Hosting Christmas dinner can feel like trying to wrap a gift with a toddler in the room—chaotic, a bit stressful, but oh-so-worth-it in the end.
The trick?
Keep it simple, delicious, and festive enough to make your guests ooh and ahh while you secretly pat yourself on the back. Here’s a holiday menu packed with crowd-pleasers that won’t leave you crying over the stove.
So grab your apron (and maybe a glass of wine), and let’s get right into it!
Start the Party: Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like melty Brie paired with tangy cranberry sauce. These mini tartlets are easy to prep ahead and disappear as fast as Santa up the chimney.
What You’ll Need:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
About 6 oz of Brie cheese
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (go store-bought if you’re short on time)
A few sprigs of fresh thyme (if you’re feeling extra fancy)
How to Make Them:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares. Pop each square into a greased muffin tin.
Add a little cube of Brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce on top.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. If you’re feeling chef-y, throw a sprig of thyme on each one for garnish.
Serve warm and prepare for them to vanish.
The Main Event: Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
This is the star of the show, the Beyoncé of your Christmas dinner. Juicy, flavourful, and surprisingly low-maintenance.
What You’ll Need:
1 (5 lb) prime rib roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
2 tbsp fresh thyme (also chopped)
1 tbsp coarse salt
1 tsp black pepper
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan (or whatever you’ve got that works).
Rub it all over with olive oil. Then, mix the garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl and massage that into the roast like it’s had a hard day.
Roast for 20 minutes to get a nice crust, then lower the heat to 325°F and cook for another 90 minutes (or until a meat thermometer hits 130°F for medium-rare).
Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with horseradish sauce if you want to really blow their minds.
The Sides: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Because no one’s here for a Christmas dinner without mashed potatoes.
What You’ll Need:
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter (because duh, butter)
Salt and pepper
How to Make Them:
Boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain and mash.
Heat the butter, cream, and garlic in a small pan until warm, then stir it into the potatoes. Season to taste, and resist the urge to eat them straight out of the pot.
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
For the veggie skeptics at the table, bacon makes everything better.
What You’ll Need:
1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved)
4 slices of bacon (chopped)
2 tbsp maple syrup
Salt and pepper
How to Make Them:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the Brussels sprouts and bacon with maple syrup, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy and caramelised. Prepare for even the pickiest eaters to ask for seconds.
Sweet Finish: Peppermint Chocolate Mousse
This dessert looks fancy but is basically a one-bowl wonder. Plus, you can even make it ahead of time.
What You’ll Need:
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate (melted)
3 large eggs (separated)
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
Crushed peppermint candies for flair
How to Make It:
Melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy, then stir them into the chocolate.
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form (this makes it light and fluffy). Gently fold them into the chocolate mixture.
Fold in the whipped cream. Chill for a few hours, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint before serving.
Pro Hosting Tip:
Set up a drink station with something festive like mulled wine or a sparkling cranberry punch. This way, your guests can help themselves while you bask in the glory of being an excellent host.
That’s it—your foolproof Christmas menu! With a mix of classic comfort and a little holiday sparkle, your table is going to be the talk of the season. So go on, enjoy the night!
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