17+ The Ultimate Christmas Dinner Recipe Guide Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Published on: Mar 28, 2024

The holiday season is upon us and that means it's time to start planning for the ultimate Christmas dinner. This is a time-honored tradition that brings family and friends together to enjoy delicious food and create lasting memories. But with so many recipes and options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect menu. That's why we've put together the ultimate Christmas dinner recipe guide to help you plan and execute the perfect holiday meal. From traditional classics to modern twists, we've got you covered with everything you need to make this Christmas dinner one to remember.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Christmas Morning Wife Saver

Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper

Christmas Morning Wife Saver - Made With Pink | Wife saver breakfast ...

Christmas Morning Casserole (Wife Saver) - Food Meanderings

The Christmas morning wife saver is a classic breakfast casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd on Christmas morning. Made with layers of bread, ham, cheese, and eggs, this dish can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a stress-free breakfast. It's a delicious and hearty way to start off the festivities and is sure to become a family favorite.

2 of 20

Your Best Christmas Turkey Guide and OXO Digital...

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage, Garlic Cloves, Lemons, Lemon, Olive Oil

Tips and Tricks for the juiciest and the most flavourful turkey ...

Clementine, thyme and bay roast turkey recipe | delicious. magazine

Sometimes #Christmas gets drowned in all the commericalism and the ...

Santa's village made from cookies, chocolate and sweets Christmas Smell ...

Cooking a turkey for Christmas can be a daunting task, but with our best Christmas turkey guide and the help of the OXO digital thermometer, you'll have a perfectly cooked and juicy turkey every time. From brining to roasting to carving, our guide covers all the necessary steps to ensure a delicious and impressive centerpiece for your holiday feast. And with the OXO digital thermometer, you can easily monitor the internal temperature of your turkey to ensure it is cooked to perfection.

3 of 20

Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner

Main Ingredients: Standing Rib Roast, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly

Best Prime Rib Roast Recipe {How to Cook Prime Rib in the Oven}

21 Ideas for Sides for Prime Rib Christmas Dinner – Most Popular Ideas ...

Prime Rib Dinner Ideas / Christmas Ribeye Roast Dinner | Pomai Test ...

Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner. Cook at 500 degrees for 5 minutes per ...

For a decadent and impressive Christmas dinner, look no further than prime rib. This luxurious cut of beef is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and our step-by-step instructions, you can easily prepare a succulent prime rib that will wow your guests and make your holiday meal unforgettable.

4 of 20

Christmas Quiche

Main Ingredients: Pie Shell, Ground Sausage, Dried Cranberries, Monterey

8 Christmas Morning Quiche Recipes - Cooking in my Genes

The Traditional Christmas Quiche - A Teaspoon of Home

This vegan spinach quiche is creamy, cheesy and totally delicious! It ...

If you're looking for a lighter option for Christmas breakfast or brunch, consider making a Christmas quiche. This savory pie is filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and your choice of vegetables and meats. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and is perfect for feeding a group. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy and delicious Christmas morning meal.

5 of 20

Christmas Brunch Casserole

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Onions, Sliced Mushrooms, Frozen Hash

Christmas Breakfast Casserole- Platter Talk

Christmas Brunch Casserole Recipe | Allrecipes

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE - StoneGable

Similar to the Christmas morning wife saver, this Christmas brunch casserole is a savory and hearty breakfast option that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and eggs, it's a filling and delicious way to start off your holiday festivities. Plus, it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a stress-free meal.

6 of 20

Christmas Soup

Main Ingredients: Diced Tomatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Rotel, Chicken Stock

Christmas Confetti Chicken Soup - 4 Sons 'R' Us

Christmas Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe | Alton Brown | Recipe ...

Christmas Soups That Will Keep You Warm All Winter | Chicken soup ...

For a cozy and comforting Christmas meal, consider making a pot of Christmas soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is filled with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. It's a great option for a casual Christmas dinner and can easily be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.

7 of 20

Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Baked Ham

Main Ingredients: Ham, Dark Brown Sugar, Whole Grain Mustard, Cider

Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe - Cafe Delites

Baked Ham (with Brown Sugar Glaze) - Dinner, then Dessert

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham - Don't Sweat The Recipe

Balsamic & Mustard Glazed Ham - Sutter Buttes Olive Oil Company

A glazed ham is a classic Christmas dish that is always a hit with guests. This recipe takes it up a notch with a delicious and tangy glaze made with brown sugar, mustard, and a hint of cloves. The result is a perfectly sweet and savory ham that will be the star of your holiday meal.

