7 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas for Cooks Who Hate Complicated Instructions

When it comes to planning a Christmas dinner, I know the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. I’ve found that keeping things simple can make the holiday enjoyable, rather than stressful. From one-pan meals to slow cooker options, there are plenty of easy ideas that won’t leave you tied to the kitchen. If you’re curious about flavorful dishes that come together effortlessly, you might want to consider these options.

One-Pan Herb-Roasted Chicken

One-Pan Herb-Roasted Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the juicy flavor of roasted chicken with aromatic herbs and seasonal vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a festive Christmas dinner or any special occasion. The one-pan method not only simplifies preparation and clean-up but also allows the delicious flavors to meld together as everything cooks.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the chicken to roast perfectly, giving it a crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, including under the skin for added flavor.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this herbal mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken and place the squeezed lemon halves inside the cavity of the chicken.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and quartered onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are well coated.
5. Assemble in the Pan: Place the seasoned chicken in the center of a large roasting pan or baking sheet. Surround it with the prepared vegetables, making sure they are spread out evenly.
6. Roast the Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through the cooking time for extra moisture.
7. Check for Doneness: Ensure the juices run clear from the chicken when pierced at the thickest part of the thigh. If the chicken skin is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
9. Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it on a platter with the roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious One-Pan Herb-Roasted Chicken with family and friends!

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Sheet Pan Salmon With Vegetables

Sheet Pan Salmon With Vegetables is a healthy and delicious option for your Christmas dinner that requires minimal effort and cleanup. This vibrant dish combines protein-packed salmon fillets with a variety of colorful vegetables, all roasted together on one pan for a mouthwatering meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the salmon and vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly and are infused with flavor.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, cherry tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated.
3. Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer on one side of the sheet, leaving space for the salmon fillets.
4. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the empty side of the baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and mince the garlic over the salmon, spreading it evenly. Top with lemon slices.
5. Roast in the Oven: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Check for Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C). If desired, you can switch the oven to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a crispy top on the salmon.
7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Plate the salmon and vegetables, drizzling any pan juices over the top for added flavor. Enjoy your festive and healthy Christmas dinner!

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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for warming up during the chilly holiday season. This classic meal combines tender strips of beef with creamy mushroom sauce and is served over noodles or rice, making it an ideal option for a stress-free Christmas dinner that can be prepared in advance.

Cooking Steps:

1. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef sirloin and season with salt and black pepper. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker over the beef and vegetables. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Cook the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the cooking time is up, stir in the sour cream into the beef stroganoff mixture until well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Serve: To plate, serve the beef stroganoff over a bed of egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this deliciously creamy and comforting meal as part of your Christmas dinner!

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Easy Baked Ziti With Spinach

Easy Baked Ziti With Spinach is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, all baked to perfection with a golden cheesy topping. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also makes for a great crowd-pleaser during the holiday season or any family gathering.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Sauté Spinach: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
5. Combine Ingredients: In the pot with ziti, add the marinara sauce and wilted spinach. Mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the spinach is evenly distributed.
6. Layer the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Then, spoon the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the layered pasta. If desired, you can also add extra Parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your festive Christmas dinner!

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Simple Glazed Ham

Simple Glazed Ham is a festive and delectable centerpiece that’s perfect for any holiday gathering, especially Christmas. This dish features a succulent ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture, resulting in a beautifully caramelized exterior and juicy, flavorful meat inside. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees to impress your guests.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Ham: If not pre-sliced, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
3. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat.
4. Place the Ham in the Oven: Position the ham on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Resourceful tip: baste the ham with the juices from the pan every 30 minutes.
6. Add More Glaze: After the ham has baked for the recommended time, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham.
7. Caramelize the Glaze: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the ham uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze becomes bubbly and caramelized.
8. Rest the Ham: Once finished, remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
9. Serve: Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with pan drippings if desired. Enjoy your delicious Simple Glazed Ham at your holiday celebration!

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Quick and Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Quick and Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a comforting and elegant dish that brings a burst of flavor and richness to your Christmas dinner. This creamy rice dish, enriched with earthy mushrooms and a touch of Parmesan cheese, can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a great addition to your holiday spread without demanding too much time in the kitchen.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling as you’ll need it later.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and browned.
4. Toast the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast for about 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.
5. Deglaze with Wine: If using, pour in the white wine and simmer until it has mostly evaporated, stirring continuously.
6. Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladle at a time. Stir continuously until the liquid is almost completely absorbed before adding the next ladle. Repeat this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente. If you run out of broth before the rice is fully cooked, you can use hot water to continue the process.
7. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the risotto from heat and let it sit for a moment. Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy this creamy delight at your holiday table!

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No-Bake Cheesecake for Dessert

No-Bake Cheesecake is a delightful and creamy dessert that is perfect for your Christmas dinner. This simple yet elegant treat requires no baking, making it easy to prepare ahead of time. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich cream cheese filling, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
2. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps for a velvety texture.
3. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Incorporate Lemon Juice: Add the lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture and mix until evenly combined. The lemon juice will add a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
5. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, use the electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can lead to a grainy texture.
6. Fold in Heavy Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Start by adding about one-third of the whipped cream to lighten the mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain. Be careful to maintain the airy texture.
7. Pour and Spread the Filling: Take the crust out of the refrigerator and pour the cream cheese filling over it. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the top.
8. Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. This will allow the cheesecake to firm up properly.
9. Serve and Garnish: Once chilled and set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Top the cheesecake with fresh fruit or fruit sauce before serving if desired. Slice into wedges and enjoy this creamy, decadent dessert!