ComScore

75 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas That Anyone Can Cook (and Everyone Will Love)

From pistachio pork to slow cooker turkey

easy christmas dinner recipes: pistachio-crusted pork tenderloin
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Between unwrapping presents, staying in your pajamas until noon, entertaining relatives and eating all the Christmas cookies you can handle, who has time to cook an over-the-top holiday meal? Allow me: You do. Here, you'll find 75 easy Christmas dinner ideas to inspire your winter menu.

My favorite recipes include French onion brisket, slow cooker turkey breast with orange and herbs and whole roasted chipotle chicken. They're impressive and celebratory, but still easy enough for a newbie cook to master on their first try. Whether you want to serve a classic roast bird or a casual pasta dish, these dishes have you covered.

83 Holiday Desserts That Are Festive *and* Downright Delicious


1. Skillet Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Potatoes

  • Time Commitment: 5 hours and 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, <10 ingredients, one pan
  • Serves: 4 to 6

The Grinch’s roast beast has nothing on this golden brown chicken. The secret is brining it in buttermilk a day ahead for a supremely tender finish. "The potatoes aren't strictly necessary," former PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen writes, "but they complete the meal nicely and with little extra effort. And the way they soak up the chicken juices? Chef's kiss."

2. Winter Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 8

With this recipe in my back pocket, I'm ready for whatever winter (or Santa) brings. "I made this dish with kabocha squash—aka Japanese pumpkin—but any varietal would work," Gillen assures. "The pre-roast might seem like a nuisance, but it will ensure the squash is fully cooked by the time you slice into your savory pie." Remember to finish it with flaky salt for an Insta-worthy presentation your guests will adore.

3. 3-Cheese Pumpkin Pasta Casserole with Spinach

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Hearty, festive and everything you could want for holiday dinner. "It's creamy, comforting and big enough to feed a crowd, but still feels modern thanks to dollops of ricotta and plenty of spinach," Gillen writes. This Christmas casserole freezes like a charm, so don't fret if you have leftovers (although I doubt that'll happen).

4. Bitter Greens Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6

"I love a good ol’ Caesar…but when a salad needs to have enough pizazz to cut through a rich meal, I reach for a recipe that’s more complex," Gillen explains. Enter this crisp, refreshing, herbaceous salad crowned with tart green apples and crunchy pistachios.

5. Bacon Roasted Rainbow Carrots

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, gluten free, dairy free
  • Serves: 4 to 6

"They're simple yet elegant, made with just four ingredients, and they're a welcome change to the usual glazed baby carrots you love to hate," Gillen states. "Of course, if you can't find rainbow carrots, use the standard orange—they'll taste just as good."

6. Cacio e Pepe Mac and Cheese

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
  • Serves: 6

A few simple tweaks to your usual mac and cheese recipe take this kid-friendly stunner over the top. "A béchamel—a white sauce thickened with flour and butter—is the key to making a foolproof mac that's creamy and cheesy, yet won't break or become greasy with heat," Gillen says. "Don't skip toasting the ground pepper; it's the secret to unlocking tons of flavor."

7. Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Deck the halls with the easiest vodka sauce you’ll ever make. "The vodka helps loosen up the flavorful brown bits at the bottom of the pan (the cheffy term is fond), and also adds a little heat and tames the sweetness of the tomato," Gillen explains. I'd recommend using a cheap bottle for this one, but the liquor store is your oyster.

8. Skillet Gnocchi Bake with Sausage and Kale

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, one pan, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6

All you want for Christmas is an empty sink, and this one-pan delight can help your wish come true. "Pillowy-soft and chewy, gnocchi are a delight in themselves. Throw in the fact that you don't even need to boil them to transform them into a meal and I'm officially smitten," Gillen raves. Be generous with the Parmesan—you're on the nice list this year.

9. Kale and Cheddar Cheese Galette

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, make ahead
  • Serves: 4

Pie for dinner? Don’t mind if I do, especially when it’s this savory, vegetarian-friendly number. "This savory kale galette is the perfect side dish, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour," recipe developer Erin McDowell writes. Serve it with white wine for a next-level meal.

