68 Recipes Perfect for an Easy Christmas Dinner

For a simple holiday spread, check out these easy Christmas dinner ideas. Find tasty recipes for mains, sides and apps.

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Traditional Lasagna

My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend’s on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that we took this easy Christmas dinner idea and made it our tradition at home. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister’s Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

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Get more Italian Christmas dinner ideas.

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Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin

You don’t need much seasoning to add flavor to this beef tenderloin recipe. The mild blending of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. The best part: It’s a surprisngly easy Christmas dinner! —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
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Orange Pomegranate Salmon

A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Make this a part of your Feast of the Seven Fishes.

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Mashed Red Potatoes

These simple-yet-satisfying chunky mashed potatoes are rich enough to stand on their own—but a big pat of butter on top sure never hurts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Quick Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
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Cranberry-Lime Sangria

Tart, light and fruity, this party-worthy sangria is a hit any time of the year. —Katy Joosten, Little Chute, Wisconsin
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Crisp Caraway Twists

These appetizers are always a hit when I serve them on holidays or special occasions. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
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Cranberry Fluff Salad

It wasn’t Thanksgiving without my grandmother’s cool and tangy cranberry fluff. With only four ingredients, it’s a cinch to make. Now my siblings and I carry on her tradition. —Leah Nicholes, San Diego, California
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Herbed Roast Turkey Breast

When learning how to cook turkey breast for my first formal dinner party as a newlywed, I came across this particular recipe. It was such a success that this turkey breast recipe has become a standby on all my entertaining menus. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Maple-Ginger Glazed Carrots

I first made this dish for my family and friends one Thanksgiving. Not only are the carrots lovely on the table, they taste terrific, too! —Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, Maryland
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Moist Cranberry Pork Roast

I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
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Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread

When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
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Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer

Conveniently, a pitcher of this non-alcoholic beverage can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Peppery Roast Beef

With its spicy coating and creamy horseradish sauce, this tender roast is sure to be the star of any meal, whether it’s a sit-down dinner or serve-yourself potluck.—Maureen Brand, Somers, Iowa
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Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

This quick, easy recipe really showcases pears. When I have leftover cooked chicken, I often add it to the recipe to make a main dish salad. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina

Check out more Christmas salads to round out your feast.

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Easy Biscuits

Whip up this buttery, easy biscuit recipe to serve with breakfast or dinner. The dough is very simple to work with, so there's no need to roll with a rolling pin; just pat to the right thickness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Special Creamed Corn

This corn has earned a permanent place on our special-occasion menus. While my whole family loves it, my son would be especially disappointed if I forgot to include our corn dish. —Deb Hauptmann, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
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Thyme Green Beans with Almonds

Thyme is a lovely addition to this classic vegetable side dish. The recipe is a snap to make for family, yet special enough to serve guests. —Kenna Baber, Rochester, Minnesota
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Chicken Cordon Bleu

The addition of bacon in this version of cordon bleu makes it one of my favorite comforting recipes. I've made it for both friends and family, and everyone's a fan. —Jim Wick, Orlando, Florida
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Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey

I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
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Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan

I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
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Caprese Salad

My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we’ve tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
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Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

My husband and I think this roasted pork tenderloin tastes like a fancy restaurant dish, but it couldn’t be simpler to make at home. The maple-mustard glaze makes it extra special. It’s a modification of a recipe we first tasted at a friend’s house. —Colleen Mercier, Salmon Arm, British Columbia.
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Christmas Morning Popovers

Popovers have been a Christmas morning tradition in my family for 30 years. I get up early to make the popovers, then wake the family to begin opening gifts. When the popovers are ready, I serve them with lots of butter and assorted jams. My father-in-law began the tradition. —Sue A. Jurack
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Green Bean Bundles

I found this recipe in a rural newspaper years ago and have made it often. The bean bundles are excellent with chicken or beef. Sometimes I'll arrange them around a mound of wild rice to make an appetizing side dish. —Virginia Stadler, Nokesville, Virginia
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Maple Bourbon Salmon

This flavorful salmon feels fancy for a holiday but it is so simple to make! —Diane Higgins, Tampa, Florida

Check out more fish recipes to enjoy on Christmas and Christmas Eve.

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Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

My family likes the marshmallow topping, but you can also vary it if you prefer a crunchier texture.
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Sheet-Pan Pork Supper

I created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family’s needs. It’s so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
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Festive Cranberry Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a tradition on my Christmas table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day. —Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska
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Slow-Cooker Beef Tenderloin

I created this slow-cooker beef tenderloin recipe when I was having guests over. It tastes incredible with little effort. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Old-Fashioned Fruit Compote

A perfect partner for your Christmas goose, this warm and fruity side dish can simmer while you prepare the rest of your menu, or make it a day ahead and reheat before serving. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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Cranberry Cornbread

During the holidays, I make several pans of this sweet cakelike cornbread for family and friends. Whole blueberries—coated in flour—can be used in place of the cranberries. —Sylvia Gidwani, Milford, New Jersey
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Citrus Fennel Salad

I guarantee guests will love the taste of this unique salad. The pleasant orange flavor pairs well with tender pieces of fennel. —Marion Karlin, Waterloo, Iowa
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Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
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Scallion and Cheddar Cathead Biscuits

Southerners are known for giving their recipes colorful names. This one got its name because each extra-large drop biscuit is as big as a cat’s head. The treats are crisp and golden outside, soft and pillowy inside, and filled with scallions, cheddar cheese and just the right amount of black pepper. These cathead biscuits are quick to fix and simple to make—you don’t even have to roll out the dough. —Cheryl Day, Back in the Day Bakery
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Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells

I created this comforting stuffed shells dish to serve on Christmas Eve, but it’s so good we enjoy it all year long. It can easily be assembled and frozen to bake at a later date. If you have any leftover cheese mixture, it can be served as a dip, either cold or spooned into ramekins and baked until browned. If you don’t like roasted red peppers, feel free to substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the filling and any other pasta sauce. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
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Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole is so easy to put together and is one of my all-time favorite dishes! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
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Ranch Pork Roast

Our Test Kitchen created this simple Savory Pork Roast with a mild rub that’s perfect for new cooks. It’s easy enough to make any time of year, but it’s an especially easy Christmas dinner idea!
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Spiced Acorn Squash

Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
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Rice Dressing

This yummy rice mixture is a delightful change from our traditional corn bread dressing. To make it a meal in itself, I sometimes add finely chopped cooked chicken and a little more broth. —Linda Emery, Bearden, Arkansas
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Five Spice Plum-Glazed Ham

Baked ham is one of my favorite dishes, and this plum-baked ham recipe adds something a little bit different to the classic. The plum goes really well with the ham and the Asian spices! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Cranberry-Sesame Spinach Salad

For a feast or any occasion, we love this snappy fall salad that balances sweet and sour with good crunch from almonds and sesame seeds. —Stephanie Smoley, Rochester, Minnesota
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Puff Pastry Chicken Potpie

When my wife is craving comfort food, I whip up this chicken pot pie with puff pastry. This addition makes it seem a little fancier than a weeknight potpie; I think it’s a great easy Christmas dinner idea. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Holiday Potato Bake

I have made this at Thanksgiving and Christmas for the past several years. My family requests this dish all the time, even when it's not a holiday! —Vickie West, Long Beach, California
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Balsamic Purple Potatoes

I volunteered at a local organic farm in exchange for fresh produce, and I was given purple potatoes. I wanted to cook something new and use herbs from our garden. Coming from the Midwest, adding vinegar to potato recipes has always been a hit, especially with fries! —Kristin Schultz, Manor, Texas
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Buttery Herb Roasted Chicken

Roasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can’t get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Fennel Spinach Saute

Spinach and fennel are two of my favorite veggies, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. This is an amazing side dish, but if you slice the fennel a bit smaller, it also makes a great stuffing for chicken breasts or beef tenderloin. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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New England Lamb Bake

This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
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Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad

Just like Grandma’s, this pretty gelatin salad has full berry flavor without being too tart. It’s perfect for any holiday dinner. —Rosemary Burch, Phoenix, Arizona

Get more retro gelatin salads for your Christmas spread!

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Slow-Cooked Cherry Pork Chops

I mixed and matched several recipes to come up with this one. I'm always happy to adapt recipes for my slow cooker. It's so easy to prepare a meal that way. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
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Slow-Cooked Green Beans

I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
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No-Fuss Rolls

With only 4 ingredients, these delicious rolls are ready in no time. They’re fantastic with herb butter or jam. —Glenda Trail, Manchester, Tennessee
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Black-Eyed Peas & Ham

Every New Year’s Day we have these slow-cooked black-eyed peas to bring good luck for the coming year. —Dawn Legler, Fort Morgan, Colorado
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Pressure-Cooker Beef Brisket in Beer

One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa
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Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as tasty as homemade. My friends look forward to enjoying these meatballs at our holiday gatherings and there are no leftovers! The sauce is tangy yet sweet, and the festive color is perfect for any party. —Amy Scamerhorn, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast

Try this wonderfully flavored, easy-to-fix slow-cooker turkey breast when you’re craving something delicious. It’s a very easy Christmas dinner idea for smaller families. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cider Baked Squash

I’m a freelance writer who sometimes needs a break from a long session of working on a story. That’s when I escape to the kitchen to whip up something that’s good to eat, yet easy to prepare. This is one of my favorites!
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Applesauce Sweet Potatoes

During the holidays, using a slow cooker not only frees up oven space, but time, too! Sweet potatoes are a must on our family menu, and this no-fuss version will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. —Pamela Allen, Marysville, Ohio
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Mile-High Chicken Potpie

Classic chicken potpie gets extra homey when it’s loaded with a creamy filling and baked tall in a springform pan. This deep-dish marvel is perfect for Sunday dinners. —Shannon Roum, Food Stylist, Taste of Home magazine
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Sparkling Red Wine Sangria

Sangria is a Spanish drink of wine mixed with spices, cut fruit, and fruit juice, sherry or brandy. It’s best to mix this and let it sit for an hour or more before serving so all the flavors of the fruit and wine blend together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

This pineapple ham glaze is straightforward and simple—just what you're looking for in a holiday main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Savory Roasted Chicken

When you want an impressive centerpiece for Sunday dinner or a special-occasion meal, you can’t go wrong with this golden chicken. The moist, tender meat is enhanced with a hint of orange, savory and thyme. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Stuffing from the Slow Cooker

If you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
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Beef Tenderloin Roast

This beef tenderloin roast is a simple way to dress up dinner. Prepare the rest of your meal while it bakes in the oven. —Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
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Roasted Acorn Squash & Brussels Sprouts

I love creating dishes with few ingredients and easy steps, like squash with Brussels sprouts. Maple syrup adds a slight sweetness, and pecans give it a toasty crunch. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Slow-Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese

I’m all about easy slow-cooker meals. Using more cheese than ever, I developed an addictive spin on this casserole favorite. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
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Oven-Baked Brisket

Texans like brisket cooked on the smoker, but this recipe offers convenient prep in the oven. Sometimes I make extra sauce to serve on the side. Round out the meal with potato salad and slaw. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, TX

Up Next: Put your air fryer to good use this holiday season with our air-fryer Christmas recipes.

Katie Bandurski
As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments. When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.
Lisa Kaminski
Lisa is a former Taste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.