Looking for Christmas party dinner food ideas to make your gathering extra special? Christmas dinners are the heart of holiday celebrations, and sharing delicious food with loved ones is the best way to embrace the festive spirit. From appetizers to main dishes, sides, and desserts, I’ve curated a list of my favorite Christmas party food ideas that are sure to create lasting memories.
Appetizers
I always see appetizers as the opening act of the night, setting the stage for the rest of the meal. Here are some recipe ideas that will definitely set your guests’ appetites and get everyone excited!
Smoked Trout Spread
Let’s kick off with this smoked trout spread! The mix of sour cream and cream cheese is the perfect way to start your dinner and paired with some toast, it’s simply unbeatable. This appetizer is sure to be a hit!
Smoked Trout Spread Is The Star Dip Your Holiday Is Missing
This smooth and rich pâté is a delightful starter that pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted bread, perfect for sparking conversation at your Christmas dinner party.
Easy Chicken Pâté
This easy chicken pâté is the perfect addition to any meal, whether you're looking for a delicious spread for your morning toast or a fancy appetizer for your next dinner party. Its creamy texture and rich flavor are sure to impress. Give it a try for your next gathering or when you want a touch of elegance at your meal. It’s particularly great for occasions like brunches or casual get-togethers.
These adorable, festive Christmas tree treats are not only a visual delight but also a creamy, tangy start to your holiday meal.
Deviled Egg Cupcakes
If you hate peeling the boiled eggs or simply want fancier appetizers -this one is for you! Eggs and avocados are a match made in heaven, so I used that combination. I made them as tiny Christmas trees to fit the holiday theme! Chilli, lime, and smoked paprika fuse all the flavors together in one perfect bite!
This Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread will definitely become a fantastic centerpiece! You will bring the festive vibes straight to the table.
Christmas Tree Garlic Bread Pull Apart
This Christmas tree pull apart garlic bread recipe is the only one you’ll need for the rest of your life! You can shape it any way you desire; I chose to roll it for this festive look. It is perfect as a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or a casual lunch to prepare for the whole winter. It tastes like home – an ideal Christmas bread recipe choice for the holidays. Christmas tree garlic bread pull apart is a perfect Christmas recipe for a crowd!
These elegant tubes of pasta filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach are a festive and satisfying beginning to any holiday feast.
Cannelloni with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe
This Cannelloni with Spinach and Ricotta recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach wrapped in tender pasta, all smothered in a savory homemade tomato sauce. Dive into this comforting dish for your next family dinner or special gathering; it's sure to impress with its authentic Italian flavors and elegant presentation!
Their delicious pesto flavor and eye-catching presentation make them a perfect appetizer or side dish that will impress guests without too much effort.
Christmas Tree Pesto Breadsticks
Christmas tree never looked this good! When you fuse perfectly kneaded pastry and homemade pesto, you get this – an incredibly flavorful bite. It is fantastic to serve as an appetizer with salads and dips or as a side dish with roast, soups, or stews. Either way, one thing is clear – the pesto Christmas tree will be a superstar of the show. The recipe for these breadsticks is from scratch but super simple! Check it out!
These comforting, cheesy pancakes are a crowd-pleaser that bring warmth and joy to your holiday table, perfect for nibbling while mingling.
Cheesy Crispy Potato Pancakes
Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up those leftovers or just in the mood for something cheesy and delicious, these potato pancakes are sure to hit the spot. Happy cooking!
The refreshing combination of cucumber and smoked salmon topped with cream cheese makes for a luxurious bite that’s both fresh and festive.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer
These smoked salmon cucumber appetizers are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a perfect choice for parties, celebrations, or as a light and refreshing snack. Enjoy!
Mini waffles paired with chicken nuggets offer a delightful and playful appetizer, dipping encouraged!
