The holidays are all about gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and enjoying delicious food. But planning a Christmas dinner can feel overwhelming—especially if you want dishes that impress without keeping you in the kitchen all day. These 9 easy Christmas dinner recipes make it simple to serve a festive, flavorful feast that everyone will love.
Start with the star of the meal: the main course. Roast turkey with a savory herb butter rub is a classic, while honey-glazed ham adds a sweet and salty touch that pairs perfectly with traditional sides. For something a little different, try a juicy roast beef or a tender pork loin seasoned with garlic and rosemary—each option delivers big holiday flavor with minimal stress.
Side dishes are what truly complete the meal. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted winter vegetables, and green bean almondine. For a cozy twist, try a cheesy broccoli casserole or sweet potato gratin—both are easy to prepare ahead of time and guaranteed to satisfy. Don’t forget about festive stuffing or wild rice pilaf, which bring both aroma and texture to your holiday table.
For those who love a touch of international flair, consider adding a cranberry-orange relish or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. These bright, flavorful sides elevate your Christmas dinner without requiring hours of prep. Even a simple dinner salad with seasonal fruits and nuts can add color and freshness to your spread.
No Christmas dinner is complete without dessert. From classic pies to easy holiday cakes, these recipes ensure your meal ends on a sweet note. Apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or chocolate yule log are all approachable options that leave your guests delighted.
These 9 easy Christmas dinner recipes are perfect for busy hosts who want a beautiful, satisfying spread without the stress. Each dish is designed to be approachable, flavorful, and festive, helping you create a memorable holiday meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Simple Shrimp Scampi
Quick and easy shrimp scampi can work as an appetizer or a side dish for the holiday feast.
Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
This edible wreath is almost too pretty to eat (but seriously, you should dive in — it’s delicious.) Crisp and crunchy meringue lies beneath a ruby-red cranberry, raspberry and pomegranate sauce.
Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham
Ham dressed in pineapple rings and maraschino cherries is a holiday classic, and this dish will definitely steal the show.
Eye Round Christmas Roast
Who says Christmas roast has to be prime rib? This much more affordable roast (made with eye round) will impress everyone at the holiday table. The crisp, spicy peppercorn crust pairs beautifully with the bright horseradish cream and leftovers make amazing sandwiches—so hold on to any extra sauce.
Yorkshi Pudding
Yorkshire pudding and prime rib go together like cookies and milk, especially on Christmas. And with just four ingredients and in only 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious side dish made, grand and burnished like a crown.
Cherry Mitten Hand Pies
Just like real mittens, you’ll probably want a pair of these wintry treats. Store-bought pie dough makes rolling and cutting easy, and cherry is a festive filling for the season.
Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs
Shake things up this holiday season and replace your Christmas ham with Christmas ribs slathered with triple pomegranate flavor. First, we brush the ribs with sticky pomegranate molasses and rub them with a smoky warm spice blend. Second, we slow-roast them with pomegranate juice to keep things moist, along with some jalapeño for heat. After roasting, we use the pan juices to make a sticky-sweet and slightly spicy BBQ sauce. Finally, we garnish the ribs with fresh pomegranate seeds, for jewel-tone flecks of color and a tangy crunch in every bite.
Christmas Ham Wrapped in Puff Pastry
A riff on the iconic glazed ham covered with pineapple rings and cherries, this showstopping main course offers flaky pastry and salty ham topped with sweet pineapple sauce in every slice.
Christmas Steak
This restaurant-style steak is served carved and dressed in two fresh holiday-hued sauces — salsa roja and chimichurri — inspired by the two-tone grilled snapper served at the restaurant Contramar in Mexico City. Don’t be afraid of generously salting the meat; it helps create a real steakhouse crust.
