23 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas: Non-Traditional Holiday Meal Alternatives
Looking for an easy alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner? This list has got you covered! It’s full of simple recipes that still feel special without all of the stress or pressure of the typical turkey or ham dinner.
Easy Alternatives to the Traditional Christmas Dinner
We all know that the holidays are a very busy time of year.
And if you follow me, you know that I am all about simplifying the holidays while maintaining the magic.
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When it’s time to make the holiday dinner, we are often already exhausted and overwhelmed…not the best time to be cooking a difficult meal.
As a new mom, I remember feeling like I was missing out on the holidays because I was stuck in the kitchen preparing the meal while everyone was visiting and having fun.
After a few years, I realized it was because the traditional turkey or ham dinner simply took too much effort.
No matter how much I prepared in advance, the main course was either done too early or wasn’t ready when it was time to eat.
On top of that, my family isn’t obsessed with turkey or ham. In fact, there are many other foods that we all enjoy much more that don’t take nearly the amount of time or precision of a traditional Christmas dinner.
That’s when I decided to serve an alternative Christmas dinner. I began searching for easy recipes that would still feed a crowd and feel special without all the stress and worry.
Today I am sharing some of the best recipes I found with you!
23 Easy Christmas Dinner Alternatives
Ready to simplify your holiday dinner and enjoy spending time with your family instead?
You are going to love these easy alternatives to the traditional dinner that will save you time and stress.
This list is full of holiday meal ideas that you can cook in the crockpot or instapot as well as casseroles and crowd favorites that you can prepare an enjoy in a fraction of the time it would take to cook a turkey or ham.
Slow Cooker Roast Beef
Roast Beef is the perfect Christmas dinner alternative, served up with plenty of veg and red wine gravy to wow your family and friends!
Parmesan Chicken Casserole
Looking for something extra special to serve for Christmas dinner? You will love this ultimate Chicken Parmesan Casserole -- with a crispy, tender breaded chicken and al dente pasta topped off with a decadent marinara sauce and melted cheese. Not only is it delicious, but it's surprisingly simple to make!
Christmas Chile Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
These enchiladas use a combination of red and green sauce that is not only festive, but also delicious!
Make Ahead Holiday Ravioli Casserole
This creamy and cheesy ravioli casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for your holiday dinner.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
A delicious, moist turkey breast made in a fraction of time when cooked in the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. Seasoned just right, cooked to melt in your mouth perfection, and served with a gravy made right in the Instant Pot.
Warm Lentil & Kale Winter Salad (Vegan)
This tasty lentil and kale winter salad is a nutritious meal, with nutrient-rich vegetables, protein-filled lentils, hearty grains, succulent pomegranate seeds and other scrumptious ingredients. An indulgent yet healthy dish that will leave you feeling satisfied!
One-Skillet Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Impress your guests with this delectable and healthy pork tenderloin dish featuring the perfect combination of sweet apples, honey, and herbal rosemary. This incredibly simple yet sumptuous recipe requires minimal preparation for a memorable Christmas dinner.
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Slow Cooker Lasagna is an easy recipe for your Christmas Dinner. This hearty and flavorful meal consists of ground sausage and beef, fresh tomatoes, vegetables and a creamy cheese mixture - all brought together in one scrumptious slow cooker dish for you to enjoy after your busy day!
Braised Beef with Cranberries
This juicy braised beef recipe is so tender and flavorful! The gravy is infused with red wine, molasses, cranberries, and onions. It’s perfect for cold nights or holiday entertaining. The best news, it’s super easy to do!
Air Fryer Christmas Chicken
Trying to figure out what you are going to make for your festive gathering can be a stressful experience, with so many guests and dishes needing to fit in the oven. Thankfully, this delicious roast Christmas chicken is fast-cooking making it an ideal option for special occasions!
Christmas Tortellini Soup
If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner, soup is the way to go.
Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast
In a hurry to get Christmas dinner ready? This air fryer boneless turkey breast is the perfect solution. Juicy, tender and full of protein, you can have this savoury dish on the table in no time! All you need are 30 minutes and all your favourite sides for a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Balsamic Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Balsamic Slow Cooker Pot Roast! Easy, healthy make-ahead main dish recipe that takes 5 minutes of prep time!
Slow Cooker Pork Loin With Cranberry Walnut Relish
Create a festive meal with easy-to-make Slow Cooker Pork Loin With Cranberry Walnut Relish. The seasonal flavors and bright colors are perfect for holidays.
One-Pan Garlic Rosemary Beef Roast with Potatoes
Dazzle your family and friends this holiday season with this One-Pan Garlic Rosemary Sirloin Tip Roast and Potatoes. With its simplicity yet exquisite flavors, it's sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Instant Pot Pot Roast
Surprise your family or dinner guests with this simple yet delicious Instant Pot Pot Roast, made to perfection with carrots and potatoes. To top it off, you'll be serving a delectable homemade gravy that is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Christmas Night Lasagna
Lasagna makes for a great holiday dinner. It feeds a crowd, everyone likes it and you can prep it ahead of time.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Use the crockpot this Thanksgiving with this recipe for slow cooker turkey breast made with sage, lemon and white wine for a perfectly moist turkey breast.
Holiday Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta
Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta, this easy baked pasta will feed a crowd and perfect for a holiday meal.
Vegan Thanksgiving Wellington
Loaded with savory quinoa, garbanzo beans, and veggies then wrapped and baked in puff pastry, this holiday roast is loved by vegans and meat-eaters alike! Ready to serve in about an hour.
Brown Butter Scallops
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to prepare an elegant and delicious seafood entrée at home. Brown Butter Scallops—sea scallops pan-seared in butter—get their finishing touch from a flavorful brown butter sauce enhanced with garlic, capers, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a truly gourmet dinner!
Roasted Vegetable Pie with Puff Pastry
A roasted vegetable pie, made extra easy with puff pastry, is a great holiday main dish! With pumpkin, cauliflower, and parsnip, it’s a seasonal dish that can be made for Christmas dinner.
Holiday Brisket Pot Pie
Made with pre-cooked brisket you can purchase from the deli, this alternative Christmas dinner idea has all the flavors of the holiday, but is so easy to make.
There you have it! Over a dozen easy holiday dinner alternatives that everyone will love.
Looking for more holiday ideas? Read this next:
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Family Goal Setting Printable
Get your copy of this free, easy-to-use tool that fosters team spirit within your family. It’s perfect for sparking engaging discussions about goals and helps outline a clear, manageable action plan to turn dreams into reality.
