side dishes, starters, holiday bread, dinner casseroles, main dishes, and festive desserts.
You can also browse my bigger list of Christmas food ideas from around the world on my blog.
Easy Christmas Appetizers, Sides, and Starters
Appetizers, starters, and side dishes play a very important role at your holiday dinner table. We always start the dinner party with appetizers. If you are deciding on your Christmas menu and are looking for recipes to kick off your dinner party and set the mood up, you are at the perfect place.
I have a Christmas-themed platter, creamy salad, interesting potato recipes, salads, bite-sized treats, and more. Most of my recipes are vegetarian here, but I also have simple appetizer recipes for meat eaters too.
Let us know your favorite from our list.
This is not the end. I have more recipes that you can make for your Christmas dinner.
Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter with Vegan Mayonnaise
Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter with Vegan Mayonnaise will be a star recipe at your dinner table this Christmas Holiday season.Making a Christmas tree vegetable platter is easy and fun. My kids love broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes with mayonnaise, and thus I decided to make a healthy edible tree for them. The tree can be put together in under 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Creamed Peas in Bread Bowl
Creamed peas are an old-fashioned creamy and rich, comforting dish that can be prepared in less than 10 minutes. This classic dish is made with only six basic ingredients making it a delicious addition to your weeknight dinners, meatless dinners, easter brunch, or holiday meals.
Check out this recipe.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Garlic roasted potatoes are crisp on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, super easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.I had some fresh dill leaves. Feel free to add any fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, oregano, rosemary or thyme) or dried herbs and seasoning of your choice.You will find instructions to make the crispiest roasted potatoes in 4 ways – oven, air fryer, pan roast, instant pot. Choose any way you like. I personally love oven-roasted potatoes and I feel the best crispy roasted potatoes are obtained when cooked in an oven.
Check out this recipe.
Simple Apple Salad
The Apple Salad recipe shared below is simple yet so delicious and a total crowd pleaser where apples and cheese are cut into the shape of fries or matchsticks and then tossed in oil. My kids love this salad! The apple salad has a unique sweet and savory combination with crunchiness from apples that make people go for second and third servings.
Check out this recipe.
Best Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes are one of the easiest potato side dishes you can prepare for your loved ones during Thanksgiving or Christmas. The end result is garlicky baby potatoes or new potatoes with crispy edges like french fries and a creamy mashed potato-like texture in the middle. I bet anyone can't stop after eating one. Hasselback potatoes are by far one of the best side dishes to serve with your Thanksgiving turkey, Easter ham or pork, barbeques, casseroles, salads, etc. I can go on.
Check out this recipe.
Butter Garlic Green Beans
Easy butter garlic sautéed green beans recipe is so simple to make yet tastes amazingly delicious that you can make it frequently as your dinner side.What is Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without atleast one recipe with green beans?
Check out this recipe.
Butter Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and easy-to-make shrimp recipe with an amazing flavor combination of garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon (lime). This garlic prawn is ready in less than 25 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Best Potato Salad for Holidays
This is one of the creamy & best potato salad recipes that is addictive and delicious and will be a super hit side dish at your Christmas holiday dinner table.
Check out this recipe.
Veg Puff Bites
Veg Puffs or Curry Puffs are bakery-style mini snack bites that are golden, crispy, and flaky with flavorful vegetarian filling inside. A perfect evening snack, appetizer, or finger food recipe using puff pastry sheets.
Check out this recipe.
Onion Rings
This recipe will give you the best homemade crispy onion rings ever!! The recipe below ensures that your onion rings are perfectly crispy every single time and never turns soggy. This can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Holiday Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are super simple to make yet such a delicious and addictive side dish that is crispy on the outside, soft and delicate on the inside.
Check out this recipe.
Grilled Chicken Tikka
Chicken Tikka is a delicious and flavorful, easy-to-make Indian dish, where the chicken is first marinated in an aromatic spice mixture and then grilled on skewers to perfection. I bet this will be one of the best chicken recipes you will try. This tikka can be prepared in the oven, grill or on the stovetop.
