24 Christmas Recipe Ideas to Try in 2026
Choose a few dishes that fit your guests, time, and kitchen
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24 Christmas and holiday recipe ideas to try
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How to use the links: these are menu ideas, not recipes tested by this site. The linked recipe is a specific version and may use different toppings or ingredients from our serving suggestion. Dietary filters describe possible directions, not allergy-safe guarantees. Follow the publisher's tested method before making substitutions.
Showing all 24 ideas.
- 1
Breakfast
Gingerbread pancakes with warm fruit
Familiar pancakes become seasonal with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses.
- Advance-planning idea
- Measure the dry ingredients before starting the batter. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat, milk, and egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; dairy-free and egg-free adaptations are possible.
Serving idea: Serve with warm pears or apples and keep the toppings in bowls so guests can choose their own.
Full recipe: Sally's Baking: gingerbread waffles with pancake instructions
- 2
Breakfast
Cranberry-orange baked oats
It feeds a small group from one dish and balances tart fruit with a gently sweet breakfast.
- Advance-planning idea
- Assemble the dry mixture ahead; add liquid before baking. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- May contain milk; oats need a certified source for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Add orange zest, cranberries, oats, cinnamon, and chopped seeds or nuts if your guests can have them.
Full recipe: Eating Bird Food: cranberry orange baked oatmeal
- 3
Breakfast
Spinach and mushroom breakfast strata
An overnight savory bake moves most of the work away from a busy holiday morning.
- Advance-planning idea
- Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat, milk, and egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian.
Serving idea: Layer toasted bread, cooked mushrooms, spinach, cheese, and a seasoned egg mixture in one baking dish.
Full recipe: Once Upon a Chef: spinach and cheese strata
- 4
Breakfast
Cinnamon-pear French toast bake
Pears and cinnamon give a simple crowd-friendly bake a winter flavor without complicated decoration.
- Advance-planning idea
- Assemble the night before and bake in the morning. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat, milk, and egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian.
Serving idea: Use firm ripe pears and slightly dry bread so the center stays tender rather than soggy.
Full recipe: Two Peas & Their Pod: cinnamon baked French toast
- 5
Starter
Cranberry and brie pastry bites
Tart cranberry and creamy cheese make a small hot bite that is easy to portion.
- Advance-planning idea
- Shape the pastry cups earlier; bake shortly before serving. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat and milk; pastry may contain egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian.
Serving idea: Fill small pastry squares with brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then finish with thyme after baking.
Full recipe: My Baking Addiction: cranberry brie bites
- 6
Starter
Rosemary-spiced roasted nuts
A savory snack can be prepared early and set out in small portions as guests arrive.
- Advance-planning idea
- Allow the nuts to cool before storing or packing. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Tree nuts; blends may also contain peanuts or sesame through cross-contact.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Coat a nut mix with rosemary, citrus zest, a little oil, and your preferred sweet-heat seasoning before roasting.
Full recipe: Once Upon a Chef: rosemary bar nuts
- 7
Starter
Herb and breadcrumb stuffed mushrooms
They are a warm, one-bite option that can be adjusted for different fillings.
- Advance-planning idea
- Fill the mushrooms earlier and refrigerate until baking. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Often wheat and milk; check prepared crumbs and cheese.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Cook the chopped stems with garlic and herbs, combine with crumbs, then fill and bake the caps.
Full recipe: Love and Lemons: stuffed mushrooms
- 8
Starter
Roasted beet hummus board
The vivid color creates a festive centerpiece without relying on artificial coloring.
- Advance-planning idea
- Cook the beet before the blending stage. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Sesame is typical because hummus usually contains tahini.
- Adaptation note
- Vegan; naturally wheat-free when served with suitable dippers.
Serving idea: Blend cooked beet with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and cumin; serve with vegetables and clearly labeled crackers.
Full recipe: Love and Lemons: beet hummus
- 9
Main
Orange-herb roast chicken
Citrus and herbs make a familiar roast feel seasonal while keeping the ingredient list manageable.
- Advance-planning idea
- Check thawing, seasoning and roasting stages before choosing a serving time. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Depends on the butter, stock, and seasoning used.
- Adaptation note
- Gluten-free-adaptable with verified stock and seasonings.
