7 Christmas Dinner Food Ideas for a Table Packed With Everyone’s Favorites

Artfully curate a Christmas dinner with seven irresistible food ideas that will leave your guests craving more; discover the favorites your table can't miss!

When it comes to planning a Christmas dinner, I know how important it is to cater to everyone’s tastes. This year, I’ve got some delightful ideas that could elevate your festive gathering. From a perfectly roasted turkey to indulgent desserts, there’s something for every palate. Curious about the selections that could make your table truly memorable? Let’s explore some mouthwatering options you won’t want to miss.

Herb-Roasted Turkey With Citrus Glaze

herb glazed roasted turkey recipe

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze is a festive and flavorful centerpiece for any Christmas dinner. This dish features a succulent turkey seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs and is brushed with a tangy citrus glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the bird, providing a deliciously aromatic experience. Perfectly roasted and beautifully golden, it is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Whole turkey 12-14 pounds
Olive oil 1/4 cup
Fresh rosemary (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Fresh thyme (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Fresh sage (chopped) 1 tablespoon
Salt 2 teaspoons
Black pepper 1 teaspoon
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Orange (juiced and zested) 1
Lemon (juiced and zested) 1
Honey 1/4 cup
Chicken or turkey broth 2 cups

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Herb Mixture: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a herb paste.
  3. Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Using your hands, carefully separate the skin from the breast meat. Rub about half of the herb mixture directly onto the breast meat underneath the skin. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
  4. Make the Citrus Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and the zest of both the orange and lemon. Heat over medium-low heat until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stuff and Prepare for Roasting: If desired, stuff the turkey cavity with any remaining citrus fruits or herbs for added flavor. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey, and place it in a roasting pan, breast side up.
  6. Roasting the Turkey: Brush the turkey with half of the citrus glaze, then pour the broth into the roasting pan. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
  7. Roast in the Oven: Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the breast and 175°F (80°C) in the thigh.
  8. Baste: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the turkey with the remaining citrus glaze to achieve a beautiful caramelized finish.
  9. Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
  10. Serve: Carve the turkey and serve it on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs, and enjoy the flavors of this magical holiday dish!

This Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze will create warm memories and festive moments around your dinner table this Christmas!

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Honey-Glazed Ham With Pineapple

honey glazed holiday ham recipe

Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a quintessential holiday dish that adds a touch of sweetness and festive flair to your Christmas dinner table. This dish features a succulent ham glazed with a luscious blend of honey, brown sugar, and pineapple, resulting in a caramelized exterior that beautifully complements the savory flavors of the meat. This impressive yet simple recipe is sure to delight your family and guests during the holiday season.

Ingredients Quantity
Fully cooked ham (bone-in) 8-10 pounds
Honey 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Pineapple slices (canned or fresh) 1 can (about 15 ounces)
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Cloves 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Fresh pineapple juice (optional) 1/2 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from the packaging and place it on a cutting board. If necessary, trim any excess fat.
  2. Score the Ham: Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1-2 inches apart. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and helps create a beautiful presentation.
  3. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Pan: Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. If using, pour the fresh pineapple juice over the ham, then arrange the pineapple slices around the ham in the pan.
  5. Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the honey glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Reserve the other half of the glaze for later.
  6. Roasting the Ham: Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  7. Glaze Again: After the first hour of roasting, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Continue to roast uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ham is beautifully caramelized and heated through.
  8. Rest and Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the roasted pineapple slices for a delightful addition to your holiday feast!
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Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

savory stuffed mushroom appetizers

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer that brings an array of flavors and textures to your Christmas dinner. These bite-sized treats feature meaty mushroom caps filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, herbs, garlic, and bread crumbs, making them a perfect fit for any festive meal. They are simple to prepare and are sure to be a hit among guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Large mushrooms (button or cremini) 24 caps
Cream cheese (softened) 8 ounces
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Bread crumbs 1 cup
Fresh parsley (chopped) 1/4 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently clean the mushroom caps with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems and finely chop them, setting them aside for the filling.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a cohesive mixture.
  3. Stuff the Mushrooms: Use a small spoon or your hands to fill each mushroom cap with the filling. Pack it in gently but firmly to ensure it holds together during baking. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
  5. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer during your Christmas dinner. Enjoy!
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Chives