Check out this recipe.
Holiday Cranberry Chicken
Cranberry Chicken is a super delicious and easy-to-make side dish or appetizer recipe with a perfect combination of sourness and spiciness that will be a showstopper at your dinner table this Thanksgiving or Christmas. I just love how simple it is to put everything together.
Check out this recipe.
Easy Puff Pastry Samosa
Puff Pastry Samosa is easy to make a delicious appetizer or snack with a crispy and golden flaky texture on the outside and a savory filling on the inside. These puff samosas are the perfect snack or finger food for your holiday gatherings (Christmas, Diwali, or Thanksgiving), your next weekend party, picnics, potlucks, or any game night (Superbowl, football).
Check out this recipe.
Flaky Mushroom Potato Pie
Flaky potato mushroom pie or crispy samosa pastries are delicious, melt-in-mouth, easy-to-make pastry recipes prepared using a few basic ingredients from your kitchen. These can be served as an evening snack or appetizer for your lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Lemon Roasted Herbed Potatoes
These Lemon Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft inside, with bright flavors of fresh lemons and herbs. One of the best appetizers or sides to serve for your next dinner party!
Check out this recipe.
Christmas Casseroles
This section is about some of the best casserole recipes you can make for your Christmas lunch or dinner. Also, these casseroles are savory and make the best side with your main dish or roasted meat.
Some of my favorite holiday dinner casseroles include:
- Green bean casserole from scratch
- Cheesy eggplant casserole
- Savory sweet potato casserole
- Cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole
- Corn cheese casserole
- Hashbrown potato casserole
- Potato au gratin with goat cheese
Best Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
Green Bean Casserole is mandatory at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables in many homes and is always a crowd favorite. This is one of the best and easy side dishes you will ever make. The tender green beans tossed in creamy and cheesy sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, making every bite irresistibly delicious, and you cannot stop but go for a second serving.
Check out this recipe.
Vegetarian Eggplant Casseroles
This cheesy and low-carb easy eggplant casserole recipe is one of the best flavorful dishes you can serve as a main or a side.If you are looking for a meatless vegetarian entree to make this Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl, or football party, or for your meatless Monday, then you are at the right place. Add this easy, no-fail recipe to your menu. Even meat lovers are going to enjoy this one.
Check out this recipe.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is a savory, creamy, garlicky side dish topped with crunchy toasted honey-glazed walnut & almonds topping.
Check out this recipe.
Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower casserole Bake
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole or Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a classic and rich side dish where tender cauliflower is tossed in a cheesy and creamy sauce loaded with mushrooms. People are going to come for second servings and maybe even more. A total rockstar at your dinner table. This is a vegetarian casserole that is the best side dish for your Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas dinner. But feel free to add crispy bacon bits if desired.
Check out this recipe.
Corn Cheese casserole (creamed corn)
Baked corn cheese casserole or cheesy creamed corn is one of the best, easy, and most delicious side dishes you will make this holiday season.Are you looking for a side dish to serve with chicken, turkey, or pork this Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas eve? Then, I would highly recommend you try this recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious and comforting potato recipe prepared with frozen hashbrowns and cheese and topped with cornflakes. You need 5 minutes of prep to make this easy potato casserole. These cheesy potatoes are popular as Thanksgiving and Christmas side dishes or breakfast casseroles.
Check out this recipe.
Cauliflower Potato Gratin with Goat Cheese
Potato Cauliflower au Gratin is a perfectly cheesy and creamy, best and easiest dinner casserole baked until bubbly and golden brown. This cauliflower and potato gratin can be served as a side dish for a Sunday meal or holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Christmas Bread
Holidays are all about baking bread with your dear ones. Bake one of our delicious bread this festive season. I have shared only savory bread recipes here that go well with your Christmas dinner platter. If you are looking for cake, cinnamon rolls, and sticky buns, etc., then check this amazing list of Christmas desserts.
