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2 Comments

My Christmas Dinner Menu

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope May 21, 2025

A variety of Christmas Dinner Menu items for pinning. Honey ham, corn pudding, broccoli gratin, hashbrown casserole, tiramisu and chocolate pie.

Take the stress out of hosting with my Christmas Dinner Menu! Features favorite kitchen-tested, family-approved, make-ahead, and quick-prep recipes, from appetizers to desserts, so you can spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

A close-up of a sugar crusted honey-baked spiral ham in a roasting pan for pinning.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

  • Make an Unforgettable Christmas Dinner Menu
  • Festive Cocktails and Mocktails
  • Favorite Make-Ahead Appetizers
  • Our Favorite Holiday Salad
  • The Main Event: WOW-Worthy Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes That Steal the Show
  • The Final Word: Desserts That Shine
  • How Many to Make: A Guide to Your Holiday Feast

Make an Unforgettable Christmas Dinner Menu

I promise that hosting Christmas dinner doesn’t have to feel like running a marathon! After over 30 years of planning holiday meals, (and wearing myself out) I’ve figured out the secret: a Christmas Dinner Menu filled with make-ahead and quick-prep recipes that deliver big flavor without the stress. These are the dishes my family asks for year after year, and I’m thrilled to share them with you, along with my best tips for keeping the day fun and stress-free.

This menu is designed to give you the best of both worlds—delicious food and plenty of time to enjoy the holiday. I’ve got everything covered from easy appetizers to desserts that look fancy but are a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re prepping ahead or throwing something together in the moment, you’ll be free to spend more time where it really matters: around the tree, playing games (don’t miss our family favorites!), and soaking in all the laughter and love of Christmas Day. You’ve got this—and I’m here to make sure of it!

A variety of Christmas Dinner Menu items for pinning. Honey ham, corn pudding, broccoli gratin, hashbrown casserole, tiramisu and chocolate pie.

11 Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

  1. Embrace imperfection: Your guests care about spending time with you, not spotless floors.
  2. Broom sweep: Focus on cleaning areas guests will see—don’t stress about the rest. Tip: Get one of your empty Christmas bins, gather all the clutter you don’t have time to deal with, and put it in the garage or basement.
  3. Set up early: Get out serving dishes and utensils in advance, using sticky notes to label what dish goes in what.
  4. Ask for help: When someone offers, say yes! Let guests contribute by bringing a dish or helping with setup.
  5. Plan: Ask for dishes to be brought in advance—it lightens your load and creates a collaborative meal.
  6. Prep drinks in advance: Have a festive punch or cocktail ready for self-serve. Try this easy make-ahead Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini! Fill a drink bucket with ice, sparkling water, etc. Set out an ice bucket and plastic cups, and be sure to have a big pitcher of water (toss in some sliced oranges, cranberries, lemons, and mint). At every party or holiday meal I am always amazed at how much water my guests drink!
  7. Set the table early: Lay it out a day or two ahead to save time on party day. If you only have one table, make meals fun and casual—eat by the fire with TV trays!
  8. Keep appetizers simple – try Cowboy Crack Dip or Cranberry Jalapeno Dip — both are better made in advance!
  9. Use disposable or easily washable dishes for dessert and set up your dessert station.
  10. Create Ambiance: Light candles, play soft music, and dim the lights for a cozy, inviting vibe. (Bonus: low lighting makes it harder to spot the dust bunnies—wink-wink!)
  11. Relax and enjoy: Your attitude sets the tone—breathe, smile, and soak in the moments!

Festive Cocktails and Mocktails

Every year, I love featuring a signature cocktail for our Christmas Dinner Menu, and this year it’s my Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini. It’s bright, fresh, and so easy to make! You can prep most of it ahead—make the Cranberry Simple Syrup, squeeze the lemon juice a day early, and chill everything, including popping the vodka in the freezer for that extra frosty touch (don’t worry, it won’t freeze!). I’ve got tips for making it by the glass or pitcher, so it’s perfect for any crowd. Plus, I’m sharing a few of our past holiday cocktail favorites for inspiration! Cheers!

