31 Simple Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas

Christmas Tree-Shaped Savory Puff Pastry

This delightful Christmas tree looks impressive, yet is incredibly easy to assemble. Packed with creamy goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with your guests.

Classic Christmas Cheese Ball

Whip up this timeless cheese ball in no time with just a few ingredients you likely already have. Pair it with Ritz crackers to bring out its deliciously savory taste.

Cranberry and Brie Bites

There's nothing better than a puff pastry appetizer to kick off the celebration in the most delicious way. The best part? You can prepare these up to three days in advance, giving you plenty of time to focus on the rest of your festive menu.

Olive Puff Pastries

"These puff pastry-wrapped olives are a holiday favorite in our family," says recipe creator Syd. "We make them with a mix of olives – pimento-stuffed green, juicy Kalamata, Provencal, and more; just be sure they're pitted."

Mini Goat Cheese and Mushroom Tarts

With only six ingredients, these delightful bite-sized tarts are just as simple to prepare as they are to enjoy. The recipe yields eight tarts, so consider doubling or tripling it if you’re serving a larger group.

Holiday Spinach and Cheese Dip

When you're unsure, a classic hot dip is always a reliable choice. Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this festive recipe is perfect for making in large batches.

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

"This recipe was so simple and enjoyable, and my guests loved it when I served it," says reviewer Karol Knoble. "It was also really fun to decorate!"

Simple Slow Cooker Ham

What's better than a festive holiday ham? A holiday ham that’s made in just two simple steps. If you prefer to spend your day away from the stove, this is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it Christmas recipe for you.

Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

Cornish game hens are a unique and impressive choice for Christmas dinner. These small, flavorful birds are perfect for serving individually or family-style, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.

Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib

The reviews for this highly-rated recipe say it all: "This foolproof method results in the best medium-rare prime rib," says reviewer Haiku. "Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, but the listed ingredients work wonderfully."

Perfect Roast Beef

This traditional roast beef recipe takes just about 5 minutes of prep time. With enough to serve six, it's the perfect choice for a cozy family holiday dinner.

Honey Glazed Ham

"Better than the famous honey-baked ham from the store," says reviewer Kim Kebabjian DeWall about this highly-rated recipe. "I have some great tips! I used a regular Kirkland spiral ham from Costco, about 8 pounds. I think using a spiral ham is crucial because the glaze really soaks into all the slices."

Beef Wellington

A tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin is always a great choice, whether it’s a festive occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. But Beef Wellington takes it to another level with its flaky crust, tender meat, and savory flavors. This one’s sure to steal the show during the holidays.

Roast Leg of Lamb

With just three ingredients (excluding salt and pepper), you can create a juicy roast lamb that will make you the star of Christmas cooking. Fragrant, effortless, and sure to impress everyone at the table.

Perfect Turkey

This perfectly seasoned, tender bird is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday feast. What more could you ask for on your Christmas dinner table?

Cheesy Corn with Cream Cheese

This rich and creamy side dish is the epitome of indulgence, with a cheesy goodness that’s perfect for the holidays. The recipe calls for frozen corn, but you can easily substitute canned if that's more convenient.

Buttery Garlic Green Beans

If you’re not feeling a green bean casserole this year, why not try this lighter, healthier alternative? The rich, buttery garlic sauce is sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters.

Green Bean Casserole

A classic green bean casserole is always a welcome addition to any holiday spread. With crispy French fried onions and rich cream of mushroom soup, this timeless recipe is one to save for next year.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

"Simple, easy to make, and full of flavor," says Soup Loving Nicole. "The fresh rosemary really elevates the dish, and I'll definitely be adding more next time."

Asparagus Wrapped in Crisp Prosciutto

This simple side dish requires just five minutes of prep time and three easy-to-find ingredients. You can even prepare it a day ahead and bake it fresh right before serving.

Basic Mashed Potatoes

Perfectly seasoned and just buttery enough, this recipe is a great staple to have on hand. We love simple mashed potatoes because you can easily adjust the ingredients to match your personal preferences.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots make a fantastic addition to your holiday feast. With just a touch of honey and olive oil, this recipe delivers an unexpected burst of flavor.

Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole

The creator of this simple casserole describes it as "a blend of corn souffle and a subtly sweet corn pudding." If you're hosting a large group, it's easy to double the recipe to accommodate everyone.

Apple Cobbler Crumble

Who can resist a holiday dessert with only 5 ingredients? If you love this recipe, try making it in the summer with fresh peaches for a delightful twist.

Simple Pumpkin Pie

Craving a quick and delicious seasonal dessert? This classic pumpkin pie is just the answer. With only five ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Elevate your classic pecan pie with rich chocolate and a splash of Kentucky bourbon. Using a pre-made pie crust makes this indulgent dessert super easy to prepare.

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These charming cupcakes may look complicated, but they're surprisingly simple to make with just a piping bag. Add a few edible "ornaments" for a touch of festive sparkle.

Holiday Eggnog Pie

Forget drinking eggnog — this year, savor it in pie form! This festive take on the classic buttermilk pie is a holiday favorite. For a bit more flair, try adding a dash of brandy extract.

5-Ingredient Peppermint Bark

"Irresistibly delicious!" says home cook Rachel S. "I made this treat to use up leftover candy canes from Christmas. The entire recipe took just an hour from start to finish, and it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying desserts I’ve ever made."

Poinsettias

Think of this as Christmas in a glass. Cranberry juice and champagne combine to create a festive, refreshing drink that’s bound to become a new holiday favorite.

Easy Christmas Punch

This bubbly holiday beverage combines the zing of lemon-lime soda, the sweetness of pineapple juice, and the crispness of ginger ale. Add a pop of color with cranberries and mint leaves for a cheerful and festive touch.

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