Christmas dinner is one of the most beloved holiday meals. Families and friends gather together on Christmas Day to enjoy a delicious feast and each other’s company. While Christmas dinner menus can vary greatly based on family traditions and region, there are some classic dishes that are staples at most Christmas meals.
Appetizers
Many Christmas dinners start off with some appetizers and finger foods to nibble on while the main meal finishes cooking. Some popular appetizers for Christmas include:
- Cheese board with assorted cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and crackers
- Shrimp cocktail
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Bacon wrapped scallops
- Smoked salmon
- Bruschetta
- Fruit and cheese platters
These appetizers provide a nice start to the big meal and allow time for the hosts to put finishing touches on the main dishes.
Soups
Soups are a great way to start off a heavy Christmas dinner. Some soups commonly served before or alongside the main meal include:
- Tomato soup
- Butternut squash soup
- Loaded baked potato soup
- Lobster bisque
- French onion soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Chowder
These soups can be served as a first course or enjoyed throughout the meal. They add comforting warmth along with great flavors.
Main Dishes
The main event of Christmas dinner is usually an impressive roasted meat entree. Here are some of the most popular centerpiece main dishes:
Roasted Turkey
Turkey is hands-down the most iconic Christmas dinner entree. A golden roasted turkey is served with stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Turkey is large enough to feed a crowd and its mild flavor appeals to most palates.
Honey Baked Ham
For those who prefer pork or want a non-turkey option, a glazed ham makes a perfect Christmas main. The sweet and salty ham contrast beautifully with side dishes like scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Prime Rib
For beef lovers, a standout choice is prime rib. Slow roasted prime rib cooked to a perfect medium-rare is exceptionally tender and flavorful. It feels extra special when served during the holidays.
Rack of Lamb
Rack of lamb makes for an elegant and luxurious Christmas dinner centerpiece. The rack is often crusted with herbs and garlic then roasted until juicy and pink on the inside. It’s a real treat.
Roast Goose/Duck
While less common than turkey, some households opt for roasted goose or duck. Goose and duck have rich, dark meat with crispy skin that is delicious during the holidays.
| Main Dish | Cooking Method | Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Turkey | Baked in the oven, basted | Stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce |
| Honey Baked Ham | Glazed and baked | Scalloped potatoes, pineapple slices |
| Prime Rib | Slow roasted in the oven | Yorkshire pudding, au jus |
| Rack of Lamb | Herb crusted and roasted | Mint jelly, red wine sauce |
| Roast Goose/Duck | Roasted in the oven | Orange or cherry sauce |
Side Dishes
Alongside the main event are an assortment of traditional Christmas side dishes. These are some must-have sides:
Stuffing/Dressing
A flavorful stuffing or dressing is an essential part of a Christmas meal. It’s often baked inside the turkey to absorb all the delicious juices and flavors. Traditional stuffing combines ingredients like bread cubes, celery, onions, butter, broth, and herbs.
Mashed Potatoes
What better accompaniment to a Christmas feast than a heaping bowl of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes? Russet potatoes are boiled and mashed with butter, milk, and seasonings for a quintessential starchy side.
Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter side, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, and asparagus are perfect. Roasted vegetable medleys add great flavors and colors to the plate.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are also a popular Christmas side. Potatoes are chopped into cubes, seasoned, and roasted in the oven until browned and tender – the perfect balance to a rich holiday meal.
Green Bean Casserole
This classic green bean casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions for an indulgent, creamy side dish with some crunch. It’s a staple at many holiday meals.
Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy dinner rolls are ideal for sopping up the delicious sauces and gravies served with Christmas dinner. Crescent rolls, biscuits, and sourdough rolls pair nicely.
Cranberry Sauce
Tart, sweet cranberry sauce provides the perfect counterbalance to salty and savory dishes. It’s traditionally paired with turkey and stuffing.
| Side Dish | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Stuffing/Dressing | Bread cubes, celery, onions, broth, herbs |
| Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, butter, milk |
| Roasted Vegetables | Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, asparagus |
| Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, oil, seasonings |
| Green Bean Casserole | Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions |
| Dinner Rolls | Flour, yeast, salt, butter |
| Cranberry Sauce | Cranberries, sugar |
Desserts
Last but certainly not least is dessert! Here are some festive treats to end Christmas dinner on a sweet note:
Yule Log
This festive dessert resembles a miniature log decorated with icing and holly to look like a Yule log. The cake roll is filled with rich buttercream or chocolate ganache.
Fruit Cake
The traditional fruit cake contains nuts, dried fruits, spices, and spirits like brandy or rum. Dark, moist, and dense, fruit cake is a classic Christmas dessert with many fans and detractors.
Gingerbread Cake
Gingerbread cake flavored with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves feels perfectly at home during the holidays. It’s decorated with sweet icing and candy.
Peppermint Bark
Candy cane-flavored peppermint bark features layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies. It’s an easy, festive confection to serve after dinner.
Eggnog
What better beverage to sip with Christmas dessert than rich, creamy eggnog? Spiked with rum or bourbon, eggnog has a hint of holiday spice.
Hot Chocolate
And for the kids, a mug of hot chocolate is the perfect sweet treat after a big meal. Topped with marshmallows or candy canes, it warms you right up.
| Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Yule Log | Cake roll filled with chocolate or buttercream |
| Fruit Cake | Dense cake with dried fruits and nuts |
| Gingerbread Cake | Molasses and spice flavored cake |
| Peppermint Bark | Chocolate layered with crushed candy canes |
| Eggnog | Spiked, creamy eggnog |
| Hot Chocolate | Rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows |
Conclusion
Christmas dinner is filled with cherished dishes and flavors that have stood the test of time. From appetizers, soups, main entrees, savory sides, and decadent desserts, the meal is highly anticipated and brings joy to all. While family recipes and preferences may differ, the traditional turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, breads, pies, and eggnog are classics for good reason. They satisfy and delight on the most wonderful day of the year. Christmas dinner is a feast for the stomach and the soul!