Christmas recipes and Christmas Menus for everyone!! Whether you’re having a summery Aussie Christmas lunch, a cosy White Christmas, a traditional Christmas dinner, or need speedy recipes that still have the wow factor, here’s a collection of my very best Christmas food ideas!
Prefer to help yourself? Browse the new Christmas Recipe Index!
I started this guided walk through of my very best Christmas recipes back in 2017. Each year, I update the post with my latest recipes and add more suggested menus. I hope you find some inspiration! – Nagi x
Christmas Recipes and Menus
The RecipeTin Family is notorious for leaving our Christmas menu until the last minute. We like to toss ideas around, offering up suggestions, “debating”*, looking around to see what looks good this year.
There’s a big build up until 3 days before – then bam! The Menu is Set, tasks are allocated, and everyone is dispatched to source the required ingredients.
It’s all part of our annual Christmas ritual.
And now, it’s your turn. I hope this Christmas Recipe Index and Menu Ideas helps you to plan your Christmas Menu!
* This is code for heated arguments and requests being shot down. Such as scoffing at mum’s request for Crackling Roast Pork as well as ham (“double pork is a no no!” we declare), mocking my request for Fried Chicken (“it’s Christmas, don’t be so bogan!”), and experimental ideas like Turdukin shot down as “noooo, it’s just a hack, it isn’t that tasty!”. As far as I’m concerned, there are no rules for Christmas and the opinions of the RecipeTin Family should be disregarded. And Fried Chicken is the perfect main for any occasion!😂
Christmas Mains
What will be your centrepiece this year?? A perfectly cooked Prime Rib, the juiciest ever Roast Turkey, a sticky Glazed Ham or the most incredible simple Herb and Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Turkey Breast?
Reader favourite: Christmas Baked Salmon. Looks festive, easy to make, exceptional flavour!
Warm & Hearty Sides
Warm and cosy, many of these are great for making ahead! My picks:
Potatoes au Gratin – indulgent, tastes outrageously good (it’s French, you can’t go wrong) and it’s 100% perfect for make ahead;
Baked Mac & Cheese – best made fresh for optimal eating experience but I have tips for near perfect make-ahead! This is a regular at the RecipeTi Family Christmas – we splurge on very good gruyere cheese and it is outrageously to die for!
Salads & Summery Sides
Never under estimate the power of a really great fresh, crunchy salad. And for those of us who have a Summer Christmas, fill your festive table with these colourful, a little-bit-show-off salads and side dishes!
Breads
It might not be traditional, but for years Corn Bread has remained as a firm favourite in our family! We love how soft and moist it is, that it’s so tasty you could eat it plain but when you use it to mop your Christmas plate clean? Swooon…
Starters & Snacks
Things to nibble before the feast are mandatory. Full stop!
To Finish
There is ALWAYS room for dessert. Always!!! This year, I present my Pavlova Christmas Tree, featured as part of a Christmas special I did for The Sydney Morning Herald’s Sunday Life pull-out, as well as on the Good Food website.
And here are some more dessert suggestions to steal the show at your Christmas dinner this year!
CHRISTMAS MENUS
Just a few suggestions for Christmas Menus……
🦃 🎄My Perfect Traditional Christmas Menu (ignoring all practical logistics like oven space and sleeping!)
☀️ Aussie Summer Christmas Lunch!
🥩 Prime Rib Christmas Dinner
❄️ Cosy White Christmas Dinner
💵 Thrifty but Nifty – Budget conscious Christmas dinner (For Australia)
😇 Super Easy Christmas Menu – low effort, forgiving, make ahead recipes
Menu 1: Nagi’s Perfect Menu
Ignoring weather, the opinions of the RecipeTin Family, sleep, oven logistics and of course, calorie counting. In my perfect world, this is what I’d make you for Christmas:
To Start
Fresh Prawns/Shrimp with Seafood Sauces for dipping
Mains
Sides
Duck Fat Potatoes – Crispiest, Best Roast Potatoes EVER!
