Not Sure What to Make for Christmas Dinner? Check Out These Menus
- 1/16
Not Sure What to Make for Christmas Dinner? Check Out These Menus
The Christmas season means a lot of things: Shopping for Christmas presents, decorating the tree, watching all the Hallmark Channel movies, and spending time with family. This year, we may be spending less time with family than we'd like — or having a smaller holiday with closer family. But that doesn't mean that we don't still need to plan out a holiday meal — and having something festive may seem more important than ever.
If you're feeling stuck by what to make this year, take a look at these carefully cultivated, easy Christmas dinner menu ideas, each based around simple themes to help you choose which kind of Christmas dinner best suits you. How about an original, Tex-Mex-inspired Christmas dinner featuring beer-braised chicken, buttermilk and Hatch Chile grits, and Texas-style pimento cheese? Or stick with the classics, like a glazed rack of lamb or a sweet spiced Christmas ham surrounded by decadently roasted winter veggies. Whatever you crave, there's something on our list of Christmas dinner menu ideas that both you and your family will love.
For dessert we've got apple-cheddar crumble pie, along with chocolate bourbon pecan pie or mini brown sugar tarts, any one of which is sure to please the palate. Of course, it's not a true Christmas dinner without a few Christmas party decorations, some gorgeous Christmas table settings, and a Christmas cocktail or two to top off your amazing Christmas dinner menu. Check out our ideas, and get ready to be crowned hostess of the year!
- 2/16
1) Fancy Christmas Dinner
If you're looking to make things just a little bit fancier, this Christmas menu is what you've been looking for. From the filet mignon main course to rich Christmas side dishes infused with tons of flavor, this menu will leave your family beyond satisfied.
Appetizers:
Main Course:
Filet Mignon with Shallot Butter
Side Dishes:
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
Garlic and Rosemary-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Dessert:
Drink:
- 3/16
2) British-Inspired Christmas Menu
A traditional British Christmas dinner looks similar to an American Thanksgiving dinner (which they don't celebrate, of course!). While the list below has British-themed dishes, such as pigs in blankets and fruitcake in the form of cookies, the way to truly make it feel authentic is to whip up a batch of Yorkshire pudding and break open some Christmas crackers.
Appetizers:
Main Course:
Herb and Citrus Butter Roasted Turkey
Side Dishes:
Roasted Potatoes with Fresh Herbs
Rosemary Monkey Bread Stuffing
Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Star Anise
Dessert:
Drink:
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 4/16
3) Decadent Christmas Menu
The holidays are a time to delight in the most decadent food, and that's exactly what this menu does. Each dish delivers a luxurious look and taste, yet is easy to make. Finish off the night with the smooth rum cocktail below and viewings of some classic Christmas movies.
Appetizer:
Honey-Drizzled Citrus Salad with Pistachio-Poppy Seed Granola
Main Course:
Pork Chops with Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
Side Dish:
Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Shallots and Hazelnuts
Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries
Dessert:
Drink:
- 5/16
4) Comfort Food Christmas Menu
Treat your guests to the ultimate comfort food Christmas feast. This menu includes classic holiday favorites like sweet potato casserole and pecan pie, with inventive spins on them. Each dish is packed with flavor and is sure to leave you in the best food coma ever.
Appetizer:
Main Course:
Side Dish:
Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
Sweet Potato Casserole with Homemade Marshmallow
Corn Salad with Bacon and Honey
Dessert:
Double-Crust Apple Cheddar Pie
Drink:
- 6/16
5) Showstopper Christmas Menu
You didn't come to play! These unbelievably impressive Christmas dinner menu ideas aren't just delicious; they look the part too. Featuring exciting ingredients and creative twists, they're just the thing you need to make your guests say "wow"—and mean it.
