So you've been tasked with coming up with a dinner for Christmas, either for just a few people or maybe for a bunch. Don't sweat! We have so many ideas to help you make it through. Christmas dessert is the easy part, but the main course and sides can be just as easy if you're prepared. We pulled together more than 50 options, from pastas to meat and every side dish you can think of, so you can put your Christmas dinner menu together in a flash. Read on to see them all.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
01
Christmas Ham
No holiday meal is complete without a delicious glazed ham.
Get the recipe: Christmas ham
02
Pork Chops With Whiskey Gravy
For a dish with zing, try these pork chops with a twist.
Get the recipe: instant pot pork chops with whiskey gravy
03
Marinated Skirt Steak
Marinated steak is sure to please all your holiday dinner guests.
Get the recipe: marinated skirt steak
04
Slow-Cooker Chicken
Keep it simple with this chicken you can throw in your slow cooker.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker chicken
05
Beef Wellington
Try something a little different for the holidays, like this dish.
Get the recipe: beef wellington
06
Cinnamon Butter Baked Carrots
Even picky eaters won't be able to resist these yummy baked carrots.
Get the recipe: cinnamon butter baked carrots
07
Guinness Beef Pot Pies
With these mini dishes, everyone gets their own.
Get the recipe: Guinness beef pot pies
08
Herb Butter Roast Turkey
This turkey recipe is classic, simple, and delicious.
Get the recipe: herb butter roast turkey
09
Apple Bread Pudding
The apples in this recipe make it unique, and your family will all be begging for seconds.
Get the recipe: apple bread pudding
10
Baked Ham With Crumb Topping
The coating on this ham gives it some crunch and extra flavor.
Get the recipe: baked ham with crumb topping
11
Hoisin-Braised Short Ribs
These short ribs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes.
Get the recipe: hoisin-braised short ribs
12
Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Kick your Brussels sprouts up a notch with bacon.
Get the recipe: Brussels sprouts with bacon
13
Scalloped Potatoes
Channel Chrissy Teigen with this decadent potato recipe for Christmas.
Get the recipe: scalloped potatoes
14
Roast Cauliflower
This cauliflower is anything but basic and boring.
Get the recipe: roast cauliflower
15
Honey Baked Ham
This juicy-but-not-too-sweet main course will have you hearing angels sing — ideal to drown out your uncle who won't stop talking about politics.
Get the recipe: honey baked ham
16
Slow-Cooker Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries, Pecans, and Butternut
Looking for a vegetable dish to feature on your holiday dinner table? Brussels sprouts should not be boring, so if you have a picky eater, try out this recipe.
Get the recipe here: slow-cooker brussels sprouts with cranberries, pecans and butternut
17
Corned Beef and Cabbage
This dish is a staple for many on Jan. 1, as it is fabled to bring good luck in the new year. Best not to chance these things, especially when this meal is so easy to prepare.
Get the recipe: corned beef and cabbage
18
Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Packed with protein, loaded with vegetables, and low in carbs, everyone will enjoy digging into this rich squash. Fill each one with sausage, mushrooms, apples, warm spices, and herbs, and your work is just about done!
Get the recipe here: sausage-stuffed acorn squash
19
Broiled Lobster Tails
Forget dining out, eat in! This easy broiled lobster tail recipe delivers restaurant-quality results. All you have to do is put butter on the meat, pop the tails in a broiler, and dig in.
Get the recipe here: broiled lobster tails
20
Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
If you're looking to indulge for dinner, this creamy casserole is just what you need. Made with rich cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with cream cheese, just one bite of this will leave you wanting more.
Get the recipe here: creamy cauliflower casserole
21
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf
Imagine: rich ground beef full of warm and creamy mozzarella. Yes, please.
Get the recipe here: mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf
22
Balsamic Beef Brisket
Brisket is notoriously tricky to master and can take the better part of a day to tenderize. That is, unless you let the Instant Pot do all the work in just 55 minutes.
Get the recipe: balsamic beef brisket
23
Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
Artichoke dip, but make it a meal. This sinfully delicious lasagna consists of noodles, cheese, artichoke hearts, and more.