Baked Mac and Cheese – no compromise on the cheese, gruyere all the way!
Apple Salad with Cranberries and Candied Walnuts
Leafy greens with Balsamic Dressing
Cornbread – because it’s my favourite bread ever, full stop!
Dessert
I always like to make 2 desserts because I like to have at least one chocolate / rich dessert and one non chocolate / “lighter” option eg with fruit. These are the dessert combinations I’ve done in the past for various gatherings.
Chocolate Mirror Glaze Cake and Pavlova Christmas Tree – I just served these two at a Christmas lunch on the weekend!
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Menu 2: 🇦🇺Aussie Summer Christmas Lunch!🇦🇺
It’s un-Australian to spend Christmas Day holed up in the kitchen with the oven going all day! Here’s a suggested summer Christmas Lunch Menu – Aussie style!
Tasty Snacks to start – suggestions
Sausage Rolls (very Aussie!) or Holiday Crostini (8 different ways!)
A dip like Smoked Salmon Dip or Guacamole with crudités (that’s a fancy word for veggie sticks 😂), chips or crackers.
Mains
Prawns (shrimp) with dipping sauces – An Aussie Christmas just ain’t an Aussie Christmas unless there are prawns on offer! Those sauces are also ideal for other shellfish: Crab, lobster, Morton Bay / Balman bugs, seafood sticks, and other cold seafoods.
Fresh Oysters with lemon wedges
Glazed Ham – You can’t get more classic than a Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Maple Glazed Ham for your Christmas main! The impressive presentation and irresistible wafts of spice and sugar will turn heads and set tongues wagging as you ceremoniously deliver this glorious centrepiece to the table!
Turkey Breast – Because ham is so big, turkey breast is a popular option here in Australia. This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Turkey Breast is really popular this year, and this classic Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy is a sure thing! I opt for slow cooker turkey as the oven is used for the ham.
Alternative Fish Main: This fabulously festive-looking and tasting Christmas Baked Salmon. It’s dead easy, and can be made ahead!!
Sides
Carby Sides – a Lemon Potato Salad (great at room temp) and Marinated Vegetarian Pasta Salad.
Fresh Salads, a bit fancy – lots of festive salads are ideal for hot weather Christmas Feasting! Peaches are at their peak so this Peach Salad is perfect. Otherwise, this little-bit-fancy Apple Salad with Cranberries and Candied Nuts, a Roast Pumpkin Spinach Feta Salad or this Pomegranate Salad shot through with Christmas colours! But if you want to truly go big, you cannot beat my Hot Smoked Salmon Celebration Salad!
Simple leafy salad – I always like to add a leafy salad like this French Bistro Salad, or simply dressed mixed leaves with Balsamic Dressing, French Dressing, Italian Dressing. Coleslaws are always great too for summer – or try this lighter No-Mayo Slaw for a change up. Also popular over the last years is this Cucumber Salad with Herb and Garlic Dressing!
Good Bread – buy some good quality bread and serve with bowls of quality extra virgin olive oil for dunking. Bread is also essential to mop the plate clean!
Dessert
Pavlova (or go big and show-stealing with Pavlova Christmas Tree!) and Trifle are firm favourites Down Under!
No Bake Mango Cheesecake is colourful, easy and always a hit in hot weather.
For a truly show-stopping, patisserie-quality dessert, you can’t go past Chocolate Mirror Glaze Cake!
Also see the 2017 Very (Easy) Aussie Christmas Feast menu!
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Menu 3: Prime Rib Christmas Dinner
Prime Rib with Red Wine Sauce – the star!
Potato Side – Paris Mash for a real steakhouse experience, or Creamy Cauliflower Mash for a low carb option. Or Seriously Crunchy Roast Potatoes or Duck Fat Potatoes (get the oil/duck fat heating started while beef is in the oven, then roast potatoes while beef is resting). Potato Rosti is another excellent option since you don’t need the oven. For a terrific make ahead option, you can’t beat this luxurious Potatoes au Gratin, Fondant Sweet Potatoes – or try Mini Potato Gratin Stacks! See all Potato Recipes.
