You must try these easy, simple, and savory Christmas lunch ideas!
The happiest day of the year is approaching, and what better way to celebrate than by spending it with our loved ones, enjoying wonderful and healthy meals in the process?
So, have you decided what you’ll offer your guests?
If not, then check this out!
We’ve got some fantastic and delectable Christmas meal ideas that everyone will enjoy! They’ll add more colors and freshness to your joyful Holidays, from roasted glazed ham to roasted chicken, pasta, and more!
Plus, they’re ideal meal prep recipes, so you’ll be able to save time during this hectic time of year.
So take a look at these recipes, friends, and put them on your Christmas lunch menus right away!
By the way, if you’re new to meal prepping, try these meal prep containers out! They are the containers I recommend using for meal prep; they’re glass, they’re oven and microwave-safe, and they’re thin so they don’t take up a ton of room in the fridge!
Christmas Lunch 2023
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1. Glazed Ham for the Holidays
Get the full recipe from Dinner at the Zoo
This glazed ham is coated in a sweet brown sugar and honey glaze, then baked until golden brown and caramelized.
The ultimate holiday ham that’s super easy to make and always gets rave reviews.
2. The Best Simple Roast Turkey With Gravy Recipe
Get the full recipe from Serious Eats
A roast turkey that is crisp-skinned, juicy, and evenly cooked, with no flipping, trussing, or fussing.
3. Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib)
Get the full recipe from Recipe Tin Eats
Standing Rib Roast is considered by many to be the best roast beef in the world.
Also known as Prime Rib, it’s a beef cut that’s incredibly succulent with superior taste.
This recipe uses a safe, simple but highly effective roasting method so the beef is blushing pink all the way through.
4. Honey Glazed Salmon
Get the full recipe from Errens Kitchen
This sweet garlicky honey glazed salmon recipe can be put together in just twenty minutes! Seriously addictive.
Serve this delicious salmon with oven-roasted asparagus or rice pilaf for a sophisticated midweek meal, or any special occasion.
5. Easy Herb Roasted Chicken
Get the full recipe from The Comfort of Cooking
Classic, elegant, and oh-so scrumptious.
This is the best way to a super crispy, tender, and mouthwatering oven-roasted chicken with fresh herbs and simple ingredients!
6. Veggie Wellington
Get the full recipe from Great British Chefs
This lavish vegetarian Wellington recipe from Andy Waters would make a fantastic centerpiece for a vegetarian Sunday lunch or even Christmas Day.
This puff pastry parcel is bursting with sweet potatoes, mushrooms, kale, and spinach, plus some festive chestnuts, too.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Get the full recipe from Belly Full
These easy Stuffed Peppers start with gorgeous multi-colored bell peppers, filled with a hearty mix of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then finished with cheese and baked until tender.
It’s a perfect all-in-one healthy, delicious lunch that your family will love!
8. Mediterranean-Style Roasted Leg Of Lamb
Get the full recipe from The Mediterranean Dish
This easy no-fail roasted leg of lamb recipe, with a special Mediterranean seasoning, will give you the BEST lamb roast every single time!
Remember, the best lamb leg is either cooked to perfect pink inside (internal temp somewhere around 130°F) or until the meat falls off the bone (internal temp somewhere around 175°F or beyond).
Just avoid cooking your lamb to the in-between stage which can be tough. I like to cook some potatoes in the same pan to complete the meal.
9. Orange Cranberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Get the full recipe from Recipe Girl
This Orange Cranberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe is great to make for the fall holidays or any time of year!
10. Roasted Duck (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Went Here 8 This
The crispy, salted skin in this amazing Roasted Duck recipe might be one of the best things ever.
Perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of fat, and a little zing of heat from the zesty orange sauce caramelized on top….yes, yes you want this duck.
11. Best Ever Beef Wellington Recipe
Get the full recipe from The Recipe Critic
This Beef Wellington recipe is a decadent, tender, and juicy beef tenderloin with a layer of mustard, mushroom duxelles, and prosciutto wrapped in a soft, buttery pastry that is cooked until golden brown.
A holiday favorite!
12. The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever! (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from The Recipe Critic
Indulge in a decadent lunch with this lobster tail recipe that features large lobster tails generously coated in a buttery garlic herb sauce and then broiled under high heat, resulting in tender and juicy lobster tails.
