Cooking Detective

All Things Cooking, Food & Life

Home » Recipes » 18 Traditional Christmas Dinner Recipes That Will Make Your Holiday Celebrations Extra Special!

18 Traditional Christmas Dinner Recipes That Will Make Your Holiday Celebrations Extra Special!

Last updated on

Share the post "18 Traditional Christmas Dinner Recipes That Will Make Your Holiday Celebrations Extra Special!"

Christmas is a special time of year when family and friends come together to celebrate. A big part of the celebration is the food! Traditional christmas dinner recipes can be very different depending on what part of the world you come from.

In the United States, a traditional Christmas dinner typically includes roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

If you’re looking for some traditional Christmas dinner recipes from around the world, look no further! This blog post includes 18 recipes for a traditional Christmas dinner, including maple glazed ham, foolproof roasted turkey,  salad, and garlic mashed potatoes.

Look no further and try one of these recipes, everyone will thank you. Enjoy!

Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

This baked holiday ham dish with maple, brown sugar and Dijon glaze is very simple to create and only calls for 6 ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly oil it.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, rosemary, and pepper. Place the ham in the baking dish that has been prepared. Brush the maple syrup mixture evenly.

Place in the oven for 2 hours 30 minutes, coating with remaining maple syrup mixture every 30 minutes, or until cooked through and an internal temperature of 140°F is reached. Allow standing for 5 minutes. Serve right away.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Learn More:

The Best Stuffing Recipe Ever Recipe

This is truly The Best Stuffing Recipe Ever. It’s packed with sweet cranberries and apricots, as well as crunchy walnuts, mushrooms, onion, and celery. The vegetables make the stuffing wet without getting soggy.

Toss together all of the ingredients in a large mixing basin. To make the stuffing, either stuff the cavity of the bird before roasting it in the oven or bake it separately. Or Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Cover the stuffing tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a lightly greased ovenproof dish. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the bread is soft and the vegetables are tender. It is preferable if the vegetables retain some crunch.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole wheat bread
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 stalks of celery, 
  • 1-1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup drained dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1 cup sliced walnuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Get the recipe here.

Easy Foolproof Roasted Turkey Recipe

This traditional roasted turkey dish is rich in butter, herbs, and seasonings, and will make your Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday meal taste just like grandma used to prepare it.

Preheat the oven to 325°F, set the thawed turkey in a big baking dish with deep sides, remove the giblets and neck, tuck the wings underneath the turkey to help hold it, trim off any loose and just hanging skin, and wipe dry.

Garlic, lemon, orange, rosemary, parsley, sage, oregano, and bay leaves should be stuffed into the turkey cavity. Place the turkey on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes per pound.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. unsweetened butter
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp.fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp.fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage

Get the recipe here.

Easy Perfect Gravy Recipe

This simple, failsafe recipe takes only 5 minutes to prepare!! This gravy will go perfectly with your Christmas dinner.

Cook the flour in the fat in a large skillet for about 2 minutes, whisking intermittently. Pour in the drippings slowly, whisking continually.

Allow the gravy to come to a simmer and continue to cook for 3 minutes, or until thickened. Add the parsley, thyme, and black pepper, taste, and season with salt to taste. Because the turkey drippings and fat are already salty, you may not need to add any salt.

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp. of fat
  • 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp parsley, fresh
  • 1 tbsp thyme, fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

Get the recipe here.

Christmas Goose Recipe

Make this German Christmas goose for a delectable main meal for your Christmas dinner.

Fill the cavity of the goose with apple quarters and onions and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place the geese, breast side down, on a roasting rack and bake for 50 minutes.

Several times throughout this time, baste the goose with a saltwater mixture. If necessary, add extra water to the drip pan. Cook, turning the goose over onto its back as needed.

Serve with a salad or soup of your choice.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 dash pepper
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 medium apples
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 tbsp pan drippings
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 can chicken broth

Get the recipe here.

Christmas Salad Recipe

Do you want to show off the flavors and colors of Christmas dinner? This Christmas salad dish will be a welcome addition to your holiday meal.

Brown sugar, water, and pecans in a small frying skillet over medium heat Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar mixture thickens and the pecans toast. Remove from the pan to a plate lined with parchment paper to cool and harden.

Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients or shake in a container. In a large salad bowl, place the chopped kale. Oranges, pecans, Blue cheese, and pomegranate arils should be sprinkled on top. Toss with dressing to mix.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole pecans
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 orange juice
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp orange zest

Get the recipe here.

Learn More:

Tourtière Recipe

Tourtière, also known as pig pie or meat pie, is a traditional pie crust filled with ground meat, onions, spices, and herbs.

Divide the dough in half and flatten one ball with your hands on a lightly floured board. Roll out the dough to fit a pie pan.

Place the pastry in the pie pan, followed by the meat filling. Brush the beaten egg around the outside edge of the pastry.

Place the top crust on top of the filling and roll it out. Pinch or flute the edges of the top crust and the bottom crust. Cut vent holes and brush with egg wash. Bake the pie for 30 to 35 minutes in a preheated oven eat and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 1 finely small onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 pound pork 
  • 1 pound beef 
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

Get the recipe here.

Easy Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Try this potato leek soup to go with your Christmas feast.

Fry the leeks in the butter in a frying pan over medium heat until tender, taking care not to brown any of the leeks. You need to cook them until they are tender. In a slow cooker, combine the leeks, potatoes, and chicken stock.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the leeks are coming apart. Stir in the cream until entirely combined. Serve and have fun!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. melted butter
  • 4 washed, grit-free leeks with white
  • 6 cups sliced and peeled Potatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream 
  • 7 cups chicken

Get the recipe here.

