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
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup with Fresh Thyme
Creamy and comforting, this soup is made with pumpkin, wild rice, and fresh herbs. It’s a warm starter or a cozy main dish if you want something lighter. The wild rice gives it a little texture, and it holds up well for leftovers.
Try this pumpkin wild rice soup with this recipe.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Baked Honey Mustard Salmon
This salmon is brushed with a simple honey mustard glaze and baked until tender. It’s light, flavorful, and pairs well with roasted veggies or rice. It’s a good choice if you want something a little different from the usual meats.
Here’s how to make this baked honey mustard salmon with this recipe.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Skillet Pork Chops with Cranberry Dijon Glaze
Pan-seared pork chops get a festive twist with a tart-sweet cranberry Dijon sauce. It’s a quick recipe that still feels right for a holiday dinner. The glaze adds a burst of flavor and makes the dish look holiday-ready.
Try these cranberry Dijon glazed pork chops with this recipe.
14. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Cream Cheese
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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.