With the holiday season buzzing around, we all can feel the pressure, right? Juggling between decorating the tree, wrapping presents, and keeping the kids entertained, cooking an elaborate Christmas dinner can seem daunting. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some easy Christmas dinner recipes that are perfect for us busy parents. These dishes are simple, delicious, and sure to bring smiles to your family’s faces.
Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes for Busy Parents
These serving sizes are approximate and can vary depending on the appetite and dietary preferences of your guests. Remember, it’s always a good idea to make a little extra during the holidays, especially for dishes that make great leftovers!
Appetizer: Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites
Serves: 4-6 as an appetizer
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut the French bread into bite-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Toss the bread cubes in this garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the bread.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and cheesy.
This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make. It’s cheesy, garlicky, and perfect for little hands to grab. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
Main Course: One-Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 lb. baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- Olive oil
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place chicken, carrots, potatoes, and onion on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
This one-pan wonder is a lifesaver. Minimal prep and cleanup, and you get a wholesome, hearty meal. The aroma of roast chicken and herbs is just what you need to set the festive mood.
Side Dish: Festive Cranberry Apple Salad
Serves: 4-6 as a side dish
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Dressing: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey
Method:
- In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, apple slices, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with a dressing made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a hint of honey.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese.
This salad is not only easy to toss together but also adds a colorful and healthy touch to your Christmas dinner. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts is simply delightful.
Dessert: No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Bars
Serves: 8-10 (depending on bar size)
Ingredients:
- 20 chocolate sandwich cookies
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
Method:
- Crush the cookies and mix with melted butter. Press into a lined baking pan.
- Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and pour over the cookie base.
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
No baking required and incredibly festive! These chocolate peppermint bars are the perfect sweet treat to end your Christmas dinner. Plus, they can be made in advance to save you time.
Quick Honey Glazed Ham
Serves: 8-10 (for a 5 lb ham)
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (about 5 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, and ground cloves.
- Place ham in a baking dish and generously brush with the honey mixture.
- Bake for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the glaze.
This honey glazed ham is not only mouth-wateringly delicious but also a real time-saver. The pre-cooked ham cuts down on cooking time, and the glaze is super simple to make.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Serves: 4-6 as a side dish
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest (optional)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and minced garlic.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, then roast for another 5 minutes.
This dish is a great way to get some greens on the Christmas table. It’s flavorful, healthy, and takes very little effort to prepare.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Mash until creamy and smooth.
Mashed potatoes are a classic and a must-have for any Christmas dinner. This recipe is straightforward, creamy, and comforting.
Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
- 1 lb. sausage meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 2 cups chicken broth
Method:
- Cook sausage meat in a pan until browned.
- Add onion, celery, and sage, cooking until soft.
- In a large bowl, mix bread cubes with sausage mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth and mix well.
- Bake in a greased dish at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Stuffing is a holiday favorite, and this recipe makes it easy. The sausage adds a lovely flavor, and using day-old bread means better texture and taste.
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cinnamon, to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss sweet potatoes with maple syrup, olive oil, and cinnamon.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
These sweet potatoes are a delicious twist on a traditional dish. The maple syrup brings out their natural sweetness, making them irresistible.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Method:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and roast for another 5 minutes.
Brussels sprouts can be a hit or miss, but this recipe with a balsamic glaze will convert the skeptics. They are savory with a hint of sweetness and a perfect side dish.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Serves: 6-8 (as a side condiment)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- Orange zest (optional)
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
Homemade cranberry sauce is a game-changer. This version with orange juice is tangy, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make.
Easy Dinner Rolls
Serves: 12 rolls (1 roll per serving)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Method:
- Combine milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy.
- Add flour, melted butter, and salt to form a dough.
- Knead, let rise until doubled, then shape into rolls.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
There’s nothing like fresh, warm bread at a Christmas dinner. These rolls are fluffy, buttery, and surprisingly easy to make.
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Dinner
Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere
Remember, the ambiance is just as important as the food. Play some classic Christmas tunes in the background, light candles for a cozy feel, and maybe have a special activity planned for after dinner, like watching a Christmas movie or playing a family game. These little things create memories that last a lifetime.
1. Plan Ahead: Start planning your menu a few days in advance. This gives you time to shop for ingredients and avoid last-minute rushes. If you can, prep some of the dishes or parts of them the day before. For instance, chop veggies for the salad or marinate the chicken overnight.
2. Involve the Family: Get the kids and other family members involved in the kitchen. Assign simple tasks like setting the table or tossing the salad. It’s a great way to spend time together and make them feel part of the celebration.
3. Keep It Simple: Don’t feel pressured to cook elaborate dishes. Simple recipes can be just as festive and delicious. Focus on a few dishes you’re comfortable with, and that you know your family will love.
4. Use Time-Saving Tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets that save time, like slow cookers, instant pots, or food processors. They can make cooking faster and easier, giving you more time to enjoy with your family.
5. Don’t Forget the Decor: Simple decorations like a festive tablecloth, some candles, or a small centerpiece can add a special touch to your dinner without much effort.
6. Embrace Potluck: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider making it a potluck. Ask each guest to bring a dish. This not only reduces your workload but also adds variety to the meal.
The True Spirit of Christmas
Finally, amidst the hustle and bustle, take a moment to reflect on the joy and love that Christmas brings. It’s not about the perfect dish or the fanciest table setting, but about the warmth and happiness shared with your loved ones. Don’t worry about the imperfections and enjoy every moment.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, moms – a complete Christmas dinner that’s easy, delicious, and won’t keep you in the kitchen all day. Remember, the holidays are about spending time with your loved ones, not stressing over a complicated meal. These recipes are here to make your Christmas dinner enjoyable and stress-free. Wishing you a merry and tasty Christmas with your family!
