49 Christmas Dinner Recipes That Keep Things Easy but Festive
Keeping things festive should not mean spending all day in the kitchen, which is why those 49 cheerful dinner options exist. They bring a healthy amount of holiday spirit without sending you into full on cooking panic. The family will think you planned for months, even though you just used some common sense and a little humor and creativity.

Golden Roasted Turkey

Crisp skin glistens straight from the oven whenever Golden Roasted Turkey arrives at the center of the table. Each platter inspires remarks about reliable juiciness. Slices get extra attention for their savory warmth. Every serving draws requests for another helping. Holiday banquets feel complete the moment this classic is carved.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Velvety potatoes catch eyes across the whole spread. Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes draw conversation about the silkiness beneath a golden surface. Each slice lands gracefully next to roasts or hams. Mouths water for the soft finish. Guests pass the tray and share cheerful compliments after every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Layered Homemade Lasagna

Baked layers stack high for moments when hearts want comfort. Layered Homemade Lasagna sits at the table and creates talk about cheesy filling and bold sauce. Each portion scoops out with care. Warmth carries through every bite while plates quickly return for seconds. The dish often vanishes before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Layered Homemade Lasagna
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Mellow coziness glows from every portion. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole provides a mild option beside hearty mains and spurs comments about creamy texture. People praise the delicate top and gentle finish. Spoons fill plates for young and old without pause. Pleasant smiles last long after trays are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Bite-sized rounds get passed quickly between conversations. Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls spark compliments by balancing sharp with soft. Guests give feedback on how easy they are to enjoy while mingling. Each serving disappears in minutes. Plates sit empty as people hope more will appear.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Casserole warmth lingers long after serving. Hearty Cabbage Casserole draws attention for its soft bite and gentle layers. People talk about comfort and tradition at each helping. Each portion keeps plates busy. Laughter follows as the pan empties well before the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow-cooked aroma carries through the air before serving begins. Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast receives positive remarks about deep flavor and soft slices. Guests point out the ease of enjoying this dish on busy days. Each bite makes everyone pause and appreciate the moment. Satisfied smiles stay long after plates are clean.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Savory French Onion Casserole

Warm layers signal holiday comfort from the first whiff. Savory French Onion Casserole invites feedback about its gentle finish and golden crust. Spoons find their way back for more. Compliments fill the room. The dish stays in memory long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Slices shine in soft light beside bowls of mashed potatoes. Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast sparks discussion over how glaze brings a new twist to tradition. Each serving excites with its glossy look. Guests offer praise for juicy texture. The recipe gets requested after several bites.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Classic sides keep spirits high and stomachs full. Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes inspire stories about soft texture and golden color. Spoons glide across a mountain of smoothness with ease. Generous scoops land quickly on every plate. Talks about this side continue after seconds are served.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Rich sauce draws diners near for seconds. Creamy Beef Stroganoff encourages feedback about comfort and tender bite. Each forkful feels familiar yet exciting. Slices of beef settle into the sauce and create gentle warmth. Platters empty while praise flows from every seat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Crockpot Turkey Breast

Moist slices land quietly at every festive table. Crockpot Turkey Breast finds repeated praise for easy serving and gentle finish. People notice how quickly plates refill. Comments remain positive when plates circle for seconds. The dish wins applause for its soft tenderness.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast
Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Caramel glaze grabs the spotlight every time the ham is passed around. Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham offers cheerful brightness while smoky notes linger. Slices pile high as hands reach for seconds. Remarks chatter about the playful finish. The serving platter always empties first.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham
Elegant Beef Wellington

Golden pastry signals something special has arrived. Elegant Beef Wellington brings cheers for its perfect doneness and layered taste. Knives tap crisp crust while eyes widen at the filling. Each bite becomes a highlight of the evening. The centerpiece stays memorable long after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Beef Wellington
Hearty Beef Stew

