7 Christmas Dinner Recipes You Can Batch Cook and Portion for the Week

As we approach the holiday season, the idea of preparing a festive meal can be daunting. I’ve found that batch cooking can save time and reduce stress during this busy period. Imagine enjoying a delicious Christmas dinner spread throughout the week, without the last-minute rush. I’ve compiled seven recipes that are not only flavorful but also easy to portion and reheat. Let’s explore how these dishes can transform your holiday experience.

Classic Roast Turkey With Herb Butter

A classic roast turkey with herb butter is a staple centerpiece for any Christmas dinner. This dish boasts succulent, tender meat infused with the flavors of fresh herbs, and crispy golden skin that will delight your guests and create a festive atmosphere. Follow this simple recipe to prepare a perfect holiday turkey that is sure to impress.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging, and take out the giblets and neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels both inside and out.
4. Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey by sliding your fingers under the skin over the breast and legs. Be careful not to tear the skin. Take half of the herb butter mixture and spread it evenly under the skin. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.
5. Stuff the Turkey: Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the halved lemons, quartered onion, and any remaining fresh herbs if desired.
6. Truss the Turkey: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs of the turkey together, and tuck the wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking.
7. Prepare the Roasting Pan: In a large roasting pan, arrange the chopped carrots and celery to create a bed for the turkey. Place the turkey breast side up on top of the vegetables.
8. Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to help keep the turkey moist during cooking.
9. Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the turkey, basting with the pan juices every 30-45 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the turkey, approximately 13-15 minutes per pound.
10. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C). If the turkey skin is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
11. Rest the Turkey: Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven, and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
12. Carve and Serve: Carve the turkey, serve it on a platter, and enjoy your delicious classic roast turkey with herb butter at your Christmas dinner!

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, making them a perfect side dish for your Christmas dinner. These potatoes are velvety smooth and infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, making them a delightful complement to your holiday feast. They are easy to prepare and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your table.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks, about 1-2 inches in diameter. This will ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
3. Roast the Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the roasted garlic. If you haven’t done this ahead of time, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off of a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for about 30 minutes until the cloves are soft. Allow to cool slightly before squeezing out the roasted garlic.
4. Drain and Steam Dry: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and set it back on the stove over low heat for a minute or two. This will help release any excess moisture and ensure your mashed potatoes aren’t watery.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes to your desired consistency. For extra creaminess, you can also use a ricer or food mill.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and the roasted garlic (squeezed out of the skins) to the mashed potatoes. Stir until everything is well combined and the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
7. Seasoning: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
8. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy garlic mashed potatoes warm alongside your holiday turkey and other festive dishes. Enjoy!

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Honey-Glazed Carrots With Thyme

Honey-glazed carrots with thyme are a delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your Christmas dinner table. The natural sweetness of fresh carrots is enhanced by a honey glaze, and the earthy aroma of thyme complements the dish beautifully. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it a favorite among family and friends.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Start by washing and peeling the fresh carrots. If they are large, cut them into evenly sized pieces or sticks, about 2-3 inches long. If they are baby carrots, you can leave them whole.
2. Boil the Carrots: Fill a medium-sized pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the carrots and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
3. Drain the Carrots: Once the carrots are cooked, drain them in a colander to remove any excess water. Set them aside.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the honey and chopped fresh thyme to the skillet. Stir the mixture well to combine.
5. Glaze the Carrots: Add the drained carrots to the skillet with the honey glaze. Gently stir the carrots to coat them evenly with the glaze, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes. This will allow the carrots to absorb the flavors of the honey and thyme.
6. Season and Serve: Season the glazed carrots with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well. Once they are heated through and well coated, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the honey-glazed carrots to a serving platter.
7. Garnish (optional): For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a few extra fresh thyme leaves on top before serving to enhance the presentation. Serve warm as part of your Christmas dinner.

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Savory Stuffing With Sausage and Cranberries

Savory stuffing with sausage and cranberries is a hearty and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements your Christmas dinner. This stuffing combines the rich taste of sausage with the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and will surely be a hit with your family and guests.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bulk Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a bowl, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, cubed bread, chopped parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the chicken broth to the bread mixture. Stir until the bread is moistened but not soggy. You may adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on how moist you want the stuffing to be.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to compact it.
6. Bake the Stuffing: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Fluff the stuffing with a fork and serve warm alongside your favorite holiday dishes.

Enjoy this savory stuffing with sausage and cranberries as a flavorful addition to your Christmas feast!

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Balsamic Brussel Sprouts With Bacon

Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Bacon is a deliciously savory side dish that combines the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon and the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar. This dish is not only festive but also simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner table.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brussel Sprouts: Begin by rinsing the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Cut each sprout in half from top to bottom.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Brussel Sprouts: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Add Flavor Components: Once the Brussels sprouts are browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Combine Ingredients: Crumble the crispy bacon and add it back to the skillet along with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to coat the Brussels sprouts and bacon evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Finish Cooking: Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender yet still slightly crisp.
7. Serve: Transfer the Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Bacon to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for garnish before serving. Enjoy your delightful side dish with your Christmas dinner!

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Festive Green Bean Casserole

Festive Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish that brings together the fresh taste of green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions. This comforting casserole is perfect for Christmas dinner, adding both flavor and nostalgia to your festive table.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Start by rinsing the fresh green beans under cool water. Trim the ends off each bean and cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired. You can choose to blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes for a tender-crisp texture. After blanching, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the Casserole Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared green beans to the soup mixture, making sure they are well coated. If you are using shredded cheese, you can fold it into the mixture at this point for extra creaminess.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the fried onions.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbling and heated through.
6. Add Topping: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a little. Enjoy your Festive Green Bean Casserole as a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner!

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Rich Chocolate Ganache Tart

Rich Chocolate Ganache Tart is an indulgent dessert that is perfect for a festive Christmas dinner. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth, velvety chocolate ganache filling, this tart is a chocolate lover’s dream. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a delightful ending to your holiday meal.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Melt the unsalted butter and pour it into the dry mixture. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
2. Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
3. Make the Ganache: While the crust is cooling, chop the semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it is just about to boil. Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
4. Mix the Ganache: After the waiting time, stir the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. If you want, you can sift in some cocoa powder for added richness and stir until combined.
5. Fill the Tart: Once the crust is completely cool, pour the ganache mixture into the crust, spreading it into an even layer. Tap the tart pan gently on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles and ensure an even filling.
6. Chill the Tart: Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the ganache is set. This will allow the tart to firm up and make it easier to slice.
7. Serve: Once set, carefully remove the tart from the pan. You can dust the top with cocoa powder for a finishing touch. Slice into wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Rich Chocolate Ganache Tart as a luxurious conclusion to your Christmas dinner!