13 Christmas Dinner Ideas From Appetizers to Desserts
Christmas dinner is the perfect opportunity to bring family and friends together with delicious, festive dishes. From the appetizers to the desserts, there are plenty of options to suit every taste. You can get creative with new recipes or stick to the classics that everyone loves. Whatever you choose, each dish should reflect the warmth and joy of the season. Start planning your holiday spread with these tasty ideas to make this Christmas extra special.
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Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a festive and easy appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to your Christmas dinner. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with a savory filling of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. You can make them ahead of time, which makes them an ideal choice for busy holiday prep. These bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests while offering a burst of flavor in each bite.
To make stuffed mushrooms, you will need large mushroom caps, cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley. You can also add cooked sausage or bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice for brightness.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Mix the cream cheese with the garlic, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is a savory, crispy side dish that brings a hearty, flavorful contrast to any Christmas dinner. The bacon adds a delicious smoky depth, while the Brussels sprouts become caramelized and crispy in the oven. This simple dish is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread. It is an easy way to get everyone to enjoy Brussels sprouts, even those who may not usually be fans.
The ingredients include fresh Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for a sweet tangy finish. If you like a bit of heat, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes over the dish before roasting.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chop the bacon into small pieces and mix it with the Brussels sprouts. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are golden and crispy.
Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Garlic herb mashed potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side that will complement any Christmas main dish. The rich texture of the mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory notes of garlic and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for holiday hosting. It is a comforting and crowd-pleasing choice that everyone will enjoy.
You will need potatoes, butter, heavy cream, garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. For an extra touch of richness, add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks, then boil them in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the garlic in butter until fragrant. Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter, heavy cream, and the garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that adds sweetness and color to your Christmas dinner. The honey glaze brings a natural sweetness to the carrots, while a bit of butter and fresh herbs give it depth. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made in just a few steps, making it a go-to for busy holiday meals. It is also a great way to add a vegetable side that is both sweet and savory.
You will need carrots, honey, butter, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. You can also add a bit of orange juice for a citrusy touch. For extra flavor, a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger can add warmth to the dish.
Start by peeling and slicing the carrots into even rounds. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat, then add the carrots and sauté for a few minutes. Drizzle with honey, add salt and pepper, and continue to cook until the carrots are tender and glazed, about 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Prime Rib Roast
A prime rib roast is a classic and impressive main dish for any Christmas dinner. This cut of beef is known for its tenderness and rich flavor, making it a favorite during the holiday season. The combination of a crispy crust and juicy interior will leave your guests impressed. Pair it with a simple au jus or horseradish sauce for an added kick.
For the prime rib roast, you will need a boneless prime rib, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Fresh thyme can be added for an herbal touch. You may also want to prepare a side of horseradish or mustard to serve with the roast.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F or 230 degrees C. Rub the prime rib with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the roast in the oven and cook for 20 minutes to get a crispy crust, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F or 165 degrees C and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours for medium rare. Let the roast rest before slicing.
Christmas Turkey with Stuffing
A Christmas turkey with stuffing is a festive and hearty main dish that will satisfy your guests. The turkey, roasted to golden perfection, pairs wonderfully with a flavorful stuffing made from herbs, bread, and vegetables. This dish is a Christmas classic that is both filling and delicious. Serve it with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday meal.
For the turkey, you will need a whole turkey, olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. The stuffing requires bread cubes, onions, celery, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. A bit of butter and salt bring everything together.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Stuff the turkey with the prepared stuffing and tie the legs with kitchen twine. Rub the turkey with olive oil and herbs, then roast for about 3 to 4 hours, basting occasionally. Let the turkey rest before carving and serving.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a vibrant and tangy side dish that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of your Christmas dinner. The sweetness of sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries, while the orange zest adds a fragrant citrus note. This dish is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for the busy holiday season. The bright red color also adds a festive touch to your table.
To make cranberry sauce, you will need fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. You can also add cinnamon sticks or cloves for extra warmth. A splash of orange juice will bring out the citrus flavor.
Combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the cranberries burst. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic holiday dessert that never goes out of style. The smooth, spiced pumpkin filling pairs perfectly with a flaky pie crust, creating a comforting end to your Christmas meal. This dessert is rich in flavor and texture, making it a holiday favorite. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra indulgence.
You will need canned pumpkin, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pre-made pie crust. A pinch of salt and evaporated milk are also key ingredients in the filling. You can also make your own crust if preferred.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, spices, and milk. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let the pie cool before serving.
Christmas Yule Log Cake
A Christmas yule log cake is a fun and festive dessert that brings joy to the holiday season. This rolled sponge cake is filled with whipped cream and covered in a rich chocolate ganache, creating a show-stopping centerpiece. The cake can be decorated with powdered sugar and marzipan to resemble a real log, adding an extra touch of holiday charm. It is a bit of a challenge to make, but the results are well worth it.
For the yule log cake, you will need eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, butter, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. The ganache requires heavy cream and chocolate, and you can use marzipan for decorations. A bit of vanilla extract will round out the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Whisk together eggs and sugar, then fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Bake the sponge cake for 12 minutes, then roll it up with whipped cream. Frost with ganache and decorate to your liking.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a traditional Christmas dessert with a rich, sweet filling and a crunchy nut topping. The sticky caramelized syrup in the filling pairs wonderfully with the toasted pecans, making each bite a sweet delight. This pie is both indulgent and satisfying, perfect for rounding off your holiday meal. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
The ingredients include a pie crust, pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. A pinch of salt and a dash of bourbon can add depth to the flavor. You can make your own pie crust or use a store-bought version for convenience.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Mix together the eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are a fun, festive treat that captures the flavors of fall and Christmas in one bite. These soft, cinnamon-spiced donuts are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack during your holiday celebration. The apple cider adds a subtle fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the warm spices. These donuts are easy to make and will fill your home with the sweet aroma of holiday baking.
For the donuts, you will need apple cider, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and cinnamon. Nutmeg and cloves will bring out the warm flavors, and you will need oil for frying. A bit of vanilla extract will add richness to the dough.
In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider to about half to concentrate the flavor. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, then combine them. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the donuts for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a simple yet festive dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. The smooth dark chocolate and white chocolate layers create a perfect contrast, while the crushed peppermint pieces add a crunchy texture. It is easy to make and can be packaged nicely for holiday gifts. This treat is perfect for anyone who loves mint-flavored sweets.
For peppermint bark, you will need dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint candy canes. A pinch of sea salt can be added for a sweet and salty twist. You can use milk chocolate as well for a different flavor profile.
Melt the dark chocolate and spread it on a baking sheet. Once set, melt the white chocolate and spread it on top of the dark chocolate layer. Crush the candy canes and sprinkle them on top. Allow the bark to cool before breaking it into pieces.
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a beloved Christmas classic, offering a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. These cookies are not only fun to bake but also great for decorating with icing and candies. They are perfect for serving at your holiday table or giving as gifts. The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fill the kitchen with a festive aroma.
For the gingerbread cookies, you will need flour, sugar, butter, eggs, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. You can also add a bit of baking soda to help the dough rise. Royal icing is ideal for decorating the cookies.
In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients to form a dough. Roll out the dough and cut out your desired shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C, then decorate with icing and candy as desired.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.