The Best Christmas Dinner Dishes

While some years you’ll stick with family recipes passed down over the years, fresh inspiration and new flavors add a touch of magic to the holiday season. These Christmas recipes will give you a bold take on classic holiday flavors for a meal that’s savory and special, and by trying something new, you may discover a new tradition. Paired with your tried-and-true sides or new recipes, these Christmas dinner ideas create memorable meals as your family and loved ones linger around the table this holiday season.

1. Cranberry Pork Loin

For easy Christmas dinner ideas, turn to your trusted slow cooker, and when you put your ingredients in the pot early, you’ll have the rest of the day to prep your other dishes and spend time with family. This slow cooker cranberry pork loin recipe needs just three ingredients. In the morning, simply combine them in the pot, and in seven hours, you’ll have meat that’s soft and juicy. The cranberry sauce gives it that classic Christmas flavor, so even if you’re not comfortable in the kitchen, this is one of the best Christmas recipes to try. 

Photo credit: themagicalslowcooker.com

2. Red-Wine Braised Short Ribs

This recipe for short ribs takes some time, but for those who love to cook or experiment in the kitchen, taking time to learn a new recipe and cook for your loved ones makes the holidays merry and bright. After sauteeing the meat and veggies, the wine will take some time to reduce and the meat will cook in the oven for 2 ½ hours, giving you time to focus on your other Christmas recipes and dinner preparations.

Photo credit: bonappetit.com

3. Sheet-Pan Steak Fajitas

Sheet-pan recipes are famous for being easy meals to prep, so to add a little spice to your holiday dinner, try this recipe for steak fajitas. What makes this one of the easiest Christmas dinner ideas is that the meat and veggies all cook together in a single pan, making clean up a lot easier. Since fajitas don’t pair well with traditional Christmas recipes for side dishes, get creative with a coleslaw salad, roasted zucchini, or black bean soup. 

Photo credit: kirbiecravings.com

4. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Cauliflower

For vegan and vegetarian cooks, finding Christmas dinner ideas is a little trickier, but this balsamic-glazed roasted cauliflower is a sure hit. The recipe has a simple and sweet glaze, and the baking pan will be filled with other vegetables for a hearty meal. Like many of these other Christmas recipes, the cauliflower will spend over an hour in the oven, giving you plenty of time to prep side dishes or crack open a bottle of wine. Once it’s ready, even your meat-loving friends will be eager to sink their teeth into the roasted cauliflower.

Photo credit: delish.com 

There’s something special about spending time in the kitchen cooking for your family and friends. Whether you’re carrying on traditional recipes or discovering new ones, preparing a big Christmas meal is a time to slow down and savor the flavors of the season, and these recipes will bring everyone together for a holiday dinner you’re sure to remember.