8 of 20

Beef Pot Roast

Main Ingredients: Pot Roast, Salt, Pepper, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions

Easy Instant Pot Roast Beef Recipe | A Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy - Munchkin Time

Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast (my secret family recipe!) | The Novice Chef

Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables (Paleo + Whole30) - Real ...

If you're not a fan of ham or turkey, consider making a beef pot roast for your Christmas dinner. This slow-cooked and tender beef dish is full of rich flavors and is perfect for a cozy and comforting holiday meal. Plus, it can easily be made in a slow cooker, freeing up your oven for other dishes.

9 of 20

Prime Rib Roast | Standing Rib Roast

Main Ingredients: Standing Rib Roast, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Sea

The Most Important Things to Know About Prime Rib Roast | Kitchn

Standing Rib Roast with Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Another option for a show-stopping Christmas dinner is a prime rib roast, also known as a standing rib roast. This impressive cut of beef is cooked to perfection and served with a delicious homemade au jus. It's a decadent and delicious option for a special occasion like Christmas, and with our step-by-step instructions, it's easier to make than you might think.

10 of 20

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread. - Half Baked Harvest

Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread - Theyellowdaal

This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect easy savory treat ...

Oh cheesy tree, oh cheesy tree! Christmas tree shaped cheesy pull apart ...

If you're looking for a fun and easy Christmas appetizer, try making this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. Made with store-bought pizza dough, cheese, and your choice of toppings, it's a festive and delicious dish that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it's easy to customize and can even be made into different shapes or designs.

11 of 20

Christmas Morning Casserole

Main Ingredients: Bob Evans Pork Sausage, Potatoes, Salted Butter, Onion

Must-Bake Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole - Make and Takes

Similar to the Christmas morning wife saver and Christmas brunch casserole, this Christmas morning casserole is a delicious and easy breakfast option for the holiday. Made with layers of bread, eggs, sausage, and cheese, it's a hearty and satisfying dish that can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning. Add a side of fresh fruit or a mimosa for a complete Christmas breakfast.

12 of 20

Boneless Prime Rib Roast

Main Ingredients: Boneless Prime Rib Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Dijon

Boneless Prime Rib with Au Jus | The Blond Cook

Boneless Prime Rib Roast | Life Tastes Good

Boneless Keto Prime Rib Roast: Easy and Low Carb! - Lowcarb-ology

If you want to make prime rib for Christmas dinner, but don't want to deal with bones, consider making a boneless prime rib roast. This recipe uses a boneless ribeye roast, which is more affordable and easier to carve than a traditional standing rib roast. With a simple rub and a few hours in the oven, you'll have a delicious and impressive main dish for your holiday meal.

13 of 20

Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Garlic Sage Butter

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Dried Sage, Black Pepper

Dry Brined Brown Butter and Sage Roasted Turkey: My Diary of Us Turkey ...

Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Tarragon Butter » Dish Magazine

Simple Succulent Dry Brined Roast Turkey - Don't Sweat The Recipe

Uncomplicated Dry-Brined Roast Turkey | Simple Bites

If you prefer a traditional turkey for your Christmas dinner, try this dry-brined roast turkey with garlic sage butter. The dry-brining process involves rubbing the turkey with a mixture of salt, herbs, and spices, which helps to tenderize the meat and lock in flavor. The garlic sage butter adds an extra layer of deliciousness and makes for a beautifully golden and flavorful turkey.

14 of 20

Chateaubriand Steaks with Mushroom Red Wine Sauce

Main Ingredients: Beef Tenderloin, Salt, Black Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive

Steak Chateaubriand + French Dinner Menu In Under 90 Minutes

Jenny Steffens Hobick: Red Wine Sauce for Steaks | Easy

Mushroom Red Wine Simmer Sauce - The Spice Rack

Red Wine Mushroom Sauce (2 Ways) | Saladmaster Recipes

If you want to serve a fancy and impressive Christmas dinner, consider making Chateaubriand steaks with a mushroom red wine sauce. This classic French dish features tender and juicy beef tenderloin served with a rich and flavorful sauce made with mushrooms, red wine, and herbs. It's a luxurious and elegant option for a special occasion like Christmas.

15 of 20

Bourbon-Honey Glazed Ham

Main Ingredients: Spiral Sliced Bone In Ham, Honey, Light Brown Sugar

Grilled Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham Steaks - Katie's Cucina

Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham • The Crumby Kitchen

For a twist on the classic glazed ham, try making this bourbon-honey glazed ham. The combination of bourbon and honey gives the ham a delicious and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky and salty ham. It's a great option for a Christmas dinner that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

16 of 20

Classic Quiche

Main Ingredients: Pastry Dough, Bacon Slices, Gruyere Cheese, Eggs, Milk

This classic quiche lorraine recipe is an easy make-ahead breakfast ...

