These easy Christmas lunch ideas are sure to please everyone at your holiday table, whether you're hosting a crowd or a smaller affair.
45 Christmas Lunch Ideas to Keep Things Merry and Bright
Updated on Dec. 04, 2024
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Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Cooked turkey, wild rice, half-and-half cream, broth
Level: Beginner
This creamy, comforting all-in-one meal doesn’t need a side dish, but it’s never a bad idea to have crusty garlic bread on hand for dipping. To make this soup vegetarian, swap in earthy veggies like butternut squash and chickpeas for the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
“Two Minnesota delicacies, turkey and wild rice, are the stars of this sensational soup. Be prepared to serve seconds!” —Recipe contributor Terri Holmgren, Swanville, Minnesota”
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Pasta with Asparagus
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Asparagus, Parmesan cheese, penne pasta or elbow macaroni
Level: Beginner
Top this tasty 20-minute pasta with sauteed cubed pancetta or bacon for a savory, crunchy topper that adds protein and a wonderful saltiness. For the brightest flavor, look for signs to tell if asparagus has gone bad and make sure you’re using the freshest veggies possible.
“Many terrific recipes change hands at the monthly get-togethers of my ladies’ bridge group. That’s where I discovered this zippy, tempting dish. The garlic, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes create an irresistible taste combination.” —Recipe contributor Jean Fisher, Redlands, California
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Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Sausage, bread crumbs, cornbread, eggs
Level: Beginner
Feel free to use a store-bought pan of cornbread to make this sweet-and-savory stuffing. Of course, you can always make cornbread from scratch! Since the recipe calls for a whole stick, opt for the best butter brand you can find.
“I made this recipe over 45 years ago for the first pheasant I ever roasted—it was a special dinner I prepared to thank a wonderful sister and brother-in-law for all of their help when we bought our first home. To this day, it’s a favorite with our friends and family when they come to visit.” —Recipe contributor Ruth Seitz, Conesville, Iowa
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Copycat Wendy's Chili
Total Time: 2 hoursMain Ingredients: Ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans
Level: Beginner
This recipe makes a lot of hearty, soul-warming chili, so divide any leftovers into separate freezer-safe containers and label each with the date. They’ll be good for up to six months. When it’s time to serve, heat the chili in a saucepan and finish it with crunchy tortilla chips, sliced jalapenos, shredded cheddar or green onions.
“We think this recipe from Marjorie Carey from Alamosa, Colorado, tastes just like Wendy’s chili!” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Tuna Melt
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Cheddar cheese, tuna, mayonnaise, hamburger buns
Level: Beginner
I love all kinds of toasty hot sandwiches, but there’s something extra special about an old-fashioned tuna melt. This recipe is a hybrid of the best grilled cheese you’ve ever had and a perfect tuna salad sandwich. A side of potato chips is nonnegotiable!
“When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch.” —Recipe contributor Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
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Snowflake Tomato Soup
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream
Level: Beginner
Made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this comforting homemade tomato soup goes wonderfully with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches or simple side salads.
“Our sensational soup features lots of pleasing ingredients, and is extra fun to eat when decorated with pretty snowflakes.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen hash brown potatoes
Level: Beginner
This is one of those copycat Cracker Barrel recipes that’s a total crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with steak and eggs for a hearty brunch, or serve it with fried chicken and green beans for a comforting lunch. To lighten it up, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
“Bring the taste of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen. This cheesy breakfast casserole is made easy with frozen hash browns. I can feed a crowd with this simple overnight dish.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Festive Tossed Salad with Feta
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Salad greens, feta cheese, Italian salad dressing mix, dried cranberries
Level: Beginner
This bright, crunchy salad is a delightful Christmas side dish that adds gorgeous red and green colors to a holiday spread. Easy Christmas salads are a great way to add much-needed greenery to heavy holiday fare.
