Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Cranberry Glaze

25 Christmas Dinner Recipes That Feel Special Without the Stress

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By Millie Pham

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Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be fancy to feel special. It’s all about comfort, good food, and dishes that bring everyone together.

This list has cozy casseroles, warm soups, fresh salads, and slow-cooked meats. You’ll find both classic and fun new ideas to fit your holiday style.

Whether you’re cooking for a few or a full table, these recipes are warm, easy, and made to share. Pick your favorites and enjoy the moment.

1. Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Cranberry Glaze

Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Cranberry Glaze

This ham is glazed with a sweet cranberry and brown sugar mix that gets sticky and caramelized in the oven. It’s flavorful and feeds a crowd, making it a great centerpiece for your holiday meal. You can serve it hot or at room temperature, and the leftovers are great for sandwiches.

Get the recipe for this holiday cranberry-glazed ham right here.

2. Pineapple Ham Steaks

Pineapple Ham Steaks

These ham steaks cook up quickly in a skillet and get topped with warm pineapple rings. The mix of sweet and salty flavors makes this dish feel special without needing much effort. It’s a simple dinner that still feels full of flavor.

You can make these tasty pineapple ham steaks with this easy recipe.

3. Crockpot Catalina Roast Beef

This slow cooker roast beef comes out tender and full of flavor. Catalina dressing gives it a tangy, sweet taste that makes it different from regular pot roast. It’s a great dish to serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

Try this simple Crockpot Catalina roast beef with these steps.

4. Ham and Corn Chowder

Ham and Corn Chowder

This creamy soup is full of ham, corn, and soft potatoes. It’s warm, filling, and a good way to use leftover ham. You don’t need many ingredients to make it, and it comes together in one pot.

Here’s how to make this easy ham and corn chowder at home.

5. Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham

Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham

This baked ham gets coated in a glaze made with cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard. It’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. The outside turns a little sticky as it bakes, adding lots of flavor in every bite.

You can follow this recipe for cranberry Dijon glazed ham right here.

6. Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Roasting the tomatoes brings out more flavor in this smooth, creamy soup. It pairs perfectly with a simple grilled cheese sandwich. This combo makes a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to put together any night of the week.

Make this creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese using this recipe.

7. Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham

Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham

This slow cooker ham is made with a few simple ingredients and turns out juicy and flavorful. It’s great for the holidays but also easy enough for any weekend dinner. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.

Get the steps for this Amish-style Christmas ham with this recipe.

8. Crockpot Orange Cranberry Pork Chops

Crockpot Orange Cranberry Pork Chops

These pork chops cook in the slow cooker with a mix of orange and cranberry, giving them a sweet and tangy taste. The sauce keeps the meat tender and adds lots of flavor. It’s a great change from plain pork chops.

Here’s how to make these orange cranberry pork chops in your slow cooker.

9. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple

Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple

This baked ham is covered with brown sugar and topped with pineapple slices. As it cooks, the sugar melts into a sweet glaze that coats the meat. It’s an easy dish that works for holidays or anytime you want something warm and comforting.

Try this sweet and savory baked ham with pineapple using this method.

10. Crockpot Christmas Cranberry Pot Roast

Crockpot Christmas Cranberry Pot Roast

This pot roast cooks low and slow in a mix of cranberry and spices. It’s full of rich flavor and turns very tender. It’s a nice twist on a classic pot roast and easy to make in the crockpot.

You can make this tasty cranberry pot roast with this recipe.

11. Thai Coconut Potsticker Soup

Thai Coconut Potsticker Soup

This soup has a creamy coconut broth with potstickers, veggies, and a little spice. It’s warm, full of flavor, and comes together quickly. It’s a fun way to use frozen potstickers in something new.

Check out this flavorful Thai coconut soup with potstickers right here.

12. Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Loin

Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Loin

This pork loin cooks low and slow in a sweet pineapple glaze with hints of garlic. It’s tender, juicy, and full of warm flavor that works well with other holiday sides. The sauce thickens as it cooks, making a delicious drizzle for serving.
Make this pineapple brown sugar pork loin using this recipe.