Appetizer:
Caramelized Onion Dip with Crispy Shallots
Main Course:
Spice-Rubbed Turkey Wrapped in Prosciutto
Side Dish:
Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Red Onions
Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin
Dessert:
Gingerbread Cheesecake with Pecan Graham Crust
Drink:
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 7/16
6) Vegetarian Christmas Menu
Got a few vegetarians coming over this year? Make them feel right at home with our very best vegetarian Christmas menu ideas. Trust us: You won't notice a difference. Here, bucatini acts as a satisfying, meatless entrée.
Main Course:
Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes
Side Dish:
Marinated Mushroom and Charred Broccolini Salad
Green Bean Salad with Red Onions
Dessert:
- 8/16
7) Herb-Infused Christmas Menu
Here's a menu that incorporates the delicious taste of fresh herbs in all of its elements. From a fennel-scented panzanella to an herbed goat cheese dip, every dish here is flavorful and sweet-scented.
Appetizers:
Main Course:
Cider-Braised Chicken-and-Fennel Panzanella
Herbed Chicken with Beets and Brussels
Side Dish:
Green Salad With Roasted Carrots and Creamy Tarragon Dressing
Drink:
- 9/16
8) Make-Ahead Christmas Menu
Yes, you really can make everything on this menu ahead of time—including the desserts. Leave the ice cream in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy it, give yourself enough time to heat up the pasta, and you've got yourself a delicious, time-savvy meal.
Main Course:
Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts Linguini
Side Dish:
Spiced Apricot, Golden Raisin, and Cranberry Compote
Dessert:
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 10/16
9) Slow Cooker Christmas Menu
There's nothing easier than being able to set your slow cooker—then forget it while you plan the rest of your Christmas festivities. Each and every one of these recipes lets you do exactly that!
Main Course:
Side Dish:
Dessert:
Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Drinks:
- 11/16
10) A Tex-Mex-Inspired Christmas Feast
An array of hearty dishes displayed in festive hodgepodge servingware makes this Tex-Mex meal perfect for Christmas at the ranch.
Main Course:
Beer-Braised Chicken and Jalapeno Ranch Coleslaw Tacos
Side Dishes:
Buttermilk and Hatch Chile Grits
Black Pepper and Bacon Pinto Beans
Dessert:
Drinks:
- 12/16
11) A Classic Christmas Dinner Spread
This sumptuous spread—rack of lamb, fennel salad, onion pie, and more—gives reason to rejoice.
Main Course:
Cherry-and-Port-Glazed Rack of Lamb RecipeSide Dishes:
Fennel, Orange, and Olive SaladBaked Potatoes with Bacon Butter
Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 13/16
12) A Casual Cocktail Buffet
Fete a crowd—sans stress—with this satisfying, make-ahead fare: sweet-and-spicy ham, mini cheesecakes, and more.
Appetizer:
Lemon Goat-Cheese DipMain Course:
Sweet-and-Spicy Cola-Glazed HamSide Dish:
Cheddar BiscuitsOrange Carrots with Yogurt Parsley Dressing
Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple-Bacon Drizzle
Dessert:
Mini Brown-Sugar CheesecakesDrink:
Sparkling Winter Sangria - 14/16
13) Budget-Friendly Dinner Party
Hosting your friends and family for the holidays doesn't have to break the bank. This delicious, crowd-pleasing party menu is simple, fun, and easy on your wallet.
Appetizers:
Roasted Winter Squash SoupDessert:
Mini Bread PuddingsTrio of Cocktails:
Cranberry Cava Cocktail - 15/16
14) A New England Christmas
A classic menu that's the perfect accompaniment to a snowy, New England country Christmas.
Main Course:
Cider-Brined Pork Roast with Onions and ApplesSide Dishes:
Oven Roasted Mushroom StewSweet Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Pumpkin and Cauliflower Casserole
Dessert:
Apple-Cheddar Crumble PieDrink:
Block Island Fog Yahoo News is better in the app
Keep up to speed at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 16/16
15) Southern Holiday Menu
Get a dose of Southern holiday cheer with this Christmas dinner menu of traditional southern staples.
Main Course:
Maple-Orange Glazed HamSide Dishes:
Potato Clover RollsDessert:
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This year let us help plan the feast, so you can spend time with the fam.