- Christmas Tree pull-apart bread
- Holiday cranberry pull-apart bread
- Dinner rolls or yeast rolls
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Vienna bread
- Parker house rolls
- Brioche bread and buns
- Zopf
- Rosemary garlic focaccia
- Panettone.
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is easy to make, beautiful, and a delicious recipe that will be a total crowd-pleaser at your holiday dinner table.
Check out this recipe.
Holiday Cranberry Pull Apart Bread
Savory Cranberry Pull Apart Bread is a delectable side dish or appetizer filled with cranberries and cheese that you can prepare any time of the week. There is no way one bite would be enough. This can be served as a side with your favorite lunch or dinner entree.In short, a perfect addition to football, Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, gathering or meal. This pull aprt bread is going to be a smashing success.
Check out this recipe.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Classic and Best Dinner Rolls Recipe. These homemade yeast rolls are soft and light, fluffy and buttery, easy to make. You need only six ingredients to make these mini dinner rolls. The best rolls to serve for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and Easter brunch.
Check out this recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Make the best and easy homemade buttermilk biscuits from scratch this Thanksgiving and Christmas to suck up all those gravy and drippings left on your plate from turkey or any meat.
Check out this recipe.
Vienna Bread
Vienna Bread or Pain Viennois is an absolutely delicious Austrian bread that one must definitely not miss to try.
Check out this recipe.
Traditional Christmas Bread
Parker House Rolls, Boston Based rolls are soft, irresistable and delicious, buttery and classic dinner rolls that are slighlty sweet and have a crispy exterior.These rolls are super easy to make and gets over in no time. One of the best rolls or buns recipe that can be served as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any get together, parties
Check out this recipe.
Holiday Brioche Bread and Buns
Brioche Bread is a rich and classic, soft and buttery bread with a light crumb of the French origin that is delicious to eat and easy to make.This bread tastes good on its own but can also be used to make sandwiches, burgers, French toast, pudding, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Zopf Bread
Zopf is an easy-to-make, classic and traditional Swiss braided bread recipe with a soft and light texture. Serve this for Sunday breakfast with a cup of coffee or weekend brunches. Zopf is also known as Swiss plaited Bread, Züpfe (in Bern), Butterzopf, Tresse (in French), and Treccia (in Italian).
Check out this recipe.
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia is a vegan, easy-to-make, flavorful, soft and fluffy flat oven-baked Italian bread recipe topped with fresh rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.Focaccia bread can be served with a bowl of soup, salad, pasta, or can also be used as sandwich bread, side for any meal, or base for your pizza. It also tastes great with pesto and mashed potatoes.
Check out this recipe.
Traditional Italian Holiday Bread
Panettone Cake is an Italian sweet bread dessert that is light and fluffy, packed with candied fruits, and full of festive flavors. One of the best and unique, fun dessert recipe to try for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Check out this recipe.
Holiday Potato Dinner Rolls
Potato Rolls are bread rolls with a soft and tender texture, sweet and rich flavor. The addition of mashed potatoes takes these dinner rolls to the next level. Add this to your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menu. A total crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe.
Christmas Main Dishes
Christmas main dish or entree should be the star showstopper at your dinner table. My main dishes are not only simple but so delicious that it will be a super hit.
- Whole roasted cauliflower with garlic cream sauce
- Crispy roasted spatchcock chicken with vegetables
- Shrimp scampi pasta
- Black bean burgers
- Orange chicken with rice
- Butternut squash pasta (vegan)
- Fettuccine alfredo pasta
- Mac and cheese for kids
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic Cream Sauce
With cheese topping, this easy and simple whole roasted cauliflower head served with garlic cream sauce is a showstopper at any dinner table.Roasted Cauliflower is one of the best meat substitutes for Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas or Holiday roast, or even as a finger food at a Super Bowl football party to serve your vegetarian and vegan family or friends.
Check out this recipe.