“I like to serve this when we have company because it’s quick and easy and it goes with just about anything. Dried cranberries and feta cheese add a delightful touch to the colorful salad that’s a snap to toss together.” —Recipe contributor Kate Hilts, Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Hearty Cheeseburger Chowder
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, milk, cheddar cheese, red potatoes
Level: Beginner
Much like other waxy potatoes, red potatoes offer the ideal starchiness to thicken this satisfying chowder while holding their form as the soup simmers. The result is a bowl of soup that tastes just like a classic cheeseburger. Grate the cheddar yourself for the richest, slightly nutty flavor.
“This is a family favorite for cold blustery days. It’s very filling and an easy meal when served with cornbread or biscuits.” —Recipe contributor Rebecca McCabe, Ekalaka, Montana
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Zippy Three-Bean Chili
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, diced tomatoes, canned beans, taco seasoning
Level: Beginner
Did you know you can make homemade taco seasoning for this robust chili? But don’t worry—we also found the best taco seasoning brands that taste nearly as good as homemade.
“I use convenient canned pinto, black and great northern beans to speed up preparation of my hearty chili. The one-dish meal has a stew-like consistency and a peppy Tex-Mex flavor.” —Recipe contributor Agnes Hamilton, Scott Depot, West Virginia
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Roasted Pear Salad
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Pears, salad greens, dried cranberries, hazelnuts
Level: Beginner
Crunchy, sweet, tart and chewy, this green salad is as lively as can be. Toast the hazelnuts to bring out their buttery, golden flavor.
“Oven-roasted pears are tossed with crispy greens, dried cranberries and nuts in this dish. The dressing adds even more pear flavor, sweetened with a touch of honey.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Roasted sweet red peppers, half-and-half cream, vegetable broth
Level: Beginner
We love turning roasted sweet peppers into a creamy, slightly smoky soup that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches. I like to use an immersion blender to puree the soup so I don’t have to dirty a blender. Just make sure to remove the pot from the heat before blending and start on a low speed.
“If you like cream of tomato soup, try making it with roasted red peppers instead. Using jarred roasted red peppers makes it extra easy, and pureeing the soup in a blender gives it a nice, smooth texture.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Broccoli Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Condensed cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, broccoli
Level: Beginner
This irresistibly cheesy, five-ingredient broccoli dish is one of our favorite casserole recipes for a reason. Thawed frozen broccoli does the trick in this recipe, but steamed fresh broccoli works just as well. Feel free to mix in extra veggies like cauliflower, parsnips or even button mushrooms.
“Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting recipe. It’s similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top.” —Recipe contributor Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
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Elegant Cranberry Pear Salad
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Lettuce, pears, blue cheese, walnuts
Level: Beginner
Chopped fresh pears add brilliant crunch and subtle sweetness to this simple green salad, which also features crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts. Beyond lunch, it also makes a lovely vegetable side dish for Christmas roasts or festive ham recipes.
“This salad recipe, with its combination of fresh ingredients and crunchy walnuts, is quick to make and yet looks very elegant.” —Recipe contributor Irene Fenlason, East Helena, Montana
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Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ham, cheddar cheese, potatoes, frozen peas
Level: Beginner
We know exactly what you should do with that giant plate of leftover Christmas Eve ham in the fridge. This cheesy ham soup contains bright green peas and starchy potatoes, making it the perfect wintertime lunch when paired with buttery cornbread or fluffy Parker House rolls.
“I knew this recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The filling soup, chock-full of leftover ham, veggies and cheese, is creamy and comforting. Although the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, don’t expect leftovers!” —Recipe contributor Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee
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Festive Cranberry Fruit Salad
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Cranberries, apples, bananas, raspberries
Level: Beginner
Use fresh or frozen cranberries for this sweet-tart, berry-packed salad that adds a gorgeous pop of color to any holiday spread. Mix in aromatic chopped mint for an even more refreshing flavor.
