Happy Holidays!! At our house, we throw it down properly for the holidays, and this year will be no different! As you celebrate this holiday season with your loved ones, remember it’s not only about food—it’s about spending time with friends and family! That said, I have put together this “Make Ahead Christmas Dinner Ideas” recipe roundup to help moderate your time in the kitchen during the holidays.
Over the years, my family and I have enjoyed Christmas dinner in different ways. I fondly remember my aunt cooking huge roasts with so many sides that you could sink a ship with them. My papa would always get the charred end bits that smelled divine. It was an awesome holiday meal, but it took a lot of preparation. I also remember her delightful Jello Fluff, my absolute favorite dessert in the world. It’s funny because I haven’t thought about that in probably 25 years now. It still makes me smile from ear to ear. I might have to dig out that recipe somewhere.
When I started to cook Christmas dinner for the family about a decade ago, we went through various themes (French brasserie style, Simply Seafood, Lamb Delight, etc), which was really fun… for a while. It was a lot of work, but seeing the enjoyment on the faces of the people I love was worth investing time in. Then it started to become really stressful with timing needing to be “just right” to get everything plated and on the dinner table. I found myself shoveling through my food to get back in the kitchen for the next course on the dinner menu. I was missing the experience.
Now that our kids are old enough, I find that I want to spend as much time with them throughout the day as possible. The kitchen has taken a back seat to making memories and being present in their lives during a special time. Instead, I try to make much of the food on the holiday menu ahead of time. All I have to do now is reheat and serve. This is why we put together this list of Christmas Dinner Ideas (including some holiday appetizers, mains, colorful side dishes, and comforting desserts) that you can make ahead of time. Have a delicious holiday spread, and be in the moment with the people you love. The perfect balance we all need!
Enjoy The Holidays
Over the last several years, we have changed our holiday tradition to a Christmas Eve feast. For years, we would feast on delicious ham that my mother-in-law makes, along with family side dishes that we only experience once a year. The carrot souffle is fantastic. We found that with a huge Christmas Eve dinner and another rich Christmas Day Dinner, we were really overdoing it.
So, we decided to open our house to friends and family on Christmas Eve for a Mexican Fiesta. Sounds strange, right? That’s the point! It’s different and unexpected. People love to come and spend the evening sampling salsas and noshing on guacamole and homemade tortilla chips. We make taco salads or create a burrito like no other. And don’t even get me started on the margarita bar!
We love opening our house for everyone to congregate, meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a light and satisfying meal. Even for our Fiesta, I’m able to make everything ahead of time so I can spend time catching up. This year is particularly important because we have been away from the States for almost seven months. The last thing I want to do is run around the kitchen like a madman.
I hope that this quick list of Make-Ahead Christmas Dinner Ideas inspires you to spend more time enjoying the holidays and less time in the kitchen!
Make Ahead Recipe Alterations
You’ll notice that I have included some things like my Ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad and might be thinking, “How do I make that ahead of time?” Well, it’s easy. Slice the wedges, cover them with cellophane, and store them in the fridge. Make the dressing, the bacon bits, and the candied walnuts ahead. Store and then simply assemble. To make 10 of these salads on Christmas day will take about 10 minutes total if you plan ahead.
The same can be said for any of the chicken dishes. Make the chicken ahead of time, allow it to cool, and then store it properly in the fridge. When you need to reheat, allow it to come to room temp and reheat with a bit of chicken broth for a boost of flavor or water. If the chicken has a topping, make that in advance and reheat it in a non-stick pan. If it is a creamy topping, plan to thin it with just a touch of water or milk.
If you have any questions on how to make any of the Christmas dinner recipes ahead of time, please comment or contact me! I’ll get back to you just as soon as I can.
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!
15 Make-Ahead Christmas Dinner Ideas
Butternut Squash Appetizer 🍠
Enjoy the rich flavors of my Roasted Butternut Squash Bites—a delightful fusion of sweet butternut squash, aromatic herbs, and a touch of maple syrup. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bites are a must-have for any gathering or cozy evening in. 🌿🍽️ #AppetizerDelights #FallFavorites #EasyEntertaining
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes 🥔
Take your side dish to the next level with my Mashed Potato Recipe featuring cream cheese. This addition transforms the potatoes into a luxuriously creamy and irresistibly smooth dish. Perfect for special occasions or when you just want something a bit more decadent.
Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe 🍲
Savor the warmth of Beef Stroganoff, where each spoonful is bursting with the deep flavors of tender beef and a creamy mushroom sauce. This simple-to-prepare dish combines quality ingredients for a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch. Follow these steps for a foolproof stroganoff that’s ready in no time.
Easy Smashed Potatoes Recipe 🥘
Transform your ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary with this Smashed Potatoes recipe. Perfectly crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center make them a must-try for any potato enthusiast. Ideal for a comforting side dish or a fun twist on your traditional dinner staples, these potatoes are not only easy to make but also delightfully satisfying.
Lemon Artichoke Chicken 🍋
Savor the bright flavors of my Lemon Artichoke Chicken—a delightful harmony of tender chicken, tangy lemon zest, and hearty artichoke hearts. This dish is perfect for elevating your dinner table with its refreshing and savory appeal. A must-try for any culinary enthusiast! 🍋🌿 #ChickenRecipes #GourmetDining #EasyCooking
Low Carb Meatballs Recipe 🧆
Explore the joy with my low carb meatball recipe – a keto-friendly twist on a classic favorite, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
Oven Baked Chicken Legs 🍗
These Oven-Baked Chicken Legs are the perfect weeknight meal! Coated in a flavorful marinade of herbs and spices, they bake to crispy perfection while remaining juicy and tender inside. Easy to prepare and full of deliciousness, this recipe is great for family dinners or meal prep. Serve them with your favorite sides for a satisfying and wholesome dish that everyone will love!
Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe 🍗
Enjoy perfection of my Roast Chicken—an exquisite balance of crispy, golden skin enveloping tender, juicy meat. With just the right blend of herbs and a method that ensures succulence, this dish promises to elevate any meal to gourmet status. 🍗✨ #RoastChicken #GourmetCooking #DeliciousDinner
Ratatouille Dish 🥘
Experience the rustic charm of my Ratatouille Dish. This classic French stew combines a medley of fresh vegetables simmered together to create a comforting, colorful meal. It’s perfect alongside any main dish or as a fulfilling meal on its own.
Roasted Carrots and Fennel Purée 🥕
Experience the richness of my Roasted Carrot and Fennel Puree—a velvety blend of sweet roasted carrots and aromatic fennel. Perfectly creamy and packed with comforting flavors, this dish is an ideal accompaniment or a satisfying standalone meal.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe 🥩
Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of roasted pork tenderloins! This recipe features tender, juicy meat seasoned to perfection and roasted until golden brown. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve with your favorite sides for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin 🍲
Slow cooker Coq Au Vin is a comforting French dish where tender chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and onions are simmered in a rich red wine sauce. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests with minimal effort!
Southern Collard Greens
Southern collard greens, a cherished staple of Southern cuisine, embody the essence of comfort and tradition. Slow-cooked to perfection with smoked ham hock, these tender greens offer a robust flavor that satisfies both the palate and the soul. A true taste of Southern hospitality in every bite.
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mushroom Gravy 🍄
Enjoy tender chicken breasts filled with a delectable stuffing and smothered in rich mushroom gravy. A comforting dish that satisfies every craving with its savory flavors and hearty appeal.
Ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad (Low Carb, Keto) 🥗
Dive into the refreshing crunch of the Ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad! This classic dish features crisp iceberg lettuce topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any dining experience. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this salad is sure to impress your guests!
4 Responses
Loving the iceberg wedge idea for Christmas. Totally doing that. Totally make-ahead!
Hey Serena:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Have a fantastic day!
Scott
Iceberg wedge is still my father’s favorite salad! Great to be able to get stuff made up ahead of time so you can enjoy the leisurely morning and still have a special meal. Will share this out!
Hi Deana:
Whatever can be made up ahead of time among my favorites. It saves me a lot of time.
Thank you for posting.
Have a lovely day!
Scott