creamy garlic chive potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chives is a creamy, flavorful side dish that makes for a perfect accompaniment to your Christmas dinner. With the richness of butter and cream, combined with the aromatic flavors of garlic and the fresh bite of chives, these mashed potatoes are a comforting classic that will impress your guests and elevate any holiday meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Yukon Gold potatoes 2 pounds
Garlic 4 cloves
Butter 1/2 cup (1 stick)
Heavy cream 1 cup
Fresh chives (chopped) 1/4 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes and cutting them into uniform chunks, around 1-2 inches in size. Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Make sure there is enough water to submerge the potatoes completely.
  2. Add Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the pot with the potatoes. This will infuse the potatoes with delicious garlic flavor as they cook.
  3. Boil the Potatoes: Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and carefully drain the water in a colander. Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a minute to steam off any excess moisture.
  5. Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes and garlic back to the pot. Add in the butter and use a potato masher or a fork to begin mashing them together until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
  6. Add Cream and Season: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to mash the potatoes. Mix until it’s creamy and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Fold in Chives: Finally, gently fold in the chopped fresh chives, reserving a small amount for garnishing if desired.
  8. Serve: Transfer the garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with any reserved chives. Serve warm alongside your festive dishes and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors at your Christmas dinner.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

bacon infused brussels sprouts delight

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delectable side dish that combines the crispy, earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the rich, savory taste of bacon. This dish not only adds an appealing contrast in textures to your Christmas dinner but also brings a delightful burst of flavor that will leave your guests craving more.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts 1.5 pounds
Bacon 6 slices
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional) 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced, optional) 2 cloves

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts.
  2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to clean them. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut the larger sprouts in half to ensure even cooking.
  3. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips. Cook the bacon until it’s crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind, and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces.
  4. Toss Sprouts in Bacon Fat: In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the Brussels sprouts and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to coat the Brussels sprouts evenly with the fat and seasoning.
  5. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to have space between each sprout for optimal roasting. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven. If desired, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for added flavor. Fold in the crumbled bacon and minced garlic (if using). Toss to combine thoroughly.
  7. Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon to a serving dish, and enjoy this flavorful side alongside your Christmas feast.
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Cranberry and Walnut Salad

cranberry walnut spinach salad

Cranberry and Walnut Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a holiday meal. This salad combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the earthy crunch of walnuts, tossed in a light dressing that adds a touch of sweetness. It’s not only visually appealing but also provides a wonderful contrast to heavier dishes traditionally served during Christmas dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh spinach or mixed greens 6 cups
Fresh cranberries 1 cup
Walnuts (chopped) 1/2 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1/4 medium
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Greens: Begin by washing and drying the fresh spinach or mixed greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl as the base for your salad.
  2. Add the Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, then drain them well. Scatter them evenly over the bed of greens in the bowl.
  3. Chop the Walnuts: If not already chopped, roughly chop the walnuts. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant for added flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
  4. Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. It’s best to keep the slices relatively thin to avoid overwhelming the salad with strong onion flavor. Sprinkle the sliced onion over the greens and cranberries.
  5. Crumble the Feta: Add crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad, distributing it evenly to enhance the flavor profile.
  6. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. This dressing will balance the tartness of the cranberries and the richness of the walnuts.
  7. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine them well, ensuring that the dressing coats everything evenly.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cranberry and walnut salad to a serving platter or bowl. Serve immediately as a fresh and delightful side dish alongside your Christmas dinner. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!
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Decadent Chocolate Yule Log Cake

decadent chocolate holiday dessert

Decadent Chocolate Yule Log Cake is a classic dessert that embodies the spirit of Christmas with its rich chocolate flavors and festive presentation. This dessert, also known as Buche de Noel, combines a light sponge cake rolled with luscious chocolate filling and decorated to resemble a log, making it a striking centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup
Granulated sugar 3/4 cup
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Eggs 3 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Water 1/4 cup
Heavy cream 1 cup
Powdered sugar 2 cups
Dark chocolate (chopped) 4 ounces
Butter (unsalted, softened) 1/2 cup
Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting) As needed

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in one bowl and the egg yolks in another. Add water and vanilla extract to the egg yolks and whisk until combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix using a spatula until just combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter until no white streaks remain.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
  6. Roll the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake tightly (with the towel) from the short end. Allow it to cool completely while rolled up.
  7. Make the Chocolate Filling: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Melt them together in a microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well incorporated.
  8. Assemble the Yule Log: Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread the chocolate filling evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up without the towel, starting from the side with filling. Transfer to a serving platter seam-side down.
  9. Decorate the Cake: Use the remaining chocolate filling to frost the outside of the rolled cake, smoothing it out to resemble a log. Optionally, you can create bark-like patterns using a fork for added texture.
  10. Chill and Serve: Chill the decorated cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. Before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy effect. Slice and serve, delighting your guests with this chocolatey holiday treat!