Two martini glasses full of bright red cranberry lemon drop martini, garnished with rosemary and lemon peel.
Easy Cranberry Spritzer
A beautiful holiday drink – make it as a cocktail or mocktail. Cranberry simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, lemon lime soda. By the glass or by the pitcher.
Try this Recipe
cranberry spritzer bubbling in glass with red and white polka dot straw, garnished with lemon and cherry.
Easy Pomegranate Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe (Holiday Mule)
Make this holiday mule in minutes! Our pomegranate mule is a fresh, festive, and easy cocktail! With fresh pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, vodka and finished with spicy ginger beer. You might call it a Yule Mule! 
Try this Recipe
Two copper cups filled with pomegranate moscow mule.
Easy Wassail Recipe
This Easy Wassail Recipe (non-alcoholic) is perfect for warming your soul during the holiday season. Made with fresh fruit, a variety of juices, classic apple cider, and fragrant seasonal spices, sipping on a steaming mug of wassail is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
Try this Recipe
Wassail after simmering in pot with floating apples, oranges and spices. and ready to serve.
Best Thanksgiving Punch | Pomegranate Cocktail
This fun drink is the best Thanksgiving punch! Pomegranate cocktail has pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a splash of chilled club soda to make it all sparkle! A vodka punch recipe that is easily adapted to be non-alcoholic!
Try this Recipe
Best Thanksgiving Punch pomegranate vodka punch in three different crystal glasses with decorative ornament ice cubes.

Favorite Make-Ahead Appetizers

When it comes to appetizers, I like to keep things simple and light—after all, we’ve got a big meal ahead! My go-to recipes are Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip and Cowboy Crack Dip. Both can be served with gluten-free and regular crackers, plus a colorful spread of carrot chips and cucumber slices for a healthier option. The best part? They take just minutes to whip up and can be prepped ahead, so you’re not scrambling last minute. Easy, delicious, and stress-free—just the way I like it!

Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This easy baked Cranberry Cream Cheese dip is perfect for the holiday season. 4 ingredients to this cheesy, sweet-tart, salty, and savory hot dip. Use homemade or leftover cranberry sauce.
Check out this recipe
Hot and cheesy, cranberry cream cheese dip with white cheddar cheese.
Cheddar Ranch Crack Dip (Cowboy Crack Dip)
Mixed in minutes this Cowboy Crack Dip is cheesy, creamy, savory, and fresh — the perfect appetizer. This crack dip recipe is a classic appetizer ideal for your next party; game day and holiday get-togethers, a clear party favorite!
Check out this recipe
Cowboy crack dip in bowl with shredded cheddar behind and ritz crackers.

Our Favorite Holiday Salad

Are you team salad for Christmas dinner, or do you skip it to save room for the heavier sides? I’ll admit, I used to be in the “skip it” camp, but now I can’t imagine our Christmas Dinner Menu without something light and fresh to balance things out. This Maple Apple Pecan Salad is a total showstopper—whenever I bring it to a gathering, someone asks for the recipe!

A close up of a salad with mixed greens, apples, pecans, strawberries and goat cheese.

The best part? You can prep everything ahead, keep it chilled, and toss it together just before serving. It’s the perfect mix of bright, crisp, and festive. Oh, I typically toss in pomegranate arils for the holidays because they just scream Christmas!

Get the recipe

The Main Event: WOW-Worthy Main Dishes

This year, we’re hosting a crowd, and my ham-loving family would never forgive me if I didn’t serve their favorite Spiral Ham. I start it in the crockpot (so easy!) and finish it in the oven for a perfectly caramelized glaze.

And because one star isn’t enough, I’m also making a tender, flavorful Beef Tenderloin. It couldn’t be easier, and I’ve included all the tips for timing and temperatures, whether you like it rare or, like us, a little more well-done. These dishes are simple, stunning, and guaranteed to impress!

Easy Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce (Ina Garten)
4-ingredient beef tenderloin by Ina Garten makes an incredibly tender filet of beef topped with a creamy gorgonzola sauce. Juicy inside, crispy outside and ready in about 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Beef Tenderloin Ina Garten, sliced on a plate with gorgonzola sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus.
Cooking a Spiral Ham
Ready to heat in minutes, I will show you how to cook spiral ham (we love Costco ham) and make a quick honey ham glaze perfect for any special occasion! Plus, I will show you how to cook your ham in the crockpot, oven, or roaster. 
Check out this recipe
Spiral ham warmed in crockpot and glazed in the oven.

Side Dishes That Steal the Show

Now for what I think is the best part of any holiday meal—the side dishes! Sure, we need a protein to anchor the table, but I think the sides are the real stars. These recipes are not only our family’s tried-and-true favorites but also wonderfully easy to pull together. Most can be prepped ahead and baked when you’re ready, whipped up on the stovetop in minutes, or even tossed in the crockpot for a hands-off win. Ready to dig in? Let’s make those sides shine!

