Hey friends, it’s MD Ashraf Ahmed here—your fellow home cook who believes the best memories are made around the dinner table.
Christmas dinner can feel like a big deal, but it really doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. I’ve cooked for small cozy gatherings and big noisy family parties, and I promise you: the recipes that get the biggest cheers are always the simple ones made with love.
These 18 recipes are the exact ones I turn to every year. They’re straightforward, forgiving, and packed with that magical holiday flavor we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for 4 or 14, you’ll find complete menus, timelines, and tons of make-ahead tips so you can actually enjoy the day instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Let’s make this Christmas your tastiest one yet!
Christmas Dinner Recipes Overview
| Category | Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time | Difficulty | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizer | Baked Brie with Honey & Nuts | 5 min | 15 min | Super Easy | 8–10 |
| Appetizer | Cranberry Meatballs | 10 min | 20 min | Easy | 12 |
| Main | Perfect Roast Turkey (Foolproof) | 30 min | 3–4 hrs | Easy | 10–12 |
| Main | Brown Sugar Glazed Ham | 15 min | 2.5 hrs | Super Easy | 12–15 |
| Main | Garlic Butter Prime Rib | 15 min | 2 hrs | Easy | 8–10 |
| Main | Salmon Wellington (Easier than Beef!) | 20 min | 40 min | Medium | 6–8 |
| Main (Vegetarian) | Mushroom & Lentil Wellington | 30 min | 45 min | Medium | |
| Side | Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes | 20 min | 30 min | Super Easy | 12 |
| Side | Honey Butter Roasted Carrots & Parsnips | 10 min | 35 min | Super Easy | 10 |
| Side | Sausage & Sage Stuffing Balls | 20 min | 30 min | Easy | 12 |
| Side | Green Bean Casserole (Classic) | 15 min | 25 min | Easy | 10 |
| Side | Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce | 5 min | 15 min | Super Easy | 12 |
| Side | Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls | 15 min + rise | 20 min | Easy | 16 |
| Dessert | Chocolate Yule Log (Semi-Homemade) | 30 min | 12 min | Easy | 10 |
| Dessert | No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake | 20 min | Chill 4 hrs | Super Easy | 12 |
| Dessert | Gingerbread Cookies | 20 min + chill | 10 min | Easy | 24 |
| Drink | Easy Mulled Wine | 5 min | 20 min | Super Easy | 8 |
Easy Appetizers (Make-Ahead Winners)
1. Baked Brie with Honey, Walnuts & Rosemary
This is always the first thing to disappear. It looks fancy but takes literally 5 minutes to prepare.
- 1 wheel Brie (8–10 oz)
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Crackers or baguette slices
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place Brie on parchment-lined baking sheet. Score top lightly.
- Drizzle with honey, top with nuts and rosemary.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until soft and oozy.
- Serve immediately.
Make-ahead: Prepare up to step 3 and refrigerate. Bake just before guests arrive.
2. Cranberry BBQ Meatballs (Crockpot)
The sweet-tangy sauce is addictive.
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
- 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
- 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Throw everything in the slow cooker on low for 4 hours. Done.
Stunning Main Dishes
3. Foolproof Juicy Roast Turkey
This is my never-fail method. Dry brine + butter = perfect every time.
- 12–14 lb turkey (thawed)
- ½ cup kosher salt (for dry brine)
- 1 lb unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
- 2 onions, 4 celery stalks, 2 lemons
Step-by-step:
- Three days before: Pat turkey dry, rub with salt inside and out. Refrigerate uncovered.
- Day of: Let turkey sit at room temp 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix butter with chopped herbs. Gently loosen skin and spread half the butter under skin, rest on top.
- Stuff cavity with quartered onions, celery, lemons.
- Roast 13–15 minutes per pound (about 3–3.5 hours) until internal temp reaches 165°F in thickest part of thigh. USDA safe cooking chart here.
- Rest 30–45 minutes before carving.
Tip: Save the drippings for the best gravy ever!
4. Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham (Crowd Favorite)
Everyone fights over the crispy edges.
- 8–10 lb bone-in spiral ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 20 oz can pineapple slices
Bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with glaze. Last 20 minutes, crank to 425°F for caramelized edges.
5. Garlic Butter Prime Rib
Luxurious but incredibly easy.
