In today’s blog post, we’ll be showing you the 30 easy and yummy Christmas day food ideas
As the twinkling lights and festive cheer of Christmas Day draw near, it’s time to think about how to make your holiday feast truly unforgettable.
if you’re hosting a bustling holiday brunch or an intimate Christmas dinner, the right dishes can transform your celebration into a delightful culinary experience.
From delectable appetizers to mouth-watering mains and irresistible desserts, i have gathered 30 easy and scrumptious Christmas food ideas that promise to add a touch of magic to your holiday table.
Ready to wow your guests and create memorable moments? Let’s dive into a feast of festive flavors that will make your Christmas Day deliciously unforgettable!
30 EASY AND YUMMY CHRISTMAS DAY FOOD IDEAS
Breakfast & Brunch
1. Cinnamon Roll Casserole
This dish takes the classic cinnamon roll and transforms it into a comforting casserole. Pre-made cinnamon rolls are baked in a rich custard-like mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla, creating a warm and gooey breakfast treat. It’s a wonderful addition to your Christmas day food ideas, offering sweetness and comfort to start your holiday morning.
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2. Cut the cinnamon rolls into small pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the cinnamon rolls.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
5. Drizzle with the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls before serving.
2. Holiday Fruit Salad
A fresh and colorful mix of fruits like oranges, berries, apples, and grapes, often drizzled with honey or a citrus glaze. This salad is a light and refreshing option to balance the heavier dishes on your Christmas day menu. It’s perfect for those who want a healthy and festive side.
– 1 cup diced kiwi
– 1 cup orange segments
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp lime juice
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice.
3. Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the fruit and gently toss to combine.
3. Eggnog French Toast
This twist on French toast uses eggnog instead of regular milk, giving it a festive flavor with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Thick slices of bread are soaked in the eggnog mixture and then fried to golden perfection. This sweet and indulgent breakfast option makes for a great choice in your Christmas day food ideas, especially when paired with syrup or fresh fruit.
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 8 slices of bread
– Butter (for cooking)
2. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Cook the bread slices until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
4. Cheese and Herb Stuffed Croissants
Flaky, buttery croissants are stuffed with a savory blend of cheeses like cream cheese or cheddar, along with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary. These stuffed croissants make an elegant appetizer or side for your holiday spread, combining light pastry with rich, flavorful fillings – a perfect savory option for your Christmas day food ideas.
– 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives)
2. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Unroll the croissant dough and place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
4. Roll up the croissants and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Christmas Breakfast Quiche
A quiche is a savory pie made with a custard of eggs, milk, and cheese, often filled with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, and meats like bacon or ham. This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it a convenient option for Christmas morning. It’s a versatile and hearty dish that can be customized to fit your holiday preferences.
– 1 pie crust
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup milk or cream
-1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
– 1 cup cooked and chopped vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers)
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pie crust in a pie dish and pre-bake for 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in cheese and vegetables.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.
Appetizers & Starters
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for holiday parties. Mushrooms are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and sometimes sausage or bacon. They’re baked until golden and make for a flavorful, easy-to-eat appetizer. Stuffed mushrooms are a great addition to your Christmas day food ideas, bringing a rich and savory option to the table.
Ingredients:
– 16 large mushrooms
– 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
– 1 clove garlic (minced)
How to Make
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and finely chop them.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, chopped mushroom stems, herbs, and garlic.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
7. Brie and Cranberry Bites
A simple yet elegant appetizer, these bites consist of flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the cranberries paired with the rich, mild brie creates a delicious balance of flavors. They’re perfect for entertaining and are an ideal choice among your Christmas day food ideas for a festive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 package mini phyllo pastry shells
– 8 oz Brie cheese (cut into small pieces)
-1/2 cup cranberry sauce
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place Brie pieces in each phyllo pastry shell.
3. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
8. Holiday Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that can be dressed up for the holiday season. The hard-boiled egg yolks are mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasoning, then piped back into the whites. For a festive touch, you can top them with holiday spices like paprika or herbs, making them a delicious and simple option for your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika (for garnish)
– Cranberry sauce (optional, for garnish)
How to Make:
1. Hard-boil the eggs, peel, and slice them in half.
2. Remove the yolks and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
4. Garnish with paprika and a small dollop of cranberry sauce if desired.
9. Pigs in a Blanket
This fun and easy appetizer consists of mini sausages wrapped in puff pastry or crescent dough and baked until golden. They’re a crowd-pleaser at any party and make a perfect snack for holiday gatherings. You can serve them with various dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce, making them a versatile choice for your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 package mini sausages
– 1 can crescent roll dough
– Mustard or ketchup (for dipping)
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into small strips.