Ladles scoop up eager helpings from the pot. Hearty Beef Stew bathes each bowl in gentle warmth and classic depth. Conversations switch from busy days to simple comfort. Bites encourage silence for a moment. Spoons remain busy until every drop is finished.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Stew
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Baked greens blend with cheese for unexpected applause. Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole earns points for tender bite and richness. Guests enjoy moments of surprise at flavor. Requests roll in for the recipe. Slices fill the room with prompt cheer.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Piles of smooth potatoes keep the meal classic and inviting. Buttery Mashed Potatoes earn gentle praise for softness. Spoons travel fast among hungry guests. Each forkful lands cheers for the creamy feel. Conversation picks right up again after every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Rich Beef Bourguignon

Aromas hint at long-cooked comfort. Rich Beef Bourguignon wins positive reactions for its depth and soft finish. Slow braise earns nods from traditionalists. Spoons rise for second helpings. Warmth lingers even as plates empty.
Get the Recipe: Rich Beef Bourguignon
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Baked casseroles create easy smiles for all who gather. Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole transforms a few humble ingredients into soft bites. Surprised compliments rise about how filling the dish feels. Hands return for seconds without pause. The casserole dish empties long before dinner is over.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole
Hearty Beef Pot Pie

Individual pot pies line up to serve forkfuls of gentle flavor. Hearty Beef Pot Pie receives kind comments about flaky topping and robust filling. Platters showcase lively colors and dependable taste. Questions follow about the crust. The dish leaves memories in every diner’s mind.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Pot Pie
Crispy Pork Belly

Snap and crackle arrive at the table with each square cut. Crispy Pork Belly sparks praise for its irresistible crunch and juicy layers. Conversation focuses on bold flavor. Slices are gone before anyone can set the tray down. New fans surface after every try.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly
Ham Steaks

Slices of ham command attention with their glistening pink surface. Ham Steaks rack up applause for their effortless charm. Each serving wins mild remarks about texture and color. Groups pass the platter with anticipation. Every slice turns into a simple highlight at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ham Steaks
Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Mushroom fillings promise a surprise for meatless guests. Elegant Mushroom Wellington brings out excitement for tender centers wrapped in crisp pastry. Diners mention gentle flavor and beautiful finish. Platters inspire second servings. People talk about this centerpiece year after year.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Mushroom Wellington
Classic Meatloaf

Sliced portions rest beside smooth potatoes. Classic Meatloaf draws applause for its gentle warmth and familiar taste. Comments linger on the soft bite and easy prep. Second helpings disappear quickly. Family tables keep this one coming every year.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatloaf
Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Carved ham smells sweet the second it hits the cutting board. Copycat Honey Baked Ham gets attention for its golden crust and juicy cut. Favorable talk runs between servings. Guests pick it clean in minutes. The recipe joins wish lists after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham
Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Baked stuffing soaks up praise for every panful served. Savory Cornbread Stuffing brings out warm reviews about its mellow crumb. Forkfuls connect people to gatherings past. Each scoop delivers a reason to smile. Compliments follow the dish until the end of the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Turkey Bolognese

Gentle simmer fills the air as plates stack up high. Turkey Bolognese draws attention for its hearty finish. Forkfuls glide through rich sauce. Each serving prompts applause for ease and depth. Dinner wraps up with requests for more.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bolognese
Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Bowls of orange mash glow at the center of group meals. Mashed Sweet Potatoes prompt gentle smiles at first bite. Spoons dig in for their soft texture. Subtle sweetness captures praise. Each plate empties without effort.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Carved slices shine on platters alongside crimson adornment. Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing delights guests with each moist forkful. Feedback grows about the touch of tart. Plates crowd around this main event. Every slice makes a memory.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing
Vegan Nut Roast

Nutty aroma lines plates for those seeking something special. Vegan Nut Roast welcomes gratitude for its hearty bite and golden color. Praise springs up across mixed company. Each helping makes the meal inclusive. Platters never rest for long.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast
Tender Roasted Broccoli