Crispy Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
Make the best roasted chicken this Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Roasting a spatchcock chicken will give you juicy, moist, and tender chicken meat with super crispy skin.If you are looking for a turkey alternative this Thanksgiving, then you are at the right place. Even if you are a beginner cook or a bachelor, you can easily make this recipe, and you will not fail to impress your guests at the Holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Whole roasted chicken with herb butter
This whole roasted chicken with herb butter is a perfect holiday dinner recipe with incredible flavors, crispy and salty skin, and a juicy center.
Check out this recipe.
Classic Shrimp Scampi Pasta
This garlicky, creamy and buttery, rich and classic shrimp scampi pasta will be a super hit at your dinner table this holiday season. This is a perfect dish for all seafood and pasta lovers.
Check out this recipe.
Best Black Bean Burger
These are the best black bean burgers I have ever tried. The patties are thick and hearty, not mushy, and they come together in under 30 minutes. These burgers are a fantastic vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers.
Check out this recipe.
Orange Chicken and Rice
Orange Chicken is the best and easy chicken side dish or appetizer for any dinner party. Crispy fried chicken thighs are tossed in flavorful and finger-licking homemade orange sauce.
Check out this recipe.
Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta
Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta is a creamy, healthy, delicious and flavorful pasta recipe where the pasta is tossed in freshly made roasted butternut squash sauce. One of my favorite fall and winter pasta recipe! I have also added mushrooms and spinach for additional flavor.
Check out this recipe.
Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo or Fettuccine Al Burro is a classic & rich, popular Italian recipe that is creamy, buttery, cheesy, and satisfying. The fettuccine pasta is tossed in the best and easy homemade alfredo sauce and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.You can also toss other pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, tagliatelle, Bucatini (perciatelli), Trennette, etc., in Alfredo sauce.
Check out this recipe.
Best Mac and Cheese recipe
Mac and Cheese (Macaroni and Cheese) is a classic and rich, creamy, and cheesy deliciousness topped with crunchy topping that will satisfy all your taste buds and cheese cravings. It is a perfect comforting dinner recipe or crowd-pleaser side dish for holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Christmas Desserts
No matter how good your dinner was and how full you are, there is always room for desserts. I have already shared 50+ easy Christmas desserts, but if you are looking for traditional classic holiday desserts, then pick one from below.
- Eggless Christmas fruit and nut cake
- Classic holiday rum cake
- No-bake holiday fudge with peanut butter
- White chocolate fudge - festive-themed
- Pavlova cake dessert
- Persimmon apple pudding or American Christmas pudding
- Festive-themed strawberries and cream
- Cashew meringue cookies
- Raspberry white chocolate chip cookies
- Galette with berries and ice cream
Eggless Christmas Fruit and Nut Cake
Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake is a special treat for all those who asked me for a no-egg no-alcohol version of traditional Christmas cake.
Check out this recipe.
Traditional Christmas Rum Cake
This easy Christmas cake is the best traditional fruit cake that is moist and highly flavorful. You can’t stop eating after you have tried one slice.
Check out this recipe.
Easy No Bake Holiday Peanut Butter Fudge
Best, quick and easy, creamy and smooth peanut butter fudge recipe using just 3 or 4 ingredients from your kitchen. One of the best desserts to make this holiday season for a small family or large gathering of guests.
Check out this recipe.
Christmas Fudge
This Christmas Fudge is a no-bake, easy, and delicious treat you can make during the holiday season with just two ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Mini Pavlova
Best Mini Pavlova Recipe with only 5 ingredients is a perfect dessert recipe for Christmas, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Summer parties, or any time of the year!These mini pavlovas are one of the best individual treats you can add to your holiday dessert platter. This meringue-based dessert is perfectly crispy on top, light and airy, and has a marshmallowy texture on the inside.
Check out this recipe.
Best White Chocolate Fudge | Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
White chocolate fudge is one of the best no-bake fudge recipes; it is easy and simple to make with just 3 ingredients from your kitchen. To make it a festive holiday-themed fudge, I have added dried mixed berries (cranberries, strawberries, blueberries). You can use any combination of berries or even replace them with your favorite roasted nuts.
Check out this recipe.