Chicken Waffles
I love making mini foods! I marinated chicken tender chunks in Greek yogurt and spices to get the signature tender and succulent bites. The breading is super crunchy and aromatic because of the parmesan and granulated garlic in the mixture. I drizzled it with my favorite sweet chili sauce, but you can go for whatever sauce you fancy – from honey to hot sauce. Here is the only recipe for the best Chicken Waffles you’ll ever need!
This colorful and fresh salad adds a lighter, gourmet touch to the Christmas appetizer lineup, balancing out the richer dishes.
Sweetgreen Buffalo Chicken Salad
This salad is real eye candy! It is colorful, fun, and incredibly delicious. Chicken is rich in spices and perfectly textured – super juicy inside and crispy outside. There are two different sauces to pair with buffalo chicken salad – Caesar and hot sauce. The best part is the za'atar croutons that add some missing crunch! It is loaded with fresh veggies, so it is a fine choice for a healthy lunch.
Warm up for the main dish with these tasty garlic butter steak bites! The garlic butter flavor is simply irresistible—I always find myself reaching for more and more. These savory bites are the perfect way to kick off your dinner!
Garlic-Butter Steak Bites
These quickly sautéed garlic-butter beef bites deliver all the savory luxury of a steakhouse-caliber steak, without the stress over cooking one at home.
This dish puts a fun twist on your usual salsa recipe! With a vibrant mix of vegetables and a boost of protein from black-eyed peas and beans, it’s both outstanding and easy to whip up. It’s perfect for adding a festive touch to your spread!
I’m wrapping up our appetizers with this irresistible cranberry baked brie! The gooey cheese combined with cranberry is a certified Christmas flavor that truly shines. It’s the perfect way to impress your guests!
Everyone calls the main dish the star of the meal—and for good reason! To make sure you have the best highlights of the night, check out these main dish ideas that will truly steal the show at your Christmas party dinner.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Spicy, hearty, and full of flavor, this dish brings a bit of Southern flair to the holiday table, making it a memorable main course.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
This is an American recipe for tiger shrimp in a sweet and spicy tomato and cream sauce. It's so creamy and delicious that you won't even have time to talk while enjoying this meal, which is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana. I didn't use store-bought cajun seasoning, but rather homemade.
This rich and tender stew is a traditional treat that’s been enjoyed for generations, perfect for a comforting and hearty Christmas meal.
Croatian Beef Stew Pasticada
This Croatian Beef Stew Pasticada is a labor of love that brings together rich flavors and traditional cooking techniques, making it a memorable meal that's worth every bit of effort.
A wholesome and nourishing option, this stew is packed with vegetables and turkey, ideal for a lighter yet satisfying main dish.
Turkey Breast Stew
This Turkey Breast Stew with Lots of Vegetables is a simple, nourishing one-pot dish brimming with tender turkey and a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a cozy and healthy meal. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this hearty, wholesome stew as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery Stuffing
Nothing says holiday feast like a beautifully roasted chicken, stuffed with flavorful bacon and celery for added richness.
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
This delicious stuffed roast chicken with its crispy skin and flavorful, moist interior paired with hearty vegetables makes for a delightful meal that brings comfort and joy to any table. Enjoy the process and the feast!
These indulgent roll-ups are a decadent treat, with layers of chicken, bacon, ham, and cheese, making each bite a celebration.
Bacon Chicken Roll Ups
These Bacon Chicken Roll Ups are perfect for when you want to serve something a bit special without too much fuss. They’re great for a family dinner but fancy enough for entertaining guests. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite!
Starting our main dishes with this chestnut, spinach, and blue cheese delight is a real treat! The combination of savory flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry makes it a great choice for any Christmas meal. Trust me, the puff pastry alone is a game-changer!
Chestnut, spinach & blue cheese en croûte recipe
This vegetarian main course is packed with festive flavours and wrapped in flaky butter puff pastry – a real Christmas treat.
Another Christmas classic is turkey, and this spice-brined version truly shows why! The brining process ensures the turkey turns out incredibly juicy and full of flavor, making it a great Christmas dinner main dish.