Roasted Parsnips Recipe

Parsnips are a carrot family root vegetable with a nutty and earthy flavor. They are “spiced” rather than spicy. Preparing roasted parsnips for your holiday table will be a delicious touch.

Peel the parsnips and cut them into matchsticks of equal size. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing basin. Distribute the parsnips evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some room on the sides to brown and caramelize.

Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the parsnips begin to turn golden brown on the edges. Toss the parsnips to redistribute them, then return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until tender and golden. Enjoy when still warm!

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds parsnips
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Get the recipe here.

White Christmas Dream Cocktail Recipe

A White Christmas Dream cocktail is a wonderful, creamy holiday beverage that can be made in minutes using common household items. It makes an excellent pre-dinner treat alongside hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous dessert for adults, or a lovely nightcap after a long day of hard work.

Collect all of the components. Pour the vodka, amaretto, and heavy cream into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake the bottle vigorously. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and serve. On top, sprinkle with shredded nutmeg. Serve right away.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 1-ounce liqueur amaretto 
  • 1-ounce heavy cream
  • For garnish, grated nutmeg

Get the recipe here.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Delicious vegetarian lasagna dish with three kinds of cheese (Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan)! Everyday vegetarian main dish perfection. It’s a lighter take on lasagna. Also, a fantastic Thanksgiving or Christmas recipe!

Prepare a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, spread butternut squash mixture over noodles, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, sprinkle with Italian spice, paprika, and basil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Learn More:

Beef Wellington Recipe

Try cooking this beef wellington recipe for your Christmas dinner event to please your visitors and family.

The tenderloin should be tied in four places, seasoned liberally with salt and pepper, then seared on all sides until well-browned. Allow to cool before coating with mustard and storing in the refrigerator.

Wrap the tenderloin in plastic wrap, pour duxelles equally over the prosciutto, season with salt and pepper, then roll the meat in the prosciutto-mushroom mixture, wrapping securely in plastic wrap.

Preheat the oven to 425°F, then sprinkle puff pastry over the meat and tightly coil it up. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pastry is brown and the center registers 120°F for medium-rare. Allow 10 minutes to rest before carving and serving.

Ingredients

  • 1 beef tenderloin, center cut
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1-1/2 pounds mixed mushrooms
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 1 thyme sprig’s leaves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 12 thin prosciutto slices

Get the recipe here.

Traditional German Rotkohl Recipe

Rotkohl is a traditional German meal that transforms red cabbage into a delicious dish that pairs well with beef roasts.

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions until they begin to brown. Cook for 5 minutes after adding the cabbage. Combine the apple, broth, bay leaf, cloves, juniper berries, red currant jam, red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and leave to simmer for 2 hours, stirring regularly. If necessary, add extra broth. Stir the flour and water together until dissolved, then add to the Rotkohl. Cook for another minute. To taste, add extra salt, sugar, and vinegar.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cup red cabbage
  • 1 yellow onion, large
  • 1 Granny Smith apple
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 3 berries of juniper

Get the recipe here.

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This pumpkin pie is deliciously sweet, smooth, and decadent. It’s rich, creamy, and insanely delicious, yet it’s so simple to make that you don’t even have to make your own crust.

Pumpkin pie can be baked at 425°F for 15 minutes, then decreased to 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. Allow the pie to cool for 2 hours on a wire rack before serving.

In a pinch, you may use canned pumpkin pie filling, but fresh is preferable. Make your own with pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, milk, and seasonal spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 deep-dish pie crust
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt 
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 can pure pumpkin puree from Libby’s

Get the recipe here.

Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe

Paula Deen’s easy corn casserole recipe only requires one box of Jiffy mix and five other simple ingredients! You may make it up to two days ahead of time and bake it in the oven!

Combine all ingredients except the cheddar cheese in a large mixing basin. Make sure to first drain the whole kernel of corn. Place it in a Crock Pot that has been lightly oiled. Cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

During the last 20 minutes of cooking, add the shredded cheddar. Before serving, make sure the center is firm and set.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrot Recipe

Oven-roasted carrots with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese are one of the best carrot recipes. This flavorful roasted carrots recipe is simple, healthful, and ideal for children!

Heat the oven to 400°F. Combine the melted butter and garlic. Coat the carrots thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture. Place the carrots on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter mixture over the carrots.

After 15 minutes, sprinkle the carrots with the Parmesan cheese. Cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley. Serve right away.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Learn More:

Rustic Chicken With Garlic Gravy Recipe

This chicken with gravy supper is so amazing that it’s on repeat in my house! The gravy is flavorful and garlicky.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the chicken pieces in a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, or until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and finish cooking it on a burner.

Whisk in the wine and broth over medium-high heat, then season with salt and pepper and cook until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the pot with the sauce to reheat. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
  • 20 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup white wine, dry
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1-¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Get the recipe here.

Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe With Bacon

This keto brussels sprouts with bacon and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that employs a cheesy sauce similar to brussels sprouts au gratin. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare! Season the sprouts with salt and pepper and roast until the edges are golden and crispy.

Melt butter, then whisk in almond milk and heavy cream before stirring in shredded cheddar cheese.

The leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.  You can reheat it in the microwave or in a 350°F oven and serve.

Ingredients

  • 2-pound Brussels sprouts
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 
  • 1/4 cup Bacon Crumbles

Get the recipe here.

Conclusion 

We’ve all experienced how exhausting it can be to select the perfect food to make for your family and friends at Christmas dinner. As a result, this article has prepared a list of 18 dishes for your next Christmas meal. This menu includes everything from drinks to side dishes to main courses.

So, what are you holding out for? Choose one or more of these recipes to wow everyone at your table.

Share the post "18 Traditional Christmas Dinner Recipes That Will Make Your Holiday Celebrations Extra Special!"

Related Posts