15 Stunning Christmas Dinners You'll Absolutely Want To Make

Are you ready for Christmas? If you are a planner like me, you might be wondering what to make for Christmas dinner. I've got you covered with 15 stunning Christmas dinners to help you get in the mood to plan your special occasion! It's not too early to start making a plan for Christmas dinner!

What to make for Christmas Dinner?

Traditional Christmas dinners vary widely, but in the United States Christmas dinner is a lot like Thanksgiving dinner, so that should give you ideas of what to make for Christmas dinner, but I'll share several more ideas in this article to help you make your plan.

What is the most popular food at Christmas?

A traditional Christmas dinner is a special holiday meal with all the wonderful sides such as mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and an elaborate entrée like turkey, spiral ham, or a beautiful roast beef.

Roast Beef Christmas dinner ideas

In our house the most popular Christmas dinner is my Garlic Crusted Prime Rib Roast. I think my family might disown me if I ever tried to change our holiday prime rib tradition.

A slow roasted version of my Garlic Crusted Prime rib is another family favorite. When time isn't an issue, I always use this recipe for my Boneless Prime rib roast. 

In this article you'll find everything you need to make a slow roasted Boneless Prime Rib Roast for your holiday dinner.

I feel like the slower cooking and reverse sear process results in a more even cook on the prime rib.

Typically we splurge on our Christmas dinner, however, some years we just haven't been able to swing it due to the cost.

When money is tight I turn to another family favorite. My Garlic Roast Beef dinner is a much more budget friendly Christmas dinner.

It isn't as tender as prime rib, but it's delicious, pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, and it's super easy to cook too! Save your dollars with this budget-friendly Christmas dinner!

Beef Tenderloin is another classic Christmas dinner you'll definitely want to make. This Garlic Herb Beef Tenderloin Roast with Creamy Horseradish Sauce by Renee's Kitchen Adventures is melt-in-your-mouth perfection!

Beef Wellington is a classic Christmas Dinner. Beef Wellington is an impressive entree that is a bit more challenging than most, but oh so worth the effort.

If you are an adventurous home cook looking for something extra special for your Christmas dinner, check out Poet in the Pantry's recipe for Individual Beef Wellington.

Turkey Christmas dinner ideas

If you prefer turkey for Christmas, I have a few amazing recipes you'll absolutely want to make like this stunning roast turkey with apple cider brine by Flavor Mosaic.

This roast turkey recipe is moist, juicy, and golden. The secret to this turkey recipe is the apple cider brine and lots of butter.

If you're short on time or maybe don't want to heat up the oven, you'll love this super easy Christmas dinner solution for Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast by Renee's Kitchen Adventures. You can never have enough easy slow cooker recipes!

Christmas dinner ideas for two

If you are planning an intimate dinner two, you probably don't want to roast a whole turkey. In that case you'll definitely want to make these Caramelized Onion and Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breasts for Two by Homemade in the Kitchen.

Another option for an intimate holiday dinner for two is this recipe for Braised Short Rib Tagine with Figs & Almonds {for two} by Snixy Kitchen

Ham Christmas dinner ideas

A stunning Honey Baked Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece that is an easy recipe to make at home.

My Honey Baked Ham recipe is a real crowd pleaser with a sweet, crispy brown sugar ham glaze atop the juicy, spiral sliced ham and a ham gravy that will have you reaching for a straw! It is that good!

Because who doesn't need an easy holiday dinner that looks this amazing? This Slow Cooker Ham by Wholefully is simple enough for a weeknight meal, but impressive for a holiday centerpiece too.

Non-traditional Christmas dinners

Short ribs are one of my most very favorite things. Short ribs are not traditionally served for Christmas dinner, but their intense beefy flavor and incredible tenderness make them special enough to sit at the center of any holiday table.

My Slow Cooker Red Wine Short Ribs recipe is one of my absolute favorite recipes of all time. These short ribs are so incredibly tender and flavorful, they always take you by surprise on that first bite. You will absolutely want to make this for your Christmas dinner!

I know what you're thinking - another short rib recipe?! I told you I LOVE short ribs and this recipe is sure to spice up your Christmas dinner.

My Chimichurri Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe is a delicious gourmet meal that practically cooks itself! You'll love how easy these ribs are to prepare and how delightful they are to eat!

This Coq au Vin Blanc by Taste Love and Nourish might just become your most favorite chicken dish! It has wonderfully complex flavors and is pure comfort food. It would be a deliciously unique addition to your holiday table. 

A truly unique recipe that is as beautiful as it is different, this Rabbit and Vegetable Bake  by Sweet and Savory Meals is succulent, healthy, and very flavorful. This meal is perfect for Christmas dinner, as it makes a beautiful plate and tastes delicious too!

Click here to see my picks for the 14 BEST Holiday Side Dishes!