10+ Christmas Dinner Recipes to Make Your Holiday Merry

Christmas dinner is a special time to gather with family and friends, enjoying delicious food and creating lasting memories. Finding the perfect recipes can make your holiday celebration even more enjoyable.

With a variety of traditional and modern dishes to choose from, you can create a festive table that pleases everyone’s taste buds.

Whether you lean towards classic roast meats, hearty sides, or delightful desserts, there are countless options to explore. This article will guide you through some wonderful Christmas dinner recipes that will help you impress your guests and make your holiday meal unforgettable.

1) Garlic Herb Roast Beef

Garlic Herb Roast Beef makes a wonderful centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. It’s juicy and full of flavor, perfect for impressing your guests. The herbs add a nice touch that brings out the roast’s natural taste.

This recipe needs a cut of beef like a top round or rib roast. The garlic and herbs work harmoniously to create a delicious crust.

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 pounds beef roast (like top round)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture all over the beef roast and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the roast in a roasting pan.
5. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
6. Reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and cook until the roast reaches your desired doneness.
7. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

2) Honey Glazed Ham

Honey glazed ham is a classic choice for Christmas dinner. It’s sweet, savory, and sure to impress your guests. The glaze enhances the flavor of the ham, creating a beautiful dish.

To make your ham, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The combination of honey and brown sugar gives it that rich, sweet flavor. You can also add Dijon mustard for a little tang.

Bake the ham until it’s golden brown and heated through. It’s best served warm and can be paired with several sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 kg ham (rind on)
• 100 g brown sugar
• 125 g honey
• 50 ml apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp mixed spice
• Cloves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix the honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Score the ham and rub the glaze all over.
4. Stick cloves into the ham if desired.
5. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally, until golden.

3) Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Vegan stuffed acorn squash makes a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner. It combines flavors of fall with a hearty filling that everyone will enjoy. The squash is roasted until tender and then filled with a mixture of grains and vegetables.

You can stuff the squash with quinoa, wild rice, or a blend of both. Add ingredients like sautéed onions, mushrooms, kale, and sweet cranberries for extra taste. Nuts such as pecans or pepitas can add a nice crunch.

This dish can be made ahead of time and simply heated before serving. It’s a colorful and nutritious option that can appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes
• 1 cup quinoa or wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup cranberries, dried
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squashes in half and remove the seeds.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
5. In a pan, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
6. Add the quinoa or wild rice, kale, cranberries, and pecans. Mix well.
7. Fill the roasted squash halves with the mixture and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

4) Classic Roast Goose

Roast goose is a wonderfully festive choice for Christmas dinner. Its rich flavor and crispy skin make it a favorite among many families. You can serve it with delicious sides to make the meal even more special.

To start, you will need a whole goose and some classic ingredients like apples and fresh herbs. This combination brings out the flavors beautifully.

For cooking, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the goose for several hours until the skin is golden brown and the meat is tender. Make sure to keep some fat to use later in your cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 whole goose
• Salt and pepper
• 4 apples, quartered
• Fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary)
• 1 onion, quartered

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the goose inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with apples, onion, and herbs.
4. Place the goose in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for about 2 to 3 hours, basting occasionally.
6. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

5) Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

Herb-crusted prime rib is a delicious choice for your Christmas dinner. This dish delivers a savory flavor that impresses everyone at the table.

To make it, start with a high-quality prime rib roast. A mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme adds great taste. Smother the roast in a butter and garlic mixture to enhance the flavors.

You’ll want to cook it at 450°F (230°C) initially for a beautiful crust. Then lower the temperature for even cooking. Make sure to let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 (4 pound) bone-in prime rib roast
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the butter, garlic, salt, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Rub the mixture all over the prime rib.
4. Place the roast in the oven and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue cooking until your desired doneness.
6. Let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

6) Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Stuffed pork tenderloin is a delicious choice for Christmas dinner. It combines tender meat with flavorful fillings that can wow your guests. You can customize the stuffing to match your taste.

Try stuffing it with caramelized onion, fresh cranberry sauce, goat cheese, and spinach for a festive flare. You might also enjoy a mix of apples, cranberries, and pecans for a sweet and savory touch.

This dish is not only tasty but also simple to prepare. Your guests will love the vibrant flavors, and it can become a festive tradition at your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin
• 1 cup caramelized onions
• ½ cup fresh cranberry sauce
• ½ cup goat cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butterfly the pork tenderloin to create a pocket.
3. Fill the pocket with caramelized onions, cranberry sauce, goat cheese, and spinach.
4. Roll the tenderloin and secure with kitchen twine.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

7) Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut squash risotto is a warm and creamy dish perfect for Christmas dinner. It combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the rich flavor of Arborio rice. The addition of sage adds a lovely earthy note to the dish.

You can make it easily in under an hour. This recipe is great for impressing your guests with minimal fuss. Serve it as a side or make it the star of the meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ onion, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ⅓ cup dry white wine
• 5 cups hot chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for a few minutes.
5. Pour in the white wine and let it absorb.
6. Gradually add hot broth, stirring until absorbed.
7. Mix in roasted squash and grated cheese. Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh sage.

8) Salmon en Croûte

Salmon en croûte is a delightful dish perfect for Christmas dinner. It features salmon wrapped in a golden puff pastry. This recipe keeps the fish moist and flavorful.

You can find options that include creamed spinach or dill to add extra taste. It looks impressive and tastes amazing, making it a great centerpiece for your meal.

To make it easier, you can follow a few simple steps. This dish pairs wonderfully with side items like pickled cucumbers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) salmon fillet
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup (240ml) creamed spinach
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or lemon zest (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
3. Place the salmon in the center and season it.
4. Spread creamed spinach on top of the salmon.
5. Wrap the pastry around the salmon and seal the edges.
6. Brush with egg wash.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

9) Vegetarian Nut Roast

A vegetarian nut roast is a delicious option for Christmas dinner. It combines various nuts, lentils, and vegetables to create a filling dish. You can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.

To make it, start with a base of nuts like cashews or hazelnuts. Then, add some cooked lentils for protein. Mushrooms add a nice texture and flavor.

This dish can be a centerpiece on your table, making it perfect for the holiday season. You can also prepare it in advance and bake it fresh for your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., cashews, hazelnuts)
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until browned.
4. In a bowl, mix nuts, lentils, herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine all ingredients and transfer to a loaf pan.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.

10) Roast Duck with Orange Sauce

Roast duck with orange sauce is a delightful dish for your Christmas dinner. The combination of juicy duck and a sweet, tangy orange sauce creates a festive flavor.

To start, choose a whole duck. Season it well with salt and pepper. Roast it in the oven until the skin is golden and crispy. The ideal temperature for roasting is 350°F (175°C).

For the orange sauce, you’ll need orange juice, sugar, and a splash of vinegar. Cook these ingredients together until they form a nice glaze. Pour this sauce over the duck just before serving for the best taste.

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or rice.

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the duck inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the duck for about 1.5 hours until the skin is golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, combine orange juice, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan.
5. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens.
6. Serve the duck with the orange sauce drizzled on top.