Christmas Dinner Ideas: Recipes to Make Your Holiday Memorable

Christmas dinner is more than a meal — a holiday feast is an occasion. It’s when families gather together, share stories, and create memories. But the stress of the season can dull its sparkle, particularly for home cooks struggling to find the right recipes or complete loads of prep work.

It doesn't matter if your clan is omnivore or vegetarian. These easy, modern classics have you covered. Think rich short ribs, hearty plant-based dishes, and desserts that will entice everyone to find room for more.

You can also decide not to cook with simple, done-for-you solutions that let you enjoy the magic of a Christmas feast without breaking a sweat.

Whatever you choose, make your holiday one to savor. Plan for connection and not chaos with these simple Christmas dinner ideas.

5 Modern and Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas

These innovative dishes serve up simple alternatives to traditional meals. If you're looking for Christmas Eve dinner ideas, try out one of these timeless recipes.

1. Herb-Crusted Salmon

You'll love this tender, herbaceous salmon recipe. Don't be surprised if you go back to it throughout the year. It's light enough for summer but hearty enough for midwinter, fancy enough for a crowd but quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

This complete, balanced meal is ready in 30 minutes. Bake it on a single sheet pan next to your favorite vegetables for a healthy classic with a crisp, herb-packed crust. Then whip up a simple dill sauce for extra brightness and tang.

Ingredients

Vegetables:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled, halved, and sliced into thin 3-inch strips
• 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herb-Crusted Salmon:

• 4 salmon filets (5-6 ounces each)
• 1/3 cup plain or Panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if desired)
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Zest of 1/2 lemon (around 2 teaspoons)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter), melted, divided

Dill Sauce:

• 1/3 cup sour cream (dairy-free works well)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. On a large baking sheet, toss the carrots and potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, dried dill, and minced garlic. Spread the veggies evenly across the sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Mix up the herb topping. Stir together the bread crumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, dill, and lemon zest in a bowl.
3. After 15 minutes, take the sheet out of the oven. Give the vegetables a quick toss and push them to the sides of the pan to leave space for the salmon fillets.
4. Place the salmon in the middle of the baking sheet. Brush each piece with melted butter, then press the herb mixture on top of each fillet. Cover the salmon with a generous layer.
5. Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 12-17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F while cooking, allowing it to reach 145°F as it rests.
6. While the salmon bakes, combine all the dill sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
7. Once the dish is done, plate the salmon with the roasted vegetables. Drizzle the dill sauce on top or place the bowl on the dinner table for dipping.

2. Vegetarian Lasagna

Looking for a comforting dish to brighten up your Christmas table? Eat vegetarian with this tasty lasagna recipe. It features layers of roasted vegetables, marinara, and cream cheese. You can even make it gluten-free with gluten-free noodles or vegan with vegan ricotta.

Ingredients

Vegetables:

• 1 medium zucchini, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 8 ounces quartered mushrooms (preferably cremini)
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped into 1-inch chunks
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced into ½-inch pieces
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Lasagna Layers:

• 15 lasagna noodles*
• 3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces)
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim, low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

*You'll get better results with regular lasagna noodles than with no-boil alternatives.

Ricotta Filling:

• 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces)
• 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and add the zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion. Toss with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Distribute the vegetables into an even layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Reduce the oven to 400°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss them with a little olive oil.
3. Combine the ricotta, grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
4. To assemble the lasagna, smooth 1 cup of marinara evenly over the base of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce and follow with half of the ricotta mixture. Layer half the spinach leaves on top, then half the roasted vegetables. Spoon about ⅔ cup of marinara sauce over the vegetables, spreading lightly with a spoon.
5. Repeat with noodles, the remaining ricotta, spinach, roasted vegetables, and marinara sauce. Finish with the final layer of noodles and remaining marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella and pecorino cheese.
6. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley.

