Explore our curated selection of Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas, accompanied by complimentary printable menus for your festive table.
Let these ideas add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations. Each menu offers a unique combination of side dishes and dessert suggestions, ensuring a delightful and complete holiday meal experience.
1. Pozole
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Filled with pork shoulder, hominy, and a fair amount of heat, pozole is the cozy comfort food that isn’t shy about its flavor. This is the stew you make when you’re looking to feed (and impress!) a Christmas dinner crowd, or just need a soup that will warm you up in the dead of winter.
Get the Pozole recipe.
2. Fish Pie
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Fish pie is usually seafood in a cream sauce topped with mashed potatoes. For this version, we took inspiration from Greek cuisine (specifically avgolemono soup) and added dill and lemon.
Get the Fish Pie recipe.
3. Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Nothing says hostess with the most-est like a charming and delicious antipasto Christmas tree. This cheesy appetizer sculpture will help you decorate for your Christmas party and feed your guests all in one fell swoop.
Get the Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball recipe.
4. Puerto Rican Pernil recipe
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE
Boasting a combination of succulent, flavorful meat and shatteringly crisp skin, this impressive bone-in, skin-on roast pork dish has earned its place as the centerpiece of any Christmas dinner spread (but is good enough to make all winter long too).
Get the Puerto Rican Pernil recipe.
5. Baked Feta Bites
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
If you love the TikTok-famous baked feta pasta and the delightful sophistication of our cranberry brie bites, then brace yourself: These little appetizers are the culinary revelation that combines the best of both worlds.
Get the Baked Feta Bites recipe.
6. Sausage Roll Wreath
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Every holiday gathering needs a showstopper on the table. That being said, maybe you want something new this holiday season. Enter: this classic British sausage roll with a Christmas–appropriate makeover.
Get the Sausage Roll Wreath recipe.
7. Chicken & Dumplings
Shredded chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings (or biscuits, if you like) come together here for the MOST comforting meal ever. Want to make it even easier? Make our Crockpot chicken & dumplings instead.
Get the Chicken & Dumplings recipe.
8
Dry Brine Turkey
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
A holiday meal is not complete until the turkey is on the table. Turkeys are large, so we get it, but they don’t have to be intimidating. The one thing you can do to ensure a bird that stays juicy and doesn’t dry out in the oven: Brine it!
Get the Dry Brine Turkey recipe.
9
Copycat Honey Baked Ham
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Honey Baked ham is grand, deliciously smoky, and has a signature caramelized crust all over. Sadly, it’s something you have to plan to order in advance and can be a little on the pricey side. If you didn’t have time to order a ham, want to save some money, or just try a homemade version of this classic centerpiece, this copycat recipe is for you.
Get the Copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe.
10
Candied Yams
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
For many, candied yams are an indispensable part of the holiday meal, along with mashed potatoes. We agree! Our version gets an added kick from bourbon—we think once you try them, you’ll never want yams without it.
Get the Candied Yams recipe.
11
Perfect Prime Rib
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS
Prime rib, also referred to as standing rib roast, is the beautiful piece of meat we turn to whenever we need a truly show-stopping holiday roast. You’ll make your guests think you labored for hours, but it’ll be your little secret thatreally your oven did all the work.
Get the Perfect Prime Rib recipe.
12
Baked Brie Wreath
PHOTO; LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLIST; ERIKA JOYCE
Honey-glazed melted brie, plus herby crispy pizza dough, is an equation for true happiness. Your friends, family, or colleagues will be ready to dive into this edible wreath once you stroll through the door… after all, you want to eat the cheese while it’s warm and gooey.
Get the Baked Brie Wreath recipe.
13
Naughty Knots
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Though these cheesy, herby bites of deliciousness may make you feel like you should be written up on the naughty list, we promise that if you make these for your holiday dinner guests, you will be sealed on the good list forever.
Get the Naughty Knots recipe.
14
Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Spinach-artichoke dip is a classic appetizer, but let’s make it a little more festive! Wrapped in puff pastry, the dip can be shaped into cute little Christmas trees and becomes individual apps. The tree gets topped with a little cheese star, as all trees should be.
Get the Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers recipe.
15
Oven-Baked Salmon
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
While we have no shortage of creative salmon recipes, there’s a reason this classic and simple version is one of our most popular recipes. Whether you’re looking for a simple, hands-off weeknight dinner or , this is a recipe you’ll want to keep up your sleeve.
Get the Oven-Baked Salmon recipe.
16
Pigs In A Blanket Wreath
ANDREW BUI
This adorable holiday app will become an instant legend to all of your family and friends (who doesn’t love pigs in a blanket!?). It’s a centerpiece worthy of your holiday table—plus one that you can eat, which is the best kind of centerpiece in our opinion.
Get the Pigs In A Blanket Wreath recipe.
17
Stuffed Shells
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS
Imagine lasagna being turned inside out to form cute pockets stuffed with creamy, garlicky ricotta and cream cheese, which are then slathered in tomato sauce for an impressive dinner with friends or family. That’s the beauty of stuffed shells.
Get the Stuffed Shells recipe.
18
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
In-season vegetables find their way into this healthy, colorful side dish that’s perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
19
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
With a sweet and tangy glaze made with cranberry sauce and thyme- and sage-speckled turkey meatballs, these are great for serving over fluffy mashed potatoes for a low-key Christmas dinner.
Get the Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs recipe.
20
Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Looking for a stunning Christmas app that comes together in no time? Look no further than the humble cheese ball. They’re a retro idea that we’ve really run with here at Delish, taking them fully into modern times with creative ingredients and decorating methods.