10. French Onion Brisket

  • Time Commitment: 4 hours and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

With tons of caramelized onions and fresh herbs, this hearty main beats roast beef by a mile. Even if your family always makes brisket in a tomato-based sauce, your relatives just might be converted at first bite. "Tons and tons of caramelized onions provide the same sweetness as tomatoes, and a glug of sherry wine adds the acidity you need to cut through the richness of the meat," recipe developer Jake Cohen explains.

11. Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, Whole30-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Pork tenderloin has a reputation for being dry and sad. This one is tender, buttery and totally festive. Season the winter salad with as much salt and pepper as you see fit; it'll bring the mustard vinaigrette to life.

12. Alison Roman’s Swordfish with Crushed Olives and Oregano

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, Whole30-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Even staunch fish haters may be swayed by this stunner. Just take note: Recipe developer Alison Roman recommends preparing the steaks to medium-rare, so the sauce and meat firm up together after cooking. (You don't want it to turn out tough.)

13. Pomegranate-Sumac Chicken with Roasted Carrots

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 8

This might be the most beautiful one-pan dinner I've ever laid eyes on. Thankfully, it tastes as good as it looks. They chicken is crowned with an unconventional, resourceful garnish that you'll want to use time and time again: carrot greens.

14. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Orange and Herbs

  • Time Commitment: 6 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, high protein
  • Serves: 8

You'll barely need to lift a finger to make the most stunning, succulent turkey breast that your Christmas dinner menu has ever seen. The secret is rubbing the bird with herb-packed garlic butter; the Crockpot will take care of the rest.

15. Ina Garten’s Updated Chicken Marbella

  • Time Commitment: 8 hours and 55 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

I'd love the Barefoot Contessa to cater my holiday dinner, but I'll settle for this sweet-and-savory updated classic that's easy enough to cook myself. Make sure to serve the chicken with the hot pan juices to keep it moist and tender.

16. Whole Roasted Chipotle Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 3 hours and 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, Whole30-friendly
  • Serves: 4

An impressively juicy, spicy roast chicken for Christmas dinner is just four ingredients away. Serve it with a big green salad, and your job is done. Consider repurposing the leftovers (if there are any, that is) for salads, pastas and rice bowls.

17. Cacio E Pepe

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

My Italian is rusty, but I think "cacio e pepe" is how you say "merry Christmas." This beauty comes together in one pot, so it's as convenient as it is devourable. Go ham with the freshly cracked black pepper.

18. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, special-occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

I love when my Christmas dinner matches the decor. Your cast iron pan all but guarantees that the chicken thighs turn out impeccably crisp and juicy. Serve them immediately with rice, greens, couscous or mashed potatoes.

19. Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Leeks

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

This comforting meal tastes like staying in your pajamas until noon. Preparing the crispy leeks is easy, but be sure to keep an eye on them so they don't burn. (P.S.: You can cook them in bacon fat if your guests eat meat.)

20. Dorie Greenspan’s Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken with Baby Potatoes and Mushrooms

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

This is a dish best served with wine and a fireside glow. Better yet, it'll only leave you with one dirty pan to clean. Even though it's best fresh out the oven, recipe developer Dorie Greenspan reminds me that the leftovers are almost just as tasty.

21. Cheater’s White Wine Coq au Vin

  • Time Commitment: 55 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

If you have 60 minutes, you have enough time to pull off this elegant French dish. (I won't tell anyone about the shortcuts.) One difference between this and classic coq au vin? It’s made with dry white wine instead of red—oh, and the O.G. takes hours to prepare.

22. Lobster Risotto

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 2

The holidays are a great excuse to show off. This Christmas dinner serves two, but it can easily be doubled if you're cooking for more people. While frozen lobster tails will work in a pinch, the recipe stresses that fresh is the way to go.