3. Braised Short Ribs

No holiday dish combines comfort and elegance like this braised short rib recipe. Slowly cooked in red wine with tender root vegetables, the short ribs develop a deep, rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Short ribs are an easy alternative to chuck roast or prime rib roast, and you can cook them in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot for ultimate ease and versatility.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in beef short ribs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped carrots, stirring often, and saute until softened. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
2. Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper, and lightly dust them with flour on all sides. Turn the heat to high and add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 45 seconds per side. Work in batches if necessary. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
3. Lower the heat slightly and deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the dish to a boil and stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, and a dash of salt and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Place the short ribs in the pot in a single layer. Add the sauteed vegetables and the sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Cover and transfer it to the oven.
5. Bake at 350°F for 2 hours. Reduce the heat to 325°F and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
6. Remove the pot from the oven and let the dish ribs rest, covered, for 20 minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the surface before serving.
7. Serve the braised short ribs over potatoes.

Slow Cooker Variation: After steps 1-4, transfer the seared ribs, vegetables, and sauce to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Instant Pot Variation: Use the saute setting to brown the ribs and cook the veggies as per steps 1-4. Add the wine, broth, seasonings, and herbs, then lock the lid. Cook on Manual/High pressure for 45 minutes and allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

4. Butternut Squash Risotto

Any Christmas meal will benefit from the addition of this creamy butternut squash risotto. Its unctuous texture and sweet, earthy flavor make it a standout vegetarian option that works beautifully for a mixed crowd. Vegetarians can enjoy it as an entree, and meat lovers will welcome its addition as a side to roast chicken or crown roasts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, diced into ¼-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced sage or rosemary
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley or small sage leaves, optional, for garnish
• ½ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Season with ½ teaspoon sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
2. Add the diced butternut squash to the skillet and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until squash is tender.
3. Stir in the garlic and minced sage or rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the herbs and garlic to release their aroma. Add the Arborio rice and toast it for another minute.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the wine has mostly evaporated.
5. Start adding the warmed vegetable broth, about ¾ cup at a time. Stir the risotto frequently, letting each addition of broth absorb before adding more. Repeat this process until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The butternut squash should be soft, and the risotto should have a velvety consistency.
7. Finish with Parmesan cheese, fresh sage, and a drizzle of olive oil for a creamy, flavorful risotto.

5. Roasted Vegetable Medley

This roasted vegetable medley recipe is easy to customize to your needs, tastes, and refrigerator contents. It's vibrant and healthy, and roasting caramelizes the ingredients for a balanced blend of savory and sweet. Try it as an alternative to sweet potatoes or green bean casserole on your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 large parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yam, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup baby carrots
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced into 1-inch rounds
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly coat two baking sheets with olive oil.
2. Spread the yam, parsnip, and baby carrots evenly across the prepared baking sheets. Place them in the oven and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the trays from the oven before adding the zucchini slices and asparagus pieces. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables. Stir gently to coat, then return to the oven. Roast for another 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
4. Take the cooked vegetables from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
5. Meanwhile, mix the roasted vegetables, fresh basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
6. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Desserts To Complete Your Christmas Dinner

Desserts add joy to a holiday meal, so make gatherings extra special with these indulgent treats.

1. Classic Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

The classic Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a traditional holiday dessert recipe. This rolled cake, artfully decorated to resemble a rustic log, is a show-stopping centerpiece that captures the warmth and charm of the season.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup dark cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 5 tbsp sour cream

Mascarpone Whipped Cream Filling

• 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/4 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz mascarpone softened cheese

Whipped Chocolate Ganache

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Optional Garnish

• Sugared cranberries
• Sugared rosemary

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 17x12-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to blend and set aside.
3. Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is fully mixed.
4. Whip the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter. Gradually fold in the rest of the egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and lift the cake out of the pan with the parchment paper. Starting from the shorter end, roll the cake into a log shape while still warm. Cool completely.
7. To prepare the filling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Add the mascarpone and whip.
8. Unroll the cooled cake and peel it away from the paper. Spread the filling evenly across the surface, then re-roll the cake (without the paper!) into a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to set.
9. Make the ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the cream in the microwave or stovetop until it simmers. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow it to sit for a few minutes before whisking until smooth. Cool the ganache to room temperature, then whip it until thick and fluffy.
10. Assemble the cake by trimming about 3 inches from one end of the log at a slight angle. Attach this smaller piece to the side of the larger log with the ganache to create a "branch."
11. Spread the remaining ganache over the cake. Use a fork to draw bark-like patterns. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary.
12. Refrigerate until served.

2. Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog cheesecake brings a fresh twist to cherished holiday flavors, blending the creamy richness of cheesecake with the spiced warmth of classic eggnog.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Filling

• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup eggnog
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Start with the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan to form an even crust layer.
4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and cool the crust on a wire rack. While cooling, increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
5. Prepare the filling by adding the cream cheese, sugar, eggnog, and flour to a food processor or a large mixing bowl. Beat or process until smooth.
6. Mix in the eggs, incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the rum and a pinch of nutmeg.
7. Pour the creamy eggnog filling evenly over the cooled crust. Spread gently to smooth the top if needed.
8. Bake the cheesecake for 10 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 250°F and continue baking for roughly 45 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are firm and the center jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and carefully loosen the edges using a knife. Allow it to cool in the spring-form pan before removing the rim.
10. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to set.

Check Christmas Dinner Off Your List: Your CookUnity Chefs Will Handle it From Here

When the holiday hustle leaves little time for cooking, CookUnity takes the stress out of your celebrations. Pick from a variety of gourmet, chef-prepared meals delivered straight to your door. Here’s to savoring the season(ing)!

Vegetarian Lasagna

This lasagna is Italian comfort food built with layers of creamy fresh mozzarella and a ricotta and pesto filling. Add garlic, tender roasted tomatoes, and fresh lasagna noodles for a satisfying vegetarian-friendly recipe: Vegetarian Lasagna.

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Tender short ribs are slow-braised to perfection in a rich, French-inspired sauce. Melt-in-your-mouth-soft ribs are paired with a velvety carrot purée and garlic-roasted haricot vert green beans. Perfect for a family holiday meal, this dish feels both refined and cozy: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs.

Garbanzo-Garlic-Swiss Chard & Turmeric Stew

This garbanzo Swiss chard stew is rich in taste yet refreshingly light eating. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this stew makes a great light Christmas luncheon or can kick off an indulgent Christmas dinner. Try out this delicious vegetarian dish: Garbanzo-Garlic-Swiss Chard & Turmeric Stew.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and delicious food. But feasts don’t come together on their own! Start planning your holiday classic menu now for a stress-free celebration. Early preparation means more time to enjoy the season.

Or skip the work altogether and let CookUnity's gourmet chefs handle the meal planning and cooking. You can order delicious holiday meals delivered right to your doorstep. Treat yourself and your loved ones to gourmet flavors without the hassle. To relax, savor, and celebrate, browse our menu of tasty meals.

FAQs About Christmas Dinner Ideas

What is a good menu for Christmas dinner?

A great Christmas dinner menu includes festive flavors, a hearty main course, balanced sides, and a sweet conclusion such as brown sugar cookies.

What's in a traditional Christmas dinner?

A traditional Christmas dinner includes roast beef, turkey, or ham as the centerpiece and adds savory sides and a classic holiday dessert.

What to cook for Christmas dinner instead of turkey?

There are plenty of turkey alternatives to traditional Christmas dinner ideas! Short ribs, duck, salmon, or vegetarian options can shine as the main dish.

What is a traditional Italian Christmas dinner menu?

A traditional Italian Christmas dinner often starts with antipasti — think cured meats and cheeses — followed by pasta such as lasagna or tortellini in brodo. The main course often features roasted lamb or fish.

Continue Reading:

• Best Italian Foods in the United States: Authentic & Popular Italian Dishes