“This fruit salad is a tradition on my Christmas table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day.” —Recipe contributor Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska
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Brie Mushroom Soup
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Mushrooms, Brie cheese, chicken broth, milk
Level: Beginner
Don’t get me wrong—I love regular cream of mushroom soup. But this upgraded version with boosted umami flavor is worth the extra effort. If you’ve never tasted Brie in soup, you’ve got to try this. It may become one of your all-time favorite soup recipes.
“Simmer up the earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms and the richness of Brie cheese in one delicious, creamy soup. I serve big bowlfuls to warm up everyone on chilly days.” —Recipe contributor Maria Emmerich, River Falls, Wisconsin
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Southwest Chicken Chili
Total Time: 6 hours, 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Smoked ham hock, chicken thighs, canned beans, chopped green chiles
Level: Beginner
This satisfying chili is flavored with a ham hock, giving it a flavor boost compared to typical chicken chili recipes. It also includes chopped green chiles and lots of punchy spices to kick up the heat. Top with a big dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions and crushed tortilla chips.
“Chicken thighs are a nice change of pace in this easy chili. I also use a smoked ham hock and fresh cilantro to add flavor and keep the dish interesting.” —Recipe contributor Phyllis Beatty, Chandler, Arizona
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Perfect Winter Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Salad greens, tart apples, dried cherries, pecans
Level: Beginner
Winter doesn’t have to be a salad-free season, thanks to easy recipes like this one. It jazzes up spring mix with dried cherries, pecan halves and a creamy maple vinaigrette. Use any of your favorite apple varieties, like tart and crunchy Granny Smith apples.
“This is my most-requested salad recipe. It is delicious as a main dish with grilled chicken breast or as a side salad. I think it’s so good, I sometimes eat it at the end of the meal, instead of dessert!” —Recipe contributor DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
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Citrus Fennel Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Fennel, oranges, lemon and orange juice, olive oil
Level: Beginner
Raw fennel has a fresh, licorice-like flavor and crunchy texture that is incredibly satisfying in salad form. For a pleasantly bitter twist, swap in grapefruit for the naval orange slices.
“I guarantee guests will love the taste of this unique salad. The pleasant orange flavor pairs well with tender pieces of fennel.” —Recipe contributor Marion Karlin, Waterloo, Iowa
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Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cream cheese, pecans
Level: Beginner
Yams and sweet potatoes are often mistaken for each other at the supermarket. You can make this recipe with either, but it tastes best with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, like Garnet or Jewel. If you’re a sucker for sweet potatoes with marshmallows, finish these twice-baked potatoes with a few mini marshmallows.
“I like to make these twice-baked sweet potatoes because they can be prepared ahead of time. With the addition of cream cheese, they are very creamy and not overly sweet. It is so easy to increase the quantity to any number.” —Recipe contributor Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
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Bacon Caesar Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Day-old bread, romaine, bacon, Parmesan cheese
Level: Beginner
After tasting this smoky bacon-topped salad, you’ll want to drizzle this zesty, garlicky Caesar dressing on just about everything. For best results, avoid the most common mistakes when cooking bacon—like crowding the pan or throwing out the grease.
“Family and friends always say my Caesar salad rivals any restaurant version. The addition of bacon is a little untraditional, but it lends a slightly smoky flavor and makes it unique.” —Recipe contributor Sharon Tipton, Winter Garden, Florida
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Blood Orange Caprese Salad
Total Time: 35 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Pomegranate juice, blood oranges, mozzarella
Level: Beginner
Add this festive seasonal salad to your next Christmas buffet and wait for the compliments to pour in. Then, use any leftover citrus for blood orange margaritas.
“A colorful twist on the classic caprese salad of mozzarella, basil and tomato, this one uses blood oranges in place of the tomato and is flavored with pomegranate instead of basil.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Garlic Knotted Rolls
Total Time: 30 minutes + risingMain Ingredients: Frozen bread dough, egg, garlic
Level: Beginner
These buttery rolls are loaded with golden garlic and look especially pretty with a finishing sprinkle of poppy seeds. Think outside the knot and have fun with all the different ways to shape dinner rolls.
“Using frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. The cute knots add a special touch to any menu.” —Recipe contributor Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
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Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken
Level: Beginner
We love homemade soup recipes around the holidays because they’re the perfect way to sneak in leftovers like roasted turkey, spiral ham and all sorts of veggies. Bonus: This earthy, comforting wild rice soup can be made gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and using rice flour in the roux.
“I’m originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before.” —Recipe contributor Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
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Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Portobello mushrooms, baby spinach, half-and-half cream
Level: Beginner
This thick, umami-rich soup calls for vegetable stock to make it vegetarian, but you could use chicken or beef broth to add an even more robust, savory flavor. Work your way through all of our creamy soup recipes for infinite Christmas lunch possibilities.
“This spinach mushroom soup is the perfect accompaniment to any buffet. It can even be made ahead, then warmed and quickly finished on the day of your party.” —Recipe contributor Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
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Mushroom Panzanella
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Sourdough, assorted mushrooms, arugula, goat cheese
Level: Beginner
When summer’s bounty comes to an end, mushrooms make the perfect wintertime ingredient for this twist on a tomato bread salad. In addition to goat cheese, golden raisins and pine nuts, this untraditional panzanella still has some tomatoes in it. We find that grape and cherry tomatoes are pretty good year-round, especially when mixed with bolder flavors.
“My fresh take on classic Italian bread salad pairs well with grilled or roasted meats.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
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Broccoli Slaw
Total Time: 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Broccoli, shredded cabbage, raisins
Level: Beginner
There’s nothing like a crunchy, creamy, slightly sweet broccoli slaw to round out a sandwich lunch or serve as a side with grilled chicken recipes. To make this slaw entirely plant-based, use vegan mayonnaise for the dressing. Sliced almonds and sunflower seeds make great crunchy toppings for the finished slaw.
“Here’s my favorite twist on broccoli salad. It’s so easy to make and has an irresistible tangy crunch.” —Recipe contributor Konny Thomas, Citrus Heights, California
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Pomegranate Splash Salad
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Baby spinach, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts
Level: Beginner
Healthy pomegranate is a tasty wintertime superfood that adds juicy, tart bursts of flavor to this pretty green salad. Thawed cranberry juice concentrate mixes with olive oil and rice vinegar for an easy dressing you’ll want to make again and again.
“The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can’t get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight.” —Recipe contributor Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
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White Bean Soup with Escarole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Whole wheat orzo, escarole, cannellini beans, Parmesan cheese
Level: Beginner
Who says hearty stews have to include meat? This stick-to-your-ribs vegetarian dish is a complete meal with whole wheat orzo, creamy white beans and savory shredded Parmesan. This will certainly keep you full in the afternoon as you await a big Christmas feast.
“Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh-so-simple to prepare. When I can’t find escarole, I substitute fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving.” —Recipe contributor Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
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Christmas Tortellini & Spinach Soup
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Tortellini, cannellini beans, Asiago cheese, diced tomatoes
Level: Beginner
Asiago is a nutty, umami-rich Italian cheese that melts beautifully into mashed potatoes, pasta sauces and soups like this one. Choose your favorite store-bought tortellini (or make your own!), and serve the whole thing with crusty Dutch oven bread for even more wow factor.
“I originally made this soup in the summer, but when I saw its bright red and green colors, I knew it would make a perfect first course for Christmas dinner.” —Recipe contributor Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
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Pickled Beet Salad
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beets, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, radishes
Level: Beginner
If you’re in a green salad slump, this tangy beet salad will be enough to get you—and everyone at your holiday table—excited about salad again. This recipe starts with fresh beets, but you can always swap in pickled beets from the pantry.
