50 Small-Scale Christmas Dinner Ideas

Herb-Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table, we suggest this moist Cornish game hen recipe. A blend of sage, lemon, onion and garlic give this entree outstanding flavor. —Taste of Home Cooking School

Go to Recipe

Apple and Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Red Currant Sauce

My roasted pork tenderloin is stuffed with two of our favorite ingredients: walnuts and apples. This comforting entree is my family's most requested pork dish. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Cheddar Seafood Chowder

Shrimp and scallops make this thick, cheesy and chunky chowder extra special. It’s packed with veggies, and the crispy bacon makes a yummy garnish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mashed Garlic Potatoes

I infuse creamy mashed potatoes with the subtle taste of garlic, which makes them a welcome addition to any meal. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas

Bacon Parmesan Popovers

This recipe proves that simple ingredients often result in the best-tasting dishes. These popovers are a nice change from ordinary toast or muffins. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania

Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce

If you’re hosting meat lovers, these impressive cast-iron skillet steaks are guaranteed to please. They’re perfect for a special-occasion dinner without too much fuss. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Aunt Nancy's Cream of Crab Soup

My sister Nancy is one of the best cooks I know. When my daughter was getting married, I put together a cookbook of her favorite family recipes—Nancy's soup was a must-have. Our family often had this with a salad before Christmas Eve services. —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia

Fig-Carrot Stuffed Kabocha Squash

While searching for a new winter squash variety, I stumbled upon kabocha squash—it really wowed me. The flavor and texture are both rich and beautiful, and this recipe, which I improvised, really suits the squash well. —Caitlin Stephens-North, Malden, Massachusetts

Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower

Want an alternative to mashed potatoes? Try cauliflower jazzed up with cheddar cheese and rosemary. —Chrystal Baker, Studio City, California

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup

This spinach mushroom soup is the perfect accompaniment to any buffet. It can even be made ahead, then warmed and quickly finished on the day of your party. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado

Maple & Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts

For special meals, here’s a fantastic side dish that even children will love. The sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Scalloped Cranberries

This warm cranberry casserole is a nice substitute for traditional cranberry relish. It's been a staple on my holiday table ever since my aunt gave me the recipe many years ago. —Ellan Streett, Clear Spring, Maryland

Chicken-Prosciutto Pinwheels in Wine Sauce

We host a large group for holiday meals, and these pinwheels always go over well alongside the regular dishes. I often double this recipe and use two 13x9-in. pans. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie

It sounds silly, but the one thing I miss most in meatless meals is, well, the meat. That is, except for this mushroom shepherd’s pie. It’s a hearty vegetarian dish and I guarantee you won’t miss the meat either. —Glen Warren, Edmonton, Alberta

Vegetable-Stuffed Flank Steak

This colorful beef dish was always a favorite request for birthday dinners while I was growing up. Savory, special and stuffed full of vegetables, it's as tender as the memories it still brings back every time I make it. —Julie Etzel, Tualatin, Oregon

French Onion Soup

My seven-year-old daughter Heather and I enjoy spending time together cooking, but our days are busy, so we appreciate quick and tasty recipes like this one. Hot and delicious, this soup hits the spot for lunch or dinner.
-Sandra Chambers, Carthage, Mississippi

Whipped Squash

This is an excellent way to serve one of the season's most delicious vegetables—butternut squash. Its rich flavor and golden harvest color really come through in this smooth vegetable side dish. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

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

Roasted Chicken with Brown Gravy

Folks say this is the most delicious roasted chicken in brown sauce they've ever had. There's only one problem—there are never any leftovers! —Annie Tompkins, Deltona, Florida

Cod with Sweet Peppers

This quick and delicious recipe is a long-time family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin.

Eggplant Rollatini

This Italian-inspired recipe could be described as eggplant Parmesan meets lasagna—with an elegant twist. Here’s how to make eggplant rollatini for a fancy dinner that’s sure to impress.

