20 Traditional Christmas Dinner Recipes for a Festive Feast

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing says Christmas quite like a traditional dinner shared with loved ones. There's something incredibly special about gathering around the table to enjoy a meal that's been meticulously prepared with love and care.

In this blog post, titled "20 Traditional Christmas Dinner Recipes for a Festive Feast," I'll guide you through a collection of dishes that will make your Christmas dinner one to remember. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are sure to bring comfort, joy, and a bit of nostalgia to your holiday celebration.

So, let's dive in and start creating some cherished memories with these festive recipes!

1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

A Christmas classic that never fails to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a bowl, mix the butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast and spread the herb butter under the skin.
4. Roast the turkey for about 3-4 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices.
5. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Glazed Ham

Sweet and savory, this dish is a holiday staple.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• Whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Score the ham and stud with cloves.
3. Mix brown sugar, honey, and mustard in a bowl and brush over the ham.
4. Bake for about 2-3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
5. Let it rest before slicing.

3. Prime Rib

A luxurious and mouth-watering centerpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 prime rib roast (6-8 pounds)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Rub the roast with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and cook for an additional 2-2.5 hours.
5. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

4. Yorkshire Pudding

Perfect for soaking up those delicious gravy drippings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Mix flour, milk, salt, and eggs in a bowl until smooth.
3. Pour batter into a preheated, greased muffin tin.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden.
5. Serve immediately.

5. Green Bean Casserole

A classic side that's both creamy and crunchy.

Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups cooked green beans
• 1 cup fried onions
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix soup, green beans, milk, and half of the fried onions.
3. Pour into a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, then top with the remaining onions.
5. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Sweet and tangy, a must-have condiment.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in orange zest.
4. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

7. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and comforting, a perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Gravy

Rich and delicious, essential for any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• Drippings from roast
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pan, whisk together flour and drippings over medium heat.
2. Gradually add in broth, whisking constantly.
3. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

9. Stuffing

Savory and flavorful, a true holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
3. Mix with bread cubes, broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

10. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Crispy and caramelized, a deliciously healthy side.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.

11. Roasted Carrots

A sweet and savory side dish that's easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.

12. Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy, a favorite comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Mix sauce with macaroni and pour into a baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

13. Cornbread

Warm and buttery, perfect for soaking up sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

14. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet and comforting, topped with marshmallows.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with marshmallows.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until marshmallows are golden.

15. Baked Salmon

A fresh and healthy main dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place salmon on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

16. Caesar Salad

A fresh and crisp side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Croutons
• Caesar dressing

Instructions:

1. Toss lettuce with Parmesan, croutons, and dressing.
2. Serve immediately.

17. Garlic Bread

Buttery and delicious, perfect with any main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix butter, garlic, and parsley.
3. Spread on sliced French bread.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.

18. Apple Pie

A classic dessert that's always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
3. Pour into pie crust and top with another crust, sealing the edges.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden.

19. Pumpkin Pie

Creamy and spiced, a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Mix pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Pour into pie crust.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temp to 350°F and bake for 40-50 minutes.

20. Gingerbread Cookies

Spiced and festive, a great holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar.
4. Add molasses and egg to butter mixture, then stir in dry ingredients.
5. Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope these 20 traditional Christmas dinner recipes bring joy and warmth to your holiday table. From savory mains to sweet treats, there's something here to delight every palate. Enjoy the festive feast and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!