Non-Traditional Christmas Food Ideas for a Unique Holiday Spread!

During the holiday season, I totally get the urge to switch things up and find new, exciting dishes to wow my guests. I love hunting for those hidden gems that break away from the usual holiday fare, especially when it comes to Christmas parties. 

So, I went on a quest for non-traditional Christmas food ideas and put together this list of unique and delicious options. I’m really excited to share them with you—yay!

Easy Broiled Lobster Tail

Let’s kick things off with a delicious lobster recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers buttery lobster tails that feel like a luxurious treat for Christmas!

Easy Broiled Lobster Tail

Broiled lobster tail is a decadent, impressive, yet easy-to-make dinner. While not a budget meal, it can be made at home for much cheaper than eating out.

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Filet Mignon in Mushroom Wine Sauce

Wow! That wine sauce is extremely mouthwatering, perfectly complementing the tender filet mignon with its savory flavor.

Filet Mignon in Mushroom Wine Sauce

This is a very special filet mignon recipe, but it’s made in one pan and fairly simple to prepare. This is spectacular for any special occasion!

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Brown Sugar Glazed Wrapped Shrimp

I’m such a huge fan of shrimp, especially when they’re wrapped in bacon and glazed with sweet brown sugar for an irresistible holiday appetizer!

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delicious holiday appetizer, you’re in luck because I’m sharing the recipe for these delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp.

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Firecracker Chicken

Chicken is a certified crowd favorite, and combined with crispiness and tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, it is so addicting! 

Firecracker Chicken

This firecracker chicken recipe is chunks of crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. An easy dinner option that the whole family will love!

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Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Bacon

Mushrooms and bacon together? Well, count me in for this comforting and savory dish!

Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Bacon

If you ask us, we should all be eating more polenta. It’s creamy, filling and best of all, versatile—not to mention easier to make than you think. Allow this polenta with roasted mushrooms and bacon to be your starting point.

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Broccoli and Cheese Galette

I love how creamy and satisfying this looks, the combination of broccoli and cheese baked into a delicious galette is simply unmatched!

Broccoli Cheese Galette

Easy galette recipe with broccoli cheese. If you love broccoli cheese recipes like soup, mac and cheese, easy savory broccoli cheese galette.

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Spicy Sichuan Pork Noodles

Noodles are such an underrated side dish, and this spicy Sichuan pork version packs a flavorful punch with its sauce and perfectly green beans!

Spicy Sichuan pork noodles

From Nagi Maehashi’s flavour-packed debut cookbook RecipeTin Eats: Dinner, this super-quick noodle recipe makes a cracking midweek meal. Dinner, done!

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Iraqi Roasted Salmon

I fully believe that you could never go wrong with salmon, especially when it’s roasted to with caramelized tomato paste, zesty lemon, and a hint of Iraqi spices!

My Mother-In-Law’s Iraqi Roasted Salmon Recipe

Smothered in onions and caramelized tomato paste, this salmon sings with bright acidity from lemon and heat from Iraqi spices.

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Jamaican Oxtails

I can already tell how filling this dish is just by looking at it, with that rich sauce and those bold spices!

Jamaican Oxtails Recipe

This Jamaican Oxtails Recipe is the perfect Caribbean stew for dinner. Delicious and tender oxtail and butter beans that is cooked to perfection. Make it in the Instant Pot or any electric Pressure Cooker. Stove top and slow cooker instructions also included.

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Boneless Turkey Breast

Time for some boneless turkey breast! It’s quick, juicy, and perfect for a tasty meal that pairs effortlessly with all your favorite sides.

Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast

Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or easy weeknight meals, this air fryer boneless turkey breast is juicy, tender, and so quick to make!

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Corn Pudding

Corn pudding pairs perfectly with everything and brings a creamy, comforting touch to any meal.

Grandma’s Corn Pudding

Corn pudding with sweet corn and a custardy texture is the perfect addition to your holiday table. This easy casserole recipe bakes in just one hour!

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Vegan Green Bean Casserole

If you’re searching for a nontraditional vegan option for Christmas, give this green bean casserole a try—it’s creamy, savory, and packed with veggies!

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Friends, it’s that time of year to make something cozy and nostalgic and eat one too many servings.

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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

These twice-baked sweet potatoes, stuffed with a blend of creamy garlic butter and sprinkled with lemon zest, are absolutely heavenly and will have you coming back for more!

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

These healthy twice baked sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish! They’re filled with a sweet and savory cashew cream, lemony broccoli, and scallions.

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Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

This cranberry-glazed pork loin, slow-cooked to perfection plus onion soup mix, is such a hidden gem and makes for a festive and comforting dish that’s perfect for any special occasion.

Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is slow-cooked tender pork loin with onion soup mix and whole cranberry sauce.

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Buttermilk Spoon Bread

I can’t forget about bread, and this buttermilk flavor bread with its creamy and pudding-like texture, is simply the best and adds a unique flavor to any meal!

Buttermilk Spoon Bread

Although called a bread, spoon bread has the consistency and taste of a savory pudding. Buttermilk Spoon Bread is a nice cross between a skillet of hot cornbread, a cornmeal soufflé, and cornbread dressing.