A really good classic quiche lorraine - Scrummy Lane

If you're looking for a simple and delicious appetizer or side dish for your Christmas meal, consider making a classic quiche. Made with a flaky homemade crust and a creamy egg filling, it's a versatile dish that can be customized with your choice of vegetables, meats, and cheese. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time and reheats well, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.

17 of 20

Easy Glazed Ham

Main Ingredients: Ham, Honey, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard

A few easy ingredients create this easy Maple Glazed Ham. This recipe ...

Pineapple Glazed Ham - Easy Holiday Ham Recipe

Easy Citrus Glazed Baked Ham - The Seasoned Mom

If you want to simplify your Christmas dinner preparations, try making this easy glazed ham. With just four ingredients, this recipe is quick and simple to prepare, but still produces a delicious and flavorful ham. The glaze is made with a combination of apricot preserves, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, giving the ham a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

18 of 20

Traditional Baked Ham

Main Ingredients: Spiral Sliced Bone In Ham, Salted Butter, Light Brown

BAKED HAM RECIPE – BROWN SUGAR PINEAPPLE GLAZED HAM | Ham recipes ...

Honey Baked Ham Recipe | Glazed Ham | Holiday Ham #ham #dinner # ...

Traditional ham stock photo. Image of appetizer, hotel - 33303362

For a classic and no-fuss Christmas dinner, you can't go wrong with a traditional baked ham. This recipe uses a simple glaze made with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy flavor. It's a tried and true option that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

19 of 20

Easy 4-Ingredient Prime Rib

Main Ingredients: Prime Rib Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive

Easy 4 ingredient Classic Prime Rib - West Via Midwest

Easy 4 ingredient Prime Rib Recipe Bone In - West Via Midwest

If you want to make prime rib for Christmas dinner, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, try this easy 4-ingredient prime rib recipe. With just four simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and impressive main dish that requires minimal effort. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy a fancy and delicious Christmas dinner without all the work.

20 of 20

Prime Rib with Herbes de Provence Crust

Main Ingredients: Prime Rib, Black Pepper, Salt, Herbes De Provence

Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Butter Crust

Prime Rib with Herbes de Provence Crust, Juicy Dreams cocktail - Eat ...

Grilled Lamb Loin Chops with Herbes de Provence Crust

Cupcakes, Bread, Rico, Photography, Herbes De Provence, Wood Burning ...

For a unique and flavorful prime rib, try this recipe for prime rib with herbes de Provence crust. The combination of herbs and spices gives the meat a delicious and fragrant crust, and the flavors pair perfectly with the tender and juicy beef. It's a delicious and impressive option for a special occasion like Christmas.

The Main Course: Traditional or Modern?

When it comes to the main course for your Christmas dinner, there are two main options to consider: traditional or modern. The traditional route includes classics like roasted turkey or ham, served with all the trimmings such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. On the other hand, the modern route offers a fresh take on the traditional dishes, with options like a herb-crusted beef tenderloin or a citrus-glazed ham. Whichever route you choose, make sure to select high-quality meats to ensure a delicious and flavorful centerpiece for your meal.

Side Dishes to Complement the Main Course

No Christmas dinner is complete without a variety of side dishes to accompany the main course. This is where you can get creative and add your own personal touch to the meal. Roasted root vegetables are a popular choice for a festive and flavorful side dish. Other options include creamy mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, or a festive cranberry and walnut salad. Don't forget to add some seasonal herbs and spices to elevate the flavors of these dishes.

Decadent Desserts to Indulge In

After a hearty main course and delicious side dishes, it's time for the grand finale - dessert. Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in some sweet treats, and there are endless options to choose from. Traditional Christmas desserts like fruitcake, Christmas pudding, and Yule log are always a hit. For a modern twist, try a festive cheesecake or a chocolate truffle torte. And let's not forget about the classic Christmas cookies - bake up a variety of flavors and decorate them with festive sprinkles for a fun and delicious dessert option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ultimate Christmas dinner is all about creating a memorable and delicious meal that brings loved ones together. Whether you choose to stick with traditional dishes or add a modern twist, make sure to use high-quality ingredients and add your own personal touch to each dish. And don't forget to enjoy the process and the time spent with family and friends, as that is what truly makes this meal special. Happy cooking and happy holidays!