13. Garlic Herb Butter Prime Rib Roast

This prime rib roast is coated with garlic herb butter and roasted until it’s golden outside and juicy inside. It’s rich, simple to season, and makes an impressive main dish. You can pair it with simple sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Here’s the guide to this prime rib roast with garlic butter from this recipe.

14. Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops

Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops

These pork chops are cooked with ranch seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini for a tangy, savory dish. They come out tender and full of flavor with almost no prep. The juices make a great topping for mashed potatoes or rice.
Make these Mississippi-style crock pot pork chops using this easy recipe.

15. Pomegranate Feta Christmas Salad

Pomegranate Feta Christmas Salad

Bright pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and mixed greens come together in this colorful salad. It’s fresh, festive, and adds a nice contrast to richer dishes. The crunchy nuts and tangy vinaigrette give it a perfect finishing touch.
Check out the steps for this pomegranate feta salad right here.

16. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with chunks of ham and baked in a creamy sauce until golden. It’s a filling side or even a full meal depending on your spread. The top gets golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and cheesy.
Try this classic scalloped potatoes with ham from this recipe.

17. Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with Red Wine Gravy

Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with Red Wine Gravy

This pork tenderloin cooks in a slow cooker with herbs and red wine, creating a rich gravy. It’s flavorful, hands-off, and easy to serve with mashed potatoes or rice. The meat slices beautifully and holds its shape for a nice presentation.
Make this pork tenderloin with red wine gravy by following this recipe.

18. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake

This pasta bake has a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cottage cheese, giving it a lighter twist. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for a comforting side. You can add vegetables or cooked chicken if you want to make it a main dish.
Try this creamy cottage cheese Alfredo bake with this recipe.

19. Spinach and Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bake

Spinach and Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bake

Layered with noodles, spinach, and a creamy cottage cheese filling, this lasagna is hearty and satisfying. It’s a great vegetarian option that still feels like a main dish. It reheats well and can be made ahead to save time.
Make this spinach cottage cheese lasagna using this recipe.

20. Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

Roasted with garlic and rosemary, this leg of lamb is tender and packed with savory flavor. It’s perfect for a traditional dinner and pairs nicely with simple sides. Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices in and the texture tender.
Get the full recipe for this garlic rosemary leg of lamb right here.

21. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Cream Cheese

Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole

This version of green bean casserole is made with cream cheese and crispy bacon for extra richness. It’s creamy, comforting, and great alongside any main dish. The bacon adds smoky flavor that stands out in every bite.
Make this green bean casserole with bacon by following this recipe.

22. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Roasted with garlic herb butter, this turkey comes out crisp on the outside and juicy inside. It’s a classic holiday choice that never goes out of style. The butter helps keep the meat moist while adding rich flavor throughout.
Here’s the recipe for this herb butter roast turkey right here.

23. Crockpot Cranberry Chipotle Pulled Pork with Maple Glaze

Crockpot Cranberry Chipotle Pulled Pork with Maple Glaze

This pulled pork has a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor thanks to cranberry, chipotle, and maple. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker and great for serving with buns or mashed potatoes. The glaze thickens as it cooks, making every bite bold and rich.
Make this cranberry chipotle pulled pork with this easy recipe.

24. Christmas Arugula Pear Goat Cheese Salad

Christmas Arugula Pear Goat Cheese Salad

Fresh arugula, sweet pears, and creamy goat cheese make this salad feel light and bright. It’s topped with nuts or a simple vinaigrette to bring it all together. The mix of sweet and peppery flavors makes it a great contrast to heavier main dishes.
Try this festive arugula pear goat cheese salad with this recipe.

25. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops

These pork chops are slow-cooked in a sweet and garlicky sauce until tender and flavorful. They go well with simple sides like rice or roasted vegetables. The sauce thickens into a glaze that adds extra richness to each bite.
Here’s the recipe for these honey garlic pork chops right here.

Final Thoughts

Christmas dinner should be comforting, tasty, and not too stressful to pull off. Whether you go for a roast, something from the slow cooker, or a cozy baked side, this list has you covered. Many of these recipes can be prepped ahead or cooked slowly while you enjoy time with others.

Pick the dishes that feel right, and focus on enjoying the meal with the people around you.

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