14 Classic Dishes for Christmas Eve

Here’s a festive collection of dishes for anyone planning a memorable Christmas dinner. From showstopping beef tenderloin and prime rib to cozy casseroles and flavorful chicken options, this list has something for every taste and tradition. You’ll also find classics like lasagna, ham, and mac and cheese alongside unique ideas like spicy oyster stew and Mediterranean-style stuffed chicken. These meals are ideal for feeding a crowd or crafting an intimate holiday table.

Spicy Oyster Stew

A bowl of soup topped with herbs and round oyster crackers, with additional crackers on the side in a black dish. — Spicy Oyster Stew. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

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This creamy stew brings heat and brine together in every bite. Fresh oysters simmered in a rich broth with a kick of spice make it bold and satisfying. It’s a comforting dish that also feels luxurious. Serve it as a starter or a main for something unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Oyster Stew

Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin

Two thick slices of medium-rare roast beef are served on a white plate with the remaining roast behind them. — Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

This method ensures even cooking and a tender interior with a crusty exterior. The beef is slowly brought to temperature then seared at the end. It results in maximum flavor and juiciness. Serve it sliced with a rich sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin

Pot Roast Slow Cooker

A plate with shredded pot roast, cooked carrots, and whole potatoes, garnished with fresh thyme; slow cooker in background. — Pot Roast Slow Cooker. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

This dish cooks low and slow until the meat falls apart. Vegetables soak up all the rich juices as it simmers. It’s cozy and hearty, great for a laid-back holiday. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast Slow Cooker

Holiday Roast Beef on a Budget

This recipe uses a more affordable cut without sacrificing taste. It’s slow-roasted with garlic and rosemary until tender. Serve it sliced thin with gravy or horseradish cream. An easy way to feed a crowd affordably.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Roast Beef on a Budget

Southern mac and cheese

Close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese dish with melted, golden-brown cheese on top and a serving spoon lifting a portion. — Southern mac and cheese. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

This version is baked with layers of gooey cheese and creamy sauce. It has a firm texture with crispy edges. Every bite is rich and satisfying. A must-have side for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Southern mac and cheese

Cajun Turkey Recipe

A whole roasted turkey with a dark, crispy skin is served on a platter with parsley, surrounded by side dishes including green beans and mashed potatoes. — Cajun Turkey Recipe. Photo credit: Rose Bakes.

This turkey is rubbed with bold Cajun spices and roasted to juicy perfection. The skin crisps up with a smoky, spicy finish. Great for those who like a kick in their holiday meat. Serve with simple sides to balance the heat.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Turkey Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe

A slice of lasagna with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, topped with grated cheese and chopped parsley, served on a white plate. — Classic Lasagna Recipe. Photo credit: The Cooking Foodie.

Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese make up this lasagna. The sauce simmers with herbs for a deep, savory base. Baked until bubbling and lightly browned on top, it’s hearty and comforting. Everyone gets generous square slices that hold together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Classic Lasagna Recipe

Slow cooker bison roast

A white platter with braised meat, potatoes, carrots, and chickpeas, garnished with chopped herbs, on a white napkin with a candle in the background. — Slow cooker bison roast. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

This bison roast cooks low and slow until fork‑tender. The lean meat absorbs savory aromatics and broth as it simmers. It’s rich in flavor with a rustic appeal. Serve with the braising liquid spooned over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Slow cooker bison roast

Butter Roasted Turkey with Garlic and Herbs

A whole roasted chicken garnished with rosemary sits in a glass dish, surrounded by lemon wedges, on a patterned cloth. — Butter Roasted Turkey with Garlic and Herbs. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

This turkey is slicked with garlic‑herb butter before roasting for great browning. Aromatics like thyme and rosemary seep into the meat as it cooks. The result is juicy breast meat and deeply flavored dark meat. Carve it on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Butter Roasted Turkey with Garlic and Herbs

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

Sliced and whole prime rib roast on a wooden cutting board, garnished with fresh rosemary, parsley, and accompanied by garlic cloves. — Herb-Crusted Prime Rib. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

This prime rib roast gets a coarse herb and garlic crust that crisps in the oven. Inside, the beef stays tender and juicy. The aromatic crust adds savory bites with each slice. Serve it with au jus or horseradish sauce.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

Pork tenderloin

Simple and quick to cook, this pork tenderloin stays juicy with a light sear. You can season it with herbs, spices, or a glaze. It’s a versatile cut that pairs well with many sides. Slice it into medallions for easy serving.
Get the Recipe: Pork tenderloin

Grilled Filet Mignon

Two grilled steaks topped with herb butter, served with green beans and a baked potato on newspaper, with a knife and fork nearby. — Grilled Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Jerkyholic.

Filet mignon is lean and tender, perfect for grilling. A quick sear on high heat locks in juices and builds a crust. Cook it to your desired doneness then rest before serving. It’s a classic steak choice for a refined dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Filet Mignon

Oven roasted turkey with butter and herbs

A whole roasted turkey garnished with fresh rosemary is served on a white platter with glasses of white wine and a red apple in the background. — Oven roasted turkey with butter and herbs. Photo credit: The Moody Blonde.

This turkey is roasted with butter rubbed under the skin and herbs tucked inside. The butter keeps the meat moist and the herb notes shine throughout. The skin crisps to a golden color. It’s a traditional holiday centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Oven roasted turkey with butter and herbs

Garlic And Orange Christmas Chicken

Whole roasted chicken garnished with pomegranate seeds, orange slices, parsley, and rosemary on a white platter, surrounded by garlic, oranges, and a gray napkin. — Garlic And Orange Christmas Chicken. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

This chicken pairs bright orange with savory garlic for a festive flavor profile. Citrus juices seep into the meat while roasting. The garlic browns slightly and builds a fragrant aroma. It’s a lively twist on roast chicken for holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic And Orange Christmas Chicken