“I was looking for a recipe for pickled beets and saw one with lemon instead of vinegar. I immediately thought of making a tabbouleh-inspired salad with beets instead of tomatoes.” —Recipe contributor Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
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Sweet Potato Pone
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, flour
Level: Beginner
Sweet potato recipes always seem to hit the spot, and this luscious pone is sweet, simple perfection. It’s a fun twist on typical sweet potato casseroles you see around the holidays.
“This recipe is my absolute favorite way to prepare sweet potatoes. Not only is it an eagerly anticipated side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, but I also make it to dress up ordinary meals. You can almost serve it as a dessert!” —Recipe contributor Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
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Holy Moly Potato Soup
Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, French onion dip
Level: Beginner
If you love recipes that start with a packet of onion soup, you’ll adore this loaded potato soup that contains a whole carton of French onion dip. We like to serve this soup with crispy tortilla chips because it’s basically a glorified dip (in the very best way).
“This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it’d be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat.” —Recipe contributor Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, Illinois
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Chickpea Tortilla Soup
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Quinoa, beans, corn, tortilla chips
Level: Beginner
Lime wedges add a balanced hit of acid to liven up this filling vegan soup. We recommend using no-salt-added canned beans so you can control the seasoning and sodium level yourself.
“This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it’s served.” —Recipe contributor Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Cranberry and Roasted Beet Salad
Total Time: 1 hour + chilling and coolingMain Ingredients: Beets, goat cheese, dried cranberries
Level: Beginner
Sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese are a timeless duo, especially when sliced almonds, crunchy pear and tart cranberry dressing get involved. Use any leftover cheese for one of these tasty goat cheese recipes.
“I created this healthy, tasty side dish as a companion to our Christmas dinner. This enticing substitute for cranberry relish is excellent with turkey. Even the kids loved it! Serve the beet blend alone or on a bed of salad greens.” —Recipe contributor Brianna St. Clair, Worland, Wyoming
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Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Sandwich
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Apple, sourdough, cheese, ham
Level: Beginner
This melty restaurant-worthy sandwich features a whopping four types of cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere and Brie—that perfectly contrast the tart apple slices. Why not whip up some air-fryer potato chips to go with? They’ll make these sandwiches feel even more special.
“In this stepped-up version of a ham and cheese sandwich, melty cheeses, crispy apples and smoky ham are the ultimate combination.” —Josh Rink, Taste Recipes Food Stylist
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Pressure-Cooker English Pub Split Pea Soup
Total Time: 30 minutes + releasingMain Ingredients: Ham bone, light beer, green split peas, milk
Level: Beginner
One taste of this robust split pea soup, and you’ll never throw out a ham bone again. Seasoned with English mustard, warm nutmeg and a bottle of light beer, this pressure-cooker soup tastes like it’s been cooking all day.
“This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today’s appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it’s ‘soup’s on!’ Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner.” —Recipe contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
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Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time: 30 minutes + releasingMain Ingredients: Dried black-eyed peas, cooked ham, onion
Level: Beginner
This 30-minute wonder could be the star of any holiday potluck. It also proves that the Instant Pot is the secret to perfectly cooked beans. Add a diced jalapeno or 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat, or work in some zestiness with a homemade Tex-Mex seasoning mix.
“Here’s a regional favorite I grew to love after moving to the South, pressure-cooker black-eyed peas. You’ll never want to eat canned black-eyed peas again! Serve the dish as a side with grilled chicken, or make it your main course and round out the meal with greens and cornbread.” —Recipe contributor Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, bacon, balsamic glaze
Level: Beginner
Opt for small to medium Brussels sprouts to ensure they get extra crispy and sweet in the oven. You’ll also want to spread them out on the sheet pan to give them room to breathe and brown properly.
“Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on these Brussels sprouts to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. Feel free to toss in some fresh herbs for variety.” —Recipe contributor Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
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Grandma's Baked Ham Salad Sandwiches
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ham, sweet pickles, mayonnaise, onion rolls
Level: Beginner
Add a sharp grated cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, to your baked ham sandwiches to add a melty element. Once they’re out of the oven, finish them with some fresh lettuce, tomato slices and dill pickles for a bit of freshness and crunch.
