20 Unique Christmas Dinner Recipes You Must Try This Year

Every Christmas, I find myself craving a new twist on the classic holiday feast. It’s so exciting to break out of the routine and surprise my family and friends with something they've never tasted before. So, this year, I've scoured cookbooks, blogs, and old family recipe boxes to bring you 20 unique Christmas dinner recipes you must try this year.

From delightful starters to hearty main courses and decadent desserts, there's something for everyone in this list. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable with flavors and dishes that spark joy and create cherished memories around the dinner table.

1. Cranberry-Balsamic Glazed Ham

A traditional ham gets an upgrade with tart cranberry and rich balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook until slightly thickened.
5. Brush the glaze over the ham, reserving some for basting.
6. Bake ham for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
7. Let rest before slicing and serving.

2. Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Sweet and savory, these carrots are a perfect side dish that mixes seasonal flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Boil carrots for 5 minutes, then drain.
3. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, and butter over medium heat.
4. Toss the carrots in the glaze, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread carrots on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

3. Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing

An elegant twist on traditional stuffing with a nutty and fruity touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf crusty bread, cubed
• 1 cup chestnuts, roasted, peeled, and chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté onion and celery in olive oil until tender.
3. Add chestnuts, cranberries, sage, and thyme; cook for another 2 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and cooked mixture.
5. Gradually add chicken broth until bread is moist but not soggy.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.

4. Pomegranate-Lime Roasted Chicken

Juicy chicken paired with the tartness of pomegranate and lime makes a memorable main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix pomegranate juice, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and under the skin.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast in the oven for 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices.

5. Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy, comforting, and full of festive flavors, this risotto is a hit at any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat broth in a saucepan and keep warm.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until tender.
3. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
4. Pour in wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly.
6. After 10 minutes, add diced butternut squash.
7. Continue to add broth until rice is creamy and cooked through.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter; season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Fig and Goat Cheese Salad

A refreshing salad that brings together the sweetness of figs and the creaminess of goat cheese.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup dried figs, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Toss mixed greens with figs, goat cheese, and walnuts.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately.

7. Gingerbread Crusted Pork Loin

A festive pork loin with a unique gingerbread crust that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork loin (about 2 lbs)
• 1 cup gingerbread cookie crumbs
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rub pork loin with Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper.
3. Press gingerbread crumbs onto the pork loin.
4. Place in a roasting pan and bake for 45-55 minutes.
5. Let rest before slicing.

8. Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

A twist on the classic sweet potato casserole with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash.
3. Mix brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne into the mashed sweet potatoes.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with marshmallows.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.

9. Holiday Beef Wellington

A sophisticated and luxurious dish that’s perfect for a special Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb beef tenderloin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Sear beef in olive oil until browned on all sides, then let cool.
3. Brush beef with Dijon mustard.
4. Sauté mushrooms until liquid evaporates; cool.
5. Lay out prosciutto slices and spread mushrooms on top.
6. Place beef on prosciutto and roll up.
7. Wrap puff pastry around the beef and brush with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown.

10. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

These melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are perfect for a cozy Christmas evening.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 bottle red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper and sear in a Dutch oven.
3. Remove ribs and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
4. Pour in red wine and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Return short ribs to pot and cover.
6. Braise in the oven for 2.5-3 hours until tender.

11. Lemon Rosemary Roasted Turkey

Bright flavors of lemon and rosemary make this turkey a festive centerpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic.
3. Rub mixture all over the turkey and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast, basting occasionally, for 3-3.5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

12. Cranberry Orange Glazed Duck

Duck marinated in a rich, tangy glaze brings a sophisticated flair to your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix orange juice, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
3. Brush the duck with the glaze.
4. Roast for approximately 2 hours, basting frequently.

13. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

A refreshing salad that balances sweetness and tanginess, ideal for a festive starter.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 pears, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 1/4 cup candied pecans
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Toss mixed greens with pears, Gorgonzola, and pecans.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately.

14. Seafood Paella

Bring a coastal touch to Christmas with a flavorful and exotic seafood paella.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups seafood broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned
• 1/2 lb calamari, sliced into rings
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp saffron threads
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat seafood broth and steep saffron in it.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a large pan until tender.
3. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine; cook until absorbed.
5. Gradually add seafood broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly.
6. Add shrimp, mussels, and calamari with the last ladle of broth.
7. Cook until seafood is done and rice is tender.

15. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Hearty stuffed shells make a comforting and vegetarian-friendly main dish.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and egg; season with salt and pepper.
4. Fill each shell with ricotta mixture.
5. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange stuffed shells on top.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes.

16. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and slightly smoky, these Brussels sprouts are roasted to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

17. Pumpkin Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

A delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect as a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pan until tender.
3. Add pumpkin puree and dried cranberries.
4. Stir in cooked wild rice; season with salt and pepper.

18. Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log

A festive and show-stopping dessert that combines chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Chocolate ganache for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
3. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.
4. Spread batter on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
5. Roll the cake in a towel and let cool.
6. Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and peppermint extract.
7. Unroll cake, spread with whipped cream, and roll up again.
8. Cover with chocolate ganache and decorate.

19. Ginger Spiced Cheesecake

A creamy and rich cheesecake with a spicy ginger snap crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups ginger snap crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix ginger snap crumbs and melted butter; press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, ginger, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
5. Stir in molasses.
6. Pour over crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.
7. Cool and refrigerate before serving.

20. Eggnog Bread Pudding

A warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed French bread
• 2 cups eggnog
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg.
3. Pour over bread cubes and let soak for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in raisins and transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.

Conclusion

This list provides a delightful mix of recipes that will make your Christmas dinner stand out. Try these unique ideas and share the love with your family and friends this holiday season. Happy cooking!