Get the recipe here: spinach artichoke lasagna
24
Classic Sunday Pot Roast
If you're busy running around and you have people coming over for dinner, fear not because this pot roast recipe is on your side. Once you prep the food for the pot, simply throw it in, and it'll do the rest.
Get the recipe here: classic Sunday pot roast
25
Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash and Chickpea Pasta
If you're craving mac and cheese but not all the calories, this butternut squash bulks this dish up along with chickpeas for extra protein and nutrients.
Get the recipe here: slow-cooker butternut squash and chickpea pasta
26
Butternut Squash Casserole With Sausage and Sage Breadcrumbs
If you've been eyeing the dessert table, but still want to fill up on a hearty dinner, opt for this butternut squash casserole. With healthy kale and spicy-sweet sausage, you'll be getting veggies and protein. A win-win!
Get the recipe here: butternut squash casserole with sausage and sage breadcrumbs
27
Acorn Squash Stuffed With Wild Rice, Cranberries, and Chickpeas
The best flavors of the season are all right here! Packed inside a single acorn squash, you can find delightful herbs, flavor-packed cranberries, and nutty wild rice. The best part? It's hearty enough to stand on its own for a light dinner.
Get the recipe here: acorn squash stuffed with wild rice, cranberries, and chickpeas
28
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Make room on your plate because this sweet potato casserole is coming through to steal the show! With the perfect strike between savory and sweet, this dish is both vegan and gluten free, meaning everyone can indulge.
Get the recipe here: healthy sweet potato casserole
29
Healthy Lemon Garlic Salmon
If you're looking for a healthy and easy salmon recipe, we've got the thing for you. With only five main ingredients and a cook and prep time of less than 20 minutes, you'll be whipping this up at all hours of the day.
Get the recipe here: healthy lemon garlic salmon
30
Parmesan Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
This casserole recipe is made with limited amounts of butter and non-fat milk, keeping it relatively low-cal but still rich in flavor thanks to the extra sharp cheddar cheese and tender broccoli.
Get the recipe here: parmesan cheesy broccoli casserole
31
Simple Grilled Salmon
Easy, healthy, and oh-so-tasty, does it get any better than salmon? This recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make, so make sure your guests are ready to eat!
Get the recipe here: simple grilled salmon
32
Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Now, you might be asking yourself if this dish healthy or hearty . . . We're here to tell you it's both! Made with low-fat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and wheat pasta as opposed to white, this mac and cheese recipe is the best of both worlds.
Get the recipe here: Brussels sprouts mac and cheese
33
Classic Braised Lamb Shanks
No matter if you make this in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or in the oven, this meal will be over-the-top tasty. With lamb that practically melts in your mouth, be sure to make enough for second and third helpings!
Get the recipe here: classic braised lamb shanks
34
Kale Salad
It's totally acceptable to start your meal with a solid kale salad.
Get the recipe: kale salad
35
Blistered Green Beans
Switch up your typical green bean casserole with these blistered green beans instead.
Get the recipe: blistered green beans
36
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Citrus Salad
This bright salad will set your guests on track for the best meal they've ever had.
Get the recipe: shredded Brussels sprouts citrus salad
37
Beef Tenderloin
This beef dish is so tender, you almost won't even believe it.
Get the recipe: beef tenderloin
38
Braised Red Cabbage
This red cabbage side dish is packed with so much flavor.
Get the recipe: braised red cabbage
39
Sheet-Pan Lamb
Throw everything on a sheet pan for this dish and call it a day.
Get the recipe: sheet-pan lamb
40
Mashed Potatoes
Who could possibly have a holiday meal without mashed potatoes? Not us!
Get the recipe: mashed potatoes
41
Fennel and Orange Salad
This salad will be a completely unexpected start to your holiday meal, which makes it extra fun.
Get the recipe: fennel and orange salad
42
Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin is stuffed with all the goodness your Christmas dinner needs.
Get the recipe: pork tenderloin
43
Beef Tenderloin With Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce
For a rich and creamy main course, try this beef dish.