Serving idea: Roast with orange, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, using a thermometer rather than color alone to judge doneness.
Full recipe: Food Network Kitchen: garlic and orange roast chicken
- 10
Main
Maple-mustard baked salmon
A sheet-pan fish main cooks quickly and leaves oven time available for sides.
- Advance-planning idea
- Mix the glaze earlier; bake the fish shortly before serving. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Fish; mustard products may have additional label warnings.
- Adaptation note
- Gluten-free-adaptable with verified condiments.
Serving idea: Brush a salmon side with maple, mustard, lemon, and herbs, then portion it at the table.
Full recipe: Jo Cooks: maple mustard glazed salmon
- 11
Main
Lentil and mushroom Wellington
It gives a meat-free centerpiece clear slices and rich savory flavor.
- Advance-planning idea
- Plan separate filling, cooling and pastry stages. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat; pastry may contain milk or egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable.
Serving idea: Cook mushrooms until dry, combine with lentils and herbs, cool fully, then wrap in pastry so it stays crisp.
Full recipe: Vegan Richa: lentil Wellington
- 12
Main
Winter vegetable pot pie
A large pie is warming, flexible, and easy to serve with a crisp salad.
- Advance-planning idea
- Prepare the filling ahead and add the pastry before baking. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat and milk; pastry may contain egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable.
Serving idea: Use a thick sauce and a mix of mushrooms, carrots, leeks, peas, and beans so the filling is substantial.
Full recipe: Minimalist Baker: vegetable pot pies with biscuit topping
- 13
Side
Maple-roasted root vegetables
One colorful tray can combine carrots, parsnips, squash, and onion with minimal last-minute work.
- Advance-planning idea
- Peel and cut the vegetables earlier; roast near serving time. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- No major allergen is inherent, but check sauces and shared equipment.
- Adaptation note
- Vegan and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Cut vegetables to similar sizes and give them enough tray space to brown rather than steam.
Full recipe: University of Maryland Extension: maple-glazed root vegetables
- 14
Side
Garlic and thyme potato gratin
Thin layered potatoes make a generous side that pairs with many mains.
- Advance-planning idea
- Check whether the full recipe supports baking ahead and reheating. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Milk is typical.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Slice evenly, season each layer, and leave enough resting time for clean servings.
Full recipe: Once Upon a Chef: potatoes au gratin
- 15
Side
Lemon-almond green beans
A bright green, lightly crisp side balances richer dishes.
- Advance-planning idea
- Blanch the beans earlier; finish in the pan before serving. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Tree nuts; butter may add milk.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Toss blanched beans with lemon zest, toasted almonds, and a little butter or olive oil.
Full recipe: Love and Lemons: green beans almondine
- 16
Side
Cranberry wild-rice pilaf
Chewy grains, tart fruit, and herbs offer a lighter alternative to a bread-based stuffing.
- Advance-planning idea
- Measure the rice and stock, and decide how it will be served. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Depends on stock and any nuts added.
- Adaptation note
- Vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Combine cooked wild-rice blend with cranberries, celery, herbs, and toasted seeds or nuts where suitable.
Full recipe: Love and Lemons: wild rice pilaf
- 17
Side
Apple and spice braised red cabbage
Its sweet-tart flavor and deep color improve after resting, which makes it useful for advance cooking.
- Advance-planning idea
- Check the recipe for its cook-ahead and reheating method. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Check vinegar, stock, and any prepared seasoning.
- Adaptation note
- Vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Cook cabbage slowly with apple, onion, warm spice, vinegar, and a modest amount of sweetness.
Full recipe: Good Food: braised red cabbage with cider and apples
- 18
Dessert
Sticky gingerbread loaf
A loaf needs less decoration than a layer cake and is easy to slice for tea or dessert.
- Advance-planning idea
- Allow cooling time before wrapping or slicing. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat, milk, and egg.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable.
Serving idea: Use ginger, cinnamon, molasses or treacle, and citrus zest, then serve plain or with fruit.
Full recipe: Sally's Baking: spiced gingerbread loaf
- 19
Dessert
Cranberry-apple crumble
Tart cranberries keep a familiar apple dessert from becoming overly sweet.