The ultimate indulgence!
13. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Roasted Apples (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Art de Fete
Crisp prosciutto, pliable pork, and tender ground pork-based filling create a unique textural combination that will thrill your taste buds.
Roast the pork loin with little apples, which will practically caramelize as they absorb the juices from the meat and serve as a superb seasoning for the dish.
To end, pour the dripping-based sauce over the sliced loin and enjoy compliments from your visitors!
14. Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Half Baked Harvest
This is the ideal dish to serve to guests this holiday season. You can make the meal ahead of time, store it fully assembled in the refrigerator, and then bake it right before serving.
15. Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from The Food Charlatan
This recipe is perfect for you if your family enjoys ham. It starts with fresh cranberries cooked and blended with Dijon mustard and brown sugar on the stove.
After that, all you have to do is pop the ham in the oven and brush it a couple of times with the sauce.
16. Roasted Plum Duck with Cider Maple Glaze
Get the full recipe from Feasting at Home
Seared Duck Breast with Roasted Plums, Cider Glaze, and Crispy Sage- a simple exquisite meal that highlights fall plums and takes 45 minutes to prepare! (Instead of duck, use chicken thighs!)
17. Winter Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts + Balsamic Fig Dressing
Get the full recipe from Half Baked Harvest
This is my go-to holiday salad. It’s something I generally make for both Christmas Eve and Christmas lunch.
It’s just so easy to put together, and it goes with everything and tastes great.
18. Gruyere Mushroom Caramelized Onion Bites
Get the full recipe from Little Spice Jar
These are the ideal tiny appetizers!
They’re created with puff pastry and only take a few minutes to prepare!
These are the perfect appetizers to serve to your holiday guests.
19. Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Cotter Crunch
This cranberry chicken recipe is a quick and healthy Christmas lunch/dinner.
The chicken is kept moist with a tangy balsamic marinade, while cranberries and fresh thyme add flavor! It’s a fantastic meal prep or make-ahead recipe.
20. Ginger Sesame Chicken Potstickers with Sweet Chili Pomegranate Sauce
Get the full recipe from Half Baked Harvest
Easy chicken, ginger, and sesame-crusted potstickers topped with a sweet and spicy chili pomegranate sauce.
Serve these as an appetizer at your next holiday gathering or as a fun and healthful lunch/dinner any day of the week!
21. Sausage Cheddar and Mushroom Pasta Bake (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Sainsbury’s Magazine
Pasta is needed! These pasta dishes include mushrooms, sausage, and cheddar cheese.
This will undoubtedly satisfy your hunger this Christmas.
22. Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme Sauce
Get the full recipe from Closet Cooking
You can’t go wrong with mushrooms, garlic, and butter! Browning the butter just enhances its flavor and aroma.
These roasted mushrooms with browned butter, garlic, and thyme are a delicious side dish for any meal!
23. Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Half Baked Harvest
These braised short ribs are one of the most comforting Christmas dishes you can make.
They’re a one-pot feast that’s festive and absolutely tasty. Serve these over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ideal lunch/dinner.
24. Sausage Stuffing Balls – Juicy And Delicious (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Inside the Rustic Kitchen
Sausage, apple, garlic, and herbs are used to make delicious, soft, and juicy sausage stuffing balls.
These bite-sized delights are ideal for any holiday spread, whether it’s for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or simply because it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Serve with cranberry sauce made from scratch.
25. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip for the Holidays
Get the full recipe from Sparrows and Lily
Tart cranberries, fiery jalapenos, and sweet sugar combine to make a delectable Christmas snack that will leave your guests begging for the recipe!
26. Roasted Italian Tomatoes (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
I can’t suggest these tomatoes enough if you need to use up garden tomatoes or want a delicious (low-calorie) side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
They’re quite simple to create. Fresh herbs are preferable, although dried herbs can suffice if fresh herbs are unavailable.
For those who like to consume their food clean, roasted Italian tomatoes are healthful, low calorie, gluten-free, and vegan.
27. Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Veggies (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe from My Food Story
Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Veggies on a Sheet Pan is a great way to get lunch/dinner on the table quickly!
With a finger-licking honey balsamic marinade, everything comes together in one sheet pan and is roasted until the chicken is crispy and golden.
