Best Christmas Dinner Ideas + Christmas Ham Recipes
Best Christmas Dinner Ideas + Christmas Ham Recipes
Everything you need to know about throwing a wonderful Christmas dinner. This collection contains planning and preparation tips and ideas for each course, it’s all there!
More Collections: Christmas Appetizers, Christmas Cookies, Christmas Desserts, Mexican Christmas Food, Italian Christmas Food, Christmas Side Dishes
In my family we always get together on Christmas Eve for dinner (Mexican food is always on the books). All my siblings got together and we had a fun night with games and good food.
Christmas is a bit different – usually less crowded, but always a traditional Christmas dinner with meat (usually ham or steak), potatoes, rolls, etc.
I know everyone does things differently, but today I’ve rounded up some of our traditional holiday recipes along with helpful dinner planning tips to help you through the season.
Christmas Dinner Tips
Here are some of our top tips:
Plan your menu ahead of time:
- how many courses Do you want to serve?
- Decide how many dishes In each course you need?
- You can Shop Bought with Homemade Mixes project
- Think about what to eat make ahead. What can be cooked on the stove or crock and how many dishes can you actually cook in the oven?
- decide what you want to eat let guests bring They should provide.
- Don’t try new recipes that day. Practice making them a few weeks ago to fix any problems.
things to do in advance
Go shopping early: Once I wanted to buy ice the day before the holiday, but I went to 5 or 5 places! Use your menu as a shopping guide (be sure to print our recipe ahead of time to help with this).
Also, be sure to check your spice rack, and what other ingredients you usually have on hand. You don’t want to find an empty container in the middle of a recipe.
Plan your cooking schedule: Work backwards from your expected service time. Make sure your preparation and cooking times for each dish are realistic.
- In what order do these items need to be cooked?
- Can they go into the oven at the same time?
- What can be cooked on the stove top? Cylinder?
- What can be done ahead of time? Does it need to be reheated?
Prepare as much in advance as possible. Chop any produce that will be used. Don’t forget to thaw your meat (some larger cuts will take a few days to thaw in the refrigerator). Gather all your table setting items, cutlery, tablecloths, centerpieces in one place.
If you can, go the extra mile and set the table the day before.
More Christmas Dinner Tips
- For easier cleanup, use a disposable baking sheet, or line the pan with parchment or aluminum foil if possible.
- Ways to keep food warm: set crock pot on low/warm, hot pot, insulated cooler with heat pad.
- There is a designated space for children to play. Set aside a space for babies and toddlers if you can. A room with a place to nap and change diapers is very helpful for guests.
- try not to be nervous When Something is not right. Just remember the reason for the gathering, religious or not, time with family and friends is a blessing. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a secret stash of your favorite chocolate :o)
Here are some of our favorite Christmas dinner dishes!
Each of our recipes has helpful information such as different cooking methods, make ahead, variations and storage methods.
Also, there are links to similar recipes. If anything listed here doesn’t satisfy your appetite, I know you’ll be able to find a recipe for your Christmas dinner.
Christmas Ham Dinner
We know that ham is a staple of many Christmas dinners, so we wanted to share with you our full menu, including appetizers, sides, salads, desserts, and more, to complete the ideal Christmas ham dinner.
We have a few of each course for you to pick from, including 2 Ham Recipes and a Festive Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter đ
Brown Sugar Ham – This Crock Pot Ham is made entirely in the slow cooker for quick prep time and minimal effort. With a delicious sweet brown sugar glaze, this is our favorite way to make ham for the holidays!
honey ham – Our favorite holiday ham recipe. Simply place the spiral-cut ham in the crock pot, cover with the 5-ingredient glaze, and in 4 hours, you’ll have a tender and juicy honey-glazed ham!
deviled eggs – Nothing beats a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised how easy these are to make. Tons of flavour, super delicious and perfect for parties and holidays.
Spinach Artichoke Dip – This is the BEST Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe, the ultimate dip for any party! Filled with spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese and mayo – this dip is cheesy and perfect for any party!
Tortellini Salad – Super delicious and easy tortellini salad with tortellini, salad, ranch, tomatoes and bacon bits – perfect for summer!
Baked Potato Soup – This Disney Copycat Baked Potato Soup is full of flavor and filled with russet and red potatoes, carrots, bacon, cheese, and more.
Tomato Basil Soup – Of all the tomato soups, this rich and creamy tomato basil soup is my go-to! With garlic, basil, and other delicious seasonings, this soup has a bold flavor that you’ll love in no time.
Caesar Salad Dressing – Delicious homemade Caesar dressing with crispy homemade croutons. This easy salad dressing will be your new choice for salads!
Glazed Carrots – If you need a side dish, these brown sugar glazed carrots are perfect for you! This recipe makes the most tender and delicious baby carrots. Best of all, it takes less than 10 minutes to make and requires only 4 ingredients!
best mashed potatoes – These buttery smooth mashed potatoes are our go-to potato side dish recipe for every dinner and holiday gathering. They are everyone’s favorite potatoes!
