33 Christmas Dinner Recipes Perfect for Gatherings this Christmas Season

During holiday planning, having 33 Christmas dinner recipes ready to reference makes hosting feel more manageable. This mix keeps things grounded without adding pressure to the day. Around the table, the focus stays on comfort and ease. You will notice how simple it becomes to build a welcoming Christmas meal.

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Savory French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

There’s something magical about the way this Savory French Onion Casserole transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort. Warm, rich flavors greet you with every spoonful, making it unforgettable at any holiday table. Guests often reach for seconds before even finishing their first bite. You’ll hear plenty of people asking for the recipe afterward.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary. — Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bubbling away all day, this Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast brings out aromas that fill your home with cheer. The fall-apart texture means no knife required, just a big spoon. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a classic, heartwarming main. I always make sure to have a generous batch, knowing leftovers disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Sliced breaded chicken rolls filled with ham and cheese, topped with creamy sauce and garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unwrapping this Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu at Christmas dinner feels a little luxurious. Crispy on the outside yet wonderfully juicy inside, it adds a festive twist to the table. I’ve found that every slice sparks excitement, especially when paired with bright holiday side dishes. It’s comfort and celebration all on one plate.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper. — Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy clouds of this Buttery Mashed Potatoes are hands-down the side everyone seems to crave. Silky texture and that unmistakable richness set the scene for a memorable meal. There never seems to be enough, so I always prepare extra. The empty bowl at the end says it all.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible. — Hearty Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

For those who want something a little unexpected, this Hearty Cabbage Casserole stands out. It’s cozy, nourishing, and brings subtle layers of flavor that work so well on cold December nights. The rich sauce mingling with cabbage is surprisingly irresistible. People are always curious about it and rarely guess what’s inside.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with a fruit-based sauce, being drizzled with additional sauce from a spoon. — Crockpot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Waking up to the aroma of this Crockpot Turkey Breast is half the magic of Christmas morning. Slow-cooked until perfectly juicy and flavorful, it guarantees a fuss-free feast. Every slice stays moist, even hours later. Friends have told me it’s the best turkey they’ve had outside of a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A close-up of a slice of potato casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Swirls of creamy goodness set this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham apart as a true holiday treat. Layers bake together in a luscious, golden blanket that draws raves every single time. The blend of flavors makes it feel special without being complicated. I look forward to enjoying leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

A close-up of two baked savory stuffing balls with visible chunks of onion, celery, herbs, and bread on a golden tray. — Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Guests always perk up when they spot these Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls tucked among the usual sides. Bite-sized and bursting with festive flavors, they’re a clever spin on classic stuffing. The sweetness of cranberry mingles delightfully with savory bites. People often ask how they’re made, wanting to recreate that holiday feeling.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Roasted Turkey Legs

Three cooked turkey legs with herbs and chopped onions are arranged on a white oval platter, garnished with a sprig of parsley. — Roasted Turkey Legs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Carving into these Roasted Turkey Legs delivers plenty of holiday drama. The skin comes out perfectly crisp while the meat stays tender and flavorful. They’re absolutely popular, especially for anyone who prefers dark meat over white. Sharing a platter of juicy legs feels downright celebratory.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it. — Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gliding your fork through these Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes is pure joy. Thin layers are baked in a silky cream bath, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels sophisticated yet simple. This side is often the star at gatherings, sparking plenty of compliments. I always hope there’s just one slice left for midnight snacking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning. — Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Beneath a gorgeous green hue, this Tender Roasted Broccoli hides nutty, caramelized flavors that surprise every time. Roast it up and watch people circle back for another helping. Bright, fresh notes cut through all the richness of the main spread. Even the veggie skeptics start reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

After one spoonful of this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole, I realized it’s so much more than just a basic veggie dish. Velvety and rich, it delivers a pop of flavor that pairs perfectly with ham or turkey, adding depth to the meal. All the creamy cheese makes it unforgettable. You’ll notice folks hunting for the recipe card.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs. — Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Looking for simplicity after weeks of holiday hustle? This Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner keeps things neat, quick, and delicious. I love how the flavors all roast together with very little fuss, but the results still feel special. Guests appreciate the ease, and cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

A roasted turkey stuffed with vegetables is served on a platter, surrounded by various side dishes including rolls, salad, and stuffing. — Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

At first glance, this Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing steals the show with its glistening skin. Once sliced, each serving reveals that festive stuffing tucked inside. I’ve watched people go back for more, just to get extra cranberry in each bite. It’s the centerpiece folks will remember for years.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish. — Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Winter nights call for the cozy charm of this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. Each forkful brings layers of warmth that fill you up in all the right ways. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and feels just right next to classic holiday sides. When I serve it, smiles always follow.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Turkey Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce, grated cheese, and chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the plate. — Turkey Bolognese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A holiday twist breathes new life into gatherings with this Turkey Bolognese. Rich, slow-cooked sauce transforms ground turkey into something completely memorable. Pair it with pasta or potatoes for an unexpected main that keeps everyone interested. You’ll notice people dig in for extra, catching up over second servings.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bolognese