Christmas Candy Bark
Christmas Bark is one of the best desserts you will make this holiday with white chocolate in less than 5 minutes. Christmas candy is a great addition to your dessert platter and also the best homemade holiday gift.
Check out this recipe.
Apple Persimmon Pudding or Christmas Pudding
Persimmon Apple Pudding is a decadent, cake-like, dense, and slightly chewy traditional American dessert topped with saffron-flavored butter sauce. This pudding dessert is also known as Christmas pudding or Quince pudding.
Check out this recipe.
White and red Strawberries and Cream
Holiday themed red and white dessert made with strawberries and cream. You can also serve it in shot glasses.
Check out this recipe.
Peanut Butter Brownies - Best Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe
The Best Peanut Butter Brownies you will ever make. These quick and easy homemade fudgy brownies are a delightful treat for all peanut butter and chocolate lovers. The classic creamy peanut butter is swirled into chocolate brownie batter.
Check out this recipe.
Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of the best, chewy and decadent cookies you will ever try. These cookies can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Do surprise your loved ones with these cookies this holiday season.
Check out this recipe.
Sticky Date Pudding
Sticky Date Pudding or Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic and rich, addictive moist sponge cake made using dates which are then covered with butterscotch sauce or toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream or vanilla custard.Sticky Date Pudding is one of the best dessert recipes you can make for Valentine's day, Date night dinner, Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving holidays.
Check out this recipe.
I am not ending this list here. Stay tuned if you are interested to know what my next holiday recipe is. Until the end of December, I am going to post some of the best and easy to make holiday recipes on my blog.
My Christmas dinner tips
Plan your menu: plan your menu in advance. Ask for help. But if you are making everything alone, then keep your menu simple. In this way, you can make your grocery list and pick everything at once. Organize your fridge.
Make ahead as much as possible: Preparing some dishes in advance will avoid the stress on the day you are going to entertain your guests. Appetizers, salads, and main dishes taste best when served fresh, but you can prep all the ingredients needed to make it. Dinner casseroles and holiday desserts can be made in advance. I have given make-ahead instructions in each recipe.
Set the table: If you have purchased any fancy holiday-themed plates, dinnerware, wine glasses, or anything special to use on the big day, set the table the night before. This way at least you have one less task to worry about.
I want to take this chance to thank you all for your continuous support. I wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy new year.
Recipe card
Easy Christmas Recipes | Holiday Dinner Menu Ideas
If you are looking for a traditional Christmas dinner, vegetarian Christmas recipes, delicious holiday recipes for kids, or recipes ideas to spend a cozy Christmas eve with quick and easy dishes that are total crowd-pleasers, you are at the right place, I have covered you all. This is my my collection of the very best Christmas food ideas and dinner menus. I have included appetizers, side dishes, starters, holiday breads, dinner casseroles, main dishes, and festive desserts.You can also browse my bigger list of Christmas food ideas from around the world on my blog
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
Sharing one special holiday potato sald recipe for dinner.
- 3 Potatoes, medium sized, boiled and diced
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 Cucumber, chopped
- 2 tablespoon Fresh herb of your choice
- 2 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon Sour cream
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper powder to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes with skin, peel, and then dice them. Boil any way you prefer. Just make sure they are cooked just until tender and not mushy.3 Potatoes, medium sized, boiled and diced
- In a bowl, add diced potatoes, cucumber, onion, cilantro, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise (I have used homemade vegan mayo), pepper powder, salt to taste. Mix well.1 Onion, chopped, 1 Cucumber, chopped, 2 tablespoon Fresh herb of your choice, 2 teaspoon Lemon juice, 2 tablespoon Sour cream, ½ cup Mayonnaise, Salt and pepper powder to taste
- Cover and keep it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors are well combined. check the video on the making of potato salad here.
Notes
Make it ahead of time and keep it for at least 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator for a flavorful salad. This salad stays good for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 96mgPotassium: 421mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Elisa
Wow these Easy Christmas Recipes are super delicious and will keep this list on handy. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Traci
So many great Christmas recipes to choose from here! You really outdid yourself for us and I thank you. YUM!