35 Perfect Christmas Dinner Recipe Ideas from Appetizers to Desserts

So… you’re hosting Christmas this year. Before you go into full-blown panic mode, take a deep breath and hear us out. You can follow all of the holiday kitchen tips in the world, but when it comes down to it, if you just provide quality holiday comfort food, your dinner will be a *success.* Sit down and relax with a plate of Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, because we’ve got your holiday meal covered with 35 delicious recipes from appetizers to desserts, so you can easily build your perfect menu.

Christmas Appetizers

1. Christmas Tree Cheese Platter: You can’t go wrong with a cheese platter, no matter what kind of party you’re hosting. Special props to this one for being shaped like a Christmas tree. (via Freebie Finding Mom)

2. Honey Almond Baked Brie: Gooey, warm Brie topped with honey and nuts is a starter of epic proportions. Serve with a baguette and fruit slices for a tray everyone will remember. (via The Seasoned Mom)

3. Ricotta and Prosciutto Cracker Appetizer: Minimal ingredients are necessary when feeding a hungry mob on Christmas day. Spread ricotta on buttery crackers and top with prosciutto for a salty and creamy one-bite wonder. (via Seasonly Creations)

4. Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Meatballs: That box of frozen puff pastry is finally getting put to good use. Make the meatballs the day before, and all you have to do is assemble right before baking. (via Mom on Timeout)

5. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Bites: Cookies aren’t the only thing that you can decorate with red and green this Christmas. Sprinkle the tops of these whipped cream cheese bites with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs to give them a festive touch. (via Well Plated by Erin)

6. Chévre and Apricot Bites: Tangy goat cheese and sweet fruit make for a tastebud-tingling appetizer. Add walnuts for crunch, a drizzle of honey, and rosemary for a hint of color. (via Nutritionist Meets Chef)

7. Bacon and Cranberry Topped Camembert: Creamy Camembert is an indulgent starter in and of itself, but top it with bacon and cranberry for an elegant appetizer worthy of celebration. (via Elle Bloggs)

Christmas Sides

8. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Green beans are served year after year. Switch things up and replace them with garlicky roasted asparagus this Christmas. (via Real Housemoms)

9. Creamy Garlic and Brie Mushrooms: Who knew Brie could be so versatile? Give sautéed mushrooms an upgrade by stirring in Brie right before serving. You’ll never think of mushrooms the same way again. (via Closet Cooking)

10. Honey Butter Rolls: What’s Christmas dinner without fluffy rolls slathered in butter? Go the homemade route this year and wow everyone with your mad baking skills. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

11. Vegan Lemon Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: You should have a potato option on the table for guests who are dairy-free or just want a lighter choice. These simple Hasselback potatoes might just outshine those of the creamy and mashed variety. (via Crazy Vegan Kitchen)

12. Autumn Quinoa Sweet Potato Arugula Salad: This is one salad that won’t be passed over on the buffet line. It’s studded with dried fruit, pomegranate, and sweet potatoes and goes perfectly with spicy arugula. (via The Kitchen Girl)

13. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Stuffing: Put a holiday twist on your usual side dishes with this gluten-free stuffing, a sweet and savory concoction made with (gluten-free) gingerbread. (via The Gluten-Free Alchemist)

14. Carrot and Sweet Potato Casserole: Creamy and bright, this dish is a cheery addition to your holiday feast. It’s a delicious way to add some colorful veggies to the table. (via Kiddielicious Kitchen)

15. Roasted Broccoli With Pine Nuts and Feta: Broccoli gets the all-star treatment in this recipe. The key is roasting it until it gets crispy and browned, then topping with a shower of pine nuts and salty feta cheese. (via The Healthy Hunter Blog)

16. Honey Roasted Parsnips: For this holiday season, give carrots the day off and try parsnips, the earthier, firmer cousin of the root vegetable. (via Nutritionist Meets Chef)

17. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: Upgrade your scalloped potatoes this winter. Ham gives each bite a salty, smokey kick that’s irresistible. Pro tip: Serve leftovers with fried eggs the next morning. (via Culinary Envy)

