10 Best Christmas Dinner Recipes

From juicy roasts to creamy sides and festive desserts, these Christmas recipes make planning your holiday menu easy.



Mix and match these mains, sides, and desserts to build your perfect Christmas dinner menu. They’re inspired by classic roast beef, turkey, ham, potatoes, and show-stopping sweets that appear again and again on holiday roundups.

1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

Prime rib is one of the most popular centerpieces on Christmas tables, often rubbed with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then roasted until perfectly pink inside.

  • Why it’s great: Feels luxurious, feeds a crowd, and pairs perfectly with potatoes and rich sauces.
  • Serve with: Yorkshire puddings, creamy horseradish, and roasted vegetables.
Main DishBeefShowstopper


2. Glazed Christmas Ham

Glazed ham, often baked with honey, brown sugar, or fruit and spices, is a classic alternative to turkey and appears in many “best Christmas main” lists.

  • Why it’s great: Easy to carve, beautiful on the table, and perfect for leftovers and sandwiches.
  • Serve with: Scalloped or roasted potatoes, green beans, and rolls.
Main DishHamFeeds a Crowd


3. Roast Turkey with Gravy

Golden roast turkey with pan gravy remains a go-to centerpiece and appears in most Christmas dinner collections alongside stuffing and cranberry sauce.

  • Why it’s great: Traditional, festive, and stretches easily for large gatherings.
  • Serve with: Stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and buttery rolls.
Main DishTurkeyClassic


4. Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Ultra-creamy mashed potatoes loaded with butter and cream are a staple side highlighted in many Christmas menu guides and “Ultimate Christmas Dinner” tutorials.

  • Why it’s great: Comforting, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for soaking up gravy and sauces.
  • Serve with: Any roast—turkey, beef, or ham.
Side DishPotatoComfort Food


5. Crispy Roast Potatoes

Roast potatoes with crunchy edges and fluffy centers are often called out by chefs as a must-have Christmas side, especially in British-style menus.

  • Why it’s great: An easy crowd-pleaser that pairs with any main and adds texture to the plate.
  • Serve with: Roast beef, lamb, or turkey plus a rich gravy.
Side DishRoastedCrispy


6. Green Bean Bundles or Casserole

Green beans show up as bacon-wrapped bundles or creamy casserole-style sides in many Christmas lineups and video menus.

  • Why it’s great: Adds a green element and balances heavier mains and potatoes.
  • Serve with: Any roast, especially ham or turkey.
Side DishVegetableHoliday Classic
Green beans with almonds in a skillet

7. Baked Mac and Cheese / Potato Bake

Rich, cheesy baked mac and cheese or creamy potato gratin often feature in “super easy Christmas menu” guides as comforting starch sides.

  • Why it’s great: Crowd-pleasing, cheesy, and a favorite with kids and adults.
  • Serve with: Beef, ham, or turkey for a complete comfort-food plate.
Side DishCheesyComfort
Baked macaroni and cheese with golden crust

8. Festive Christmas Salad

Holiday salads often feature greens with bright toppings like pomegranate, citrus, nuts, or cheese and appear as “quick Christmas salad” options in video menus.

  • Why it’s great: Adds color, freshness, and acidity to cut through richer dishes.
  • Serve with: Any main; great starter or side. [web:336]
StarterSaladFresh
Christmas salad with greens, nuts, and pomegranate seeds

9. Yule Log or Christmas Cake

Chocolate Yule logs and traditional Christmas cakes are iconic desserts that appear in many top holiday dessert roundups and chef compilations.

  • Why it’s great: Visually impressive, make-ahead friendly, and a festive way to end the meal.
  • Serve with: Whipped cream, custard, or ice cream.
DessertMake AheadShowpiece


10. Christmas Cookies & Peppermint Desserts

Sugar cookies, gingerbread, and peppermint-themed desserts like cheesecakes or bark feature heavily in Christmas dessert collections.

  • Why it’s great: Easy to share, kid-friendly, and perfect for cookie trays and gifts.
  • Serve with: Coffee, hot chocolate, or eggnog.
DessertCookiesFestive


Watch: Easy Christmas Dinner From Start to Finish

This Allrecipes video walks through a complete Christmas dinner, including creamy potatoes, an impressive beef tenderloin, green bean bundles, salad, and dessert ideas—great visual support for the recipes listed above.

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