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One of the best parts of the holiday season is making a special Christmas Dinner Ideas. It doesn’t have to be hard, though. Shopping, arranging, and getting ready for guests can make a complicated meal seem like too much to handle during the holiday rush. That’s why quick and easy Christmas dinner ideas are great for making a feast that looks great, tastes great, and is easy to handle. Imagine having less time to spend in the kitchen and more time with family and friends sharing laughs, stories, and memories.
With the right recipes, you can turn a busy evening into a calm, happy party, whether you’re having family, friends, or a small get-together. You don’t have to give up taste or look when you use quick recipes. You can make classics like honey-glazed ham and creamy mashed potatoes or try something new like herb-crusted pork tenderloin or a winter kale salad. This list of Christmas dinner ideas includes 29 simple, tasty recipes that you can use to make a spread that will wow your guests.
You’ll find everything here—from main meals, comforting sides, vegetarian options, and mouthwatering desserts to festive drinks. So why not trade kitchen stress for cherished times with those you love most? Let these easy recipes inspire you to create a magical holiday feast without the fuss, leaving you with plenty of time to soak up the joy of the season.
1. Big Mac Pizza
This Big Mac Pizza is a delectable twist that will wow your family! The chewy crust, seasoned ground beef, spicy special sauce, crispy lettuce, melted cheese, and crunchy pickles make for an excellent flavor combination. It’s quick, simple, and sure to satisfy!
2. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
These Philly cheesesteak-stuffed pasta shells are a tasty and simple one-pot dinner. They’re a tasty, filling dish that the whole family will love, packed with seasoned ground beef, onions, and green peppers and baked in a creamy provolone sauce.
3. Easy Beef Enchiladas
A beloved family dinner, these Easy Beef Enchiladas are quick and delicious, ready in just 45 minutes. Flavorful ground beef fills soft tortillas, rolled and coated in rich enchilada sauce, then generously topped with melty cheese. A perfect, satisfying meal for any night!
4. Mushroom Bread Pudding
Savory Mushroom Bread Pudding is a delightful vegetarian twist on classic Thanksgiving stuffing. Packed with earthy mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a creamy custard base, it’s both hearty and flavorful. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and offers a rich, satisfying texture everyone will enjoy.
5. Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans
All ages like the easy, reasonably priced, filling dish known as pasta e fagioli, or pasta and beans. Rich spices, substantial beans, and soft pasta make this dish filling and healthy. Particularly well-liked by children, this traditional Italian recipe makes mealtimes simple and pleasurable.
6. Buttery Baked Salmon with Broccolini
Enjoy a quick, mouthwatering dinner with this easy-baked salmon recipe! Packed with flavor, it’s healthy and ready in minutes. Just season, bake, and savor tender salmon with a delightful crisp. Perfect for busy days or a nutritious family meal.
7. Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
A creamy Southern staple, this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is ideal for a simple and family-friendly midweek supper. A tasty, freezer-friendly dish that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to please, it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and topped with crispy, buttery Ritz crackers.
8. Easy Italian Chicken Soup
A satisfying, filling recipe that works well for any dinner is easy chicken soup. It’s a tasty and nutritious dish made with basic components like chicken, veggies, and herbs. This traditional soup delivers warmth and taste in less than an hour, making it perfect for hectic days.
10. Turkey & Dressing Casserole
Turkey & Dressing Casserole is a comforting, delicious dish perfect for using leftover turkey. Layered with flavorful stuffing, tender turkey, and a creamy sauce, it’s baked until golden. Ideal for cozy gatherings, this casserole brings a hearty, homestyle meal to the table with ease.
11. Au Gratin Potatoes
These simple Au Gratin potatoes, which are made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a combination of two cheeses, are a great accompaniment to turkey, festive ham, or any day’s steak or pork chops. For convenience, prepare ahead of time and savor their warm, creamy flavor whenever you choose!
12. Balsamic Chicken With Tomatoes
Say goodbye to dinnertime indecision! With this quick Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes, featuring canned tomatoes, dinner is sorted in under an hour. This easy skillet dish for two combines juicy chicken with a tangy balsamic glaze and is perfect for a cozy night in.
13. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a delightful blend of tender mushrooms and linguine, all enveloped in a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant meatless dish perfect for busy nights or special occasions.
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14. Chicken Wellington
Flavorful chicken breasts are encased in a buttery, flaky puff pastry, making for a delightful and easy holiday meal. Topped with a creamy Dijon sauce, this dish combines rich flavors and a crispy texture, creating a satisfying and affordable option for festive dinners.
15. Crispy Baked Alaska Pollock
In just 15 minutes and with only 7 simple ingredients, you can prepare a delicious Lemony Golden Crisp Baked Alaska Pollock. This easy recipe combines fresh fish with zesty lemon and a crispy coating, creating a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.
16. Baked Ziti or Zitoni Pasta with Spicy Sausage
Baked Ziti with spicy sausage is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The ziti pasta is baked with a rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and savory spicy sausage, creating a deliciously satisfying combination that will warm your heart and taste buds.
17. Mushroom Bourguignon
Mushroom Bourguignon is a rich, flavorful vegetarian dish inspired by the classic Beef Bourguignon. It features tender mushrooms simmered in red wine, aromatics, and herbs, creating a savory sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s a delicious, plant-based alternative to the traditional recipe.
18. Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
This delicious crockpot stuffing is a perfect Thanksgiving side dish, packed with flavors from tender celery, savory onions, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Made in a slow cooker, it frees up oven space for other holiday dishes, making preparation stress-free and flavorful.
19. Italian Herb Chicken
Packed with flavor, this Italian herb chicken is a delightful blend of herbs, garlic, and savory goodness. Perfectly seasoned and seared in a skillet, it’s an easy-to-make dinner that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and delivers a satisfying, delicious meal in minutes.
20. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Savor the vibrant, delicious flavors of stuffed peppers in this effortless casserole! Layers of ground beef, rice, and tender peppers come together with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese, creating a cozy, satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s comfort food at its best!
21. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This chicken and rice casserole is a hearty one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, creamy rice, and a perfectly golden finish. Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a classic comfort food that brings the whole family together for a satisfying meal.
22. Homemade Gluten Free Lasagna
For the ultimate Italian comfort food, savor this gluten-free lasagna! Packed with layers of rich meat sauce, a trio of cheeses, and tender gluten-free noodles, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. A delicious twist on a classic favorite!
23. Classic Stuffed Shells
These stuffed shells are a cheese lover’s dream, packed with three types of creamy cheese and topped with marinara sauce and extra cheese. Baked to golden brown perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for gatherings, offering rich flavor and a hearty, satisfying meal.
24. Slow Cooker Potatoes Romanoff
Indulge in potatoes baked to perfection, bathed in a rich, ultra-creamy cheesy sauce infused with the savory flavors of shallots and garlic. Finished with a sprinkle of paprika, this dish captures the essence of Romanoff elegance, making it irresistibly delicious and comforting.
25. Berry Baked Oatmeal
This berry-baked oatmeal is an ideal breakfast meal prep! Crispy and golden outside, soft and tender inside, it’s packed with juicy, sweet berries. Watch the video below to see my step-by-step process and recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen!
26. Easy Beef Nachos
A quick and popular treat is beef nachos! They are ideal for parties since they are topped with seasoned ground beef, creamy queso, and fresh toppings like tomatoes and jalapeños. This simple meal, which takes only 25 minutes to prepare, is sure to be a winner at any gathering!
27. Roast Turkey Breast
The ideal hassle-free substitute for a full turkey is this simple oven-roasted turkey breast. It consistently produces juicy, delicious, and expertly seasoned turkey, making it the perfect choice for smaller households. It’s an easy yet striking dish that will be a hit at any gathering!
28. Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast
This Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is an effortless yet elegant dish, ideal for date nights or entertaining guests. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy brie and sweet apples, then coated in a flavorful maple, garlic, and Dijon glaze. Perfect with greens or salad!
29. Easy Taco Stuffed Shells
Taco stuffed shells bring together tender pasta, flavorful seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese. Topped with zesty enchilada sauce and creamy sour cream, this dish offers a delightful fusion of textures and bold flavors, perfect for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
