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Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with your loved ones. It’s also a busy time of year that can feel stressful and even overwhelming. The great news is that planning ahead and dividing the work can make the time fun for everyone. 

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This Christmas menu planner simplifies the process of planning your meals so that you can feel prepared to relax and actually enjoy your holiday season. Whether you’re planning a traditional menu or want to try something new, you’ll find dishes to delight everyone at your table. And not just for Christmas dinner, but for breakfast / brunch, lunch, and snacks, cookies, and cocktails too!

Whether it’s a turkey or seafood that takes center stage at your holiday table this year, there’s plenty to choose from. From classic dishes like Dry Brine Turkey and Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb to new twists on old favorites like Lasagna with Cottage Cheese, there is something here for every palate.

Table of Contents

Christmas Mains

What would Christmas dinner be without potatoes? Here you’ll find great Christmas potato recipes that will help get everyone on board with the holiday spirit! From buttery Fondant Potatoes and Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes to family favorite Cheesy Potatoes to twists on classics like Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes. These dishes are guaranteed to bring out the best in the most cherished root vegetable.

Potatoes

Some say that the side dishes at Christmas are what they most look forward to. Maybe you feel that way too? From traditional sides like Cornbread Dressing to quick and easy Turkey Gravy without drippings, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for filling out your menu.

Sides

Why not serve something light and refreshing to break up the heavier dishes on the Christmas dinner table? Green salads are a great choice, like my quick and easy Arugula Salad. But great salads can be decadent too, like Shrimp Salad or Crab Salad served as an elegant first course.

Salads

Christmastime would be incomplete without an array of cookies. They’re wonderful for snacking and make the perfect edible gift. From classics like Butter Cookies and Gingersnap Cookies to fresh takes on classics like Almond Flour Sugar Cookies, you’ll find something for everyone. 

Cookies

When you think of dessert for Christmas dinner, does pie come to mind? It’s what I think of too. There’s boozy rich Chocolate Rum Pie for the chocolate lovers (with a classic Lard Pie Crust) and feather light Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, a sophisticated twist on traditional pumpkin pie that is no bake (except for 5 minutes to bake the Gingersnap Crust). A convenient choice when demand is high for oven time!

Pies

Beyond pie and cookies, there are endless other desserts that are perfect for Christmas, from Chouquettes (French pastry sugar puffs) to Chocolate Panna Cotta. There’s even a recipe for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk that will have you skipping the canned variety for good.

More Desserts

Pillowy soft Brioche Rolls, buttery Homemade Biscuits with a thousand layers or tender Skillet Cornbread with plenty of crispy edges – which ones will you choose for your Christmas table? 

Breads

Whether you’re after a decadent breakfast for Christmas morning, like Breakfast Quiche with Crispy Breakfast Potatoes or something on the lighter side like Banana Oatmeal Pancakes or a make ahead option like Banana Oatmeal Muffins or Savory Crepes, you’ll find inspiring choices here.

Breakfast

Christmas cocktails are a festive way to kick off a fun evening with loved ones. Maybe this year it’s a French 75 or a classic Peach Bellini? And don’t forget refreshing Non Alcoholic Sangria for those designated drivers.  

Drinks

When planning your Christmas menu, don’t forget about appetizers and snacks. From classic Sugared Pecans to elegant Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus or rounds of creamy Baked Goat Cheese, you’ll want to serve a few inviting nibbles. 

Appetizers and Snacks

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