A Traditional Christmas Dinner Menu

By Hannah Klinger
Updated November 06, 2020
Credit: iamjekob

Christmas dinner is the show-stopping feast that caps off a day of fun with friends and family — and opening presents and having snowball fights also makes us pretty hungry! These recipes cover it all, from a three-ingredient holiday appetizer that will have everyone swooning to a luscious cheesecake inspired by a certain creamy, boozy drink. For the main event, try a foolproof prime rib roast or a super easy glazed ham. Many of these Christmas dishes can be made ahead and warmed just before serving so you can spend more time relaxing by the fire. Happy holidays!

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Bacon Wrapped Dates

Credit: Allrecipes
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When a three-ingredient appetizer is requested year after year, you know you have a Christmas winner. Sticky-sweet dates are stuffed with a whole smoked almond, then wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp. The best part? No cleanup! Just toss the foil.

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Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts

Credit: Chef John
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This retro classic will be the first thing to disappear at any holiday gathering. "Everyone at the party raved about it," says Cynthia K. The rich Brie melts in the puff pastry as it gets golden in the oven. You'll love the added walnuts — a welcome crunch in every bite. 

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Swedish Christmas Glogg

Credit: Allrecipes
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Whole cinnamon sticks and cloves infuse a boozy blend of red wine, port, rum, and brandy. It's guaranteed to keep you warm on a cold Christmas night. Julie Moskal says you won't need an air freshener while this simmers: "Your house will smell amazing!" 

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Kim's Eggnog Cheesecake

Credit: Mark
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If you think about it, eggnog in cheesecake makes perfect sense. The rich holiday sipper is made with eggs, cream, sugar, and spices — a perfect addition to a velvety cheesecake. Save a few graham crackers from Santa for the crust.

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Green Beans Almondine

Credit: France C
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A super simple yet totally elegant side is exactly what you need to round out the richer dishes on your Christmas dinner table. This classic is made extra speedy by par-cooking the green beans in the microwave. It finishes on the stove so you can reserve your oven for that holiday roast.

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Orange Glazed Ham

Credit: Allrecipes
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Easter usually gets to claim the whole ham with the sticky-sweet glaze, but we think Christmas dinner deserves one, too. You'll love the floral, slightly bitter edge from store-bought marmalade. Guests will be impressed too. Pat says, "I even got a request for the recipe!"

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Fancy Crusted Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes

Credit: Mackenzie Schieck
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There's mashed potatoes, and then there's scalloped potatoes — sliced potatoes drenched in cream and cheeses and baked until tender at the center and just crispy at the edges. Since it's a popular steakhouse side, it would be fantastic with your Christmas prime rib roast.

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Pancetta Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Pecans

Credit: Allrecipes
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Salty pancetta and sweet caramelized pecans turn everyday Brussels sprouts into an outstanding holiday side. CJR agrees. "Hands down, this is the best Brussels sprout recipe I have tried."

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Christmas Prime Rib

Credit: iamjekob
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This king of Christmas roasts can be expensive at the meat counter, so a foolproof recipe is a great place to start. Horseradish and mustard cut through the richness of the beef and give it a gorgeous crust. Joan McAllister impressed her whole family: "Amazing taste! I couldn't be happier."

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Mini Orange Mince Pies

Credit: Allrecipes
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The Brits inspired these classic mini pies. Mincemeat has several ingredients, including lots of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Save some time by grabbing a jar at the supermarket. "I really liked these," says Mary Elizabeth Hancock. "In fact, I couldn't stop eating them!"

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