Get the Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball recipe.
21
Tourtiere
PHOTO; LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLIST; ERIKA JOYCE
Tourtiere is basically a prettier way of saying “meat pie.” Originally from Quebec, the pie is traditionally made in a “tourtiere” dish and eaten during Christmas. It’s been around for hundreds of years and has yet to lose its meaty luster.
Get the Tourtiere recipe.
22
Salmon En Croute
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
A cheesy, garlicky, spinach mixture is the perfect balance to a tender salmon fillet. Everything is nestled together in the puff pastry dough, and after 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a buttery, flaky crust with perfectly tender salmon inside.
Get the Salmon En Croute recipe.
23
Beef Tenderloin
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
While it may seem intimidating, this holiday roast is actually surprisingly easy to make, and is the perfect centerpiece to your Christmas dinner. The secret to this flavor-packed dish? An irresistible (and easy) marinade made up of ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Get the Beef Tenderloin recipe.
24
Dill & Cheddar Pierogis
JOEL GOLDBERG
Loaded with sharp white cheddar, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy mashed potatoes, the only thing more gratifying than making these Polish dumplings from scratch is stuffing them in your mouth. 😋
Get the Dill & Cheddar Pierogis recipe.
25
Baccala
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM
Salt cod’s unique flavor—a complex fishiness, both ultra-savory and subtly sweet—is a favorite nostalgic flavor for many around the world. This particular dinner recipe is inspired by a classic Southern Italian preparation for baccala, featuring a hearty tomato sauce filled with olives, capers, and potatoes, called baccalà alla Napoletana.
Get the Baccala recipe.
26
Chicken Pot Pie
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
While this classic comfort food is one that you can easily find pre-made in almost any grocery freezer aisle, we strongly believe that making your own chicken pot pie is more than worth it. Our biggest tip: make the components ahead of time!
Get the Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
27
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
We don’t believe in boring salads at Delish, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is easy to make, and you’ll want to have extra on hand to pour it over everything.
Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.
28
Zuppa Di Pesce
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
If you want to feel like you’re feasting on the Adriatic coast, then you’ve got to make this zuppa di pesce recipe. A staple dish for any traditional Italian-American feast of the seven fishes, this stewy seafood dish is as beautiful as it is comforting.
Get the Zuppa Di Pesce recipe.
29
Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star Bread
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Here’s an easy and festive holiday appetizer that looks way more impressive and complicated than it actually is. Using homemade pizza dough and pesto is great, but if you go the store-bought route, this star bread takes very little effort. Serve with marinara to complete the look.
Get the Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star Bread recipe.
30
Tamales
ANDREW BUI
Mexican tamales aren’t just fun to eat, they’re a great solo or group project for anyone who loves to cook (particularly during the holidays!). Make it a party by involving your friends, enlist your partner or spouse for a different kind of date night, or get the whole family involved.
Get the Tamales recipe.
31
Brûléed Brie Crostini
Mini brie toasts are a super-easy appetizer, and caramelizing the tops is a great party trick. The crunchy sugar topping gives way to an oozy slice of brie and sweet jam.
Get the Brûléed Brie Crostini recipe.
32
Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Fennel Salad
ANDREW BUI
Crisp licorice-y fennel is best from winter to early spring, so we paired it with some more winter-friendly ingredients: juicy grapefruit, briny Kalamata olives, creamy goat cheese, and some rich toasted pine nuts.
Get the Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Fennel Salad recipe.
33
Homemade Lasagna
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Based on the traditional lasagna alla Bolognese from the Emilia-Romagna province in Italy, we grabbed what we loved most about the timeless, classic recipe and simplified it to make it weeknight-friendly.
Get the Homemade Lasagna recipe.
34
Melting Potatoes
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you’ll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
35
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Bake
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Here, savory pancetta gets paired with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, then simmered with heavy cream and finished with grated Parmesan and fresh spinach. It’s tossed with cooked tortellini, topped with fresh mozzarella, and broiled to creamy, melty, just-slightly-browned perfection.
Get the Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Bake recipe.
36
Linguine With Clams
PARKER FEIERBACH
Linguine with clams is our ideal seafood dinner: It’s so simple, can be thrown together in about 30 minutes, but still delivers on that rich flavor that makes it extra special. Trust us—the wine-based sauce is unbeatable.
Get the Linguine With Clams recipe.
37
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS
Ever wonder how you can get all of the flavors of a holiday cheese board with a fraction of the effort? Wonder no more. This cranberry-topped whipped feta dip is here to save your holiday appetizer planning.
Get the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
38
Creamy Chicken Spanakopita Bake
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
This easy casserole is a fun take on the classic spanakopita, where we take the classic Greek dish and turn it into a family-friendly dinner featuring shatteringly crisp phyllo layers that envelop a creamy chicken filling with a lot of spinach and feta.
Get the Creamy Chicken Spanakopita Bake recipe.
39
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
EMILY HLAVAC GREEN
If you’re unfamiliar with dates, it’s time to familiarize yourself! The date’s sweetness is the PERFECT counterpoint to crisp, salty bacon and creamy goat cheese. We guarantee these will fly off the plate whenever you serve them.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
40
Mushroom, Spinach, & Gruyère Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Fast-cooking pork tenderloin is a regular in our weeknight dinner rotation, but that doesn’t mean we let it become so routine that it doesn’t dazzle come holiday time. Instead, mix it up with fun flavors, like the mushrooms, spinach, and cheese here.