Baked Mac and Cheese is always welcome alongside Prime Rib….
Vegetables – Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce or Garlic Sautéed Spinach for steakhouse style. If you are a Brussels Sprouts lover, then Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Sauteed Brussels Sprouts in Carbonara Sauce. Otherwise try these ever-popular Brown Sugar Glazed Roasted Carrots or Broccoli au Gratin.
Dessert – Personally, I would go for something indulgent like Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce or Salted Caramel Tart or Peanut Butter Caramel Tart (this is to die for!!!). Cake options: Strawberry Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cake or my new Very Best Vanilla Cake that offers endless possibilities. For something elegant, I’d choose Chocolate Mousse, Creme Brûlée or chocolate sauce-drenched Profiteroles.
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Menu 4: Cosy White Christmas Dinner
If you’re having a White Christmas, you’ll love this cosy menu! The number of mains you have will depend on how many people you’re serving. If you’ve got a small group, perhaps just opt for one main.
Juicy Roast Turkey. Dry brining is the secret to the juiciest roast turkey you’ve ever had. Complete with a gorgeous turkey gravy! (Even got you covered for turkey leftovers: Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie!). OR consider a Slow Roasted Pork with perfect crackling! Otherwise, make a splash with this Rosemary Crumbed Lamb Rack.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Maple Glazed Ham. Make this before the turkey – it will be fine at room temp! OR make either this Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Turkey Breast or this classic Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy to keep the oven free for the ham.
Stuffing – I always bake my stuffing in a pan separate from turkey for 2 reasons: 1) the extra flavour from the browning; and 2) raw stuffing inside turkey = overcooked turkey meat (because by the time the stuffing is cooked, the turkey is overcooked). Here’s my all time favourite Sausage stuffing recipe – and for something different, turn it into Pancetta Stuffing Cups.
Cosy, bubbling sides – Potatoes au Gratin (also see other Potato Recipes), Baked Mac and Cheese, a savoury Brown Butter Sweet Potato Casserole or a creamy Broccoli au Gratin.
Warm Vegetable Sides – Too many to list, but some suggestions your guests will love: Roasted Pumpkin with Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts for something a bit different; Brown Sugar Glazed Roasted Carrots are ever popular; Roasted Mushrooms; Baked Zucchini for some tasty greens; Lentil and Roasted Eggplant is a wickedly delicious combo; Magic Broccoli is so easy yet so tasty it’s, well, magic!
Dessert – Anything warm will go down a treat! Pudding is a great option: Bread and Butter Pudding; Sticky Date Pudding or Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding. Else who can resist Apple Crumble?
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Menu 5: 2020 Sydney Morning Herald $20pp Menu
This is the menu that I did for the Good Food section of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Sunday Life Magazine which was published on Sunday 6 December 2020! My challenge was to come up with the most amazing menu possible on a budget of $20 per head, mindful of the challenging times we’ve experienced this year.
Here’s a link to the menu on the Good Food website. This is what’s included – the budget was for 8 adults at $20 pp, total of A$160.
Prawn Crostini with Minted Pea Puree – because what’s an Aussie Christmas without prawns?? Here’s the recipe on the Good Food website;
Crackling Roast Pork – an existing recipe on my website where I share my game changing (simple!) tips for the best crispy crackling of your life, guaranteed!
Sticky Christmas Glazed Chicken – when you take a classic Brown Sugar Ham Glaze and use it for chicken, very, very good things happen….
Smushed Potato Salad – when you gently crushed potatoes then toss in a Honey Mustard Dressing, all those delish flavours seeps into the fluffy insides… Here’s the recipe on the Good Food website;
Charred Corn Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing – an adaptation of this very popular Mexican Corn Salad! Here’s the recipe on the Good Food website;
Pavlova Christmas Tree – which made the front cover of the Sunday Life Magazine! 🙌🏻 Here’s the recipe on the Good Food website, but the version published here on this site has much more detail which I advise you read to get it just right.