23. Easy One-Pan Ratatouille

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Proof that you don’t need a fancy, expensive cut of meat for an impressive, holiday-ready meal. The traditional version is slow-cooked on the stove, but this riff is delightfully hands-off. Substitute summer squash and zucchini with sweet potato for some seasonal flair.

24. One-Pan Creamy Chicken Fricassée with Sage

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

This feels very “Christmas in Bourdeaux,” and I'm not mad about it. The reason why this version is lighter than other chicken fricassée recipes is that traditional cream is subbed for egg yolks and lemons. Très chic.

25. Pork Scallopini with Lemon, Capers and Radicchio

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, high protein
  • Serves: 4

Thought you had to spend hours in the kitchen for a gourmet Christmas dinner? Think again: This one takes just 20 minutes, and it's bound to make your guests ooh and ahh. Serve it with additional lemon wedges to spritz over the pork and radicchio.

26. Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, Whole30-friendly
  • Serves: 4

It’s giving Feast of the Seven Fishes, only for a heck of a lot less work. The garnishes (fresh parsley! red onion! orange wedges!) are key for both taste and presentation, so don't skimp on them—your relatives will have their cameras at the ready.

27. Butternut Squash Carbonara

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Dreamy, creamy and oh-so seasonal, not to mention nutritious. (That's a plus, considering all the cookies you'll be eating.) Use guanciale if you can find it, but pancetta or bacon will do if not. And go to town with the shaved Parmesan on top—I won't judge.

28. Spicy Orange-Honey Glazed Ham

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 20 to 25

This one's for you, holiday purists. It boasts all the old-school flavors (citrus, sugar, spices) and cooks in a fraction of the usual time, since the recipe calls for boneless ham. Be sure to baste it every 15 minutes until it's done cooking for moisture.

29. Hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Consider the squash a Christmas tree and the quinoa, hazelnuts, corn and chickpeas edible lights and ornaments. I'd recommend broiling each stuffed butternut half to turn the topping slightly crunchy before serving.

30. Pomegranate-Maple Glazed Lamb Chops

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

If you can cook chicken, this seasonal masterpiece is within reach—promise. The chops only need about four minutes per side on the grill to cook to perfection. You may not have pomegranate molasses in your pantry, but you can likely find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores.

31. Turkey Roulade with Cherry and Sausage Stuffing

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 12

This baby roasts in just two hours since the bird is deboned, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare sides, mix cocktails and set the table. Better yet, the light and dark meat roast together, so juicy results are a sure thing.

32. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Potatoes

  • Time Commitment: 8 hours and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, gluten free, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8

Don't let the long cook time deter you. All you need to do is set up the Crockpot early on Christmas morning, and the main will be ready to devour by dinnertime. Better yet, cook it overnight on Christmas Eve and leave it on on warm until you're ready to serve.

33. Bacon-Wrapped Black Cod with Spinach and Capers

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, high protein
  • Serves: 4

A nine-ingredient main that only takes 40 minutes? Sounds like a Christmas miracle to me. Be generous with the capers—their punchy flavor cuts right through the slightly bitter spinach and rich, fatty bacon.

34. Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Herbed White Wine Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

The vegetarians at your table will be thrilled (and TBH, so will the meat lovers). While it seems like a tricky dish to pull off, the gnocchi itself only has five ingredients—what could be simpler than that? Finish each plate with shaved Manchego cheese and a few cracks of black pepper.

35. White Wine Braised Short Ribs with Buttered Mushroom Cream Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 6 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, Instant Pot recipe, slow cooker recipe
  • Serves: 6

You can prepare this beauty in the Instant Pot or Crockpot, depending on what you have on hand and how long you're willing to wait to eat. (Just looking at the cream sauce has me feeling impatient.) Might I suggest serving them over 20-minute mashed potatoes?

36. Cast-Iron Pork Chops with Cacao-Spiced Rub

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, Paleo-friendly, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Write this down: Salting the pork chops and allowing them to come to room temperature before cooking is the key to melt-in-your-mouth tender results. The bold spice rub (which would work on chicken, steak or vegetables too, BTW) is just a tasty bonus.

