Christmas Dinner Meal Plan

We are sharing all the recipes, hints and tips that you need for the best and most delicious Christmas dinner - and more importantly as stress free as possible. This is The Ultimate Christmas Plan with all our favourite starters (appetizers), main course, sides, desserts and some party food favourites too.

A collage of nine Christmas dishes with a text title overlay.

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Christmas dinner might be the biggest meal of the year, but it doesn't mean that it has to be stressful or overly complicated. Whether you are cooking for 1 or 20, remember that it is just a roast dinner, with maybe a few extras.

These are our tried and tested family favourite Christmas recipes, and I hope some of them will become your favourites too.

You don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all day, missing out on the present opening, champagne cork popping, chocolate eating and arguing over board games! So, we are also sharing some things that you can make ahead of time and our favourite kitchen time saving gadgets to make December 25th a little less chaotic.

I wanted to create a Christmas day food guide that you can look through, pick and choose your favourites and create your Christmas day meal plan and menu and then write up your shopping list from that.

Get some food prep under your belt, have a plan and let's try to make the day go as smoothly as possible.

Jump to:

Time Saving
Starters
Mains
Sides
Make Ahead
Desserts
Party Food
Some Christmas Leftover Recipes
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Time Saving

Before we get ahead with the actual recipes, I wanted to share some things that we find really save time in the kitchen when it comes to food prep and cooking. And let's face it, we could all use a bit of help at Christmas time.

Air Fryer - Not only can the air fryer cook a lot of things quicker than you could in the oven, it's a great way to save some space in the oven when it's probably already bursting. We love our Ninja Dual Air Fryer. It's big enough for a family of 4 and we often cook "roast" veggies and even the joint of meat in there like our Air Fryer Turkey.

Disposable Baking Trays - We are not a big fan of single use items in general, however at Christmas time I think they have a place. To be able to just dump these Disposable Baking Trays in the bin rather than washing up feels like a way to find a tiny bit of joy at the end of a stressful day.

Meat Thermometer - Whilst this might not save any time, a Meat Thermometer does take the guess work out of seeing if your meat is cooked or not. I wouldn't be without mine.

Food Processor - I LOVE the chopping, slicing and grating attachment for my Food Processor. When it comes to slicing carrots or chopping up the cabbage, this saves SO much time.

Starters

I know some people don't do starters (appetizers), but we always have them an hour or two before the main meal. It stops the constant questioning of "is it ready yet?" You could choose just one, or make a few of them to lay out for people to pick at.

The Best Prawn Cocktail

5 from 10 votes

Prawn cocktail is a timeless classic starter option, but we have totally transformed it to make it the ULTIMATE Prawn Cocktail.

Here's the recipe for The Best Prawn Cocktail

The ultimate prawn cocktail in a serving glass.

Smoked Salmon Canapes

5 from 7 votes

Smoked salmon and cream cheese is such a fresh and delicious combination and these Smoked Salmon Canapes are assembled in minutes and are easy to adapt.

Here's the recipe for Smoked Salmon Canapes

Smoked Salmon Canapes on a wooden board.

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

4.88 from 16 votes

This Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup ticks all those boxes and if you aren't usually a fan of cauliflower, this soup is here to change your opinion.

Here's the recipe for Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup in a bowl drizzled with cream and oil, topped with herbs.

Air Fryer Camembert

4.75 from 4 votes

Enjoy the ultimate cheesy comfort food: Air Fryer Camembert. This 10 minutes recipe is ideal for a festive treat - Crispy top and gooey melted cheese.

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Camembert

Cooked air fryer camembert on a wooden board.

Christmas Sausage Rolls

4.85 from 13 votes

These super easy Christmas Sausage Rolls have just a few ingredients, are flavour packed and give a nice festive twist to a classic sausage roll.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Sausage Rolls

A pile of Christmas sausage rolls on a wooden board.

Mains

We have all the classics here, from roast meats, slow cooker options and vegetarian alternatives. Pick one or two and these carry on reading for all the side dishes.

Easy Roast Turkey Breast

5 from 11 votes

This Roast Turkey Breast is perfect for when you are feeding a smaller number over the festive season, and you don't need to roast a whole turkey.

Here's the recipe for Easy Roast Turkey Breast

Roast turkey breast sliced up on a serving board.

Slow Cooker Turkey Crown

4.93 from 13 votes

This Slow Cooker Turkey Crown takes just 2 minutes to prepare and then let the slow cooker do all the work. Perfectly cooked turkey in the slow cooker.

Here's the recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Crown

Slow cooker turkey crown on a board with slices cut off.

Honey Roast Duck

4.84 from 36 votes

If you are looking for something a little bit different to serve for Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving, then why not try this Honey Roast Duck?

Here's the recipe for Honey Roast Duck

Honey Roast Duck with an orange in the cavity.

Slow Cooker Roast Beef (with Gravy)

4.95 from 18 votes

This Slow Cooker Roast Beef is going to become your go-to for an easy Sunday Roast. Tender, melt in your mouth slices of beef with a crispy crust in a rich and flavour packed gravy.

Here's the recipe for Slow Cooker Roast Beef (with Gravy)

Slow Cooker Roast Beef on a board with some horseradish sauce.

Honey Roast Ham

Impress your guests with a homemade honey glazed ham. This easy recipe yields a tender and flavourful centerpiece for your Christmas feast.

Here's the recipe for Honey Roast Ham

Honey roast ham on a wooden serving board with sprigs of rosemary.

Stuffed Butternut Squash

4.67 from 12 votes

Rice, leafy greens and cheese, all stuffed into a butternut squash half. Packed with protein and vegetables, easy to adapt and a vegan option too.

Here's the recipe for Stuffed Butternut Squash

Stuffed butternut squash on a baking tray with cherry tomatoes.

Sides

If I am being honest, the side dishes are my favourite part of Christmas dinner! I would happily just have a plate of roast potatoes. But, if you want more than potatoes then we have you covered!

Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes

Learn how to make the best slow cooker roast potatoes. No need for par-boiling, just peel, chop, mix, and let the slow cooker do the work.

Here's the recipe for Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

4.90 from 38 votes

These sweet and crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts make a tasty side dish any time of the year, or a delicious snack.

Here's the recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a large serving spoon.

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

5 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls: Store bought mix, added flavour and ready in under 15 minutes. The perfect golden brown stuffing ball all done in the air fryer!

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

Air fryer stuffing balls on a round plate.

Microwave Broccoli

5 from 8 votes

A quick and easy side dish, this microwave broccoli goes with almost anything. Perfect broccoli every time, in just 5 minutes.

Here's the recipe for Microwave Broccoli

Microwave broccoli in a bowl with a spoon.

Air Fryer Carrots

5 from 17 votes

Air Fryer Carrots have all the crispiness of roasted carrots, but they are quicker and easier to make. All done in the air fryer and in just 20 minutes.

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Carrots

Air fryer carrot on a plate with a small bowl of creamy dip.

Honey Roasted Parsnips

4.92 from 23 votes

Roasted vegetables are the best way to eat them and when it comes to these Honey Roasted Parsnips, it changes the texture and makes them nice and crispy.

Here's the recipe for Honey Roasted Parsnips

Air Fryer Pigs in Blanket

5 from 2 votes

Air fryer pigs in blankets not only give you the perfect crispy texture in less time than the oven, but they will save you room in the oven.

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Pigs in Blanket

Air fryer pigs in blankets on a plate with some thyme.

Broccoli Cheese

5 from 9 votes

Broccoli Cheese is a delicious and comforting make-ahead side dish that even the biggest vegetable dodgers will love. It's creamy and indulgent, and the best way to enjoy broccoli.

Here's the recipe for Broccoli Cheese

A plate of broccoli cheese next to roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings.

Creamed Cabbage

Add a touch of indulgence to your meals with this creamed cabbage side dish. Made with a lighter swap, it's the perfect accompaniment to holiday feasts.

Here's the recipe for Creamed Cabbage

A bowl of creamed cabbage with a spoon in it.

Make Ahead

Get a head start on some of the Christmas dinner preparations by making some of the dishes a few days in advance and then freezing until you need them. here are some of our favourites that freeze, defrost and reheat well.

Slow Cooker Red Cabbage

5 from 12 votes

Red cabbage is best cooked low and slow, and you just put this Slow Cooker Red Cabbage on low for 5 hours, and it's done.

Here's the recipe for Slow Cooker Red Cabbage

A bowl of slow cooker red cabbage topped with two crossed cinnamon sticks.

Easy Onion Gravy

4.84 from 12 votes

Everyone should know how to make homemade gravy and this easy onion gravy is going to totally transform your meals.

Here's the recipe for Easy Onion Gravy

A pan of onion gravy with a wooden spoon in it.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

5 from 3 votes

Make ahead mashed potatoes are the ultimate Christmas dinner time saving hack! Easily make delicious and creamy mashed potatoes in advance to save time.

Here's the recipe for Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make ahead mashed potatoes in a large round bowl.

Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

5 from 19 votes

Everything you could want from a roast potato, but this easy and fuss free recipe is made in the air fryer.

Here's the recipe for Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

Air fryer roast potatoes in a round bowl.

Desserts

If you can fit in any food after all of that, then we have some delicious treats for you to finish off the day with.

Christmas Cheesecake

5 from 11 votes

Christmas is the time when we indulge in deliciously indulgent desserts and this Christmas Cheesecake is perfect for that.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Cheesecake

Mini Pavlovas

Make the best mini pavlova nests in just minutes. A simple meringue dessert topped with jam, yogurt, and fruit - perfect for quick, impressive entertaining.

Here's the recipe for Mini Pavlovas

A ring of mini pavlovas dusted with icing sugar.

Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

5 from 19 votes

Make this festive Nutella pastry Christmas tree in just 20 minutes - perfect for sharing on Christmas morning. Flaky puff pastry and Nutella!

Here's the recipe for Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree on a wooden serving board.

Healthy Gingerbread Cake

Moist and easy healthy gingerbread cake recipe made with warming spices. A lighter holiday dessert with classic festive flavour.

Here's the recipe for Healthy Gingerbread Cake

Healthy gingerbread cake topped with frosting an a gingerbread person.

Christmas Tree Cake

This festive Christmas Tree Cake combines a light and fluffy chocolate cake with buttercream and jam, and is easy to decorate like a Christmas tree.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Tree Cake

A cake shaped and decorated like a Christmas tree on a round wooden board.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake

5 from 5 votes

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake is the easiest and most deliciously rich chocolate cake with a layer of gooey chocolate sauce.

Here's the recipe for Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake

Slow cooker chocolate cake in a bowl with a ball of vanilla ice cream.

Party Food

After cooking all of that, you need a well deserved nap! But, if you have guests coming over and want to put out something that looking impressive with very little effort, then we have just the recipes for you!

Christmas Tree Cheese Board

Create a festive Christmas Tree Cheese Board for your holiday entertaining. Quick & easy to assemble with your favorite meats, cheese, and delicious extras.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Tree Cheese Board

A Christmas Tree Cheese Board on a wooden surface.

Christmas Fruit Wreath

Impress your guests with this easy-to-make Christmas Fruit Wreath. A stunning centerpiece that adds holiday cheer to your festive food table.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Fruit Wreath

A Christmas Fruit Wreath on a large round wooden board.

Antipasto Wreath

Easy and festive Antipasto Wreath appetiser for Christmas and holiday entertaining. A no-cook platter ready in minutes and perfect for parties or xmas gatherings.

Here's the recipe for Antipasto Wreath

An antipasto wreath on a large round wooden board.

Christmas Movie Snack Board

Create an easy, sweet and salty Christmas Snack Board that's simple, fun, and perfect for holiday movie nights with festive treats everyone will enjoy.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Movie Snack Board

Christmas Snack Board surrounded by green garland.

Christmas Veggie Tray

Add a festive touch to your Christmas party with an easy-to-make Christmas Veggie Tray. A colorful and healthy addition to your Christmas spread.

Here's the recipe for Christmas Veggie Tray

A Christmas Veggie Tray on a wooden surface surrounded by Christmas decorations.

Antipasto Skewers

5 from 10 votes

These Antipasto Skewers are the easiest appetiser ever! Packed with Italian flavours, these are perfect for putting together at the last minute.

Here's the recipe for Antipasto Skewers

A row of antipasto skewers on a wooden board.

Cranberry Brie Bites

5 from 10 votes

Golden and flaky puff pastry wrapped around delicious gooey melted brie and a generous dollop of chunky cranberry sauce.

Here's the recipe for Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry and Brie Bites on a wooden serving board.

Easy Mushroom Tartlets

5 from 1 vote

These bite-sized mushroom tartlets are bursting with flavour and perfect for serving up at a party. Make a double batch of these, as one is never enough!

Here's the recipe for Easy Mushroom Tartlets

Easy Mushroom Tartlets on a wooden board.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Some Christmas Leftover Recipes

If you've tried any of these Christmas recipes, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Christmas Dinner Meal Plan

Would you like to save this recipe?

Time Saving

Starters

The Best Prawn Cocktail

Smoked Salmon Canapes

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Air Fryer Camembert

Christmas Sausage Rolls

Mains

Easy Roast Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Crown

Honey Roast Duck

Slow Cooker Roast Beef (with Gravy)

Honey Roast Ham

Stuffed Butternut Squash

Sides

Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

Microwave Broccoli

Air Fryer Carrots

Honey Roasted Parsnips

Air Fryer Pigs in Blanket

Broccoli Cheese

Creamed Cabbage

Make Ahead

Slow Cooker Red Cabbage

Easy Onion Gravy

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

Desserts

Christmas Cheesecake

Mini Pavlovas

Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Healthy Gingerbread Cake

Christmas Tree Cake

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake

Party Food

Christmas Tree Cheese Board

Christmas Fruit Wreath

Antipasto Wreath

Christmas Movie Snack Board

Christmas Veggie Tray

Antipasto Skewers

Cranberry Brie Bites

Easy Mushroom Tartlets

Some Christmas Leftover Recipes

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