As the wife of a firefighter, I’m used to being flexible for holiday meals. Depending on my husband’s schedule, we may have our big Christmas meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or even a few days later. But no matter when it happens, I make sure it’s a special sit-down meal we can all enjoy together.
I like traditional Christmas recipes, like prime rib and beef tenderloin. And I also like to try new dinner recipes that feel elevated. This collection makes it easy to pursue so many great recipe options to add to my Christmas dinner menu, including show-stopping side dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts.
Mains and Entrees
Whole Turkey Recipe
This simple roasted turkey recipe is straightforward and easy, even for first-time turkey roasters. It’s a method I have used for years and always results in turkey that is beautifully browned on the outside while being flavorful and juicy on the inside.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free
Simple Bone-In Roasted Turkey Breast
When I’m serving a smaller group, like just my immediate family, I opt to roast just a turkey breast instead of the whole turkey. This super simple no-baste method results in perfectly moist, tender, and juicy turkey breast meat that is crispy and golden brown on the outside.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Venison Roast
Cooking venison roast in the slow cooker is a special holiday dinner that results in fork-tender meat. Molly serves the tender meat roasted carrots, and rich brown gravy with mashed potatoes. This rustic and satisfying comfort food meal is well rounded, high in protein, and a simple way to cook deer roast.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast
I think the easiest way to roast pork is this crockpot method. I love that I can count on this satisfying and easy Christmas main dish so I can focus on the sides and dessert. The tender shredded pork has built-in roasted potatoes and carrots plus a rich and creamy gravy that brings it all together.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Lasagna
For an Italian style main dish, this delicious version of lasagna cooks right in the slow cooker, making it simple and great for a hands-off main dish, allowing me to spend more time prepping the salad and breadsticks. When not serving it for the holidays, I also love this recipe for cozy weeknights and comfort food meals.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Baked Italian Meatballs
This classic recipe makes darn good meatballs that my whole family loves, including my kids. Stacie served this traditional Italian meal last Christmas and said her whole family was happy to dig in. The make-ahead meatballs are also a nice way to streamline a holiday meal.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes With Ham
My family loves ham during the holidays, so I created this recipe that combines ham, veggies, and cheesy potatoes all in one main-dish casserole. There’s no need to peel, slice, and layer potatoes since I call for frozen shredded hash browns. This everyone-loves-it recipe could also be served as a hearty side dish.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This savory crockpot pot roast is a show stopper Christmas dinner that is simple to make yet so impressive at the table. Ana never skips the step to make the optional homemade gravy, which is made right from the crockpot liquid. This hearty, fuss-free meal hits the spot for holiday meals and busy weeknights alike.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
French Onion Meatballs
Inspired by French onion soup, this French onion meatballs skillet features tender meatballs in a rich gravy with plenty of melty cheese on top. Whether she serves it as an appetizer warm up to the main meal or as a warm holiday main dish, Jess’ family also loves when she brings this skillet to the table. She suggests serving it over cooked noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
Growing up in Iowa, a warm and cozy soup was often on the menu for Christmas Eve dinner. I remember enjoying bowls of warm soup with mini sandwiches on the side for a fuss-free meal that still felt special to everyone in my family. Make this delicious beef stew in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, depending on how much prep time is available.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Ham And Bean Soup
Another cozy comfort soup, this creamy ham and bean soup is rustic, down-home goodness in a bowl. But don’t underestimate its simplicity. It can easily feel fancy and special when served with a side of crusty bread and roasted green beans. Or, if ham is on the holiday menu, use the leftover ham bone to make this veggie-loaded soup even richer tasting.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Smothered Chicken
For something easy that’s still simple to make, Stacie serves this one-skillet recipe that results in the most tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory sauce and topped with crispy bacon. It’s an easy and comforting holiday dinner that pairs well with salads and sautéed veggies on the side.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Smothered Pork Chops
My family has never complained about this pork chop dinner. I love to plate the perfectly brown and juicy pork chops topped with the rich and creamy onion gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. It all cooks right on the stovetop, leaving my oven free to bake a holiday dessert.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Chili Cornbread Casserole
If cozy comfort food is what the family craves for the holidays, then this hearty chili cornbread casserole is a great choice. It features a veggie-packed skillet chili that gets topped with sweet cornbread for a filling, one-dish comfort food that’s easy to make and oh-so-good.
