The best Christmas recipes and menu for the season is here! It looks like the holidays is looking very different for many of us this year. Most of us are planning a small and intimate dinner for our immediate family, some might be planning a virtual celebration, or some might still be cooking up a huge feast and boxing it up for family and friends.

However you are celebrating this year, let me make it easy by sharing lots of options for planning out the best Christmas recipes and menu, including everything from appetizers, the main course, side dishes, soup and salad, bread, dessert and festive drinks. I even share some recipes for all those delicious Christmas dinner leftovers.
Christmas Appetizers
Before we dig into our epic Christmas dinner feast, we need something to snack on. Try a classic holiday charcuterie board with creamy hummus and sourdough crackers, quick and easy classic deviled eggs, or bite-sized crostini like tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze or curried white bean crostini.
Pick one to three of the following starters to feature on your Christmas dinner menu:
Toasted Ravioli
Creamy Artichoke Dip
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Baked Ricotta
Fried Goat Cheese Balls
Easy Baked Meatballs
Cranberry Brie Bites
Homemade Ranch Dip
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Roasted Chestnuts (Three Ways)
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Pigs in a Blanket
Antipasto Skewers
Mashed Potato Balls
Olive Tapenade
Veggie Tray
Whipped Feta Crostini
Cranberry Baked Brie
Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
Candied Pecans
Whipped Feta
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Caramelized Onion Dip
Fig Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche
Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust
Pesto Hummus
Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Whipped Ricotta Dip
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon
Baked Spinach Dip
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
Baked Apple Chips
Sourdough Discard Crackers with Sesame Seeds
Apple and Arugula Flatbread
Curried White Bean Crostini with Toasted Pepitas
Butternut Squash Galette (Free-Form Tart)
Crostini with Ricotta, Peas and Mint
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cracker Bites
Tomato and Mozzarella Tart
See all Christmas appetizers.
Christmas Main Course
The main course entree for Christmas dinner has to be a showstopper. You can't go wrong with a classic holiday glazed baked ham or whole roast turkey (that requires no brining tender). Or opt for a smaller dish like tender herb-crusted rack of lamb or a juicy roasted turkey breast or slow cooker turkey breast.
Pick one of the following mains to feature on your Christmas dinner menu:
Prime Rib Roast
Sunday Pot Roast
Instant Pot Whole Turkey
Instant Pot Osso Buco
Roast Beef
Pesto Whole Chicken
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Instant Pot Turkey Roast
Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken
Instant Pot Turkey Thighs
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Harissa Spatchcock Chicken
Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast
Sheet Pan Lamb Chops
Pineapple Glazed Ham Slices
Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb with Vegetables
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Asian Five-Spice Roast Turkey
Holiday Glazed Baked Ham
Glazed Honey Balsamic Pork Chops
Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Roast Chicken
Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries
Honey Glazed Roast Pork with Vegetables
Easy Roast Lamb with Vegetables
Roasted Turkey Legs with Vegetables
Soy Glazed Braised Turkey Breast with Five-Spice
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Roasted Spatchcock Chicken (Butterflied Chicken)
Ground Beef Meat Pie
Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken
Easy Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast
The Best and Juiciest Roast Turkey Ever
Garlic Rosemary Rack of Lamb
See all Christmas main courses.
Christmas Sides
Once you have figured out the main dish that you will be serving, it's time to think about the sides. From creamy and cheesy casseroles, to fresh and light seasonal salads, to vegetable side dishes, and more, there are so many best Christmas recipes to choose from. Some of my favourites are creamy potatoes au gratin, hasselback potatoes with garlic herb butter, and creamy brussels sprouts bake.
Pick two to four of the following sides to feature on your Christmas dinner menu:
Lemon Parmesan Green Beans
Baked Potato Wedges
Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli
Hasselback Potatoes
Christmas Salad
Candied Yams
Oven Roasted Vegetables
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Mashed Cauliflower
Thanksgiving Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Collard Greens with Bacon
Green Beans with Bacon
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
Creamed Corn
Green Beans Almondine
Microwave Steamed Broccoli
Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce
Green Bean Fries
Cornbread Muffins
Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Mushroom Gravy
Mashed Red Potatoes
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Scalloped Potatoes
Pesto Green Beans
Baked Mac and Cheese
Spinach Gratin
Corn Casserole
Butternut Squash Salad
Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Creamed Spinach
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Air Fryer Broccoli
Honey Roasted Carrots
Roasted Spring Vegetables
Crispy Leaf Potatoes
Greek Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes
Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits
Ham and Potatoes au Gratin
50 Best Christmas Side Dishes
Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar
Cranberry Pumpkin Steamed Buns
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes
Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce
Roasted Garlic Green Beans (Air Fryer or Oven)
Healthy Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges with Parmesan Cheese
Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake
The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Easy 2-Ingredient Turkey Gravy
Sautéed Garlic Green Beans
Vegetarian Cornbread Stuffing
Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms
Pumpkin Focaccia with Fresh Herbs
Curried Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash
Easy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice
Rosemary Cornbread
One Pan Roasted Harvest Vegetables
Roasted Butternut Squash
Easy Roasted Cauliflower
Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread
Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin
Savoury Mashed Sweet Potatoes
10-Minute Nutty Green Beans
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Walnut Apple Stuffing
Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots
Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy
Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
See all Christmas sides.
