Bookended by last-minute shopping and an influx of visitors, Christmas Eve lunch is a meal that often needs to be not only delicious but fuss-free.
39 No-Fuss Christmas Eve Lunch Ideas
Updated on Oct. 02, 2024
Ham and Swiss Sliders
My next-door neighbor shared this ham and Swiss sliders recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
1/39
2/39
Christmas Tortellini & Spinach Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this soup for the first time in the summer, but when I saw its bright red and green colors, my first thought was what a perfect Christmas Eve dinner idea! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1135mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
3/39
Winter Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens in this original recipe. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 213 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
4/39
Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture. —Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 487 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
5/39
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
6/39
Baked Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 688 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
7/39
Perfect Winter Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
8/39
Chicken Cassoulet Soup
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
7 servings (about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
After my sister spent a year in France as an au pair, I created this lighter, easier version of traditional French cassoulet for her. It uses chicken instead of the usual duck.—Bridget M. Klusman, Otsego, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 494 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1821mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 34g protein.
9/39
Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
10/39
Spiced Acorn Squash
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
4 squash halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
11/39
Short Rib Ragu
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An irresistible sauce gives the beef in this short rib ragu another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup ragu over 3/4 cup pasta: 302 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
12/39
Fruit and Cheese Platter
Total Time
25 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with any that are in season. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 304 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
13/39
Chicken Potpie Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have leftover chicken broth on hand and use it for many things, including this comforting family favorite. You can bake your own biscuits as I do or buy them at the store. I like to bake extra biscuits to eat with butter and jam. —Liliane Jahnke, Cypress, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 488 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
14/39
Bistro Turkey Sandwich
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a turkey lover who can't get enough during fall and winter, I was inspired to come up with a restaurant-worthy sandwich. I love it with a soft, rich cheese like Brie. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 797 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1196mg sodium, 87g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 55g protein.
15/39
French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
16/39
Cobb Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/4 cups dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
Made on the fly by Hollywood restaurateur Bob Cobb in 1937, the Cobb salad is a world-famous American dish. Here's a fresh take, with all the original appeal and an extra special presentation. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 575 calories, 52g fat (8g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1171mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
17/39
Cranberry-Pecan Wheat Berry Salad
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to experiment with different grains and wanted to give wheat berries a try. My whole family goes nuts for this salad, especially my mom. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 15g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
18/39
Authentic Pasta Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
19/39
Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork
Total Time
9 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry sauce adds a yummy twist to pulled pork, and my family can't get enough of it! The pork cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, which also makes this dish conveniently portable. —Carrie Wiegand, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 409 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
20/39
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this soup so much that he stopped ordering it at restaurants. He’d rather savor the version we can have at home. It’s so easy to make, yet hearty enough to be a full dinner. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 228 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
21/39
Sweet Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
22/39
Boston Baked Beans
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
23/39
Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make light and airy gnocchi, work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. You'll be pleased with the resulting pillowy dumplings. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 411 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
24/39
Fig, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Panini
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A taste of this sandwich whisks you to the Italian countryside. It combines sweet honey, dried figs, tangy goat cheese, nutty Asiago and salty prosciutto. We often pack it in our picnic basket for summer or fall outings. —Maria Brennan, Middlebury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 572 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
25/39
Slow-Cooker Spicy Pork Chili
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender pork adds extra heartiness to this slow-cooked chili. You can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops for the pork called for in the recipe. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 395 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 39g protein.
26/39
Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
27/39
Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry Salad
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This fragrant salad is a vitamin and protein powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a meal the next day. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 317 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
28/39
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There’s no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. —Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 485 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 918mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
29/39
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married and poor college students, I found this sloppy joe recipe and tweaked it. The fresh bell peppers give it a wonderful flavor. —Kallee Twiner, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 251 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
30/39
Steak Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves blue cheese and I like a hearty salad that eats like a meal, so I put the two things together to make this steak salad recipe. The sweet-tartness of dried cranberries pairs deliciously with the cheese, creamy avocado and balsamic vinegar. It's irresistible! —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 321 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
31/39
Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
32/39
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 247 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
33/39
Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. —Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 286 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
34/39
Chicken Taco Salad
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
35/39
Bistro Apple Panini
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves panini press recipes. The bacon, apple and tarragon in this recipe go together so well. If you don’t have a panini maker or an indoor grill, you can easily pan-fry or broil these excellent sandwiches.—Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 panini: 512 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1235mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
36/39
Fennel Wild Rice Salad
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a salad I invented years ago when my sister's family had to go gluten-free. It has since become a family favorite, and Thanksgiving just isn't the same without our wild rice salad! —Aimee Day, Ferndale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 208 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
37/39
Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether canned or homemade, cranberry sauce delivers a healthy dose of vitamins to this dish. A little bit sweet, a little bit smoky, these enchiladas are a delightful way to use leftover chicken or turkey. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 368 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
38/39
Lamb and White Bean Chili
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created a fresh take on chili using lamb and Moroccan seasoning with a feta and almond garnish. It was so exciting and tasty to my husband and son, I made a second batch almost right away. If you like a spicier chili, add harissa paste or use medium salsa instead of mild. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 438 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 28g protein.
39/39
Nutty Barley Bake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I started bringing this distinctive dish to holiday dinners, a lot of people had never seen barley in anything but soup. They have since dubbed me "the barley lady", and now I wouldn't dare bring anything this dish. Even if I double the recipe, I come home with an empty pan.
-Renate Crump, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 257 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein.