Gluten Free | Nut Free
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Everyone feels loved when pot pie is on the menu, so double the joy by turning a favorite main dish into a flavorful soup. Serve these homemade dinner rolls on the side for dunking into the rich, creamy, and veggie-loaded soup. Make it with either raw or pre-cooked chicken breast or thighs.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Lentils
For a fuss-free Christmas dinner that’s full of comfort-food flavors and coziness, this beef and lentil tater tot casserole has all the goodness and nutrition of a beef-and-potatoes meal, but in a family-friendly format. This fancied up version of tater tot casserole is free of highly processed ingredients and one that my kids love to eat.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Chicken Dumpling Soup
My mother-in-law serves her famous potato dumpling soup every Christmas, so I consulted her as I was developing this recipe for chicken dumpling soup. She and I had so much fun coming up with versions to test, and I’m so pleased with how this cozy family-favorite soup turned out. Make it on the stovetop with a classic and easy method to get perfectly cooked seasoned dumplings in every bite.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Whether it’s made from leftover roasted turkey the day after Christmas or served as the main dish for a holiday meal, this chicken casserole is a comfort food dinner that pleases all. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of veggies, and I love the minimal prep time and simple steps.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Wild rice is one ingredient that always feels elevated, and it’s the start of the show in this creamy slow cooker chicken wild rice soup. Whether it’s for Christmas dinner or a simple lunch to serve over the holidays, this comfort food favorite is full of protein and veggies to keep everyone cozy.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
An easy take on the classic main dish, this chicken pot pie casserole comes together in one dish and is topped with no-fuss drop biscuits. This well-rounded dinner is rich, creamy, and loaded with chicken and veggies. Make it with either raw or pre-cooked chicken breast or thighs.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
Dished up on a platter over top of mashed potatoes, this perfectly fork-tender beef is so beautiful to serve. The tender beef pieces are coated in a simple and rich gravy sauce and combined with pearl onions and sliced mushrooms. I garnish servings simply with chopped chives or parsley for a fancy meal that takes little effort.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Dairy Free
Easy Taco Casserole
My kiddos would eat Mexican-inspired meals every day of the week, so why should Christmas be any different. If I let them do this picking, this quick and easy taco casserole would be on the menu. I serve it with tortilla chips so my kids can scoop up every bite and get crispy texture at the same time.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Baked Ham
Looking for a glazed ham recipe that isn’t loaded with brown sugar? Here it is, and Jess found a way to make the most flavorful baked ham with just four ingredients. It’s casual enough for a weekend dinner and also elegant for holiday meals.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Sheet Pan Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
Molly served this juicy roasted chicken dinner over the holidays last year and got so many rave reviews that she wished she had printed copies of the recipe. Not only is this recipe delicious and simple, but the included colorful tender vegetables look great when plated.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Sheet Pan Baked Salmon with Vegetables
I love a salmon dinner, especially during the holidays. It’s inherently impressive even though there’s not much hands-on time. This one-pan method results in perfectly cooked salmon fillets alongside roasted sweet potatoes and veggies. It comes together in under an hour and always looks great on the table.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew
This thick and hearty stew is a great way to ring in the new year with a cozy, comfort meal without much effort. Cooked in a crockpot and resulting in a creamy base, this chile verde stew has the perfect amount of seasonings and spice that keeps everyone going back for seconds. Top servings with a dollop of sour cream and serve with tortillas for dipping.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Veggies
If there’s a sheet pan dinner that feels fancy enough for Christmas dinner, this is it. For a fuss-free option, this one-pan dinner includes delicious oven-baked pork chops plus two veggies sides and a delicious sauce that is so good everyone will want to lick the plate.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Side Dishes and Appetizers
Stovetop Mashed Potatoes
This garlic mashed potatoes recipe comes together in one pot on the stovetop, resulting in savory, fluffy mashed potatoes that are perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. I’ve paired with so many Christmas dinners that it has become an annual staple.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Turkey Gravy
This homemade gravy recipe is an easy way to use leftover pan drippings from a holiday turkey. Rich and savory with a thick, pourable consistency, it’s the perfect addition to turkey and mashed potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
I love this quick and easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe, which combines fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little honey for a perfectly sweet, spiced condiment or side dish that’s tastier than any canned variety.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
My Favorite Christmas Salad
I guarantee this Christmas salad will impress everyone at the table. It’s a greens-and-quinoa based salad that’s full of flavor and so impressive. Every bite comes with a mix of sweet, salty, and savory notes. The roasted butternut squash, sweet apple pieces, pecans, and salty feta make it a flavorful add to holiday meals.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan Option
Crispy Smashed roasted Potatoes
These crispy smashed potatoes are a holiday favorite. I’d describe them as somewhere between a baked potato and a really thick potato chip. When sprinkled with coarse salt and drizzled with garlic-herb oil, these smashed potatoes are a delicious way to elevate any meal.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Herbed Quinoa Pilaf with Dried Apricots
A fresh and flavorful side dish, this herbed quinoa pilaf features crunchy almonds and sweet dried apricots. It’s an easy and delicious side dish that rounds out a Christmas dinner menu, adding both sweet and savory flavors.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Roasted Butternut Squash
Instead of candied yams, I opt for serving roasted butternut squash to let the natural sweetness of the winter squash shine. When roasted on a sheet pan in the oven, the butternut squash pieces get so delicious and slightly caramelized. I serve it as a tasty and nutritious veggie side dish to round out holiday meals.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Roasted Green Beans
Use Stacie’s simple recipe for roasting green beans in the oven to get tender and delicious veggies for the table. It’s a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of festive main dish recipes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Herb-Roasted Acorn Squash
One of the most popular side dish recipes on this site, this simple acorn squash recipe is a holiday favorite. Slices of acorn squash get topped with fresh herbs and a Parmesan coating for a savory twist and alternative to brown sugar coated squash. The savory Parmesan makes it a perfect addition to holiday tables.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a perfect holiday side dish, these roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, tangy balsamic vinegar, tart cranberries, toasted pecans, and lusciously melted feta cheese are always a good choice. This easy-to-make side is a fancy addition to any holiday menu, and it always gets passed around the table until it’s gone
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo
Mac and Cheese
Made from a base of roasted veggies, including butternut squash, onions, and cauliflower, this dairy-free mac and cheese seems too good to be true. But it’s a complete reality that always impresses everyone at the table, and is much appreciated by guests who eat dairy free.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegan
Roasted Artichokes
Simple, delicious, and elegant to serve, roasted artichokes are a fun starter for any special meal and also an impressive side dish. Serve them over a bed of arugula with a drizzle of homemade lemon-shallot vinaigrette for a delicious way to enjoy this unique and beautiful veggie.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Easy Asparagus Gratin
Topped with crushed cracker breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions, this cheesy veggie side dish is a special way to serve asparagus. Made in a pie plate or casserole dish, this side dish is simple to prep and adds a nice touch to Christmas dinner menus.
