10+ Christmas Recipes for a Crowd: Delicious Dishes to Celebrate Together

Cooking for a crowd during the holidays can be both fun and challenging. You want to impress your guests with delicious dishes while keeping things simple and stress-free. This article will help you discover festive Christmas recipes that are perfect for feeding a large group.

Gathering family and friends around the table creates cherished memories, and having the right recipes can make all the difference. Enjoying great food together is what makes the season special, and with these crowd-friendly ideas, you’ll be ready to serve delightful meals that everyone will love.

1) Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham

Pineapple honey-glazed ham is a delicious choice for your holiday gathering. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the savory ham, making it a hit with your guests. This dish is both simple to make and impressive on the table.

To start, bake your ham at 350°F (about 175°C) for about 1.5 hours. While it’s baking, mix together brown sugar, honey, and crushed pineapple for the glaze.

During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the ham. This will give it a beautiful shine and rich flavor.

Your guests will love the blend of sweetness and smokiness in every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup honey
• 1 can crushed pineapple

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
3. Mix brown sugar, honey, and crushed pineapple in a bowl.
4. Bake the ham for 1.5 hours.
5. Brush the glaze over the ham for the last 30 minutes of baking.
6. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

2) Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath

The Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath is a festive treat that’s sure to impress. The light and airy meringue pairs wonderfully with fresh berries. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table.

To start, whip together egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar to create a sweet, glossy mixture. Once it’s ready, shape it into a wreath on your baking sheet.

After baking the meringue until it’s crisp, let it cool completely. Top your wreath with whipped cream, then decorate it with colorful berries like raspberries and blueberries. A touch of mint can add extra flair.

Ingredients

• 8 large egg whites
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz)
• 2 cups mixed berries

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C).
2. Whip egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
4. Shape the meringue into a wreath on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let it cool.
6. Top with whipped cream and decorate with berries.

3) Classic Beef Stew

A classic beef stew is perfect for Christmas gatherings. It’s warm, filling, and easy to make for a crowd. You can use tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and other veggies to create a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy.

Start by browning the beef in a pot. Add in the onions and cook until they are soft. Then, mix in the carrots and potatoes for added flavor.

Pour in some beef broth and your choice of red wine for depth. Let it simmer on low heat for a couple of hours. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of stewing beef
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the beef over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until soft.
3. Mix in the carrots and potatoes.
4. Pour in the beef broth and red wine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours.

4) Butternut Squash Soup With Coconut Milk

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk is a delicious and creamy option for your holiday gathering. It’s both comforting and simple to make, ensuring everyone will enjoy a warm bowl.

You’ll need butternut squash, onion, garlic, and coconut milk. Adding spices like ginger and rosemary gives it a lovely flavor. This soup is not just tasty, but also vegan and healthy.

You can serve it with crusty bread or as a starter. The vibrant color and rich texture make it a festive choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary) for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Chop the butternut squash and toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
5. Add the roasted squash, coconut milk, and any additional spices.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Serve warm, garnished with herbs.

5) Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and herb stuffing is a crowd-pleaser for any Christmas gathering. This hearty dish combines savory sausage with fresh herbs for flavor. It’s perfect as a side or even a main dish.

You can use a mix of bread types, like white or sourdough, to give it texture. Adding vegetables like onions and celery makes it even more delicious.

Feel free to include other ingredients like apples or nuts for extra flavor. This stuffing is easy to make and will warm up your holiday celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 loaf of bread, cubed (about 1 pound)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
3. Add onions and celery, and cook until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and herbs.
5. Pour the sausage mixture over the bread and mix well.
6. Gradually add chicken broth until moist but not soggy.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and dot with butter.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

6) Lasagna with Hearty Meat Sauce

Lasagna with hearty meat sauce is a perfect dish for a crowd. You’ll enjoy layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. It’s comforting and filling, making it a favorite during the holiday season.

Start with quality ground beef or Italian sausage for the meat sauce. Combine it with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This mixture gives your lasagna a robust flavor.

Use ricotta and mozzarella cheese for gooey layers. Don’t forget to season your mixture with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning.

You can bake this beauty at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving so it holds together nicely. Your guests will love it!

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, brown the ground meat with garlic. Drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce to the meat and simmer.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
7. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
10. Let stand before serving. Enjoy!

7) Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole is a great option for feeding a crowd during the holidays. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

You can serve this dish warm and enjoy the comforting mix of chicken, wild rice, and vegetables. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side.

Your guests will appreciate the homemade taste. You can even freeze leftovers for another day!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups wild rice, cooked
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through.

8) Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Twice-baked potato casserole is a great dish for any crowd. It offers creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, and loads of cheese. Your guests will love this satisfying and hearty side dish.

To make it, you’ll start with baked potatoes. You’ll then mash them with sour cream, cheese, and seasonings. After mixing in crispy bacon, you’ll place the mixture in a baking dish.

Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it’s hot and bubbly. This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated. It’s perfect for a holiday meal or any big gathering.

Ingredients:

• 4 large baked potatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Scoop the insides of the baked potatoes into a bowl.
3. Mash the potatoes with sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

9) Herbed Salmon Tartare

Herbed Salmon Tartare is a fresh and elegant dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. It’s a great way to enjoy raw fish and is sure to impress your guests.

You can use a mix of fresh and hot-smoked salmon to add different flavors and textures. This dish pairs nicely with crispy chips for a delightful crunch.

The combination of bright herbs and citrus makes it refreshing and tasty.

Ingredients

• Fresh salmon fillet
• Hot-smoked salmon
• Lime juice
• Shallots
• Olive oil
• Fresh dill
• Capers
• Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper
• Crispy chips for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the fresh salmon and hot-smoked salmon into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the salmon, lime juice, shallots, olive oil, dill, capers, and mustard.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately with crispy chips.

10) Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a delicious treat that everyone loves. They are sweet, salty, and full of flavor. Plus, they are easy to make for a crowd.

To prepare, start by stuffing Medjool dates with your choice of cheese. Goat cheese works well for a creamy touch. Then, wrap each date in bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. The bacon should be crispy and the dates warm. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any party.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates
• Cheese (goat cheese or cream cheese)
• Bacon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the bacon in half.
3. Stuff each date with cheese.
4. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.