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Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This creamy pasta with juicy chicken is a dish that deserves to be on our holiday tables more often, making every special occasion even more delicious. 

Chicken Alfredo

This Chicken Alfredo features pasta drenched in an ultra-rich and creamy sauce and topped with juicy strips of seared chicken.

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Manicotti (3-Cheese Stuffed Pasta)

I’m in love with pasta, and this dish, with its rich three-cheese filling stuffed into tender shells and baked to perfection, is another irresistible way to enjoy my favorite comfort food.

Manicotti Recipe

A vegetarian, easy manicotti recipe with three cheeses, a spaghetti sauce, and fresh parsley. Comforting baked pasta recipe in less than an hour!

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French Beef Stew with Red Wine

If you’re craving that comforting vibe, definitely go for this hearty beef stew with red wine, simmered slowly to develop mouthwatering flavors that are perfect for cozying up!

French Beef Stew with Red Wine

Rich, oven-braised French beef stew with red wine, tender meat and Provencal herbs. Serve with crusty bread or noodles for a cozy meal!

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Mussels In Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This mussel dish in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce is a perfect match with some garlic bread – thinking about it makes me so hungry!

Mussels In Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

These Mussels In Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce recipe is fool proof and can be adapted to your taste. You know you don’t need to pull a muscle with these mussels.

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Authentic Wiener Schnitzel Recipe

This crunchy and golden-breaded veal cutlet is an absolute must-try for Christmas, bringing a touch of Austrian flavor to your festive feast.

Traditional Wiener Schnitzel or Viennese Cutlet Recipe

Wiener schnitzel means Viennese cutlet in German. It’s made with breaded and fried veal, chicken, or pork cutlets served with fresh lemon juice.

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Chicken Crepes

Have you tried chicken crepes yet? If not, you’re missing out big time on these delights filled with creamy béchamel sauce, chicken, and cheese—perfect for brunch or a light lunch!

Savory Chicken Crepes

Chicken crepes are a savory favorite stuffed with béchamel sauce, shredded chicken, melty cheese and served with pesto and balsamic glaze!

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Easy Chicken Florentine Casserole Bake

Another baked recipe to add to your list, this creamy casserole featuring chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese is incredibly satisfying!

Easy Chicken Florentine Casserole Bake

This easy chicken Florentine casserole bake is quick and simple to prepare. It’s a creamy blend of cut chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.

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Instant Pot Salsa Verde Beef

I’ll always make space for a salsa recipe, and this tender beef with salsa verde, cooked with minimal prep, is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, and more!

Instant Pot Salsa Verde Beef

Instant Pot salsa verde beef is tender, flavorful beef that can be made with almost no prep. This tasty beef makes a great burrito filling!

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Easy Rustic Shepherd’s Pie with The Cheesiest Mashed Potatoes

Woah, I’m always down for some mashed potatoes and cheese! This hearty dish with the cheesiest mashed potatoes on top is the ultimate comfort food!

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Cheesy Potatoes

My take on classic shepherd’s pie recipe! A soul-warming ground lamb pie with herbs, spices, topped with cheesy Irish cheddar mashed potatoes.

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Greek Pizza Recipe

Want to try something new for Christmas? Give this Greek-inspired pizza, loaded with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, feta, and olives, a go—it’s a fresh twist for your menu!

20 Minute Greek Pizza

Here’s an easy 20 minute homemade Greek Pizza recipe! It’s loaded with artichokes, roasted red peppers, feta and black olives.

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Turkey and Rice Soup

Rice isn’t appreciated enough on holiday tables, so you should definitely include this turkey and rice soup in your spread—it’s a light option with tender turkey, veggies, and a splash of fresh lemon that’s perfect after all those rich dishes.

Turkey and Rice Soup

This easy recipe for homemade Turkey and Rice Soup is the most delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey! Irresistible with a finish of parsley, lemon zest and garlic!

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Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon

If you’re looking to infuse your Christmas meal with a European touch, Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon is an excellent choice for a non-traditional side dish. Its robust flavors and smoky bacon add a delightful contrast to typical holiday fare, bringing a taste of Eastern Europe to your winter table. This recipe is a must-try for those seeking a unique and flavorful addition to their festive lineup.

Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon

This Sweet and Sour Cabbage recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys robust, tangy flavors. It’s simple to prepare and serves as the perfect side to richer main dishes. Why not introduce this delightful dish at your next family dinner or gather friends for a cozy, casual meal? It’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy any palate, especially on those chilly evenings!

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Instant Pot Short Ribs With Roasted Seaweed Gremolata

Last but not least, this short ribs recipe, topped with crunchy roasted seaweed gremolata, is a must-try for its flavors and texture contrast!

Instant Pot Short Ribs With Roasted Seaweed Gremolata Recipe

In just under an hour, this instant pot short ribs recipe yields fall-off-the-bone ribs flavored with garlic, chiles, and red wine.

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Sweet Cornbread with Berries

If you are craving sweets, I suggest trying this sweet cornbread.

Cornbread with Berries

Enjoy this delightful Cornbread with Berries as a special treat that’s sure to bring smiles and a bit of sweetness to your table! A wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

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Thank you so much to the original creators of these recipes – I found some hidden gems that will make my next holiday spread outstanding!