Tired of always having turkey for Christmas? Are you ready for new and exciting meals to celebrate the holidays?
Following you will find a list of the Best Christmas Dinner Ideas for a Festive Holiday Menu that are not your average, every-year-the-same-thing meals. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
Your home will smell amazing when you start cooking this dish. It might sound simple, but these classic French flavors will have you coming back for more.
1. Beef Bourguignon
For further French inspiration, you can try your hand at an incredible Julia Child recipe. It’s an impressive dish. You might as well call yourself a chef after this one!
2. Manicotti
If you’re looking for an inspiring pasta option, manicotti is a beautiful dish that even has holiday colors. It’s a wonderful option and easy to serve as an entree or side.
3. Peppermint Martinis
A holiday party wouldn’t be complete without a special cocktail. These martinis are not only pretty but they are deliciously inspired by the trendy and seasonal white peppermint mocha.
4. Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Step up your stuffing game with this recipe. It might become a new holiday tradition. You can bring this to any holiday dinner and expect to share the recipe.
5. Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower has gained new appreciation over the recent years as it begins to replace grains and expand low-carb options. Roasting it makes a delicious and savory side to complement any entree.
6. Gougeres
These cheese puffs are another French classic that has inspired foodies for over 400 years. You’ll understand why once you give them a try! Bring delicious cheese puffs to your next holiday gathering.
7. Thanksgiving Salad
If you want to put a lighter twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors, this salad is a great place to start. You won’t miss out on any of the comforting classics, but you might miss out on some carbs.
8. Garlic Basil Seared Scallops
Scallops are truly a spectacle to put on a plate. As an appetizer or fine dining entree, this will be sure to impress the lucky palates that enjoy it.
9. Rosemary Foccacia
Homemade bread is much easier than you’d imagine! Focaccia is an awesome recipe to start with. It’s super simple and will leave you wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. Explore all kinds of herbs!
10. Chicken Cacciatore
Cacciatore means “hunter-style meal.” This is a hearty and comforting dish that is packed with flavor and protein. It’s the perfect way to warm hearts during the holidays.
11. Crock Pot Green Beans
If you have a packed schedule and need the crock pot to do the work for this season’s potluck, these green beans are an awesome option! This is a Southern-inspired recipe that is packed with flavor.
12. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
These sweet and savory bites make the perfect treat to serve during cocktail hour. They’re an amazing appetizer. You’ll be hard-pressed to share them.
13. Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna
You may think you know lasagna, but this spin on the classic will surprise everyone! This is a very seasonal dish that is packed with vegetables.
14. Garlic & Cheese Pull Apart Bread
This addictive bread is cheesy and delicious. You might make it for the holidays first, but it will become a household staple. It’s amazing with any meal.
15. Crock Pot Roast
This is a perfect dish for winter and cold weather. The hearty roast, gravy, and veggies complement each other perfectly and all you have to do is prep. This dish pairs perfectly with rosemary focaccia.
16. Bacon and Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!
Crisp broccoli florets, tangy dried cranberries, and savory bacon bits are tossed in a creamy homemade dressing for the perfect side dish or starter.
Make it ahead for Christmas dinner and customize it with your favorite veggies.
This salad is fresh, and flavorful, and comes together in no time!
17. Beef Braciole
Beef Braciole is a guaranteed showstopper!
Tender beef slices are rolled with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, garlic, and cheese, then slow-braised in a rich tomato sauce.
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions like Christmas dinner or lunch, this dish is freezer-friendly and make-ahead—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the flavors only get better the next day!
18. Brown Rice and Vegetables
Extra Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick and healthy 35-minute dinner or side dish!
Packed with colorful vegetables and seasoned with fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, it’s a flavorful, nutritious alternative to take-out.
Easily customizable and gluten-free, this one-pan dish is perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies—great for a quick Christmas dinner side dish!
19. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu is always a family favorite! Juicy chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, coated in crispy, golden breadcrumbs and baked to perfection.
Served with a rich Dijon cream sauce, it’s a healthier take on the classic. Your family will love the oozing cheese and you’ll love how simple and quick it is to make!
20. Cranberry Fluff Salad
Everyone’s Favorite Cranberry Salad is a holiday must-have!
The combination of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and fluffy marshmallows folded into whipped cream and cream cheese makes it a light, refreshing side dish.
Make it ahead for easy prep, and watch your family enjoy every bite of this kid-friendly, festive treat!
21. Creamed Spinach with Parmesan
Creamed spinach is a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Made in one skillet with frozen spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a rich addition to any meal.
Perfect for serving with steak, chicken, or fish.
Make-ahead friendly, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress!
22. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is rich, creamy, and easy to make!
This comfort food classic features tender pasta in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with melty cheddar.
It’s ready in just 45 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Customize it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it as-is for a family-friendly Christmas dinner side dish!
23. Creamy Sweet Potatoes
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously balanced side dish!
Ready in just 30 minutes, these mashed sweet potatoes blend herbs, garlic, butter, and sour cream for a savory twist.
Your family will love this alternative to overly sweet versions, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare for any meal or gathering.
24. Easy Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a hearty alternative for turkey on Christmas. When you marinate and slow-cook this German pot roast, magic happens—the beef becomes tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
The sweet-and-sour gravy, made with crushed gingersnaps, takes it to the next level. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and your family will love the authentic taste!
25. Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious, elegant dinner that combines crispy fried eggplant, a rich three-cheese filling, and savory homemade tomato sauce.
It’s perfect for impressing guests as a non-traditional Christmas meal.
Pair it with spaghetti or a salad, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish right at home!
26. Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is a cheesy, comforting pasta bake that’s perfect for any gathering.
Combining creamy Alfredo and zesty marinara, it’s loaded with five delicious cheeses and topped with a crispy panko crust.
Your family will love this restaurant-quality meal, and you’ll love how simple it is to make for a crowd!
27. French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is the perfect Christmas meal starter!
Slow-cooked caramelized onions and savory beef stock combine to create a rich, comforting soup topped with a golden, cheesy crouton.
Perfect for cozy nights or as an impressive starter, you’ll love how easy it is to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep!
28. Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a simple, 30-minute side dish that’s a guaranteed hit!
Roasting brings out a crispy, cheesy texture with a tender inside.
Your family will love how delicious it tastes, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to make with minimal cleanup.
Perfect as a Christmas dinner side dish!
29. Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy, hearty meal packed with savory mushrooms, carrots, and peas, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
The rich, red wine gravy adds incredible flavor, and it’s easy to customize.
Vegan and gluten-free options make it perfect for any diet, and it’s a great way to use those leftover mashed potatoes from Christmas dinner!
30. Traditional Holiday Stuffing
This Easy Stuffing Recipe is a must-have for holiday dinners!
Celery, onions, and herbs are tossed with dried bread cubes and broth and then baked to perfection.
Customize with add-ins like sausage or cranberries for extra flavor.
Make it ahead of time and enjoy a stress-free, delicious side dish that everyone will love!
31. Lobster Tail
The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever is a decadent yet easy-to-make dish that brings fine dining home!
Ready in just 20 minutes, these tender, juicy lobster tails are smothered in a buttery garlic herb sauce.
Perfect for special occasions like Christmas, impress your loved ones with this luxurious meal that tastes as amazing as it looks!
We all have our favorite holiday meals and look forward to them throughout the year, but it’s always fun to spice things up and try adding a new recipe to your round-up. These dishes are hearty enough for the season and festive enough for the holidays.