Christmas Dinner Mains

18. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flank Steak: Odds are, your family and friends won’t be expecting to have steak filled with spinach and feta for Christmas dinner. Treat them to an out-of-the-ordinary main dish that they’ll ask for every year. (via Emily Bites)

19. Crock Pot Maple Brown Sugar Ham: You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey, and you can’t have Christmas without ham. This one takes minimal effort thanks to your friend, the slow cooker. (via Life in the Lofthouse)

20. Caramelized Onion and Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breasts: If your Christmas dinner consists of only a few people, a turkey breast may be the best way to go to avoid too many leftovers. Since it’s stuffed with caramelized onions and cranberries, it also takes care of one of the side dishes. (via Chocolate Moosey)

21. Lemon Garlic Rotisserie Chicken: This tender whole-roasted chicken is begging to be a part of your Christmas spread. Decorate the serving platter with whole lemons and herbs for a beautiful centerpiece. (via Joyfully Healthy Eats)

22. Rack of Lamb With Pomegranate-Coffee Sauce: Looking for an oh-so-fancy option? A rack of lamb would never disappoint. Slather it in a caffeinated pomegranate glaze to balance the rich flavor. (via The Floating Kitchen)

23. Squash, Mushroom, and Chestnut Pie: Vegetarian entreés like this one definitely deserve the spotlight. The addition of squash and sweet chestnuts gives it a hearty vibe. (via The Circus Gardener’s Kitchen)

24. Spiced Baked Cauliflower With Lentils: Cauliflower doesn’t always have to be relegated to a side dish. Here it’s roasted whole, for an inspiring meat-free main. (via Lauren Caris Cooks)

25. Bacon, Garlic, and Thyme Beef Tenderloin: How do you make beef tenderloin an even more decadent holiday entrée? Slather it in bacon fat and a garlic-thyme rub before roasting, that’s how. (via Flirting With Flavor)

26. Vegetarian “Meatballs” With Lingonberry Sauce: Homemade veggie meatballs, made from almonds, cheese, and onion, are a flavorful main dish. Serve them with a tangy lingonberry sauce to liven things up. (via Cake and Beans)

27. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin: Stuffed with an apple and rice dressing, this pork loin is moist and delicious from the inside out. It’s wrapped with thin slices of prosciutto, which creates a crispy exterior. (via Host the Toast)

28. Perfect Prime Rib Roast: Nothing steals the spotlight like a juicy prime rib roast. Rub the outside with fresh herbs and garlic, then cook it so it’s still juicy and pink inside. (via The Woks of Life)

29. Bacon and Mushroom Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: Bacon and mushrooms are the ultimate savory duo. They bring huge flavor to this mouthwatering dish. (via Grits and Pinecones)

Christmas Desserts

30. Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake: There’s a scoop of ice cream somewhere just waiting to top off this hot spiced fruit bake. After a huge, heavy meal, something lighter like this will hit the spot. (via Cotter Crunch)

31. Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes: Not only are these cupcakes totally delicious, but they double as a fun project on Christmas Eve. Plus, those pretzel antlers add the perfect amount of salty kick. (via Crafty Morning)

32. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake: This minty cheesecake is Santa and Grandma-approved. FYI, you can totally steal candy canes off the Christmas tree to make it. (via Cooking Classy)

33. Gingerbread Layer Cake With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: This showstopping cake is almost too pretty to eat. Decorate the top with a gingerbread forest and meringues for some real Christmas cheer. (via Supergolden Bakes)

34. Yule Log: There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned yule log to end a perfect meal. Fill with whipped cream and top with chocolate shavings for a rustic woodland look. (via Culinary Ginger)

35. Gingerbread Cake With Maple Glaze: Gingerbread isn’t just for cookies. A gingerbread bundt cake, drizzled with maple glaze, is the perfect way to end your holiday meal. (via The Ruby Kitchen)

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Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston