Top 30 Christmas Menus

Prime Rib Perfection

For some, Christmas dinner wouldn't be complete without beef. Here, a decadent prime rib takes center stage.

Mustard-Seed-Crusted Prime Rib Roast with Dijon Crème Fraîche and Roasted Balsamic Onions

Spinach-Parmesan Soufflés

Cabernet Sauvignon

NEXT: Stuffed Roast Pork

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Stuffed Roast Pork

This spectacular rolled pork loin will impress your guests and your taste buds.

Lemon- and Prosciutto-Stuffed Pork Loin Roast with Broccolini

Celery Root and Potato Mash

Pinot Grigio

NEXT: Light Herbed Salmon

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Light Herbed Salmon

A whole side of salmon makes for a light, delicious—and impressive—main course.

Rosemary-Rubbed Side of Salmon with Roasted Potatoes, Parsnips, and Mushrooms

Rainbow Chard and Radicchio Sauté

Pinot Noir

NEXT: Cozy Cocktail Party

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Cozy Cocktail Party

Enjoy an intimate cocktail party, complete with savory appetizers and lots of good cheer.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Crème Fraîche, Bacon, and Chives

Beef and Mushroom Crostini with Thyme

Endive Spears with Smoked Salmon, Horseradish Cream, and Dill

Crudités with Green Goddess Dressing

Charcuterie and Cheese Platter with Assorted Breads

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Mini Gingerbread Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Hot Peppermint Patty

NEXT: Tree-Trimming Party

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Tree-Trimming Party

Reward all your hard work (hanging ornaments, stringing lights) with a festive, satisfying supper.

Roasted Salt- and Spice-Packed Pork Loin

Roasted Carrot, Parsnip, and Potato Coins

Escarole and Butter Lettuce Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Hazelnuts

Peppermint Meringue Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

Hazelnut Cinnamon Crescents

Cardamom-Orange Sugar Cookies

NEXT: It's a Wonderful Feast

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It's a Wonderful Feast

Celebrate the season with a spectacular christmas dinner that's equal parts rustic and modern.

Pickled Shrimp

Roasted Salt- and Spice- Packed Pork Loin

Fresh Herb, Grapefruit, and Fennel Salad

Yams with Crispy Skins and Brown-Butter Vinaigrette

Roasted Onions with Gruyère Crouton

Roasted Pear Tarte Tatin with Brown Sugar-Balsamic Swirl Ice Cream

NEXT: The 59-minute Christmas Dinner

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The 59-minute Christmas Dinner

The holidays can be stressful, but dinner doesn’t have to be. Our impressive, crowd-pleasing recipes like New York strip roast and holiday Yule logs will be ready in a flash.

Crab and Celery Remoulade

New York Strip Roast with Madeira Pan Sauce

Roasted Carrot, Parsnip, and Potato Coins

Treviso, Walnut, and Gruyère Salad

Super-Quick Mocha Yule Log

NEXT: Christmas Eve Dinner

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Christmas Eve Dinner

Tis the season for cocktails, cookies, and good times with good friends. This festive holiday party has all of that—and a whole lot more.

Roasted Chestnuts with Black Pepper Honey

New Mexico Chile-Glazed Chicken on Hominy Polenta

Spinach-Radish Slaw with Crispy Chiles and Pepitas

Gingerbread Angels

Nut brittle

Chocolate Panforte Candies

Christmas Caipirinhas

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

NEXT: Standing Rib Menu

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Standing Rib Menu

This sumptuous rib roast becomes all the more luxurious with a velvety porcini and bacon sauce.

Roasted Beets and Baby Greens with Coriander Vinaigrette and Cilantro Pesto

Standing Rib Roast with Porcini and Bacon Sauce

Orange-Glazed Carrot Ribbons

Potato gratin

Pear tart

NEXT: White Christmas for 10

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White Christmas for 10

Are you dreaming of the perfect holiday dinner? Then look no further than this impressive celebration menu, with a sumptuous roast beef, cheddar-chive yorkshire pudding, chocolate-coffee gingerbread, and lots more. So gather your friends and family for a feast as delicious as the ones you used to know.

Christmas Caipirinhas

Chile-Roasted Almonds

Piquillo Pepper Cheese Crostini

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

Standing Rib Roast, Spinach-Porcini Stuffing, Irish Whiskey Gravy, and Horseradish Cream

Potato-Mushroom Gratin

Cheddar and Chive Yorkshire Puddings

Sherry Vinegar- and Molasses-Glazed Carrots

Broccolini with Pecan Brown Butter

Chocolate-Coffee Gingerbread with Hazelnut Poached Pears

NEXT: Fiesta in a Flash for 16

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Fiesta in a Flash for 16

Warm up the holidays with an open-house party featuring Mexican flavors: Make a traditional pork and hominy stew, a few simple sides, and call all the neighbors.

Chalupas with Chorizo

Herbed Goat Cheese Spread with Mint

Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Holiday Pork Posole

Spinach-Radish Slaw with Crispy Chiles and Pepitas

Cornbread

Red Wine Sangria and Mexican Beer

Cinnamon-Caramel Bread Puddings

Pistachio and Cherry Mexican Wedding Cakes

NEXT: Roman Holiday for 8

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Roman Holiday for 8

Shop, bake, decorate, and have friends over? Sure you can, especially with this deliciously rustic, Italian-inspired, do-ahead menu at hand. Make the glorious centerpiece roast yourself, then let everyone else bring a dish—it's the best kind of gift exchange.

Parmesan and Smoky Paprika Frico

Pinot Grigio

Cocoa and Spice Slow-Roasted Pork with Onions

Broccoli-Pecorino Gratinata

Panettone Panzanella with Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts

Sangiovese

Apple-Cranberry Crisp with Polenta Streusel Topping

NEXT: A Christmas Story for 10

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A Christmas Story for 10

Keep the tradition and add some luxurious ingredients—the ultimate Christmas dinner is much easier than it seems.

Smoked Trout Rillettes with Radishes and Celery

Wild Mushroom Ragout on Crispy Polenta with Comté Cheese

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce (pictured)

Green Beans with Sage and Pancetta

Mustard-Roasted Potatoes

Dark Chocolate Torte with Gingersnap Crust

NEXT: Roast Heirloom Goose for 12

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Roast Heirloom Goose for 12

Seared Scallops on Spinach with Apple-Brandy Cream Sauce

Roast Heirloom Goose with Balsamic Vinegar

Prune, Apple, and Chestnut Bread Pudding

Sweet-and-Sour Cabbage

Fresh Orange Tart with Hazelnut Crust

NEXT: A Glittering Christmas Dinner for 8

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A Glittering Christmas Dinner for 8

Pull out all the stops with an extravagant meal starring standing rib roast. This menu makes it easy, from the first sip of Champagne to the last bite of a decadent chocolate torte.

Pancetta, Leek, and Goat Cheese Tartlets

Marinated Shrimp with Champagne Beurre Blanc

Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Standing Rib Roast with Rosemary-Thyme Crust

Mashed Potatoes with Crimini Mushrooms

Sautéed Haricots Verts, Red Bell Peppers, and Pine Nuts

Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon

Chocolate-Cranberry Torte

Vintage Port

NEXT: Roasted Double Rack of Pork for 12

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Roasted Double Rack of Pork for 12

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

Roasted Double Rack of Pork with Morel Mushroom Pan Sauce (pictured)

Potato and Turnip Gratin

Braised Escarole

Cranberry-Lime Tart

NEXT: A Midwestern Open House for 20

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A Midwestern Open House for 20

Bighearted foods from the heartland deserve a splendid open-house buffet, so bring on the ham with marmalade-horseradish glaze.

Deviled Eggs with Sour Cream, Chives, and Salmon Roe

Baked Ham with Marmalade-Horseradish Glaze

Cranberry Mustard

Whole Wheat Date Rolls

Brussels Sprout, Blue Cheese, and Glazed-Pecan Salad

Wild Rice and Roasted Vegetable Salad with Sherry-Thyme Vinaigrette

Dried Cherry-Almond Fruitcake

NEXT: Italian-Inspired Christmas for 10

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Italian-Inspired Christmas for 10

Casual yet refined, chic yet wonderfully rustic, this Italian-inspired menu is packed with favorite flavors and a few luxuries, too.

Fontina Risotto Cakes with Fresh Chives

Lobster Pasta with Herbed Cream Sauce

Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Herb Stuffing

Truffled Potato Gratin

Roasted Baby Beets

Cranberry Granita

Walnut Sablés

NEXT: Sparkle and Style for 8

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Sparkle and Style for 8

Thick white linens and silver, your best china and crystal—this is a holiday dinner to dress up for.

Cumin-Roasted Potatoes with Caviar and Smoked Salmon

Bronze and Red Lettuce Salad with Serrano Ham and Goat Cheese Spirals

Muscovy Duck Breasts with Pomegranate-Wine Sauce

Toasted Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts and Parsley

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower with Orange

Spiced Sugarplum and Caramelized Apple Tartlets with Calvados Cream

NEXT: Christmas Eve in France for 12

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Christmas Eve in France for 12

A lavish feast of truffle-scented roast turkey and delicious trimmings from the Burgundy countryside.