Spice-Brined Turkey
Jason Qureshi, executive chef at River Roast in Chicago, says that brining gives this turkey unbelievably juicy, flavorful breast meat. The process requires some advance planning (and a lot of room in the fridge), but you’ll taste the difference.
Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Sauce
From the name alone, I can tell this dish is going to be incredible! The combination of herb-crusted beef and a creamy horseradish sauce sounds absolutely mouthwatering. I’m definitely making this ASAP—can’t wait to taste it!
Herb and Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
The beef tenderloin is a magical piece of meat and the most tender cut of beef there is. When cooked whole and then sliced it is wildly popular at dinner parties, weddings, etc. and when the tenderloin is cut into thick slices prior to cooking, it transforms into the infamous Filet Mignon.
You can never go wrong with a classic lamb dish, and this one is a perfect example! Don’t let the fancy presentation intimidate you—it’s surprisingly easy to make. I’m excited to try this and impress everyone at the table!
A Showstopping Way to Serve Lamb (Easier Than You Think!)
This is a real showstopping way of serving a rack of lamb. Create this crown roast for a special occasion using our simple technique.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Apple& Rice Stuffing
The apple and rice stuffing in this dish is a flavor twist you don’t see every day! I’m already in love with the crispy and salty prosciutto-wrapped exterior and can’t wait to try it. This one’s definitely on my list this holiday meal!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Apple & Rice Stuffing
This recipe– though stunning– is actually much easier to make than it seems. And if you’re willing to give it a go, the rewards (in both flavor and appreciation) are astronomical. Roast this baby up for Christmas dinner and your whole family will think you’re a superstar.
Looking to add a festive twist to your menu? This chicken stew with pomegranate is the perfect choice! I love how pomegranates can bring an extra touch of holiday cheer to any meal.
Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken) Recipe
Fesenjan is a Persian chicken stew made with chicken breasts or thighs that are slowly cooked with ground toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
Looking to shake up your holiday menu? I highly recommend trying these Spanish garlic shrimp! As a huge fan of both shrimp and garlic butter, I know this dish will be a hit. The juicy shrimp and garlic sauce with olive oil is just heavenly!
Gambas al Ajillo (10-Min Spanish Garlic Shrimp)
Get this easy expert recipe for Gambas al Ajillo, a popular Spanish garlic shrimp swimming in tasty olive oil sauce. Ready in 10 minutes!
This recipe combines two classic Christmas staples—turkey and cranberry sauce—into one delicious dish! The cranberry glaze adds a festive touch and improves the turkey flavor perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up my list of Christmas party main dish ideas!
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast recipe is bursting with flavor from the white wine brine, to the savory spice rub, to the cranberry glaze!
If the main dishes are the stars of the night, then side dishes are definitely the supporting actresses! They complement the main flavors perfectly, so check out these ideas to find the perfect side dishes!
Prosciutto Melon Mozzarella Salad
This light, refreshing salad with its sweet and savory flavors provides a delightful contrast to the heavier main dishes.
This Prosciutto Melon Mozzarella Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a light, flavorful meal on a hot summer day. Its combination of sweet, savory, and creamy is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests at any gathering.
Easy-to-Make Cottage Cheese Salad with Spring Onions
A fresh, creamy side that’s incredibly easy to whip up, adding a light touch to your festive feast.
Simple Cottage Cheese Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Salad is not only easy to prepare but also brings a refreshing touch to any meal, especially during the summer months. It’s a light, protein-rich option that will keep everyone at the table happy and healthy!
Drizzled over vegetables or meats, this spicy-sweet sauce adds an unexpected and delicious twist to traditional Christmas sides.
Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce
This is a copycat of the famous Trader Joe's Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce. It is so flavorful – spicy, savory, sweet, smoky, tangy, and nutty! It sounds a lot, but it's amazing!