Egg Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Whipped Goat Cheese Dip with Pomegranate
I’ve made many holiday meals extra special by serving this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make whipped goat cheese dip. Topped with pomegranate arils and fresh thyme, this stunning dip is colorful and so festive. I think it’s great paired with nutty crackers and veggies for dipping.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
Whipped Feta Dip With Roasted Olives
This dip looks like it’s right out of the pages of a magazine, and it will be the star of any holiday gathering. It’s so easy to make in just a few simple steps and the warm roasted olives make it especially nice for holiday meals. Serve it with a variety of crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Made with whipped cottage cheese, whole cranberries, fresh jalapeños, honey, bacon, and green onions, this easy holiday dip is sweet, savory, and tangy. Serve it with cornbread chips or pita crackers for a festive starter that gets everyone talking.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Desserts
Cranberry Orange Cake with Simple Glaze
This cranberry orange olive oil bundt cake is so tasty and such a festive, beautiful way to end a special Christmas dinner. Featuring a simple orange glaze, this easy cake gets its richness and tender crumb from fruity extra virgin olive oil.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Sugar Cookies
For a sweet ending, these soft and delicious sugar cookies are a simple and festive option. Use cookie cutters to make holiday shapes and decorate with homemade piping frosting. A nice addition to holiday cookie trays that get passed around at the end of Christmas dinner, these cookies are usually one of the first to disappear.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Ana’s Christmas Cookies
The ultimate “kitchen sink” Christmas cookies recipe, these easy holiday treats are sweet, buttery, full of molasses flavor, and studded with chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolate pieces. Ana designed them to be perfectly crisp around the edges and chewy in the center.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Snickerdoodle Cookies
My Grandma’s first choice on a Christmas cookie tray was always the soft Snickerdoodles, and I have fond memories of enjoying these cookies with her at the holidays every year. With a hint of maple and molasses, I love to bake a batch every year in her memory.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Apple Pie with Ice Cream
Start with Ana’s recipe to make a buttery, flaky gluten-free pie crust then fill it with sliced cinnamon-coated apples. This Dutch-style apple pie has a crumbly crumb topping that’s perfect for pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These little bars are the perfect ending to a holiday meal. They feature a simple graham cracker-pecan crust topped with a luscious layer of pumpkin cheesecake. I cut them into squares and top each with a dollop of maple syrup-infused whipped topping before bringing this holiday dessert to the table. Cream cheese and Greek yogurt together make the perfect texture for the spiced cheesecake filling.
Gluten Free Option | Vegetarian
Easy Peanut Clusters
This no-bake dessert is made simply by combining cocktail peanuts, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries in the crockpot until melted and smooth. Then, drop mounds of the mixture on parchment paper until the chocolate cools. It’s a delicious sweet treat to end a holiday meal.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
Festive Drinks
Pomegranate Margaritas
A fruity and festive take on a classic margarita, these stunning cocktails are a perfect offering at holiday meals. This recipe makes a batch of four margaritas, and the make-ahead mixture can be prepped up to two days in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. Great for stress-free party hosting!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan
Mulled Red Wine
Warm, spiced mulled wine is a cozy option for holiday meals. And entertaining couldn’t be any simpler when mulled red wine is made in the slow cooker and put on the ‘keep warm’ setting so guests can serve themselves.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan
Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
This alcohol-free mocktail is a refreshing and stunning alternative to boozy cocktails. Ginger and rosemary lend a festive touch and pair nicely with the tart cranberry juice. Give guests a zero-proof option with this holiday drink that’s fancy in it’s own way.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Paleo
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