Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food. The holiday season simply wouldn’t feel complete without a table filled with comforting classics and festive flavors. To make your holiday meal planning easier, we’ve gathered 10 easy and popular Christmas recipes that are beloved year after year. These tried-and-true dishes bring warmth, nostalgia, and incredible taste to your table — and the best part is, they’re simple enough for anyone to make.
One of the most iconic Christmas mains is a perfectly roasted turkey or ham. Juicy, tender, and beautifully seasoned, these centerpiece dishes are always a hit, whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or keeping it intimate. For those who prefer beef, a classic prime rib roast makes a show-stopping holiday dinner that feels both elegant and festive.
No Christmas spread is complete without hearty stuffing or dressing. Whether baked inside the bird or served separately, it’s a comforting side dish made with bread, herbs, and savory flavors that pair perfectly with roasted meats. Alongside it, creamy mashed potatoes with rich gravy are a must-have, bringing warmth and comfort to every plate.
To balance the richness, roasted vegetables — like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips — add color and a healthy touch to the table. For something extra special, you can try a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows or pecans, a holiday favorite that combines savory and sweet in one dish.
Of course, the holiday season is all about indulgence, so don’t forget the desserts. A classic Christmas fruitcake or spiced gingerbread brings tradition to the dessert table, while sugar cookies decorated with festive icing are fun to make and even better to eat. For those who prefer something rich and decadent, a yule log cake (bûche de Noël) with its creamy filling and chocolate frosting is always a crowd-pleaser.
And let’s not forget beverages! A warm mug of homemade eggnog or mulled wine completes the holiday feast, spreading cheer with every sip.
These 10 popular Christmas recipes capture the essence of the season — hearty, comforting, festive, and filled with love. They’re not just meals; they’re traditions passed down and shared around the table, creating memories with every bite. What makes them even better is how easy they are to prepare, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.
Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or looking to add a few new favorites to your holiday menu, these recipes are guaranteed to impress. From savory mains to sweet desserts and everything in between, this collection will help you create a holiday spread that feels both special and stress-free.
With these dishes on your table, you’ll have everything you need to make this Christmas not only festive but also unforgettable. After all, good food brings people together — and there’s no better gift during the holidays than sharing a meal with the ones you love.
Spinach & Mushroom Quiche
This healthy vegetarian quiche recipe is as simple as it gets. It’s a quiche without the fussy crust! It’s filled with sweet wild mushrooms and savory Gruyère cheese. Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch, or serve it with a light salad for lunch.
Roasted Honeynut Squash
Honeynut squash looks just like mini butternut squash, but on the inside, you’ll find an even sweeter, deeper orange flesh. This simple roasting method enhances the natural flavor of the squash with butter and spices.
Pear, Gorgonzola & Walnut Salad
This pear and gorgonzola salad celebrates fall with its beautiful colors. The light and refreshing vinaigrette offsets the tangy funk of Gorgonzola and the sweetness from the raisins and pears.
Pear & Goat Cheese Upside-Down Puff Pastries
These easy tarts are the perfect holiday appetizer. With a blend of sweet fig jam, creamy goat cheese and juicy pear slices all baked in flaky puff pastry, they’re a crowd-pleasing combination of sweet and savory flavors. These tarts are simple to assemble, bake quickly, and add an elegant touch to any holiday spread.
EatingWell’s Eggplant Parmesan
Here, we bake breaded eggplant for crispy results with fewer calories to boot. This makeover of the classic recipe was originally developed by our Test Kitchen in 1995 and got an update in 2020 for our 30th anniversary issue.
Whipped Frozen Apple Cider
This apple cider slushie–inspired frozen drink is the perfect mix of warm and cold, offering the comforting taste of autumn spices while being refreshing enough for any time you want a cooldown. Coconut milk adds creaminess. You can swap it out for light coconut milk but the texture will be thinner.
Baked Brie with Jam in Puff Pastry
This best baked Brie recipe is also the easiest. Serve this decadent yet simple appetizer with apple wedges and crackers, and watch it disappear in seconds! It’s bound to be your new party go-to.
Pan-Seared Strip Steak
This fantastic strip steak is the perfect dinner for date night or any special occasion that deserves something extra delicious on the table. A little butter adds richness and keeps the leaner-than-usual beef moist without adding much in the way of total fat. Don’t know how to cook steak on the stove? No worries! Not only is this one of our best steak recipes, it’s incredibly easy. However, a word of caution: This recipe is smoky! Keep your exhaust fan on high or cook in a skillet on a hot outdoor grill.
Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
In this installment of Diaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris’ series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian rings in some changes to the Christmas traditions of her own childhood.
Melting Potatoes
These melting potatoes are aptly named, as high-heat roasting creates a crispy exterior, while a final broth addition makes them extra creamy. Serve them with roasted chicken and a salad for dinner.