“This is another tried-and-true recipe I found in my grandma’s recipe box. I love seeing her handwriting on faded notecards.” —Recipe contributor Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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Mango Jalapeno Sloppy Joe Sliders
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mango, dinner rolls, jalapeno
Level: Beginner
Sliders are some of our favorite holiday party dishes because they can be baked and served to a crowd without guests needing to assemble anything themselves. To lighten up these zesty sloppy joes a bit, feel free to make them with ground chicken or turkey.
“I’ve loved sloppy joes since I can remember. In an attempt to give them a makeover, I thought of this idea, which was a big hit with my family, friends and co-workers! If you can’t find a mango, chopped pineapple should work just as well.” —Recipe contributor Shea Goldstein, Royal Palm Beach, Florida
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Orange and Olives Salad
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Oranges, olives, oil, pepper
Level: Beginner
What better way to celebrate winter’s influx of bright, juicy oranges than slicing them up for this four-ingredient salad? Because it’s so simple, there’s plenty of room to add your own twist with ingredients like minced garlic, chopped cilantro, parsley, red onion or fennel.
“My grandmother made sure this salad was on our holiday table every year. We always celebrated the rustic Italian way, and she made lots of delicious food. This dish is simple to make, and so light that it didn’t fill us up before one of her great meals. It also looks pretty on the table.” —Recipe contributor Angela David, Lakeland, Florida
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Easy Dutch Oven Minestrone Soup
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Marinara sauce, mixed vegetables, meatballs, cheese tortellini
Level: Beginner
If you’ve only used jarred marinara sauce for making pasta, try using it as a richly flavored base for soup. This hearty, untraditional minestrone with Italian meatballs and cheese tortellini is the ultimate cozy comfort food.
“This Dutch oven minestrone soup is quick to prepare with shortcut ingredients and is ready in less than an hour. Add a salad and a warm, crusty loaf of bread to round out the meal.” —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Instant Pot Green Beans
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Green beans, lemon, butter
Level: Beginner
Simply dressed with butter, herbs and lemon juice, this no-fuss vegetable side dish is one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to cook green beans. Play around with the crunchy, chewy toppings—dried cranberries and crispy shallots are always a good bet.
“Free up room on your stovetop when you’re cooking for company, and make this easy green bean recipe in a pressure cooker. Mix and match with your favorite herbs and spices for crisp-tender green beans.” —Recipe contributor Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Christmas Lunch Ideas FAQ
How do I plan a menu for a Christmas lunch?
The size of your group is the most important consideration when planning a menu for Christmas lunch. Are you hosting a crowd or having a smaller family affair? If you’re expecting a lot of people, consider a Christmas buffet with easy-to-grab foods like potluck-ready sandwiches and bites, or opt for seasonal casseroles you can just pop in the oven when it’s time to serve.
For a smaller table, consider setting out sandwiches, a soup and a pretty winter salad for your spread. If you have a big Christmas dinner in the works, avoid going too wild with the number of dishes, particularly the filling ones. You may want to choose brunch ideas for Christmas Day instead of serving lunch.
What’s an easy Christmas lunch for a group?
Among the easiest Christmas lunches for a group are large-format casseroles (like our favorite casserole recipes)—especially if you make casseroles that use leftovers from Christmas Eve! Another good option is to prep a big batch of sliders that can feed a crowd, like breakfast sliders or roast beef sliders. And don’t forget some fun holiday slow-cooker drinks like mulled wine, spiced coffee and apple cider.
What are some vegetarian or vegan lunch options for guests with dietary restrictions?
Thankfully, there is no shortage of delicious plant-based meal ideas for the vegetarians and vegans at your holiday table. We adore winter veggie dishes that feature seasonal ingredients like pomegranate, citrus and earthy squash. Colorful Christmas salads are always a hit when paired with cozy vegetarian soups or vegetarian breakfast casseroles for a brunch-style spread.
