10+ Christmas Lunch Recipes for a Festive Feast

Christmas is a special time where family and friends come together to celebrate. A delightful lunch can set the perfect mood for the day.

You can impress your guests with a variety of Christmas lunch recipes that are both easy to prepare and delicious.

From festive sandwiches to warming soups, there are many ideas to suit different tastes.

Planning a Christmas lunch gives you the chance to showcase your culinary skills while creating lasting memories with loved ones.

1) Perfectly Glazed Carrots

Perfectly glazed carrots are a delightful side dish for your Christmas lunch. They are sweet, tender, and full of flavor.

Start by peeling and slicing fresh carrots.

You can make the glaze with brown sugar and butter for a rich taste. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the sweetness.

Cook the carrots in a pan and pour the glaze over them. Stir gently until the carrots are evenly coated. Let them simmer until they are tender, about 15 minutes.

For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. These glazed carrots will add color and sweetness to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh carrots
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Peel and slice the carrots.
2. In a pan, combine brown sugar and butter over medium heat.
3. Add the carrots and stir to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

2) Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Top

Baked mac and cheese with a crunchy top is a classic dish that everyone loves. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a delicious golden crust that adds texture.

You can easily make this dish for your Christmas lunch.

For a great flavor, use a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar or mozzarella. The crunchy topping can be made with breadcrumbs mixed with butter and spices.

This dish is perfect as a main or side. Kids and adults alike will enjoy its comforting taste.

Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, making your holiday meal easier to manage.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted.
6. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce, then pour into a baking dish.
7. Top with breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

3) Melt-In-Your-Mouth Baked Salmon

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Baked Salmon is a delicious choice for Christmas lunch. This dish is simple and very flavorful. The salmon is rich in healthy fats and offers a wonderful taste.

To prepare, you’ll start with fresh salmon fillets. You’ll use butter and herbs to enhance the flavor. Baking the salmon keeps it moist and flaky.

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil.
3. Melt butter and mix in garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the butter mixture over the salmon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.

4) Spicy Sausage and Cheddar Kolaches

Spicy sausage and cheddar kolaches make a tasty addition to your Christmas lunch. These handheld treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The combination of spicy sausage and melted cheddar creates a delicious flavor.

You’ll start by wrapping the sausage and cheese in a soft, sweet dough. Bake them until they are golden brown. The result is a warm, savory bite that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup milk (warm)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup water (warm)
• 1 egg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add warm milk, flour, and egg. Knead until smooth.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. Cook the sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
6. Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
7. Place sausage and cheese in the center and fold the dough over.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

5) Garlicky Baked Lobster Pasta

Garlicky baked lobster pasta is a delicious choice for your Christmas lunch. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for impressing your guests. The combination of tender lobster and garlic brings a wonderful taste to this dish.

You start by cooking pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the lobster by steaming or boiling it until it’s just done.

Mix the cooked pasta with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs for the base.

Layer the pasta in a baking dish, add the lobster, and top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbly.

Your guests will love this rich and savory dish!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) lobster meat
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente.
3. Steam or boil the lobster until fully cooked.
4. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.
5. Mix cooked pasta with garlic, lobster, and herbs.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
7. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20-25 minutes.

6) Pork Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Pork sausage and apple stuffing is a delicious addition to your Christmas lunch. The combination of savory sausage and sweet apples creates a wonderful flavor.

This dish is perfect as a side or as a filling for your holiday turkey.

You’ll start with fresh herbs to enhance the taste. Cubed bread adds a nice texture, while onions and celery provide depth.

Mixing in some dried cranberries can add a touch of sweetness, making it even better.

This stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted meats. It’s sure to impress your family and friends at the holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) pork sausage
• 3 cups (720ml) cubed bread
• 1 cup (150g) chopped apples
• 1 cup (150g) chopped onion
• 1 cup (150g) chopped celery
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried sage
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
3. Add chopped onions and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened.
4. Stir in the apples and cranberries. Cook for a few more minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, herbs, and sausage mixture.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and combine well.
7. Spoon the stuffing into a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.

7) Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Chicken

This dish is quick and delicious, perfect for a Christmas lunch. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs well with tender chicken.

Start with chicken thighs, as they stay juicy. Season them with salt and pepper before cooking.

In a skillet, melt some butter and brown the chicken on both sides.

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it and make the sauce. Sauté garlic, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cream. Let it simmer until thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet to soak up the flavors.

Serve your chicken topped with this creamy sauce. It looks lovely and tastes even better!

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Brown chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
6. Stir in the cream and simmer.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and coat in sauce.
8. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

8) Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious way to enjoy a festive meal. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil makes this dish special.

You will start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are easy to stuff and cook evenly.

Marinate them with a bit of garlic and basil for added flavor.

After you prepare the chicken, stuff it with slices of mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. You can also add basil for that classic Caprese flavor.

Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) until it’s cooked through.

Serve this tasty dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s sure to impress your guests at any Christmas lunch.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.
4. Stuff each pocket with mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
5. Place stuffed chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

9) Marinated Feta and Artichoke Platter

This Marinated Feta and Artichoke Platter is fresh and flavorful. It’s a great addition to your Christmas lunch.

You can make it quickly and serve it with crackers or bread.

Start with cubes of feta cheese. Marinate them with olive oil, herbs, and spices for extra taste.

Add jarred artichoke hearts for a delightful crunch.

You may also include olives or cherry tomatoes for variety. This platter is simple, yet it impresses your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 oz feta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup jarred artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crackers or bread for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the feta cheese, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the artichoke hearts and gently mix.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
5. Serve with crackers or bread.

10) Duck Fat Roast Potatoes

Duck fat roast potatoes are a delicious addition to your Christmas lunch. They come out incredibly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The unique flavor of duck fat enhances the taste, making them irresistible.

Start by choosing the right potatoes. You want a starchy variety, like Russets or Yukon Golds, for the best texture.

Next, cut your potatoes into even pieces so they cook evenly.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Add the cut potatoes to a roasting pan, and then pour in melted duck fat. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated.

Roast them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until they are golden and crispy.

You can season them with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (about 900g) potatoes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) duck fat
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and cut the potatoes into even pieces.
3. Place the potatoes in a roasting pan.
4. Melt the duck fat and pour it over the potatoes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
6. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
7. Enjoy your crispy duck fat roast potatoes!