Let’s kick off this side dish list with a shaved brussels sprouts salad! I love how Brussels sprouts add a fresh twist to your usual salad, and they’re super healthy too. It’s a crisp and nutritious way to start your meal!
You can’t go wrong with potatoes and their endless possibilities! This cheesy sweet potato gratin is a dream come true for me, combining creamy layers with a cheesy topping. It’s a side dish that never fails to impress!
Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe
Sweet potato gratin, with sweet potatoes, gruyere, cheddar, garlicky cream, and fresh thyme. A delicious twist on the classic potato au gratin casserole.
If you’re looking to add a fresh twist to your Christmas menu, this Mediterranean-inspired onion soup is a must-try! I love how cozy and comforting it feels, with caramelized onions that add the perfect touch of sweetness!
Mediterranean Christmas Onion Soup
Caramelized onions, shallots, leeks bathed on white wine, and crusty bread under a luscious layer of cheese. The most delicious Christmas onion soup.
Wow, those green and red layers just scream Christmas! I already love lasagna, but this holiday twist takes it to the next level with festive layers and flavors. I’m sure that this is one of the best ways to add a bit of extra cheer to your holiday dinner!
Christmas Eve Lasagna (Lasagna Bolognese with a Festive Twist!)
A twist on classic lasagna bolognese, Christmas Eve Lasagna boasts festive red & green layers of hearty bolognese & basil pesto ricotta.
When I’m craving something simple yet effective to complement my main dishes, glazed carrots are always my go-to! These brown sugar-glazed carrots are a perfect choice, offering a healthy twist while being incredibly delicious. With their sweet and savory flavor, they make any meal feel special!
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Glazed Carrots made with brown sugar or honey, then roasted so you get the most amazing caramelised edges and toffee-like glaze! Quick, easy carrot side.
Let’s be real—who doesn’t love corn? This corn casserole is a tasty and delicious addition to any menu, bringing that creamy, comforting flavor everyone craves. It’s so easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of goodness to your holiday spread!
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
This easy corn casserole recipe from Paula Deen requires a box of Jiffy mix and 5 other simple ingredients! Make it up to two days ahead!
If you’re a fan of pesto like me, you’ll love this festive pasta salad! It’s super easy to prepare and adds a deliciously Christmas-y touch to any meal. This salad is a great side dish that complements just about everything – I swear!
Festive Pesto Pasta Salad
I’m a huge lover of pesto, and when I found this red, white and green bow-tie pasta, I knew I had to make a Festive Pesto Pasta Salad. The pesto is a version of my creamy kale pesto, but it’s a little less creamy and a bit more chunky. The consistency works really well in this pasta salad.
Ending our side dish list with a classic, here’s a creamy mashed potato recipe that’s truly irresistible! I can’t get enough of these velvety and rich potatoes—they’re the perfect comfort food for any holiday table. It really matches any meal!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
These creamy mashed potatoes are shockingly good! Learn the secrets to the best mashed potatoes recipe. Whipped, velvety and holiday worthy mashed potatoes!
Desserts are the sweet ending to a delicious Christmas dinner, and I love how they wrap up the meal on a high note. Check out these three Christmas dessert ideas that will add a perfect touch of sweetness to your celebration!
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Combining the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the festive flavor of apple pie, these are a sweet, warm end to your Christmas meal.
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Since I tried these apple-filled cinnamon rolls, I never returned to the regular ones. Hope you will enjoy them, too! 🙂
Shaped like little Christmas trees, these cinnamon rolls add a fun and festive twist to your dessert spread.
Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
If you are looking for an idea of what to bake for a Christmas party, look no more! Here is the step-by-step recipe for Christmas-themed cinnamon rolls!
This unique take on apple pie features a lighter, spongier texture and rich flavors, ideal for a festive dessert.
Mexican Apple Pie
This is something between coffee cake and pie, plus it looks divine! The caramelly layer of apples on top is my favorite thing. Enjoy this moist, spongy, autumn recipe.
Easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, this cake is perfect for those who want to enjoy their holiday without spending all day in the kitchen.
No Bake Banana Chocolate Cake
This is the best quick cake you're going to make! It has three layers: graham crackers crust, banoffee cream, and chocolate ganache on top. What's there not to like, right?!
These decadent cupcakes are a sweet, chocolatey treat that guests of all ages will love.
German Chocolate Cupcakes W/ Frosting
Indulge in rich chocolate muffins topped with a creamy coconut pecan layer, then enveloped in velvety chocolate frosting for a heavenly bite every time.
These little cupcakes pack the big taste of apple pie, perfect for sharing and enjoying at a holiday party.
Apple Pie Cupcakes That Will Thrill
These cupcakes have only the best from the baking world – rich, aromatic filling, spongy, airy cake, and creamy frosting. What more to ask for, right? They are ready in a swift and even better the next day! 10/10 recommendation for all my fellow apple pie lovers!
The tang of cranberries and the warmth of gingerbread merge to create a moist, flavorful treat that epitomizes Christmas.
Sticky Chewy Cranberry Gingerbread Recipe
This autumn treat is perfectly moist and slightly crumbly. The taste is out-of-this-world, warm, spicy, and slightly tangy. I love a cinnamon-ginger combo with a touch of vanilla flavor! 100% recommend!
Light and fluffy, these cupcakes bring a taste of carnival fun to your Christmas dessert lineup.
Funnel Cake Cupcakes
These are the most festive cupcakes you can make! They are soft, rich, silky, crunchy, and cinnamon-y. The crusty funnels on top pair impeccably with airy sponge and creamy frosting.
Inspired by the traditional Mexican sweet bread, these cupcakes are a delightful nod to cultural culinary traditions.
Concha Cupcakes Recipe
Concha cupcakes are a perfect blend of Mexican and American cuisine. Sweet bread is fluffy, aromatic, soft, and airy, while the streusel topping is crunchy with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. I was inspired by gingerbread cookies, so they are infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla!
Woah, those croissant crumbs on top look absolutely irresistible! And just check out those creamy clouds of chocolate—just looking at it makes me crave it already. This dessert is bound to become a new favorite!
Easy Chocolate Mousse With Croissant Crumbs
This easy chocolate mousse with a crispy croissant topping relies on whipped cream for a luscious, cloudy texture.
Red velvet is my all-time favorite cake flavor, and it’s extra special this Christmas with its festive color that truly captures the holiday spirit! The soft sponge of this cake roll is simply heavenly–I can’t wait to dig into this one!
Recipe: Peppermint Red Velvet Cake Roll
Searching for a festive, whimsical dessert to serve a crowd? This red velvet cake roll is not only surprisingly easy to put together during the busy holiday season, but it will look stunning on any dessert table. With tender red velvet sponge cake and a silky peppermint buttercream, this is a fun spin on a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert.
There’s no better way to end Christmas dinner than with this stunning pavlova wreath! Honestly, every pavlova recipe is mouthwatering, but this one takes it to another level with its decadent chocolate sauce. I’m sure it will wow everyone at the table!
Pavlova wreath with chocolate sauce
Give this Pavlova wreath with chocolate sauce recipe a go. Find more recipes and food ideas over at Tesco Real Food.
Laura Bais is the owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery food blog. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking, and at the age of 13, she made her first meal. After finishing high school, she undergraduates in Cultural Studies at the University of Rijeka, and graduates in Journalism at the University of Zagreb. At that time she honed her cooking skills, but also worked in marketing. Since her love for cooking never faded, in 2021 she finally decided to share her recipes with the world. Laura turned her hobby into a career and loves every moment of it. Now she writes about common mistakes in the kitchen and how to avoid them, about adding twists to traditional meals, etc. Her love for trying new foods often leads her to visit restaurants and attempt to recreate the meals at home. She has been featured on F and B Recipes and BOXROX, to name a few.
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