PS Ahead of Monday, here’s a little preview of the Pavlova Christmas Tree!
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Menu 6: Thrifty but Nifty Christmas Dinner
You absolutely CAN make an amazing feast on a budget!
This menu is catered to an Australian audience, as it reflects the prices of produce here. For example, turkey is quite expensive here compared to other proteins – whereas in the States, you can buy turkey for less than $2/kg!
Starter – Italian Cheese Log. This makes loads, lasts for ages and a little goes a long way. You can fill it with economical antipasto type things!
Main Option 1: Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken. It’s AMAZING, less stress than turkey and definitely far more economical! Make multiple needed, and fancy up the presentation by placing it on a bed of green fluffage – see the photos in this Roast Turkey for presentation idea! Alternatively, Sticky Christmas Glazed Chicken for an easy ham-glaze-meets-chicken mashup that easily caters for any number of guests!
Main Option 2: Fish doesn’t have to break the bank. Cheaper fish are often overlooked but are rarely inferior in eating quality compared to more popular fish like salmon or snapper. Tailor, morwong, gurnard, leatherjacket, flake and basa, for example are all delicious and economical fish. Try them in this Fish Pie that’s inexpensive but absolutely worthy of gracing a Christmas table.
Prawns – While you’ll find prawns from quality seafood stores and the fish market are juicier, sweeter and with a better flavour, nowadays, I find the prawns from supermarkets (over the counter, not pre-packed or frozen) are far better quality than they used to be and they’re usually 30 – 40% cheaper. TIP: To add a wow factor, skip the jarred sauce and make on of these simple Seafood Sauces!
Salads – This Baby Potato Salad with Butter and Herbs or Macaroni Salad are great options because they keep for days. Plus one simple salad (eg just leafy greens, a garden salad or halved cherry tomatoes with torn basil) with Balsamic Dressing, French Dressing, Italian Dressing or my go-to simple Vinaigrette in this Cabbage Salad recipe.
Bread – Nowadays, there are terrific breads even sold at our supermarkets! It’s really worth spending a couple of extra dollars to get a good artisan style bread – sourdough, ciabatta or even the stone baked range sold at Woolies. Or make a loaf of No Knead Artisan Bread yourself for less than $1! TIP: Fancy bread up with flavoured butter! Mix softened salted butter with a little parmesan or chopped herbs to fancy it up! Roll up in cling wrap and twist ends to form a log, refrigerate until firm (shape if needed) then soft a bit before serving with bread.
Dessert – With bargain summer fruit around, the Great Aussie Pav is actually a very economical dessert option. The only catch is that leftovers aren’t great. So my other suggestion is Chocolate Fudge Cake which is also a terrific easy economical option (at least one brand of baking chocolate is almost always on sale). And this keeps for days and days!
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Menu 7: Super Easy Christmas Menu
Low effort, forgiving recipes – and still looks so impressive! All can be prepped ahead with minimal work required prior to serving!
3 Minute Festive “Baked” Brie to start. So pretty, and totally effortless.
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy OR Garlic Herb Butter Turkey Breast – very quick prep, forgiving recipe
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Maple Glazed Ham. HAM IS EASY, it looks amazing, it can be entirely prepped or even baked ahead! Terrific centrepiece, leftovers keeps for days and can be frozen.
For a fish option, Christmas Baked Salmon is as simple to make as it gets, yet looks so impressive!
Easy creamy cheesy Potato Bake – just diced potato baked with cream and cheese. A simpler version of Potatoes au Gratin! OR Lemon Potato Salad – easy, and great make ahead!
Wild Rice Salad – easy to make, looks festive, tastes amazing (firm reader favourite!). Prep all ingredients ahead then toss to serve.
