100 Best Christmas Dinner Ideas to Make Your Holiday Table Sparkle
What could be merrier then a big feast with family?
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Presents under the tree are great, but a memorable holiday celebration wouldn't be complete without a tasty Christmas dinner. The Drummond family goes big with "lots of food, funny stories, wine, laughter, and Dr Pepper," Ree Drummond says. Looking to make your own festive feast? Get all the Christmas dinner ideas you need from the complete list below. Here, you’ll find impressive roasts, Christmas casseroles, and plenty of traditional holiday favorites. Plus, there are a few creative new Christmas recipes to impress all your out-of-town guests.
Of course, the holidays are no time to hold back, so this list kicks off with plenty of scrumptious Christmas appetizers that everyone will gleefully gobble up. Serve cocktail meatballs or pull-apart pigs in a blanket for something nostalgic, or go all in on festive flair with a wreath-shaped charcuterie board. But don't fill up on the apps—the main dishes are the real star of the show! If you're anything like The Pioneer Woman, then a prime rib is a must-have main course. But you'll also find rack of lamb, roast chicken, and pasta recipes to serve with your favorite holiday sides. All that's left is Christmas dessert, so go ahead and check out the list of Christmas cookies before Santa comes to town.
Roast Turkey Breast
Instead of cooking a whole turkey, try an easier approach and just prepare the breast. It takes less time but it's still wonderfully moist thanks to the layer of garlic, lemon, and thyme-infused butter.
Get the Roast Turkey Breast recipe.
Mistletoe Martini
Cranberry, mint, vodka, and elderflower liqueur make this cocktail as festive to drink as it is to look at. Serve a round when guests arrive and they'll instantly get in the holiday spirit!
Get the Mistletoe Martini recipe.
French Onion Potatoes au Gratin
If you're a fan of French onion soup, then you'll love this take on layered potatoes. They're just as rich and savory with lots of melty cheese and caramelized onions.
Get Ree's French Onion Potatoes au Gratin recipe.
Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers
Don't be fooled, these thumbprints aren't the kind you serve for dessert! Instead, they're made with savory pimento cheese and a spicy pepper jelly filling for a fun holiday appetizer.
Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze
Bring this old-school main course to your holiday table and everyone will be hit with a burst of nostalgia. But don't worry, the cherry-pineapple topping is just as impressive today as when your grandma used to make it.
Get Ree's Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze recipe.
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Getting your family to eat their veggies during the holidays is easy when you serve up this cheesy casserole dish. It's chockfull of cauliflower, broccoli, cheddar, bacon, and buttery crackers for added crunch.
Get Ree's Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon recipe.
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
The beautiful green and red colors of this simple side dish will stand out on any Christmas dinner table. Plus, you'll love the pop of flavor from fresh pomegranate seeds, shallots, ginger, and herbs.
Get Ree's Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.
Stuffed Butternut Squash
This alternative main course is perfect for any hearty winter dinner. The naturally sweet squash is filled up with a mixture of sausage, rice, kale, and grated gruyere cheese.
Get the Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.
Christmas Margarita
Margaritas for Christmas? Yes, please! This variation turns the classic drink into a snowy-white cocktail thanks to the addition of cream of coconut.
Get the Christmas Margarita recipe.
Fried Deviled Eggs
For the Drummond family, it wouldn't be a party without deviled eggs. But if you want to take things up a notch, try making them crispy and fried with a creamy filling.
Get the Fried Deviled Eggs recipe.
Slow Cooker Ham
The secret to Ree's holiday ham is all in the glaze. It's made with one of her favorite sodas: Dr Pepper! Talk about a sticky-sweet coating for your salty ham.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Ham recipe.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are a dream to whip up! You can even make them in advance and reheat them on Christmas Day when you're ready to serve. It's life-changing!
Get Ree's Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Cabbage Salad
A fresh winter salad is a great way to balance out all the heartier dishes on your holiday table. This one is crisp and colorful thanks to the apple slices, purple cabbage, arugula, and nuts.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Beef Noodle Casserole
Beef, pasta, and cheese are three things your family will love. It's the perfect casserole dish for a more casual Christmas dinner.
Get the Beef Noodle Casserole recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
Once you try green bean casserole from-scratch, you'll never go back to the canned variety again! You can even customize it to your family's preferences (try swapping the breadcrumbs for crunchy fried onions instead!).
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Gingerbread Martini
Once you have the spiced gingerbread syrup, you can shake up this cocktail anytime you want! It can even double as a holiday dessert.
Get the Gingerbread Martini recipe.
Roasted Delicata Squash
Don't forget to add a bounty of seasonal veggies to your table. This winter squash is a great place to start! It's naturally sweet with a savory sage and parmesan cheese crust.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
There's just something about the combination of broccoli and cheese sauce that has everyone coming back for more. Add buttery crackers to the mix and you'll have an instant family favorite.
Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole recipe.
Roast Leg of Lamb
Lamb is an excellent choice for your holiday show-stopper. It's tender and elegant with a garlicky, herbaceous crust and a flavorful gravy.
Get the Roast Leg of Lamb recipe.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a Southern favorite with big, bold flavor. They're made with smoky turkey legs but you can use ham hocks if you prefer.
Get the Collard Greens recipe.
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