28. One Pan Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
Get the full recipe from Half Baked Harvest
One casserole combines roasted broccoli, fresh herbs, hearty wild rice, and an abundance of melty cheese.
This meal works well as a vegetarian main course or a side dish for your next holiday feast.
Cheesy broccoli with rice is always a terrific combination, no matter how you serve it!
29. Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Get the full recipe from Eatwell101
Roasted carrots with honey garlic butter are simple to make and tasty!
It’s the perfect side for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, with a touch of cracked black pepper and Kosher salt.
30. Roasted Butternut Squash Wild Rice Salad with Apple and Cranberries
Get the full recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen
This recipe for Wild Rice Salad with Butternut Squash is a delicious Thanksgiving side dish.
This cold rice salad recipe is so good that we don’t store it just for the holidays!
31. Healthier Instant Pot Coq au Vin (Christmas lunch ideas)
Get the full recipe on Half Baked Harvest
This healthier Instant Pot Coq au Vin is perfect for that chilly fall and winter days when you want a gourmet slow-braised chicken but only have an hour to spare.
You can create all of these dishes in an instant pot (or a slow cooker) using basic, wholesome ingredients that you may already have on hand.
Warm, rich, hearty but nutritious, and oh-so-delicious, this recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for casual family lunch/dinner or holiday hosting.
32. Christmas Honeycomb Cannelloni
Get the full recipe from Cook Republic
The Christmas honeycomb cannelloni resembles lasagne, but with a vertical layering approach instead of horizontal layering.
You can use mincemeat or make it meatless by adding vegetables and beans. It has the potential to become your signature meal.
33. Ham Casserole
Get the full recipe from The Pioneer Woman
Search no more! This delightful ham casserole will not only empty your fridge in a jiffy but also satisfy your taste buds.
Packed with fluffy rice, tender green peas, and a zesty twist from the homemade cheesy sauce featuring poblano pepper, it’s a winner!
34. Sausage Rolls
Get the full recipe from Recipe Tin Eats
Sausage rolls are a true Aussie party staple, and the beauty is, you can get a head start by freezing them unbaked.
When it’s time to party, simply pop them in the oven, and you’re good to go!
35. Ham and Potato Soup Crock Pot
Get the full recipe from Simply Scrumptious
Cozy up to the fantastic aroma of this homemade Ham and Potato Soup!
This crockpot recipe is a must-try for a chilly day, as it fills your home with delicious scents.
It’s a breeze to whip up and truly the ultimate recipe.
With its rich, creamy goodness and added veggies for a vitamin boost, it’s a delight for the taste buds!
32+ Christmas Lunch ideas That are Easy & Festive!
Ingredients
- Glazed Ham for the Holidays
- The Best Simple Roast Turkey With Gravy Recipe
- Standing Rib Roast
- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Easy Herb Roasted Chicken
- Veggie Wellington
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Mediterranean-Style Roasted Leg Of Lamb
- Orange Cranberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin
- Roasted Duck
- Best Ever Beef Wellington Recipe
- The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever!
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Roasted Apples
- Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells
- Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham
- Roasted Plum Duck with Cider Maple Glaze
- Winter Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts + Balsamic Fig Dressing
- Gruyere Mushroom Caramelized Onion Bites
- Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken
- Ginger Sesame Chicken Potstickers
- Sausage Cheddar and Mushroom Pasta Bake
- Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme Sauce
- Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs
- Sausage Stuffing Balls – Juicy And Delicious
- Cranberry Jalapeno Dip for the Holidays
- Roasted Italian Tomatoes
- Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Veggies
- One Pan Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
- Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Butternut Squash Wild Rice Salad with Apple and Cranberries
- Healthier Instant Pot Coq au Vin
- Christmas Honeycomb Cannelloni
Instructions
- Select your choice of Christmas lunch ideas from the article.
- Click on the link to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Get ready to prep, cook, and enjoy!
What are your favorite Christmas lunch ideas? Tell me more about it in the comments!
Read More About Christmas:
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12 Easy Christmas Treat Recipes
29 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes for 2021
12 Easy Christmas Snack Ideas to Make
40 Stylish Christmas Decor Ideas to Put Your Home in Holiday Cheer
Looking for more? Check out all Holiday posts here!
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These Christmas lunch ideas look so irresistible! Love them!