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Home Christmas

Christmas Recipes and Menus

By:Nagi
Published:19 Dec '21Updated:22 May '23
5,129 Comments
Recipe v Dozer v

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!

Christmas Recipes and Menus

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

Skip to: Mains | Sides – Warm | Sides – Fresh | Breads | Starters | Desserts | Menu Suggestions

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!

Overhead photo of Christmas Baked Salmon
Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-ahead
Maple Ham Glaze - glazed ham om a platter, ready to be carved. The most incredible baked ham ever!
Maple Glazed Ham
Close up of Pork Roast with Crispy Crackling
Pork Roast with Crispy Crackling
Beef Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib) medium rare with slice cut, showing the inside
Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib)
Slow Roast Leg of Lamb on a white plate with part of the meat pried off to show how tender it is
Slow Roast Leg of Lamb
Overhead photo of Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a white plate with some slices carved, drizzled with gravy
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Rosemary Crumbed Rack of Lamb on a plate with roasted vegetables
Rosemary Crumbed Rack of Lamb
Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce - easy and fast to make, can be prepared ahead, a stunning centrepiece for Christmas dinner and yet easy enough for midweek. That Lemon Cream sauce is the perfectly finishing tough. recipetineats.com
Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce
Juicy Roast Turkey being carved, ready for serving
Juicy Roast Turkey
Juicy Roast Turkey being carved, ready for serving
Christmas Mains
SEE ALL CHRISTMAS MAINS

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!

Close up of freshly made Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese
Close up overhead photo of Green beans in creamy parmesan sauce with bacon, fresh off the stove ready to be served
Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce – with bacon!
Pouring Maple Butter Sauce over Slow Roasted Fondant Sweet Potatoes
Fondant Sweet Potatoes (slow roasted)
Potato Rosti in a skillet, fresh off the stove
Potato Rosti
Close up of Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots on a tray, fresh out of the oven
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Potatoes au gratin (Dauphinoise Potatoes) fresh out of the oven
Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
Close up of Mushroom Rice recipe in a pot, fresh off the stove
Mushroom Rice
Close up of CRISPY Parmesan Garlic Roasted Brussels sprouts
CRISPY Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts (addictive!)
An epic Baked Mac and Cheese! Perfect in every way, the ultimate comfort food. recipetineats.com
Christmas Sides: Warm & Hearty
SEE ALL WARM & HEARTY SIDES

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!

Overhead photo of Celebration Salmon Salad - magnificent show off main dish salad for lunches, Christmas and other holiday feasting occasions!
Celebration Salmon Salad
Vinaigrette being poured over Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
Pomegranate Salad
Pomegranate Salad & Holiday Salad Marathon!
Overhead photo of Mexican Corn Salad
Mexican Corn Salad
Close up of fork picking up Cucumber Salad with Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing
This Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad with a Honey Balsamic Dressing is a magical combination. Terrific side or as a meal. recipetineats.com
Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad
Close up of a fork picking up a no mayo Lemon Potato Salad.
Lemon Potato Salad
A simple white wine vinaigrette is the perfect Wild Rice Salad dressing. recipetineats.com
Christmas Sides: Light & Fresh
SEE ALL FRESH & LIGHT SIDES

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…

Close up of crispy crust of world's easiest yeast bread
World’s Easiest Yeast Bread recipe – Artisan, NO KNEAD crusty bread
Better than Pizza Hut! For a truly religious Garlic Bread experience, skip the artisan bread and use a basic French stick. And no skimping on butter! recipetineats.com
Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread
These No Knead Dinner Rolls are like magic! Astonishingly easy, no stand mixer, just mix the ingredients in a bowl! recipetineats.com
Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls
The World Famous Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (Pull Apart Bread)
A Cheesy Zucchini Bread that's quick to make (no yeast) and is so moist, you'll scoff it down even without slathering it with butter! recipetineats.com
Cheesy Zucchini Bread (No Yeast)
Close up of a piece of Cornbread with butter and honey
Cornbread recipe
Stack of 3 Mediterranea Savoury Muffins - cheesy muffins with olives, sun dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, feta and cheese
Mediterranean Savoury Muffins
Cheese, Herb & Garlic Quick Bread (No Yeast)
The World Famous Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread - it's cheesy garlic bread, on crack!
Christmas Sides: Breads
SEE ALL BREADS

Starters & Snacks

Things to nibble before the feast are mandatory. Full stop!

