28 Must-Try Recipes for Christmas Lunch

This festive platter turns every snack table into a showstopper with juicy grapes, silky brie, savory meats, and sugared cranberries arranged like a wreath. It’s easy to customize by swapping in favorite cheeses or seasonal fruits and takes almost no cooking. It gives guests at parties a bunch of tasty options in one pretty, grab-and-go spread.

This juicy, herb‑kissed roast chicken brings bright citrus and warm spices to the holiday table, all cooked fast in the air fryer so oven space stays free. The skin turns golden and crisp while the meat stays tender, and the rosemary plus clementine tucked inside give it a cozy, festive aroma. It’s an easy crowd‑pleaser that pairs great with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or whatever holiday sides are on the menu.

These Individual Portobello Mushroom Wellingtons make a brilliant vegetarian main that feels special without a ton of fuss. They can be mostly prepped ahead, work as a showy center or an easy side next to the turkey, and even go vegan with simple swaps. Pair them with chilled Appletiser to cut through the richness and add a bright, festive touch.

This creamy cocktail tastes just like a chocolate-covered cherry, with bright cherry vodka leading the way and Baileys and chocolate liqueur rounding it out. It’s sweet and smooth enough to sip after dinner or leave out with the cookies for Santa. Garnish with a skewer of cherries and a drizzle of chocolate for a festive, easy-to-make treat.

Bright, colorful, and bursting with sweet-and-salty flavor, this shrimp, mango, and avocado salad feels fancy without the fuss. Tiny pomegranate jewels add crunch and pop, while lemon and cilantro keep everything bright and fresh. It’s an easy showstopper to toss together for holidays or any get-together when you want something fresh and impressive.

Tender, juicy chicken thighs get a bright, tangy kick from a glossy cranberry sauce that makes weeknight dinner feel a little fancy. The sweet-and-tart combo pairs great with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad, so it’s easy to serve up something impressive without a lot of fuss. Leftovers reheat well, so this is one of those recipes that’s as practical as it is tasty.

Winter vegetables simmered in a rich, red wine–style gravy and topped with creamy mashed potatoes make this vegetarian shepherd's pie a cozy, holiday-ready main everyone will dig into. It’s easy to prep ahead, freezes well, and can be made vegan with simple swaps. Serve it straight from the oven when the top is golden and the filling is bubbling for a warm, homey meal.

This roast chicken mixes familiar pantry staples into a sweet-savory glaze the whole family will pick at. A simple overnight marinade and a few oven tricks give juicy meat and extra-crispy skin without hanging the bird. It’s an easy, budget-friendly weeknight hero that turns leftover bones into rich broth for another meal.

A roast leg of lamb with a garlicky herb crust hits that sweet spot between impressive and totally manageable. It browns up crisp on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside, and the leftovers make killer sandwiches and wraps. Simple ingredients do most of the work, so it’s a great choice for holidays or any time you want a show-stopping main without stress.

Bright, colorful, and full of fresh flavors, this salad brings a festive splash to any holiday table. Creamy feta, crunchy almonds, juicy mandarin segments, and ruby pomegranate arils pair with a tangy honey-mustard dressing that ties everything together. It’s quick to toss up, healthy, and a nice lighter option alongside richer holiday dishes.

Here's another take on Christmas charcuterie. This festive charcuterie tree turns snacking into a party centerpiece everyone will crowd around. It mixes savory meats, cheeses, fruits, and crunchy pretzels for a tasty, colorful display that’s easy to customize. Put it out warm or chilled, and watch guests grab bites while talking and laughing.

Tender acorn squash slices get beautifully caramelized in the air fryer with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon. They’re ready in under 20 minutes and make a cozy, slightly sweet side that pairs with lots of weeknight meals. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer to bring back that crisp edge.

This cozy carrot casserole turns simple carrots into a warm, sweet-savory side that feels like a hug on a holiday table. It’s quick to prep, can be made ahead, and gets a crunchy brown sugar–nut topping that everyone will fight over. Serve it with turkey or as individual ramekins for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

This lasagna brings holiday cheer with layers of sausage, gooey ricotta and mozzarella, plus red and green bell peppers for a festive pop. It’s great to make ahead and then bake when guests arrive for an easy, crowd-pleasing main. Leftovers heat up well, so everyone can enjoy a second helping.