Florets take on a new role beside meatier options. Tender Roasted Broccoli pulls mild praise for color and texture. Plates have green added every time. Smiles surface as hands help themselves. Compliments last well after the tray is cleared.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Tender Roast Beef

Fanned slices highlight the main table with rich juices beneath. Tender Roast Beef inspires conversation about the gentle cut. Forkfuls reward with lasting warmth. Plates turn quiet while finishing the last bite. Requests always land for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roast Beef
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Green casseroles appear beside golden potatoes, inviting smiles from all sides. Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves makes conversation lively. Plates carry soft bites away quickly. Feedback arrives about the pleasant finish. The tray returns empty each dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Classic Shepherds Pie

Golden mash covers a traditional filling for easy joy. Classic Shepherds Pie enjoys notes of nostalgia with every portion. Forks pass over each bite for comfort. Quiet praise arrives about gentle warmth. Stories travel around about its lasting place at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherds Pie
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Slices fan perfectly across trays as hands linger for more. Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes draw eyes for their crisp finish and soft core. Comments fill the room about their presentation. Each portion leaves diners wanting extra. Plates wipe clean with no delay.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Hearty Turkey Chili

Bowls arrive brimming with a soothing blend at gatherings. Hearty Turkey Chili stays in conversations about savory celebration. Every spoonful keeps bellies full. Lively remarks pop up about texture. Pots are always empty by the end.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Sidedishes grab the spotlight for gooey comfort. Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes create talk about their creamy finish. Spoons dip in for extra bites. Each helping contributes to holiday joy. Platters say goodbye before rounds are done.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Baked trays land gently in the spotlight whenever simple plans win. Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner gains praise for fewer dishes and colorful variety. Each serving keeps guests happy. Laughter follows as plates refill. Memories grow on how simple it can be.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Sweet glaze coats each sprout for a special twist. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze fill the air with compliments and a pleasant aroma. Eyes widen at the glossy finish. Plates empty fast. Guests seek out this new favorite next time.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Turkey Legs

Big platters encourage extra helpings from every hand. Roasted Turkey Legs take attention for crispy finish and hearty flavor. Choosing a piece sparks stories. Each bite lands applause for comfort. Platters never return with leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Baked layers bring gentle bites of savory reward each time. Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu finds applause for golden crust and soft interior. Comments fill the room with pleasant remarks. Forks pause after each mouthful. Plates do not stand still during dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu
Hearty Beef Chili

Pots of chili create moments for gathering near. Hearty Beef Chili earns repeat cheer for heat and boldness. Every bowl leaves mouths warm. Conversation floats around satisfied guests. The pot sits empty by meal’s end.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layered potatoes call up ease and delight. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes attract comments about soft finish and rich taste. Spoons dip back in for extra helpings. Feedback remains enthusiastic. Casserole pans will always clear.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Forkfuls of casserole remind of classic comfort holidays demand. Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole draws out thanks for its smooth bite. Comments follow its golden cover. Plates clear before the conversation rests. Each bite leaves guests grateful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Apple and Cranberry Pie

Holidays find their sweet finish at dessert. Apple and Cranberry Pie brings compliments about balance in every slice. Pie servers work overtime to keep up. Smiles travel as plates empty. Requests arrive before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Baked casseroles rule for keeping things easy. Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini stands out for soft texture and gentle flavor. Slices please as guests collect seconds. Each forkful produces gentle sighs of joy. The pan vanishes ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Golden sides roll onto platters for sharing. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes bring crisp feedback and cheerful grins. Each crunch delights with soft center. Serving bowls do not last long. Everyone searches for more.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Casserole trays attract hands with reliable comfort. Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole collects gratitude for simple serving and mellow finish. Plates clear before the table quiets. Praise finds its way after every bite. The recipe joins favorites for future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Festive tables come alive when platters fill with familiar favorites. Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies encourage kind remarks with caramel glaze and soft bite. Plates go empty as helpings multiply. Conversation grows with every tray. Serving this classic brings extra cheer every celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