Simple salad – One or two quick and easy salads to add freshness into the menu like this Bitter Leaf and Orange Salad. Leafy greens, a garden salad or halved cherry tomatoes (+ torn up basil) with Balsamic Dressing, French Dressing or Italian Dressing. Or browse the Side Salad collection, sorted by primary ingredients;
Bread with butter or olive oil for dipping. Just buy some good bread!
Dessert – Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake. Low effort, low risk, big impact, crowd pleaser!
There will never be a single menu that will work for everyone, but I hope these give you some ideas for different combinations that you might want to try!
Merry Christmas and Happy Feasting! ~ Nagi x
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Super Easy Christmas Menu
Ingredients
Starter:
- 3 Minute Festive Brie
- Crackers for dipping
Mains:
Sides:
- Easy creamy cheesy Potato Bake
- OR Lemon Potato Salad – easy , and great make ahead!
- Wild Rice Salad
Simple Salad (make one or two):
- Choose a side salad OR
- Leafy greens, a garden salad or halved cherry tomatoes (+ torn up basil) with one of these dressings:
- Balsamic Dressing or
- French Dressing or
- Italian Dressing
Bread:
- Store bought bread
- Butter or olive oil for dipping
Dessert:
Instructions
3 Minute Festive “Baked” Brie:
- Prepare components ahead, then takes minutes to assemble on the day.
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy:
- Prepare rub ahead, then slow cook first thing in the morning.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Maple Glazed Ham:
- Can be entirely prepped ahead, or even baked ahead!
Christmas Baked Salmom:
- All components can be prepared ahead, then salmon is baked in foil on the day of for simple clean up!
Easy creamy cheesy Potato Bake:
- A simpler version of Potatoes au Gratin! Prepare ingredients ahead then bake on the day. OR bake ahead then reheat in the oven, covered.
Lemon Potato Salad (alternative):
- Is best made the day before!
Wild Rice Salad:
- Prep all ingredients ahead then toss to serve on the day.
Simple salads:
- Make dressings the up to 2 days ahead.
Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake:
- Can be made days in advance!
Originally published in December 2017. This post gets updated each year with the latest additions to holiday recipes and new menu suggestions!
Life of Dozer
More photos from the weekend when our local dog photographer (Kevin from Unleashed Northern Beaches) was down at the dog beach doing a Christmas photo day!
I might be smiling, but Dozer is never impressed…😂
And Life of Dozer from 2019:
When a gingerbread man’s arm goes missing, everyone is so quick to blame Dozer…. but in this case, it was me that was the cause of the amputation!
Kathy B says
I guess I’m a little like you. I have some things in mind for Christmas but I haven’t settled on anything yet. I think I’m leaning toward seafood this year – salmon, crab, maybe prawns and some simple sides. I’m keeping this post because it has so many ideas!
Helen Lauersdorf says
Hello Nigi,
I have used several of your recipes and enjoyed them very much. Being of Mexican heritage we have always have tamales, beans, rice, Guacamole, pumpkin portage. We also have turkey and dressing, yams pumpkin and pecan pie. in Texas!
C Fry says
In Australia, it will be an old fashioned seafood cocktail then traditional roast meat and cooked vegetables followed by fruit mince pies and Christmas pudding.
Nakita Browning says
Good Morning Nagi & Dozer,
I love Christmas but we don’t do traditional menu.We are having brisket,potato salad,ribs,apple and pecan salad, roasted asparagus,Mac and cheese and rolls. For desserts sopapilla cheesecake,peanut cluster,peppermint bark, and turtles.
Love and appreciate the site
Nakita
Mikey says
Joining a friend that is roasting a wild goose, and turkey, I will be adding some green beans in a soy/sesame dressing, roasted assortment of root vegetables in olive oil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and tarragon, and a bowl of freshcraberries with ornage rind and other goodies.
Susan Ward says
Every year, I go home to San Diego and we have a wonderful Christmas dinner with our family and friends at my Mom’s house in La Jolla. We have slow roasted prime rib, Julia Child’s creamed onions, Katie’s goat cheese Yorkshire pudding and something green. Katie is bringing Thomas Keller’s brownies for dessert this year.