37. Cranberry Beef Bourguignon

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6

This beauty is a twist on an Ina Garten classic, the riff being in the form tart, festive cranberries. The stew is served with crusty bread or egg noodles, but it'd also pair gorgeously with roasted or mashed potatoes. Your call, chef.

38. Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, Paleo-friendly, gluten free
  • Serves: 4

If you're only feeding a few people this year, look no further than this sheet pan wonder. The trick to keeping the chicken juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside is using bone-in, skin-on thighs instead of breasts. Bonus? The Christmas dinner recipe is a total cinch to clean up.

39. One-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes and Romaine

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, Whole30-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Speaking of minimal mess, this 40-minute recipe prepares your protein, starch and greens in one fell swoop. Just don't overcook the salmon and you'll be good to go. P.S.: You can swap lettuce for kale, endive or Swiss chard.

40. Sticky Orange Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Fennel is a great winter pick, but feel free to use bok choy, green beans or any other veggies you have on hand instead. The one non-negotiable? You'll need to serve this main with a surplus of napkins—things are about to get sticky.

41. Ina Garten’s Tuscan Turkey Roulade

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, Paleo-friendly
  • Serves: 10

The Barefoot Contessa does it again, this time with the help of prosciutto, fresh herbs and garlic. While you can debone the bird yourself, the butcher can also get the job done. I'd opt for that one, TYVM.

42. Honey-Lime Glazed Pork Tenderloin

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

I'd pair this bright main with oven-roasted sweet potatoes, avocado rice or Brussels sprouts latkes. The trick to keeping it juicy is brushing the glaze over the pork and reapplying it every five minutes as it roasts. The results will be deeply juicy and flavorful.

43. Roasted Potato Galette with Crème Fraîche and Smoked Salmon

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Indulge at dinner with a green salad or serve it up for brunch with a mimosa. Either way, your guests will demolish it in 30 seconds flat. Just be sure to let the potatoes cool before spreading the crème fraîche on top.

44. Chicken with Feta Cheese, Dill, Lemon and Harissa Yogurt

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: Paleo-friendly, gluten free, high-protein
  • Serves: 4

Ooh, what a pretty centerpiece. I can hear your guests already: “turkey who?” Don't forget to serve it with extra harissa yogurt on the side, for those craving a dose of spice with their Christmas dinner.

45. Cheater’s Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

  • Time Commitment: 8 hours and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, high protein
  • Serves: 6

Admit it: Your hosting style is definitely set it and forget it. But don't worry, I won't tell your relatives that the Crockpot made dinner for you. While beef bourguignon is generally a tricky dish, using the slow cooker makes it beyond simple.

46. Turkey Sausage and Veggie Polenta Bowls

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, high protein, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 4

A low-key holiday calls for creamy Parmesan polenta, savory sausage and no more than 30 minutes at the stove. Serve it with extra Parm on the side and let the compliments roll in.

47. Antoni Porowski’s Chile-Maple Roast Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, high protein
  • Serves: 4

Queer Eye's resident foodie just might have the simplest, most flavorful roast chicken recipe ever. You may want to slice it hot out the oven, but you should wait at least five minutes before doing so. This will keep all the juices in the bird and off your carving board.

48. Green Bean Casserole Galette

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 10

Mushrooms, garlic, herbs and heavy cream > gloppy, canned cream of mushroom soup. The filling is packed with sweet onions, fresh thyme and rosemary and a flurry of lemon zest for a modest helping of bitterness and color.

49. Stuffed Eggplant

  • Time Commitment: 8 hours and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Eggplant can be delicious without being doused in red sauce and cheese. These nutritious beauties can also be made totally vegan if you swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy alternative. Finish each piece with a generous squeeze of lemon.