- Advance-planning idea
- Prepare the fruit and topping separately; assemble before baking. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat and milk; oats and nuts require label checks.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Balance the fruit after tasting it, then add a crisp oat topping and bake until bubbling at the center.
Full recipe: Liz Harris for Harry & David: apple cranberry crisp
- 20
Dessert
Dark chocolate peppermint bark
It is portionable, giftable, and does not require the oven.
- Advance-planning idea
- Leave enough time for each chocolate layer to set. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Chocolate may contain milk, soy, or nuts through ingredients or cross-contact.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable with verified chocolate and candy.
Serving idea: Spread tempered or carefully melted chocolate, scatter verified peppermint pieces, set, and break into irregular shards.
Full recipe: Sally's Baking: layered peppermint bark
- 21
Dessert
Cinnamon baked apples
Whole fruit makes a warm dessert with simple portioning and flexible fillings.
- Advance-planning idea
- Prepare the filling earlier; bake close to serving. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Filling may contain nuts; butter adds milk; oats need a certified source for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian; vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Core firm apples and fill with oats, spice, dried fruit, and seeds or nuts only where appropriate.
Full recipe: Sally's Baking: cinnamon baked apples
- 22
Dessert
Orange shortbread stars
A citrus shortbread is sturdy enough for a cookie box and simple enough to bake in batches.
- Advance-planning idea
- Chill or freeze shaped dough; bake when convenient. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Usually wheat and milk.
- Adaptation note
- Vegetarian.
Serving idea: Flavor the dough with finely grated orange zest and keep decorations minimal so the texture stays crisp.
Full recipe: King Arthur Baking: ginger-citrus shortbread
- 23
Drink
Slow-simmered spiced apple cider
A warm nonalcoholic drink makes the kitchen smell festive and can serve a mixed-age group.
- Advance-planning idea
- Infuse earlier, chill promptly, and reheat only what you need. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Check packaged juice and garnishes for your guests.
- Adaptation note
- Vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Warm apple cider gently with cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, and star anise, then strain before serving.
Full recipe: Everyday Delicious: homemade spiced apple cider
- 24
Drink
Cranberry-rosemary spritzer
A tart, sparkling nonalcoholic option gives guests a festive drink without extra bar work.
- Advance-planning idea
- Mix the cranberry base earlier; add sparkling water at serving. Check the linked recipe's storage instructions.
- Potential allergens
- Check juices, syrups, and garnishes for your guests.
- Adaptation note
- Vegan-adaptable and gluten-free-adaptable.
Serving idea: Combine cranberry and citrus with a light rosemary syrup, then top individual glasses with sparkling water.
Full recipe: Gordon Food Service: nonalcoholic cranberry-rosemary spritzer
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Build a menu the kitchen can actually deliver
- Confirm guests first. Ask about allergies, medical diets, strong dislikes, accessibility needs, arrival time, and whether children need simpler options.
- Map equipment. Note oven temperature, hob space, fridge room, pans, serving dishes, and which food must be hot at the same moment.
- Choose contrast. Combine rich and fresh, soft and crisp, hot and room-temperature dishes rather than several similar heavy recipes.
- Move work earlier. Select at least one make-ahead side or dessert, prepare garnishes separately, and write a final-hour sequence.
- Plan safe storage. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, refrigerate perishables promptly, and label leftovers with the date.
Allergen and food-safety notes
The allergen labels above are prompts, not guarantees. Recipes and packaged ingredients vary, substitutions can add allergens, and cross-contact can happen in shared kitchens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identifies nine major food allergens, including sesame. Re-check every ingredient label and ask guests what precautions they need; do not describe a dish as allergen-free without a process that supports that claim.
For preparation, follow the FoodSafety.gov sequence to clean, separate, cook, and chill. FDA holiday guidance says to refrigerate perishable food within two hours and generally use refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. Cooking and storage needs vary by dish, so use a food thermometer and the official chart rather than relying on appearance.
Christmas menu questions
Compiled by Sumit Jha. Recipe links checked September 10, 2026. The linked publishers own and explain their recipes; this site has not kitchen-tested them. Food and allergen guidance should be checked against current official advice and each guest's needs. Use the Christmas gift planning guide for gifts. Return to the live Christmas countdown.