Kir Royale with Vanilla Cognac

Individual Terrines of Smoked Salmon and Scallops

White Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme Butter

Chablis

Truffle-Scented Roast Turkey with Shallots and Chestnuts

Potato Galette with Wild Mushrooms

Haricots Verts and Carrots with Mustard and Chervil

Red Burgundy

Country Apple Tart with Spiced Brown Butter (pictured)

NEXT: Standing Rib Roast for 12

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Standing Rib Roast for 12

Carrot Soup with Star Anise

Standing Rib Roast with Porcini and Bacon Sauce

Green Onion-Parmesan Popovers

Buttered Green Beans

Dark Chocolate-Caramel Cake with Gold-Dusted Chestnuts

NEXT: A Grand Buffet for 12

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A Grand Buffet for 12

Entertain a crowd, and make a few dreams come true, with this elegant array of delectables.

Three-Olive Martinis

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Crème Fraîche and Caviar

Creamy Smoked Trout with Apple and Horseradish on Crisp Brown Bread

Brut Rosé Champagne

Pancetta- and Herb- Roasted Pork with Fig Jam

Roasted Beets with Clementine and Mint

Creamy Turnip Purée with Walnuts, Anchovies, and Parsley

Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Pecan Streusel

Zinfandel or Bordeux

Christmas Croissant Pudding with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar Sauce

Pine Nut Cookies

NEXT: Christmas Eve Supper in the Southwest for 8

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Christmas Eve Supper in the Southwest for 8

As warming as the Santa Fe sunset, this festive menu highlights flavors of a truly enchanting region.

Cheese- and Shrimp-Stuffed Roasted Poblanos with Red Bell Pepper Sauce (pictured)

Sauvignon Blanc

Watercress, Jícama, and Orange Salad

Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloins in Corn Husks with Cranberry-Avocado Salsa

Southwestern Corn Pudding

Pinot Noir

Coffee Ice Cream and Mexican Chocolate Sundaes with Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Crisps

NEXT: Christmas Feast for 10

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Christmas Feast for 10

Pear, Arugula, and Endive Salad with Candied Walnuts

Crown Roast of Lamb with Rosemary and Oregano (pictured)

Carrots Glazed with Balsamic Vinegar and Butter

Chunky Jerusalem Artichoke and Potato Mash

Syrah

Büche de Noël with Marzipan Mushrooms

NEXT: Christmas Dinner in New England for 8

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Christmas Dinner in New England for 8

Light the candles, stoke the fire, and cozy up to this elegant meal featuring roast beef and spiced pumpkin cake.

Vermont Cheddar Cheese and Herb Twists

Corn and Lobster Chowder

Champagne or Sancerre

Black Pepper-Crusted Standing Rib Roast au Jus (pictured)

Roasted Red Onions

Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Fried Sage Leaves

Maple-Glazed Carrots

Syrah or Shiraz

Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Icing

NEXT: Romantic Christmas Eve Dinner for 2

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Romantic Christmas Eve Dinner for 2

'Tis the night before . . . and the only ones stirring are you and your spouse. Treat yourselves to this romantic dinner for two—while you've still got time alone.

Seared Scallop Salad with Haricots Verts and Truffle Oil

Champagne

Veal Rib Chops with Caramelized Fennel and Figs

Potatoes Simmered in Saffron Butter

Merlot

White Chocolate-Raspberry Crème Brûlée Tartlets

NEXT: Bourbon-Glazed Ham for 12

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Bourbon-Glazed Ham for 12

Bibb Lettuce with Persimmons and Candied Pecans

Ham with Bourbon, Molasses, and Pecan Glaze

Buttermilk Spoon Bread

Braised Collard Greens

Poached Pear Tart with Caramelized Pistachios

NEXT: Christmas Dinner in England for 8

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Christmas Dinner in England for 8

British classics updated, with all the jolly olde trimmings.

Smoked Duck and Walnuts with Winter Greens

Roast Prime Rib with Madeira Sauce and Horseradish Sauce (pictured)

Herbed Yorkshire Puddings

Roasted Root Vegetables with Rosemary

Mashed Potatoes with Jerusalem Artichokes and Chives

Brussels Sprouts with Shallots and Mustard Seeds

Cabernet Sauvignon

Roasted Pear and Amaretto Trifle

NEXT: Steakhouse Meal for 10

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Steakhouse Meal for 10

Crispy Shrimp with Citrus Glaze

Roast New York Strip Loin with Garlic-Herb Crust (pictured)

Potato and Portobello Mushroom Gratin

Green Beans with Bacon and Shallots

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust

NEXT: Latin-Inspired Feast

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Latin-Inspired Feast

Chalupas with Chorizo

Spanish Style Pork Rib Roast with Pan Roasted Romesco Sauce (pictured)

Saffron Corn Mashed Potatoes

Classic Flan

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