This roast beef is the kind of show-stopper that feels fancy but is actually easy to pull off. A tangy wholegrain mustard layer and a bright parsley crust lift the meat and make the leftovers sing in sandwiches. Follow the simple timing tips and resting trick for reliably rare, medium-rare, or medium slices every time.

This festive charcuterie board turns simple store-bought favorites into a seriously showy holiday appetizer without the fuss. With a jelly-topped brie tree, rolled salami roses, and sugared cranberries, it’s easy to prep ahead and still look like a party spread. It’s great for feeding a crowd and lets guests graze while everyone hangs out.

Creamy pumpkin sauce clings to tender pasta while earthy mushrooms and bright spinach add big, cozy flavor. It's a nice option for a relaxed Christmas lunch with friends or family. Or it can be a simple weeknight meal that feels special without a lot of fuss. Leftovers reheat well, so there’s extra motivation to make a double batch.

Skip the all-day roast without losing any of that rich, fall-off-the-bone flavor—this Instant Pot lamb delivers juicy, tender meat in just 90 minutes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for Christmas lunch, and it plays well with sides from mashed potatoes to cauliflower rice. Little tricks like browning first and a splash of stock make a big flavor difference.

This festive rice ring mixes sweet sultanas soaked in rosé sparkling wine with caramelized onions, warm spices, and crunchy roasted cashews for a lovely balance of textures and flavors. It looks elegant on the table but is surprisingly easy to make for Christmas lunch or any time a simple dish needs to feel a bit special.

This juicy Instant Pot pork roast turns out so tender it practically falls apart, with carrots and potatoes that soak up all the savory juices. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but cozy enough to serve at Christmas lunch when guests want comfort without hours in the kitchen. Leftovers make easy sandwiches or meal-prep lunches that everyone will actually eat.

This pork loin roll bursts with savory flavors of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and bright peppers all wrapped into juicy, tender pork. A mustard and smoked paprika crust gives it a smoky, slightly spicy finish, while a quick sear locks in those juices before a slow bake. It’s a show-stopping main that feels special without a lot of fuss, great with mashed or roasted potatoes.

These cheesy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups pack big flavor into neat, handheld servings that everyone at the table will reach for. With seasoned ground chicken, creamy ricotta, bright pesto, and a hit of marinara, they’re an easy way to upgrade weeknight dinner or impress guests without fuss. Make them ahead, bake when ready, and enjoy leftovers that heat up just as nicely.

Skip the whole-bird fuss and serve a show-stopping main that’s quick to make and easy to share. Creamy spinach, smoky bacon, and savory herbs get rolled inside tender turkey breast for slices that look as good as they taste. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that takes the stress out of holiday cooking.

Colorful skewers packed with cherry tomatoes, salty salami, fresh mozzarella, and tangy pepperoncini make for a bright, grab-and-go appetizer everyone will reach for. They’re easy to prep ahead and look lovely on a platter, so they’re a smart, low-fuss choice for a Christmas lunch spread. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving for a finishing touch that brings all the flavors together.

These juicy Italian sausages are filled with a creamy mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan that melts out with every bite, pairing perfectly with rich tomato sauce. It’s a cozy, low-effort dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in about 30 minutes. Great for feeding a crowd or making weeknight dinner feel special without a lot of fuss.

This juicy slow cooker ham soaks up a sweet‑tangy glaze and stays tender without any fuss. It frees up the oven for other holiday dishes and takes under five minutes of hands‑on prep. Leftovers are great for sandwiches, soups, or breakfast casseroles.

This sheet pan turkey dinner brings roast turkey, stuffing, and roasted veggies all together with barely any cleanup, making it great for small family holiday meals. The sweet potatoes get a sticky-sweet finish while the Brussels sprouts and asparagus crisp up right on the pan beside the turkey. It’s an easy, cozy way to get a full holiday-style meal without turning the kitchen into a full-time job.

Cranberry takes center stage in this sangria, giving it bright, tangy flavor with a cozy hint of spice. It’s fruity, sweet, and seriously boozy. It's great for sipping on cool evenings or sharing at a small get-together. Super simple to make, it beats the boxed stuff by miles and keeps things festive all season long.