Broccoli au gratin with spoon serving.
This homemade Corn Pudding Recipe without Jiffy Mix is so simple, ready in a jiffy, without Jiffy! Using everyday, all-natural ingredients will become your favorite side dish, too! 
Check out this recipe
Corn pudding casserole on plate with fork stuck in it.
Easy Crock Pot Corn Casserole Recipe without Jiffy
With only 10 minutes prep, this Crockpot Corn Casserole without Jiffy will be slow cooking to creamy perfection, leaving your oven open for other recipes! Sweet corn kernels wrapped in a tender souffle mixture of eggs, butter, and cream. 
Check out this recipe
Corn casserole made in crockpot with serving removed to reveal, tender souffle like corn pudding casserole.
Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe
This creamy and cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe is made with fresh and tender broccoli florets, sharp white cheddar, nutty gruyere cheese, and seasoned with minced garlic and fragrant herbs. The perfect holiday side dish.
Check out this recipe
Broccoli au gratin with spoon serving.
Best Cranberry Sauce
Skip the can and learn how to make the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce that will make everyone at your table ask for the recipe! This version hits all the right notes with fresh orange, warming brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla that transforms the humble cranberry into something truly special!
Check out this recipe
Cranberry sauce served in a white serving bowl on a white plate with fresh cranberries around it.
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is rich, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food! It's almost effortless, made with frozen hashbrowns, butter, and sour cream all tossed into the slow cooker, for the easiest side dish ever!
Check out this recipe
Serving of Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole on a gray plate.
Balsamic Glaze Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze has a secret to the perfect crispy, roasted leaves, then drizzled with a warm honey balsamic glaze.
Check out this recipe
A spoon holding crispy, glazed honey balsamic brussel sprouts.

The Final Word: Desserts That Shine

For me, no holiday is complete without a delicious dessert (or two!). Along with an assortment of Christmas cookies—our favorites include Pizzelles, Pfeffernusse, Baklava, Snickerdoodles, and Shortbread—I love to serve a show-stopping sweet to end the meal.

My family are HUGE chocolate fans, so I often whip up a no-bake Chocolate Pie, alternating yearly between a graham cracker crust or an Oreo cookie crust. This year, I’m bringing back my Tiramisu, which always impresses! The best part? Both desserts are make-ahead treats and taste even better when prepared in advance. Less stress, more deliciousness—what’s not to love?

No Bake Chocolate Pie
It’s pie season! I have the easiest, most scrumptious no bake chocolate pie recipe for you with options for personalization. My mouth waters just thinking about the silky smooth texture and rich flavor in this dessert! 
Check out this recipe
No bake chocolate pie with graham cracker crust with wedge removed on pie server.
Classic Tiramisu
Traditional Tiramisu is an Italian dessert recipe with layers of mascarpone custard, whipped cream, layered between rum and espresso soaked ladyfingers.
Check out this recipe
Square image of slice of creamy easy traditional tiramisu recipe.

How Many to Make: A Guide to Your Holiday Feast

We’re having 12 for Christmas dinner so I’ve planned the menu to make sure there’s something for everyone without going crazy. Whether hosting a small group or a bigger crowd, here’s a simple guide to help you decide how many to make.

  • Main Dishes: For 12, two smaller main dishes are perfect. This gives variety and makes sure there’s enough to go around. A general rule of thumb is one main dish for every 8-10 people or two smaller options for bigger gatherings.
  • Salads: One salad is enough, especially as a lighter side to the main meal.
  • Side Dishes: Plan for 4-6 sides so your guests have some variety without overwhelming the table. Having make-ahead and quick-prep options helps keep things stress-free.
  • Desserts: For 12, 2-3 desserts are just right. They’ll give everyone a sweet ending to the meal and make sure everyone gets their favorite treat.

This formula works for any size gathering. Just adjust the number of dishes based on your guest count—and always plan for a little extra because leftovers are a holiday bonus!

Be sure to comment below on your favorite recipes from our Christmas Menu!

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My Signature Recipes!

The recipes everyone asks for (plus a few I can't stop making)

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Ed

    Mon, Dec 23, 2024 at 2:14 pm

    Lactose intolerant here. Too many recipes with cheese/dairy.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Mon, Dec 23, 2024 at 2:25 pm

      Sorry to hear that Ed, Iโ€™m definitely not a dairy free site, but have plenty of recipes that donโ€™t have dairy or often Iโ€™ll give alternatives. Merry Christmas.

      Reply

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Kathleen Pope

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Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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