- 6–8 lb bone-in prime rib
- 1 stick softened butter
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary & thyme
- Salt & pepper
Rub with garlic butter, season generously. Roast at 500°F for 20 minutes, then 325°F until 120°F internal for medium-rare (about 15 min per pound). Rest 30 minutes.
6. Salmon Wellington
Easier than beef and ready in under an hour.
- 2 lb salmon fillet
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 8 oz spinach, sautéed
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp dill
- 1 egg (beaten)
Spread cream cheese + dill on salmon, top with spinach, wrap in pastry. Brush with egg. Bake 400°F for 35–40 minutes.
7. Vegetarian Mushroom & Lentil Wellington
Even meat-eaters ask for seconds.
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 16 oz mixed mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
Sauté mushrooms until golden (this is key!). Mix with lentils and seasonings. Wrap and bake 40–45 minutes at 400°F.
Irresistible Sides (All Make-Ahead)
8. Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
The trick: cream cheese + butter + reheat with milk.
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper
Make up to 3 days ahead. Reheat in slow cooker or oven with extra milk on top to prevent drying.
9. Honey Butter Roasted Carrots & Parsnips
Everyone’s favorite—even kids!
- 2 lbs carrots & parsnips
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- Fresh thyme
Roast at 425°F for 35 minutes, tossing halfway.
10. Sausage & Sage Stuffing Balls
Crispy outside, fluffy inside.
- 1 lb sausage meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 cups dried bread cubes
- Fresh sage
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups chicken stock
Mix, roll into balls, bake 30 minutes at 375°F.
11. Classic Green Bean Casserole
Use fresh beans when possible—it’s worth it!
12. 15-Minute Homemade Cranberry Sauce
1 bag cranberries + 1 cup sugar + 1 cup orange juice. Simmer 15 minutes. That’s it.
13. Fluffy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Use frozen bread dough for zero stress! Brush with garlic butter before and after baking.
Show-Stopping Desserts
14. Semi-Homemade Chocolate Yule Log
Use store-bought Swiss roll + homemade chocolate buttercream + meringue mushrooms = professional look, zero skill needed.
15. No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
Graham cracker crust + cream cheese + eggnog + whipped cream. Chill overnight.
16. Soft Gingerbread Cookies
The dough freezes beautifully—make in November!
Bonus: Easy Mulled Wine
1 bottle red wine + ¼ cup brandy + orange slices + cinnamon + cloves + star anise + ¼ cup honey. Simmer 20 minutes. Heaven.
Complete Christmas Dinner Timeline (For 8–12 People)
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| 3 Days Before | Dry brine turkey + make cranberry sauce |
| 2 Days Before | Make mashed potatoes + cheesecake + cookie dough |
| 1 Day Before | Prep vegetables + make glaze + thaw rolls |
| Morning Of | Stuff turkey + start slow cooker meatballs |
| 4 Hours Before | Put turkey in oven |
| 2 Hours Before | Put ham in oven + roast vegetables |
| 1 Hour Before | Reheat potatoes + bake stuffing balls |
| 30 min Before | Make gravy + warm rolls |
| After Dinner | Serve desserts + mulled wine |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest Christmas main dish for beginners?
Brown sugar glazed ham! It’s almost impossible to mess up, feeds a crowd, and tastes better than any store-bought version.
How can I make Christmas dinner ahead of time?
Make mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, cheesecake, cookie dough, and even the turkey can be dry-brined days ahead. The timeline above shows exactly what to do when.
What if I’m cooking for a small family?
Use turkey breast instead of whole turkey, or make the salmon Wellington—same wow factor, much less food.
Can I make a vegetarian Christmas dinner that still feels special?
Absolutely! The mushroom & lentil Wellington is always the star of the table, and pairs perfectly with all the classic sides.
How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Dry brine + herb butter under the skin + don’t overcook (use a meat thermometer!) + rest 30–45 minutes = perfect juicy turkey every single time.
What are affordable Christmas dinner ideas?
Glazed ham is cheaper than prime rib, and sides like roasted root vegetables and stuffing are very budget-friendly. Total cost for 10 people can easily stay under $100.
Can I make everything in one oven?
Yes! The timeline is designed for one oven. Sides go in while the turkey rests or alongside the ham.
Friends, these recipes have brought so much joy to my table over the years, and I know they’ll do the same for you.
Pick the ones you love, make them your own, and remember: the best ingredient is always the love you cook with.
Wishing you the warmest, most delicious Christmas ever.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
MD Ashraf Ahmed