Get the recipe: beef tenderloin with wild mushroom cream sauce
44
Prime Rib
The mustard cream sauce is truly what makes this prime rib the best you'll ever have.
Get the recipe: prime rib
45
Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad
Whip up this refreshing salad to start off your Christmas meal.
Get the recipe:
46
Green Beans With Bacon
Every meal needs a few sides, and this green bean dish is just that.
Get the recipe: green beans with bacon
47
Creamy Mushroom and Ricotta Pasta
Go for a decadent pasta dish for your Christmas meal, like this supercreamy option.
Get the recipe: creamy mushroom and ricotta pasta
48
Chicken Rice Bowl
If you feel like having a nontraditional holiday meal, this chicken rice bowl is a great alternative.
Get the recipe: chicken rice bowl
49
Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches
These sandwiches feel much more sophisticated than your standard grilled cheese.
Get the recipe: fried mozzarella sandwiches
50
BBQ Beef Brisket
We love a great barbecue dish for any meal, especially when the family's all together for the holidays.
Get the recipe: BBQ beef brisket
51
Instant Pot Pasta e fa*gioli
A warm, hearty soup will start your meal off with a bang.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot pasta e fa*gioli
52
Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole
These sweet potatoes are on a whole new level from what you might expect at a holiday meal.
Get the recipe: twice baked sweet potato casserole
53
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin
Try this broccoli-cauliflower combo for a side dish at your holiday dinner.
Get the recipe: cheesy broccoli cauliflower gratin
54
Crock-Pot Ham
If you make your meat dish in the Crock-Pot, you barely have to do any work!
Get the recipe: Crock-Pot ham
55
Cranberry Butternut Squash Stuffing
This stuffing recipe is oh-so seasonal, and your family will love it.
Get the recipe: cranberry butternut squash stuffing
56
Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
Broccoli becomes irresistible when you mix it with cheese and wild rice.
Get the recipe: broccoli cheese wild rice casserole
57
Stuffed Acorn Squash
These festive little bundles will be a big hit at a dinner party.
Get the recipe: stuffed acorn squash
58
Sweet Potato Casserole
Your sweet potato casserole is instantly made better by putting potato chips on top.
Get the recipe: sweet potato casserole
59
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Bake your cheesy potatoes in the oven with this simple recipe that everyone will love.
Get the recipe: cheesy potato casserole
60
Golden Sweet Potato Soup
Turn your sweet potatoes into this hearty soup and serve it before the main course.
Get the recipe: golden sweet potato soup
61
Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Lighten up your macaroni dish by adding some delicious Brussels sprouts.
Get the recipe: Brussels sprouts mac and cheese
62
Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Throw these meatballs in the Instant Pot and serve them to your guests while you finish the rest of the cooking.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot sweet and spicy meatballs
63
Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast
The fruity flavors of this dish really make the pork sing.
Get the recipe: orange cranberry pork loin roast
64
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
The more cheese, the better when it comes to this potato dish!
Get the recipe: cheesy scalloped potatoes
65
Crock-Pot Potato Soup
A great potato soup goes well with the rest of your Christmas dinner menu.
Get the recipe: Crock-Pot potato soup
66
Shepherd's Pie Mashed Potatoes
By making these turned-up mashed potatoes, you've turned your side dish into a main course.
Get the recipe: shepherd's pie mashed potatoes
67
Instant Pot Lamb Leg
By cooking your holiday meal in the Instant Pot, you can get it done faster and have more time to spend with your loved ones.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot lamb leg
68
Coca-Cola Ham
Bet you didn't know Coca-Cola makes a great glaze, did ya?
Get the recipe: Coca-Cola ham
69
Seared Scallop Ravioli
If you've got a family that loves seafood, try this scallop ravioli for your holiday meal.
Get the recipe: seared scallop ravioli
70
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Classic enough to feel traditional, this green been casserole will make for a mouth-watering main dish. Plus, it's made with Greek yogurt meaning you won't get any of the extra calories.
Get the recipe here: healthy green bean casserole
71
Turkey Soup With Stuffing Dumplings
Searching for a creative way to use up those leftovers? Look no further.
Get the recipe: turkey soup with stuffing dumplings
72