Close up of Cucumber Canapés topped with smoked salmon mousse garnished with dill
Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse
Holiday Crostini Topping Ideas
Holiday Crostini – 8 DELICIOUS ways!
Fork picking up Garlic Prawns
Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)
Christmas Appetiser Italian Cheese Log with Christmas tree in background - festive appetizer for the holidays
Christmas Appetiser – Italian Cheese Log!
3 Minute Melty Festive Brie (Baked Brie)
Prawn Cocktails - juicy prawns dressed with Cocktail Sauce on a bed of lettuce served in a martini glass. Elegant appetizer
Prawn Cocktail !!!
Prawn being dipped into Seafood Sauce
Prawn Dipping Sauces (Seafood Sauces)
Close up of Gougeres (Cheese Puffs)
Gougeres – French Cheese Puffs (finger food!)
Christmas Appetiser Italian Cheese Log with Christmas tree in background - festive appetizer for the holidays
Christmas Starters
SEE ALL STARTERS

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!

Chocolate Mirror Glaze Cake on a cake platter, ready to be served
Chocolate Mirror Glaze
Layers of Cranberry Jelly and custard, and piled high with whipped cream and fruit, this Christmas Trifle will brighten any table! recipetineats.com
Christmas Trifle!
Christmas Cake - easy moist fruit cake decorated with traditional white fondant
Christmas Cake – moist, easy fruit cake
Gingerbread Men propped up on a mini Christmas tree
Gingerbread Men
Overhead photo of Orange Cake - flourless, gluten free
Whole Orange Cake – rind and all!
Close up of a slice of the best Vanilla Cake
My very best Vanilla Cake – stays moist 4 days!
Close up of slice of Strawberry Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce dripping down the side
Strawberry Cheesecake
This No Bake Mango Cheesecake is a complete and utter celebration of summer! recipetineats.com
No Bake Mango Cheesecake
Layers of Cranberry Jelly and custard, and piled high with whipped cream and fruit, this Christmas Trifle will brighten any table! recipetineats.com
Christmas Desserts
SEE ALL FESTIVE DESSERTS

CHRISTMAS MENUS

Pavlova Christmas Tree Dessert
Juicy Roast Turkey being carved, ready for serving
Holiday Crostini Topping Ideas

Just a few suggestions for Christmas Menus……

  1. 🦃 🎄My Perfect Traditional Christmas Menu (ignoring all practical logistics like oven space and sleeping!)

  2. ☀️ Aussie Summer Christmas Lunch!

  3. 🥩 Prime Rib Christmas Dinner

  4. ❄️ Cosy White Christmas Dinner

  5. 💵 Thrifty but Nifty – Budget conscious Christmas dinner (For Australia)

  6. 😇 Super Easy Christmas Menu – low effort, forgiving, make ahead recipes

Menu 1: Nagi’s Perfect Menu

Juicy Roast Turkey being carved, ready for serving
Close up of fork cutting into a slice of Chocolate Mirror Glaze Cake
Vinaigrette being poured over Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

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

  • Gougeres (French cheese puffs)

  • Fresh Prawns/Shrimp with Seafood Sauces for dipping

  • Holiday Crostini (8 different ways!)

  • Kir Royale (French champagne cocktail)

Mains

  • Whole Roast Turkey with Gravy and Cranberry Sauce

  • Maple Glazed Ham

  • Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib)

Sides

  • Pork Sausage Apple Stuffing

  • Duck Fat Potatoes – Crispiest, Best Roast Potatoes EVER!

  • Baked Mac and Cheese – no compromise on the cheese, gruyere all the way!

  • Glazed Carrots

  • Apple Salad with Cranberries and Candied Walnuts

  • Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

  • 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.

  1. Chocolate Mirror Glaze Cake and Pavlova Christmas Tree – I just served these two at a Christmas lunch on the weekend!

  2. Christmas Cake and Pavlova

  3. Strawberry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel Tart

  4. Pavlova and Brownies

  5. Christmas Trifle and Chocolate Fudge Cake

  6. Never Ending Meringue Tart and Profiteroles

.

Menu 2: 🇦🇺Aussie Summer Christmas Lunch!🇦🇺

Aussie Summer Christmas Menu - Nagi RecipeTin Eats
Christmas Baked Salmon on a platter, ready to be served

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!

.

Menu 3: Prime Rib Christmas Dinner

Overhead photo of Beef Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib), ready to be served
Close up of Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots on a tray, fresh out of the oven
Close up of Peanut Butter Pie slice
  • 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.

.

Menu 4: Cosy White Christmas Dinner

Platter of carved Juicy Roast Turkey, decorated platter ready for serving
Potatoes au gratin (Dauphinoise Potatoes) fresh out of the oven, ready to be served
Butterscotch Sauce being poured over Sticky Toffee Pudding on a white plate, ready to be eaten

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?

.

Menu 5: 2020 Sydney Morning Herald $20pp Menu

Good Food Sunday Life RecipeTin Eats Christmas Menu 2020
Good Food Sunday Life RecipeTin Eats Christmas Menu 2020
Good Food Sunday Life RecipeTin Eats Christmas Menu 2020
Good Food Sunday Life RecipeTin Eats Christmas Menu 2020
Good Food Sunday Life RecipeTin Eats Christmas Menu 2020

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!