3. Wrap each mini sausage in a strip of dough and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve with mustard or ketchup for dipping.
10. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy dip is made with spinach, artichoke hearts, and a blend of cheeses, including cream cheese and parmesan. It’s served warm and is perfect for dipping bread, crackers, or vegetables. Spinach artichoke dip is a classic holiday appetizer that’s always a hit and is a great choice to include in your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
– 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic (minced)
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together artichokes, spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
4. Serve warm with crackers or bread.
Main Dishes
11. Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce
Roast beef is a traditional holiday main dish, featuring tender, slow-roasted beef served with a spicy horseradish sauce. The beef is often seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, and the horseradish adds a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the rich meat. This elegant dish is a great centerpiece for your Christmas day dinner.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 lb beef roast
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup beef broth
– Horseradish sauce (for serving)
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Season the roast with salt and pepper and sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned.
3. Transfer to a roasting pan and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and roast for an additional 45 minutes or until desired doneness.
5. Let rest before slicing and serve with horseradish sauce.
12. Honey Glazed Ham
A staple of many Christmas feasts, honey glazed ham is a sweet and savory dish where the ham is coated in a glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and spices like cloves or mustard. The ham is baked until caramelized and juicy, making it one of the most popular Christmas day food ideas for a main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked ham
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Whole cloves (for decoration)
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
3. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar together and brush over the ham.
4. Score the surface of the ham and insert cloves into the cuts.
5. Bake for 1-1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
13. Stuffed Turkey Breast
For a smaller holiday gathering, a stuffed turkey breast can be a great alternative to cooking a whole bird. The turkey breast is filled with a flavorful stuffing made from bread, herbs, and sometimes dried fruits or nuts, then roasted until juicy. This dish offers all the flavors of a traditional turkey dinner but in a more manageable portion size, making it perfect for Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole turkey breast (boneless)
– 1 cup stuffing mix
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup chopped onions
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the stuffing according to package directions
using chicken broth, onions, and celery.
3. Spread the stuffing over the turkey breast and roll it up.
4. Secure with kitchen twine and place in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
14. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This rich and creamy rice dish is made with Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and elegant side dish. Risotto is known for its creamy texture and deep flavors, and it pairs well with any holiday main course, making it an excellent addition to your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup chopped mushrooms
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped onions
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Make:
1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for a minute.
4. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is tender and creamy.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream before serving.
15. Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
Chicken breasts are baked with a sweet and tangy glaze made from cranberries and orange juice, creating a flavorful main dish that’s both festive and delicious. The bright flavors of the cranberry and orange make this dish a standout among your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp dried thyme
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and thyme.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the glaze over them.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly.
Sides
16. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are taken to the next level with the addition of roasted garlic, creating a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with roasts, ham, or turkey. Garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side for Christmas day dinners, offering a familiar yet elevated option.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Drain potatoes and mash with garlic butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
17. Green Bean Almondine
A simple and elegant side dish, green beans are sautéed in butter and topped with toasted almonds, adding a bit of crunch and flavor. Green bean almondine is a light and fresh side dish that pairs well with richer main courses, making it a great option for your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb green beans (trimmed)
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then shock in ice water.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté almonds until golden.
3. Add green beans and lemon juice, tossing to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
18. Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish combines mashed sweet potatoes with butter and sugar, often topped with a crunchy layer of pecans or marshmallows. It’s a sweet side that complements savory Christmas dishes, and its warm, comforting flavors make it a popular choice for Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter.
3. Spread in a baking dish and top with pecans and marshmallows.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until marshmallows are golden.
19. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and tossed with savory bacon, creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish. The combination of the tender Brussels sprouts and the smoky bacon makes this dish a crowd-pleaser at any Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved)
– 4 slices bacon (chopped)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and scatter chopped bacon over them.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until sprouts are crispy and bacon is cooked.
20. Classic Stuffing
Made with bread, herbs, and vegetables like onions and celery, stuffing is a must-have side dish for many Christmas dinners. It’s baked until golden and crispy on top, offering a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to roast turkey or ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf bread (cubed and toasted)
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1 cup chopped onions
– 1 cup chopped celery
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tbsp dried sage
– 1 tbsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and celery until softened.
