27 Christmas Dinner Ideas

There’s no meal more special than Christmas dinner.

From the roasted meats to the creamy casseroles and buttery rolls, there’s no denying that this holiday is the most delicious of the year.

So why limit yourself to just one or two Christmas dinner ideas? Take a note from the Italians and host a Christmas Eve feast, a.k.a.

the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Or, if you’d rather have a more relaxed gathering, host a Christmas brunch.

There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the holiday, but there are a few classic Christmas recipes that everyone will love.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out our best-ever Christmas appetizers, Christmas side dishes, and Christmas desserts.

We even have a few Christmas cocktail recipes to help you wash it all down! And don’t forget about breakfast!

We have a whole list of Christmas brunch ideas that you won’t want to miss.

1. Classic Prime Rib

Step up your Christmas dinner menu with a show-stopping prime rib roast.

Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, this impressive cut of beef is then roasted to perfection and served with a rich and creamy horseradish sauce.

2. Beef Tenderloin

If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas dinner, beef tenderloin is a great choice. This dish is elegant and delicious, and it’s relatively easy to make.

It’s also a great option if you’re not a fan of turkey or ham.

This recipe uses a simple rub made with garlic, herbs, and spices to give the beef a lot of flavor.

You’ll want to let the beef marinate in the rub for at least an hour before cooking it.

3. Stuffed Sole

This easy fish dinner is perfect for a crowd. You can prep the fish ahead of time and then bake it right before you’re ready to eat.

4. Honey Glazed Ham

A Christmas ham is a holiday staple! This honey glazed ham is a classic recipe that is simple to make and so delicious.

The glaze is made with honey, brown sugar, and a little bit of Dijon mustard.

If you’re hosting a smaller crowd, you can also make a ham in the slow cooker!

5. Scallops with Garlic Butter

Sear scallops in a hot skillet for the perfect golden crust and creamy, tender inside.

The scallops are served with a quick garlic butter sauce that’s made with white wine, butter, and garlic. It’s simple, but it’s a game changer.

6. Baked Cod

This simple, yet elegant dinner is ready in just 30 minutes. If you’re not a fan of cod, you can use any white fish you like.

7. Stuffed Pork Loin

Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, which can make it a little tricky to cook.

But when you stuff it with a filling like this one, the meat stays moist and juicy.

Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.

8. Baked Salmon

Not a fan of turkey? No problem. Salmon is a great option for the main dish. This recipe is so simple and only takes 30 minutes to make.

9. Tofurkey

If you’re cooking for a vegetarian or vegan crowd, a tofurkey roast is a great main course option.

It’s made with a savory blend of seasoned tofu and plant-based ingredients, and it’s a great source of protein.

Get the recipe from Nora Cooks.

10. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Here’s a fun idea for a holiday dinner:

These cabbage rolls are filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, and then covered in a tangy tomato sauce.

They’re a great way to use cabbage in a new way for Christmas dinner.

11. Quiche

This savory pie is a great way to use up any Christmas leftovers. You can fill it with whatever you have on hand, like ham, cheese, and veggies.

Get the recipe from Delish.

12. Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are filled with a flavorful mix of ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and mozzarella cheese.

They’re so good, you might want to make a few extra and freeze them!

Get the recipe from Delish.

13. Lasagna

If you’re looking for a lighter Christmas dinner option, try out this festive lasagna.

The layers of marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella are topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a sprinkle of spinach for a little pop of green.

Get the recipe from Delish.

14. Lobster Tails

If you want to make a big impression on Christmas, this is the dish to do it. It’s elegant, delicious, and best of all, easy to make.

Get the recipe from Delish.

15. Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is sure to impress your guests. Pro tip: If you want to make it ahead of time, cook the pasta and shrimp and set aside.

Then, cook the white wine sauce and combine everything right before serving.

16. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is the perfect dish for a Christmas dinner that’s a little more casual.

This dish is packed with flavor, and the tender beef and creamy sauce are perfect served over a bed of egg noodles.

Get the recipe from The Recipe Critic.

17. Chicken Alfredo

If you want to take a break from the usual ham, turkey, and roast beef, this chicken Alfredo is the way to go.

It’s a classic dish that’s a little more elevated and perfect for the holiday season.

Get the recipe from Delish.

18. Chicken Marsala

Marsala is a popular Italian wine often used in cooking. It’s a little bit sweet and a little bit savory, and it makes a divine pan sauce for chicken.

You can also use it for pork or beef, or make a vegetarian version with tofu or seitan.

Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or over rice, and you’ll have a satisfying and elegant dinner that’s perfect for the holidays.

19. Chicken Piccata

You can’t go wrong with a classic chicken piccata for Christmas dinner. This lemony, buttery chicken dish is elegant, but not too fussy.

20. Sweet and Sour Chicken

This recipe is a great way to make a classic Chinese dish at home. The combination of sweet and sour is a flavor profile that just can’t be beat.

Plus, the bell peppers, pineapple, and green onions add some great color to this dish.

Serve with white or brown rice, and you’re good to go!

21. Chicken Parmesan

For a special Christmas dinner, try this classic Italian-American dish. It’s a little more work than some of the other recipes on this list, but it’s totally worth it.

Serve it over spaghetti or with a side of our Garlic Butter Green Beans or Easy Italian Salad.

Conclusion

This recipe is the perfect way to take your Christmas ham to the next level. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge, which will allow the flavors to meld together.