Pavlova Christmas Tree Dessert

.

Menu 6: Thrifty but Nifty Christmas Dinner

Overhead photo of golden Roast Chicken with crispy skin, fresh out of the oven, bathed in garlic-herb-lemon butter.
Classic Pavlova recipe with easy to follow tips that make all the difference for a perfect Pav, every time! www.recipetineats.com
Christmas Appetiser Italian Cheese Log with Christmas tree in background - festive appetizer for the holidays
Italian cheese log

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!

.

Menu 7: Super Easy Christmas Menu

3 Minute Melty Festive Brie - Just microwave for 1 minute and you have an almost-instant baked brie appetizer! www.recipetineats.com
Sliced Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with butter dripping down
A simple white wine vinaigrette is the perfect Wild Rice Salad dressing. recipetineats.com

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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Christmas Recipes and Menus

Super Easy Christmas Menu

Author: Nagi
Prep: 3 hours hrs
Cook: 12 hours hrs
Total: 15 hours hrs
Mains
4.99 from 217 votes
Servings8 + people
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 42
Here’s a printable list of the recipes for the Easy Christmas Menu – so you don’t need to print out the entire post with all the photos! These are low effort, forgiving recipes – and still looks so impressive! All can be prepped ahead with minimal work required prior to serving.

Ingredients

Starter:

  • 3 Minute Festive Brie
  • Crackers for dipping

Mains:

  • Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
  • Brown Sugar Glazed Ham OR
  • Maple Glazed Ham OR
  • Christmas Baked Salmon

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:

  • Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake

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!
Keywords: Easy Christmas Menu
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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…😂

Dozer Nagi Bayview Christmas 2020 Unleashed Pittwater
Dozer Nagi Bayview Christmas 2020 Unleashed Pittwater
Dozer Nagi Bayview Christmas 2020 Unleashed Pittwater

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!

Dozer gingerbread man Christmas tree ornament

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5,129 Comments

  1. Harini Vino says

    December 8, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    Hi, your recipes are absolutely yummy and delicious. Very much satisfied with your recipes. You have done a good job.

    Reply
  2. April says

    November 19, 2022 at 7:34 am

    The pavlova tree is gorgeous, but I’m wondering how in the world you would slice it to serve it… does each person just get one layer?

    Reply
  3. Tartan Fish And Chips says

    June 2, 2022 at 12:59 am

    Exactly what i was looking for.. Thanks!
    It Can be a tedious task finding good food blogs online with educational material. Great list of food blogs!

    Reply
  4. Tartan Fish And Chips says

    June 2, 2022 at 12:58 am

    Looks so tempting. Will surely try this recipe. Thanks.

    Reply
  5. Tartan Fish And Chips says

    May 9, 2022 at 10:56 pm

    An excellent resource for a foodie like me. I love exploring new cultures, making new recipes, trying out new cuisine.
    Now more than ever while stuck at home, I am appreciating this helpful list so much more. Thanks.

    Reply
  6. Zoe says

    January 2, 2022 at 8:01 pm

    I really love your recipes, I’ve been relying on them for months now!! Thank you so much Nagi!

    Love Zoe, RSA

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 5, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      You are very welcome, Zoe! N x

      Reply
  7. Jacqui Heffernan says

    December 28, 2021 at 6:53 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks Nagi! For Christmas I cooked your Maple Glazed Ham, Greek slow cooked lamb, Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad and as a sneaky treat on Boxing day the Croque Monsieur… everything was amazing and I love your recipes. Thankyou So much for sharing and I look forward to your cookbook. xx

    Reply
  8. Stephanie Wilmot says

    December 25, 2021 at 8:07 am

    Dear Nagi
    I made the Christmas baked salmon! It looked spactacular! There were 10 of us for Christmas Eve & I could have made 2 sides of salmon! My son did the ham with maple glaze! I did sweet potatoes & daughter in law did salads! The star ⭐️ really was the Christmas salmon! There were no salmon leftovers!! Thank you so much! Hope you have a great holiday! Looking forward to the cookbook!
    Love to you & Dozer!
    Stephanie

    Reply
  9. Leigh G says

    December 25, 2021 at 5:03 am

    Thank you for a beautiful, easy spread as we host Christmas in our new home this year! Much appreciation from Holladay, Utah, US!

    Reply
  10. Helen says

    November 17, 2021 at 11:13 am

    What a life saver you are. Small low key family Christmas this year because of my husband’s serious health situation, and your easy but delicious ideas have taken all the stress out of planning the menu.