50. One-Pan Lemon Sage Chicken and Cauliflower

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, one pan, high protein
  • Serves: 4

Butter, lemon, smoked paprika, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese go a long, long way. Remember: If your Christmas dinner crowd doesn't finish it all in one go, the leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

51. Butternut Squash Lasagna

  • Time Commitment: 8 hours and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
  • Serves: 6

You won't find any red sauce here—or pasta, for that matter. This lasagna stars spiralized butternut squash, garlicky spinach, fresh herbs, mozzarella and plenty of ricotta instead. Broil it at the end until bubbly and browned on top.

52. Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, high protein
  • Serves: 4

OK, you most likely have every single ingredient you need already in your kitchen (well, minus the bird). That's a no-brainer in my book. Use every drop of the charred lemon juice; it's a total game-changer.

53. Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 3 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

I can hear your vegetarian cousin's gasp of joy already. Just make sure to serve this plant-based Christmas dinner recipe with a hearty green salad, rice pilaf and mac and cheese to make the spread more filling.

54. Garlic Breaded Roast Chicken Breast

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Fair warning: Once the kids' table gets a taste, you'll be stuck making this main year after year. (Thankfully, it's a breeze to whip up.) The recipe calls for breasts but you can get creative with what cut you use; the magic is all in the breading anyway.

55. Vegetable Wellington with Mushrooms and Spinach

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 55 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

There's truly nothing frozen puff pastry can't do. You won't miss the beef one bit, I promise. You'll want to serve this masterpiece warm, but letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing will help it stay intact as you slice.

56. Hasselback Butternut Squash

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Cutting the squash from one end to the other without severing the bottom allows each and every piece to roast to crispy perfection. (Plus, it lets the honey-herb butter seep into every crevice.) Might I suggest making a double batch so you're guaranteed leftovers?

57. Maple-Herb Roasted Turkey Legs

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, high pr0tein
  • Serves: 4

If you're only serving a few people for the holiday, there's no need to gussy up an entire bird. Go the medieval route with these savory-sweet turkey legs fit for a ren faire. Don't skip the final baste before serving—you want them to turn out as succulent as possible.

58. Creamy Vegan Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Bake

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8

Most comfort food contains meat or dairy. But this dish puts caramelized veggies, decadent cashew cream and crispy pine nuts front and center. Serve the unexpected bake with a plethora of hot sauces.

59. Cheater’s Skillet Paella

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Nothing screams "celebration" quite like this classic Spanish dish. How can you pull off paella in one hour, you ask? Reduce the seafood to shrimp and littleneck clams. (Don't worry, there's still plenty of chorizo in the mix.)

60. Ravioli Lasagna

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8

This hybrid bake gives you the best of both worlds. Not to mention, it's totally picky kid-approved and endlessly riffable (use whatever ravioli you'd like, sub pesto for tomato sauce—you get the picture). Adding extra cheese on top isn't technically required, but it's certainly recommended.

61. 30-Minute, One-Pot Cheater’s Bouillabaisse

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Bet you had no idea you could hop a 30-minute flight to the French countryside, huh? Call this savory gem a Christmas miracle. Don't forget to top each plate with the reserved fennel fronds before serving.

62. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Barley Risotto

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Creamy risotto tastes divine in a bowl (or heck, straight from the pot), but I have an even better idea. Take note: Before dividing the risotto into the mushroom caps, it should look thick and decadent, so be sure to stir it frequently as it cooks.

63. Skillet Steak with Asparagus and Potatoes

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, gluten free, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 2

Christmas dinner for two? I have just the thing. (There's nothing more romantic than only having one dirty dish to clean after a meal, no?) After transferring the steak to the oven, it should only cook for about ten minutes for a medium-rare finish.

64. Easy Skillet Linguine with Trumpet Mushroom ‘Scallops’

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Not only are sautéed trumpet mushrooms an uncanny scallop substitute, but they're also way cheaper and less fussy to cook than the real thing. Extra chives and fresh lemon juice are stellar finishing touches. (I wouldn't blame you for adding a flurry of grated Parm either.)