Beef Osso Buco

Treat holiday guests to elegant comfort food at its best. Our osso buco beef boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

My family and friends love the warm and inviting flavors of the luscious citrus butter, smooth cream cheese, sweet dates, fresh sage and toasted pecans that surround and capture the deliciousness of sweet potato in every bite of this side. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina

Maple-Glazed Green Beans

After I picked my first green beans of the season one year, I wanted to make a savory side dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Warm Chicken Tortellini Au Gratin

I have a number of easy, planned leftover recipes in my arsenal, which are especially useful when I'm busy. This is one of my favorites: pasta from Monday plus roasted chicken from Tuesday equals this delicious dish on Wednesday. When paired with a green salad and toasty bread, you have a meal that's fancy enough for company. —Brenda Cole, Reisterstown, Maryland

Sliced Ham with Roasted Vegetables

To prepare this colorful, zesty oven meal, I “shop” in my backyard for the fresh garden vegetables and oranges (we have our own tree!) that spark the ham’s hearty flavor. It’s my family’s favorite main dish. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona

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

Citrus Rainbow Carrots

I grow lots of carrots and I’m always experimenting with ways to serve them. The first time I made this citrusy recipe for my husband, he said it tasted like Christmas! Although he calls them my "Christmas carrots," they're tasty anytime; I especially like serving them at Easter, with the array of carrots available in early spring. It's easy to prepare, and can easily be doubled to serve a large group. To save time, I sometimes cut up the carrots several days in advance. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Beef Bourguignon

This stovetop stew is loaded with taste, but is easy to do. While the name sounds fancy, even a beginning cook can master it. It's our traditional holiday meal.—Elodie Rosinovsky, Brighton, Massachusetts

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

This side always takes my guests by surprise because of the smoky, creamy flavor. No doubt you'll get major kudos when you place these potatoes on your table. —Cynthia Boberskyj Rochester, NY

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. It’s rich and creamy, and couldn’t be easier to make! —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa

Glazed Rosemary Pork

A honey-rosemary glaze delicately seasons pork tenderloin in this delightful entree. As elegant as it is easy, the main course is ideal for weekend dinner parties and weeknight suppers alike. —Barbara Sistrunk, Fultondale, Alabama

Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

This rich, cheesy take on scalloped potatoes is deceptively simple to make. It comes together in just 25 minutes and then you have an hour to relax (or make the rest of the meal) while it bakes.

Flank Steak Pinwheels

The secret to these pretty flank steak pinwheels lies in their butterfly treatment. Because the steaks are flattened, marinade isn’t need. Instead, they’re filled with a colorful stuffing of red pepper and spinach and draped with a flavorful, homemade blue cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Vol-au-Vent

This creamy chicken vol-au-vent recipe is an easy yet impressive puff pastry appetizer. Thanks to some simple shortcuts, you'll get all the praise for half the work!

Warm Apple & Pistachio Spinach Salad

I'm really not a salad person, but this unusual salad is actually worthy of bringing to a dinner party or even eating by itself. It's also super quick and easy to make. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida

Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce

Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida

Lobster Tail

Learn how to cook lobster tail at home with this simple recipe. You don't have to visit a restaurant for a rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Apple-Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Carrots seem so simple, but this recipe is something special. Sweet and buttery, it was a favorite my mother always used to serve around the holidays. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Festive Rice

My mom and I transformed plain rice by adding feta, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and cayenne. We wound up with a sweet and spicy crowd-pleaser. —Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas

Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash

We stuff acorn squash with leftovers like turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Make as much or as little as you need to use everything up. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario

Parmesan Fettuccine

This is such a simple side dish and also makes a pretty presentation. With just four ingredients, it’s ready in no time for a taste that’s sure to please the entire family. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Vegetarian Potatoes au Gratin

Fill up on veggies and load up on terrific flavor with this creamy, hearty casserole. You'll appreciate the homey crumb topping and hands-free bake time at the end of a long day. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

The best-ever creamy mac and cheese recipe that will transport your tastebuds back to your childhood.

Easy Sauerbraten

This easy sauerbraten recipe is a tasty example of traditional German fare. Its definitive pickled tang is pleasing and sure to delight German food lovers. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois

Granny’s Apple Scalloped Potatoes

This scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with baked breaded pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired, so it's just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe to serve a crowd. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

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!