    Reply
  11. Charlene says

    November 8, 2021 at 10:58 am

    Do you have a simple and quick cranberry chutney recipe for Thanksgiving?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 21, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      I’m sorry I don’t Charlene! Chutneys on my list for coming years 🙂 N x

      Reply
  12. Lorraine Moniz says

    December 21, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    Hi I absolutely love your prawn and salmon recipes nagi but this year I am desperately looking for a crayfish entree recipe for Christmas dinner that showcases the Crays…..can you or your lovely readers suggest something please? Preferably individual serves. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 21, 2020 at 8:34 pm

      Lorraine – also, is it cooked?? I was just reading about a massive half price sale at Woolworths with WA lobsters but they look cooked already. If that is the case, that is easy peasy!!! 🙂 N x

      Reply
      • jane says

        December 22, 2020 at 9:25 pm

        I scored 4 of the Woolies cooked WA lobsters today, would love some serving suggestions!

        Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 21, 2020 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Lorraine – are you using a whole one or just the tails? 🙂 You can’t go wrong with garlic butter parsley and lemon! But if you can tell me the cut you are using I can walk you through how to prepare it (it’s super easy). N x

      Reply
      • Lorraine Moniz says

        February 7, 2021 at 10:16 pm

        Awww Nagi. thanks so much for replying. I saw this after Christmas but thanks for replying. I prefer to always cook with raw seafood. I ended up getting 10 crayfish tails and bought little bamboo boats and sat the steamed crayfish on a mung bean glass noodle salad drenched in a yummy Thai based dressing ( cooked in the crayfish stock. Tossed through some bean sprouts pickled mushrooms, capsicums, spring onion coriander kaffir lime leaves, lime juice ….and topped generously with sliced Crays and garnished with more dressing, crushed peanuts. Here’s some photos for you if I can figure out how to …. 😂

        Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 21, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      I don’t have anything just yet Lorraine, something to put on the list though!! N x

      Reply
  13. Irini says

    December 15, 2020 at 2:34 am

    5 stars
    Wow, there is SO much work in this post! Thank you for going to the supreme effort to put it all together for us. I shall print it all out and keep it in my special recipes folder to look at whenever I need inspiration, even if it’s just for a “simple” dinner for myself. I have a very special guest on Sunday and I had NO idea what to make for him. Now I’m overflowing with good, healthy, cheap ideas. Thanks again! Merry Christmas to you and Dozer and the ones you love.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 15, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      That’s awesome Irini!! Wahoo! N X

      Reply
  14. Kate J says

    December 12, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi, have I missed something re the blini recipe? I love them, but am yet to find a great recipe. Also, where do you source your roe? I’m a caviar fiend, but haven’t found a source for a reasonable price. Many thanks. (Ps I love the new Dozer beach pics). Kate xx

    Reply
  15. Josie says

    December 11, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Nagi, any ideas for Christmas breakfast/ brunch for a crowd?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 12, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      Hi Josie – I love making things like quiches, crumpets, bacon and egg breakfast muffins or even a cheese and bacon strata cake – all things that can be made in advance! N x

      Reply
      • Josie says

        December 14, 2020 at 12:22 am

        Oh yay! Thanks for those suggestions!!

        Reply
  16. Carla says

    December 11, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Dozer is the king of stink eyes. The side eye he gives you in the second picture cracks me up. LOL

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 12, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      😂😂😂😂😂

      Reply
  17. Praveena Narayan says

    December 11, 2020 at 8:56 am

    I am tired from just looking at all the work involved, and now I am sleepy from imagining eating all that delicious food. Thank you for the great experience in pics for the Christmas table. Much appreciated

    Reply
  18. Divina says

    December 11, 2020 at 2:53 am

    I made your Herbed Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving and it was soooo good. I plan to make your ham for Christmas. Need to downsize my menu this year as we’re in lockdown again here in California. Thankful for your blog and always happy to see Dozer.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 11, 2020 at 10:55 am

      I’m so glad you loved it Divina, that’s great to hear!!! I hope you have a fantastic Christmas!! N x

      Reply
  19. Bernice Chesley says

    December 10, 2020 at 5:29 am

    So enjoyed reading and looking at all the menus and pictures. We are in a lockdown for 4 weeks in Alberta Canada. No one allowed in homes that doesn’t live there. I am saving these for the future, when family can visit my home . home.Enjoy your blog very much!!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 10, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      Oh sorry to hear that Bernice, stay safe!! N x

      Reply
  20. Marcia says

    December 10, 2020 at 5:26 am

    You made it all tooooo easy! Last night I looked around on your website to see what would go well with the Christmas salmon recipe of yours I’ve decided on for our Christmas dinner. Thank you for all your good help. You make my life easier.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 10, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      That’s great to hear Marcia – thanks so much!! N x

      Reply
Older Comments

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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