Elaine says
My brother and family traditionally host Christmas in the home where my siblings and I grew up. We now return bringing grandchildren. All of us contribute to a traditional dinner that includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberries. Love your recipes!
Krista says
Haven’t fully figured out the menu yet, but your brown sugar glazed ham is definitely on it! Love all the recipes and Dozer updates!
Jean Finley says
Hello from South Georgia, USA!! This year will be a simple baked ham with scalloped pineapple, baked mac & cheese (daughter’s special request), roasted brussels sprouts, 7-layer salad, homemade crescent rolls & butter, boiled custard (aka cooked eggnog), caramel apple pie and banana pudding for dessert.
Merry Christmas!!!
Tracey says
Hi Nagi, as a mix of Scottish/English/Australian/Italian, we will be eating roast Turkey & roast pork, Yorkshire puddings & roast veg, fresh prawns & salmon, lasagna, salads, fresh fruit & a mix of deserts, tiramisu, pavlova, plum pudding & custard. Something for everyone. It’s a big family and everyone helps out.
Leslie Brown says
I will be making the traditional Christmas turkey for my family this year. We live a couple of hours away from all my kids and grandkids but they’ll all be here for Christmas Eve and stay until Dec 26 at least so we are so excited! Thanks for the opportunity to win that beautiful knife.
Barbara says
We don’t celebrate the holiday, but the meal I cook on that day (or any day) will likely be something from your site! I’m 75 & still cook every day. Many of my friends don’t cook any more, & I think they are missing out on so much.
Diana Ambrose says
Nagi, I have a vegan son, a gluten free daughter and a omnivore brother, so my husband and I pick from what’s left. I still make my Mom’s stuffing and sweet rice and bread. All the childhood memories. Thanks for all the adaptable recipes and pics of Dozer!
Lorri says
Standing Rib roast, roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings! It’s the family tradition! 🙂
Phil Melbourne says
Hi Nagi
We are having a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey and the trimmings. This year is a first with a Turkey Crown instead of the full bird to give us more time with the kids (well that’s the idea). Boxing Day is always Turkey curry. New this year is your Christmas cake. My mum always made one that took a month but who has that time anymore. Merry Christmas and I’ll let you know how it goes 😂
Andi says
I’m still confused about what ‘ll cook for this Christmas. I want to try a new recipe but I didn’t decide which one. I’ll cook some traditional hungarian dishes too like stuffed cabbage and bejgli with poppy seeds and walnut. Happy Holidays!❤
Lynn says
Traditional Italian American Christmas dinner for us is antipasto , lasagna, assorted breads and lots of desserts. Did I mention wine too😁……the best is just being with family❤️
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
KathyP says
Hello and Merry Christmas! We always have a prime rib roast for Christmas dinner so I had to work so many Christmas’s and that was easy for my hubby to pop in the over for when I got home. We love prime rib though so it is always good. Love your newsletter and recipes!
Susan Lundstrom says
We have a simple yet delicious meal. It just the 2 of us. Each course is paired with a wine. Appetizer grilled pear wrapped with prosciutto and balsamic drizzle, grilled shrimp cocktail on a bed of arugula, seared tuna…rare seaweed salad, black rice/vegetable medley and dessert warm Apple gattette. Cheers & Merry Christmas. PS we’re traveling to Thailand Feb/Mar. Would love any suggestions of foods to definitely try.
Jennifer G. Weigel says
This Christmas in Eastern Tennessee, USA, I will be making a lamb roast from our very own, home raised, Katahdin lambs. Corn from my husband’s garden will be pan roasted with our own fresh herbs. Roasted, spicy cubed sweet potatoes and for dessert, cupcake sized pumpkin cheesecakes with gingersnaps crusts.
Thanks for your inspired recipes and menus, and thanks for the opportunity to win an awesome knife! Cheers to you and your family and friends!