3. In a large bowl, mix bread cubes with herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the onion mixture and chicken broth, tossing to combine.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Desserts
21. Peppermint Bark
A sweet holiday treat made by layering dark and white chocolate and topping it with crushed peppermint candies. It’s easy to make and perfect for gifting or serving as a dessert. Peppermint bark is a fun and festive treat that fits perfectly into your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz white chocolate
– 8 oz dark chocolate
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Make:
1. Melt dark chocolate and spread it in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Chill until set, then melt white chocolate and spread it over the dark chocolate layer.
3. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top.
4. Chill until fully set and break into pieces.
22. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic, made with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. They’re often shaped into gingerbread men or holiday-themed figures and decorated with icing. These cookies are not only delicious but also a fun activity to make with the family as part of your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tbsp ground ginger
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup butter (softened)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 egg
How to Make:1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and spices.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar, then mix in molasses and egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
5. Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
23. Eggnog Cheesecake
This holiday dessert blends the flavors of eggnog with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a festive and indulgent treat. The spiced flavors of the eggnog make this dessert perfect for any Christmas gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 4 packages cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggnog, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg.
4. Pour over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.
5. Let cool and chill before serving.
24. Chocolate Yule Log
A traditional holiday dessert, the yule log is a rolled chocolate sponge cake filled with cream and frosted to resemble a log. It’s a show-stopping dessert that brings a touch of tradition and elegance to your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat in eggs and water until smooth.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Roll the cake in parchment paper while warm, then let cool.
6. For the filling, melt chocolate and mix with whipped cream.
7. Unroll the cake, spread with chocolate filling, and re-roll.
8. Frost with additional chocolate ganache and decorate.
25. Pecan Pie Bars
These bars have all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie but in a more portable and snackable form. With a buttery crust and a sweet, gooey pecan topping, they’re perfect for holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, butter, and sugar and press into a baking pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
5. Pour over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Drinks
26. Spiced Apple Cider
Warm and comforting, spiced apple cider is made by heating apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, and other spices. It’s a perfect holiday drink for sipping on a cold winter day and a great addition to your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 3 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1 orange (sliced)
How to Make:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
2. Heat over medium heat until simmering.
3. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Strain and serve warm.
27. Classic Eggnog
A traditional holiday drink made with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg, eggnog can be served spiked or non-alcoholic. Its creamy and rich flavor makes it a staple at Christmas parties and gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup cream
– 1/2 cup rum (optional)
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
How to Make:1. Beat eggs and sugar together until creamy.
2. Stir in milk, cream, rum (if using), and nutmeg.
3. Chill before serving and garnish with additional nutmeg if desired.
28. Hot Chocolate Bar
Create a fun hot chocolate station with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, and chocolate shavings. It’s a cozy and interactive treat for guests and adds a festive touch to your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– Hot chocolate mix
– Milk
– Marshmallows
– Whipped cream
– Chocolate shavings
– Peppermint sticks
How to Make:
1. Prepare hot chocolate according to package instructions.
2. Set up a bar with various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and peppermint sticks.
3. Let guests customize their hot chocolate with their favorite toppings.
29. Cranberry Mojitos
This festive cocktail adds a holiday twist to the classic mojito by incorporating fresh cranberries and cranberry juice. It’s a refreshing and colorful drink perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup white rum
– Fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime (sliced)
– Club soda
How to Make:
1. Muddle mint leaves and lime slices in a glass.
2. Add cranberry juice and rum, and stir well.
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda.
4. Garnish with additional mint leaves and lime slices.
30. Gingerbread Latte
A warm latte flavored with gingerbread spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice or gingerbread crumbs. It’s a comforting and festive drink, perfect for sipping by the fire during the holidays. This seasonal favorite brings the essence of Christmas into your morning routine and is a lovely beverage choice for your Christmas day food ideas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
– Whipped cream
– Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
How to Make:
1. Heat milk and gingerbread syrup until steaming.
2. Froth the milk and pour it over the brewed espresso or coffee.
3. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
These detailed instructions should help you prepare a festive and delicious Christmas feast that your family and friends will love!
Christmas day food ideas bring warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to your holiday celebrations, from savory appetizers to indulgent desserts. Are you hosting a cozy family gathering or a festive feast? These dishes are sure to make your Christmas meal unforgettable.
 |
ReplyForward |