Christmas Soup & Salads
I like to start Christmas dinners with a bowl of warm soup, whether that's a creamy cauliflower and garlic soup, roasted butternut squash soup, or creamy ham and potato soup. Soup is easy to make even a few days ahead, and leftovers last for up to 5 days. I also throw in a seasonal salad on the dinner menu like a winter kale salad with apple cider vinaigrette or apple walnut salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It balances out all the heavy comforting dishes quite nicely.
Pick one soup and/or one salad to feature on your Christmas menu:
Christmas Salad
Thanksgiving Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Acorn Squash Soup
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Carrot Pumpkin Soup
Cheesy Potato Soup
Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash and Apple
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Arugula Salad with Apple and Pecan
Mandarin Orange Salad
Goat Cheese and Tangelo Winter Salad
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Winter Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Spiced Pecans
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Toasted Croutons
30-Minute Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash and Cauliflower Soup
Apple Walnut Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
See all Christmas soup and salad.
Christmas Bread
We always have a bread basket with an assortment of bread on our Christmas table. Some of my favourites to serve during the holidays are rosemary cornbread, cheesy garlic dinner rolls, simple homemade biscuits, and easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread. You can make bread ahead of time and store it at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for longer. You could even freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply let it thaw overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
Pick one or two of the following bread to feature on your Christmas menu:
Skillet Dinner Rolls
Potato Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Pesto Babka
Garlic Knots
Garlic Breadsticks
Brioche Bread
No Knead Sesame Bread
Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits
Cinnamon Raisin Challah Bread with Almonds
Whole Wheat Cranberry Bread
Easy Challah Bread
Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin Focaccia with Fresh Herbs
Easy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Rosemary Cornbread
Easy No Knead Tomato Focaccia
Quick Dinner Bread Rolls with Green Onions
Artisan Green Olive Sourdough Bread
Small Batch Sourdough Bread
Quick and Easy Butter Croissants
Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread
Homemade No Knead French Baguettes
Easy Small Batch Ciabatta Rolls
Small Batch No-Knead Bread
Easy Homemade Biscuits
Pull Apart Garlic Bread
See all Christmas bread.
Christmas Dessert
There is always room for dessert, no matter how filling your Christmas dinner is. Our most popular Christmas desserts are are gingerbread bundt cake with maple cinnamon glaze, holiday yule log cake, and cranberry-apple cobbler with biscuits. Oh and don't forget the cookies! Try making an epic holiday cookie box or platter and gift the extras to family and friends.
Pick one or two (or as many as you like!) of the following desserts to feature on your Christmas menu:
Pistachio Macarons
Red Velvet Cupcakes
White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oreo Brownies
Madeleines
Peppermint Brownies
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
White Hot Chocolate
Christmas Cupcakes
Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark
Pecan Pralines
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Fruitcake Cookies
Peppermint Macarons
Butter Pecan Cookies
Almond Crescent Cookies
Red Velvet Cookies
Coconut Macaroons
Christmas Baking Guide + Checklists
Eggnog Cookies
Coffee Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies)
Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze
Florentines
Oreo Truffles (Cookie Balls)
Lemon Drop Cookies (Anginetti)
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Classic Shortbread Cookies
Pecan Sandies
Pinwheel Cookies
Pecan Pie Brownies
Pumpkin Mousse
Baked Apples
Apple Pie Bars
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Sugar Cookie Bars
Banana Pudding
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling
Carrot Cake Muffins
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Nutella Mousse Cups
Double Chocolate Loaf Cake
Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
Gingerbread Truffles
Cake Mix Cookies
Gingersnaps
Candy Cane Cookies
M&M Cookie Bars
Gingerbread Biscotti
Gingerbread House
Stained Glass Window Cookies
Cut Out Shortbread Cookies
Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Caramel Brownies
Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Cranberry Sauce Swirl Cheesecake
Snickerdoodles
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Sweet Potato Pie
Pumpkin Bread
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pecan Pie Bars
Apple Crisp
Salted Caramel Sauce
Moist Chocolate Cupcakes
Carrot Cake Biscotti
Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies
Raspberry and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Slice and Bake Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Pecan Snowball Cookies
The Best Holiday Cookie Box
30 Best Christmas Cookies
Gingerbread Cookies
White Chocolate Peppermint Gingerbread Cookies
Cranberry-Apple Cobbler with Biscuits
M&M Christmas Cookies
30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Holiday Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with White Chocolate
Cranberry Sauce Oat Bars
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Oat Streusel Topping
Gingerbread Muffins with Vanilla Bean Glaze
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Linzer Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies
See all Christmas desserts.
Christmas Drinks
And let's not forget fun and festive drinks that the whole family can enjoy. Try creamy, thick and smooth homemade non-alcoholic eggnog and you will never look back at storebought eggnog again. And end the night with a nice hot cup of peppermint hot chocolate to serve alongside dessert.
Christmas Dinner Leftovers
Christmas leftovers might actually be one of the best parts of Christmas dinner. Which is also a very good reason to make a big holiday glazed baked ham or whole roast turkey even for a small intimate group. Think of the easy ham and potatoes au gratin or creamy ham and potato soup that you can make. Or how about a big pot of leftover turkey wild rice soup or some leftover turkey fried rice. And the cranberry sauce? Always make extra and bake up a storm. It's usually cranberry sauce oat bars or cranberry sauce muffins over here.