Homemade Dinner Rolls – These are our favorite dinner rolls! They’re soft, butter-y and always perfect for any dinner or holiday gathering. It’s so hard to eat alone!
Twice Baked Potatoes – After eating these two baked potatoes, you’ll never want to eat regular baked potatoes again! These super easy potatoes are loaded with sour cream, cheese, bacon and seasoning! As such a delicious side, they are so easy!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious cheesy meal perfect for any night that the whole family will love and devour in no time!
Mint Ice Cream Dessert – Mint Ice Cream Dessert is a cool and refreshing holiday dessert stuffed with candy, all on an Oreo crust.
Pistachio Dessert – Delicious pistachio pudding dessert with layers of crumbled sandy cookies, cream cheese/cheesecake layer, pistachio pudding layer and whipped cream on top!
Just pick from these popular recipes to create a complete Christmas ham dinner menu!
More Christmas Entrees
Christmas Ham recipe below â is a delicious and popular holiday dish, but can be used with anything your family likes. Just plan on serving 8-12 ounces per person. Here are some other common entrees served for Christmas Eve or daytime dinners.
stew – This crock pot roast recipe is one of our favorite Sunday dinners. Just 3 minutes of prep time and the slow cooker does the rest! Chuck Roast ends up being so soft and full of flavor from the brown gravy, Italian and ranch dressing blend!
Swiss Roast Chicken – Delicious Creamy Swiss Grilled Chicken – An easy and delicious dinner recipe that includes Swiss and Parmesan cheese, grilled to perfection.
roast chicken – Easy and delicious grilled chicken that tastes like you spent the day making it! This is the perfect dinner recipe.
soft pork nuggets – This Creamy Lemon Thyme Smoked Pork Chops recipe always gets rave reviews. It’s delicious and ready in 35 minutes or less.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops – These Parmesan pork chops are delicious and easy to make. With less than 10 minutes of prep, you can make the most delicious grilled pork chops everyone will love.
Swedish Meatballs â Swedish meatballs made from pork and beef, cooked to perfection and smothered in a creamy gravy. Serve over mashed potatoes or with cooked vegetables for the perfect dish for holiday entertaining.
Oven Roasted Turkey – How to Roast a Turkey – All the tips and tricks you need to make a flavor-packed turkey. It’s great for Thanksgiving, but it’s great for any holiday.
The best steak marinade – This is our favorite steak marinade! It only takes four ingredients and makes our steak taste so amazing! Everyone always asks for this easy steak marinade recipe because it’s just so good! !
steak â Perfect ribs seasoned with a delicious garlic marinade and cooked in the oven. A secret trick will give you the most tender and juicy meat you’ve ever made!
We love all of these recipes for Christmas entrees and we think you will too!
More Soup + Salad Options
When soup or salad is about 1 cup per person before meal planning.
Waldorf Salad -Everyone loves this Waldorf Salad filled with grapes, apples, celery, walnuts, cheese and chicken. Toss it into a homemade poppy seed dressing, and this salad is perfect for any lunch, dinner, or appetizer.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad â Fresh, Light, Healthy Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Basil and Balsamic Glaze! Great for lunch or dinner with friends with a salad!
Arugula Salad â Fresh Arugula Salad is loaded with healthy veggies, juicy tomatoes and parmesan shavings, topped with pine nuts and creamy avocado!
Brussels Sprouts Salad – The Brussels Sprouts Salad is beautiful and delicious – full of shredded Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, sliced ââalmonds and a little shredded Parmesan cheese.
Asparagus Salad – Filled with mozzarella cheese and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with basil, and covered in a light vinaigrette, this asparagus salad is packed with flavor! Best of all, it’s done in less than 10 minutes!
Butternut Squash Soup – Buttery smooth butternut squash soup with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg makes for a delicious comforting soup!
Chicken Dumpling Soup – A version of one of our all-time favorite classic soup recipes – chicken and dumplings! This easy, delicious soup is filled with chicken nuggets and crackers, along with your favorite veggies!
wedge salad â This fresh wedge salad is a classic. It’s crisp and refreshing, wrapped in a creamy dressing and topped with crumbled cheese and bacon.
Cheesy Potato Soup – You won’t find an easier cheesy potato soup recipe anywhere else! Just pour a handful of ingredients into a saucepan and in a few hours, you’ll have a creamy, delicious cheesy soup.
Spinach and Tortellini Salad – This cold tortellini salad is the ultimate side dish for barbecues and potlucks! Tossed in tortellini, spinach, tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan cheese, this tortellini spinach salad is packed with all the best flavors!
Our Christmas Ham
If you’re like us, you have a ham on Christmas Day.
It’s great because it’s usually simple, plentiful and delicious!
We’re sharing our Honey Glazed Christmas Ham recipe because it’s a favorite and the perfect dinner on the 25th. We hope you love as much as we do.
main course
American food
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Total time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 172 kcal
by Lil’ Luna
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 TB Dijon mustard
- 10 full…