65. Sage-Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

It may look like a side dish to you. But thanks to filling barley, this risotto is fit to be a main. Seriously—each plate contains 18 grams of protein, so I wouldn't blame you for keeping Christmas dinner prep as simple as possible with minimal additional sides.

66. Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon-Herb Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Cut your favorite cruciferous veggie into thick slices, sear them on the stove just like real steak and finish them with a lemon-herb sauce you'll want to drizzle on everything. The plant-based eaters at your dinner will be totally wowed.

67. Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Bacon

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, gluten free
  • Serves: 4 to 6

"You can pop the mushrooms in the oven to roast while you’re cooking the polenta, and then they’re conveniently done at the same time,” McDowell advises. Serve the bacon on the side and cook it in a separate pan to make the dish vegetarian-optional. Oh, and crown each serving with a sunny-side-up egg to really gild the lily.

68. Vegan Butternut Mac and ‘Cheese’ with Smoky Shiitake ‘Bacon’

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Make this vegan masterpiece and everyone will think you’re a professional chef (or a magician.) Either way, keep that plant-based mushroom bacon recipe in your back pocket for future brunches at your place—it's all pantry staples besides the produce.

69. Potato Chip-Crusted Chicken with Arugula Pesto

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, high protein, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

The whole family likes chicken Parm, right? (Silly question.) Well, this potato-chip crusted chicken with arugula pesto has a similar vibe, but it's way more unexpected. Feel free to use different greens in the pesto if you'd prefer, like spinach, basil, kale or parsley.

easy christmas dinner ideas: carrot fennel and miso soup recipe
Aran Goyoaga

70. Carrot, Fennel and Miso Soup

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Sure, the vegetables are deeply caramelized for maximum flavor. But let’s also give a shoutout to the sweet and salty seed-nut crunch on top—that isn't a step to be skipped. Did I mention this creamy soul-soother is dairy free?

easy christmas dinner ideas: dorie greenspan potato parm tart
Mark Weinberg/Baking with Dorie

71. Dorie Greenspan’s Potato-Parm Tart

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8

If you want to look like a professional pastry chef, this cheesy, starchy galette is the ticket. Play around with replacing one potato with an apple and alternating spud and apple slices while assembling for a little hint of seasonal, sweet-tart flavor.

easy christmas dinner ideas: jammy upside down onion tart
Renée Kohlman/Vegetables: A Love Story

72. Jammy Upside-Down Onion Tart

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, make ahead, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4 as a main, 8 as a side

Alternatively, you can switch up your savory tart game with this gorgeous, allium-filled number. It’s ready in less than an hour and pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad. (Oh, and it starts with store-bought puff pastry for maximum convenience.)

easy christmas dinner ideas: lamb loin chops topped with pistachios and mint, atop pistachio butter on a serving platter
Suech and Beck/A Generous Meal

73. Lamb Loin Chops over Minty Pistachio Butter

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Never cooked loin chops? Unlike smaller rib chops, these are slightly larger with more meat, and they look sort of like mini T-bone steaks. Make double of the pistachio butter to drizzle over charred veggies, smear over pan-fried fish or spread on pita.

easy christmas dinner recipes: slow cooker pulled chicken
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

74. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, slow cooker recipe, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6

At the top of my wish list is days worth of leftovers so I don't have to cook after December 25th. If you aren't craving a sandwich, use the saucy meat in tacos instead. Spice the filling up even further by mixing in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

75. Jamaican Oxtail

  • Time Commitment: 4 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 12

Consider this Dutch oven recipe a shortcut to a Caribbean vacay without needing to brave the airport at Christmastime. The jerk BBQ sauce, which can be made ahead, is equal parts sweet, tart, fruity and herbaceous.


headshot

Former Senior Food Editor

  • Headed PureWow’s food vertical
  • Contributed original reporting, recipes and food styling
  • Studied English Literature at the University of Notre Dame and Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education

taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Contributes to PureWow's food vertical
  • Spearheads PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College