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rolling out this Savory Cornbread Stuffing brings a whiff of Southern hospitality to your Christmas table. The touch of sweetness tucked inside makes each bite more interesting. I find that it pairs beautifully with nearly any roast, offering a comforting contrast to richer mains. It’s the dish no one skips over.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Classic Shepherds Pie

A baked shepherd's pie with a golden mashed potato topping, partially served to reveal ground meat, peas, carrots, and gravy in a white dish. — Classic Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Beneath that golden crust, this Classic Shepherds Pie hides a hearty and welcoming mix that never disappoints. It’s a complete meal in itself; filling, flavorful, and undeniably festive during the holidays. Each spoonful feels like a little bit of celebration. At big gatherings, guests return for messy seconds.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherds Pie

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Not your usual Christmas veg, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze shine brighter than you’d expect. The tangy glaze balances out the rich, roasted edges, keeping everyone curious. Even folks who “don’t like Brussels sprouts” often reconsider after just one nibble. They disappear faster than you’d guess.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Hearty Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro. — Hearty Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When temperatures drop, this Hearty Turkey Chili brings all the warmth you’ll need. Thick and bold, it’s loaded with flavors that taste like comfort in every bowl. I usually make extra since guests ask for seconds, whether for lunch or dinner. Sharing stories over a steaming pot feels perfectly festive.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs. — Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Wrapped together in one easy dish, this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole delivers softness and crispness with every forkful. Layers of homey flavor make it a must-have during cold December evenings. It’s a familiar classic that never feels ordinary. People almost always come back for an extra scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top. — Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

People line up fast when they hear about these Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. The flavors combine in a way that’s almost impossible to describe; creamy, bold, and full of warmth. I’ve noticed kids and adults alike hover near the serving spoon. It’s a celebration of comfort food at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Hearty Beef Pot Pie

A golden-brown homemade pie with a flaky crust, garnished with a sprig of rosemary on the side. — Hearty Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Thick, golden pastry tops this Hearty Beef Pot Pie, holding in a bounty of bold flavors. Inside, every bite is packed with tender meat and just enough seasoning. I love watching the faces light up as it’s served steaming hot. The flaky crust is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Pot Pie

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges. — Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Trying this Copycat Honey Baked Ham once convinced me you never need to order out again. Sweet and succulent, it’s as showstopping as any centerpiece should be. The glossy finish draws eyes and compliments from all around the table. Slices disappear long before the conversation does.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes. — Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Emerging from the oven, this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini makes everything feel extra special. Silky sauce, hidden bits of turkey, and perfectly baked noodles draw everyone in for big, generous helpings. Friends often ask how there’s so much flavor packed in each bite. It’s a cozy classic for holiday nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Tender Roast Beef

Sliced roast beef served on a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary. — Tender Roast Beef. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Inviting everyone to carve into this Tender Roast Beef starts the meal off with lots of “oohs” and “ahhs.” The deep color and juicy texture make for an impressive centerpiece. I enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first serving. Every plate comes back clean; that’s always a good sign.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roast Beef

Ham Steaks

A cooked pork chop with brown sauce is served on a white plate alongside steamed asparagus spears. — Ham Steaks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Thick slices of these Ham Steaks turn a regular meal into something memorable. The hearty texture makes it ideal for sharing with a group, especially alongside festive sides. I like to serve this when I want something a little traditional with a twist. You’ll notice people appreciate the simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Ham Steaks

Rich Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. — Rich Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pouring out generous bowls of this Rich Beef Bourguignon never fails to make people feel welcome. It’s slow-cooked and full of robust flavor that wraps you in warmth. The aroma alone sets the scene for laughter and conversation. Leftovers may be rare, but they taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Rich Beef Bourguignon

Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Someone serving broccoli casserole. — Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every holiday table benefits from a dish like this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves. Creamy texture and gentle flavors make it a hit with all ages. I spot plenty of folks sneaking scoops even after dessert is served. It’s one greenery dish I never have to remind people to try.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Hearty Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby. — Hearty Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serving up steaming bowls of this Hearty Beef Chili always sparks lively conversation. Deep, layered flavors fill the kitchen with excitement and anticipation. There’s something uniquely comforting about big pots shared with friends. It warms everyone from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan. — Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cut into these Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes and you’ll hear the crunch before you taste the layers. These golden slices don’t just look gorgeous; they’re irresistibly good with every bite. I enjoy watching everyone inspect the perfect little fans. They’re as fun to eat as they are to serve.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface. — Crispy Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

That first crackle when serving this Crispy Pork Belly draws everyone’s attention. Rich and succulent, it’s a bold alternative for anyone looking to shake up their Christmas menu. Friends often request it again, loving both the taste and the texture. I save a piece for myself, just in case.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly

Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glistening under its golden glaze, this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham brings festive sweetness to the dinner spread. Juicy ham with fruit always feels extra special at Christmas. I’ve noticed guests linger by the buffet, hoping for another slice. It’s tradition with a little holiday sparkle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham