Everyone worries about their Christmas dinners and breakfasts so much that Christmas lunch tends to get overlooked. The perfect Christmas breakfast ensures you start your day right. It sets the tone for the whole day. Christmas dinner is the crowning achievement of the evening. These Christmas lunch ideas can ensure your midday meal is just as impressive. Fortunately, most of these recipes are pretty quick and easy to fix. That makes them even more appealing. After all, who wants to try to cook three elaborate meals on the same day? No one! And with these Christmas lunch ideas, you won’t have to. They’re still drool-worthy, though!
1. Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham
Sweet and tangy, thick and succulent – that’s what you’ll get with this oven-roasted cranberry-Dijon glazed ham. It’s tender and juicy and covered in a thick, flavorful sauce. Best of all, you’ll need fewer than ten ingredients to make it. It only takes 10 minutes of prep work, too! Slow roast it in the oven for a couple of hours, and you’re all set. It’s actually delicious enough to be the main course for Christmas dinner, too.
2. Festive Winter Salad
There’s nothing I love more than a colorful, flavor-packed salad. This one is a sweet and savory masterpiece. It combines your favorite salad base and roasted nuts with brighter, sweeter ingredients. (Pomegranate arils, pears, etc.) The light, citrusy dressing tops it off perfectly.
3. Easy Plum and Ginger Roasted Duck
This lovely golden-brown duck is a genuine Christmas treat. It requires only a handful of ingredients and tastes wonderful. The skin is thin and crispy. The glaze is sweet and perfectly spiced, with a slightly ethnic flair. So if you’re looking to branch out this Christmas, this could be a good option.
4. Christmas Roast Duck With Cranberry-Orange Glaze
Craving roast duck but want festive holiday flavors? This one may be the better choice. It incorporates all your favorite holiday flavors. There are cranberries, oranges, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and more. It has a wonderfully robust, full taste – there’s just so much in every bite. Additionally, it’s gorgeous. It’ll make a lovely centerpiece for your Christmas table.
5. Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken & Biscuit Sandwiches
I adore recipes that are simple to make but still wow the crowd. That’s why this one is one of my favorites. Imagine your favorite breakfast restaurant. Then think about the best chicken biscuit you’ve ever had there. Now, cover it in sweet and sticky honey. Oh yes. That’s precisely what this recipe is. Can’t you just taste it now?! I promise not to judge you if you work this into your weekly rotation. (A few times a week even.)
6. Cuban Sliders
If you’ve ever had a Cuban sandwich, you know how good they are. They’re meaty, filling, and insanely flavorful. These sliders are miniature versions of the real thing. They pack all of that heartiness and flavor into lunch or appetizer-sized portions. Plus, you can whip up a dozen in about 35 minutes. Christmas lunch doesn’t get much easier than that!
7. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin With Apple & Rice Stuffing
Want something that looks as phenomenal as it tastes? This stuffed pork loin recipe is sure to turn heads. You’ll love its crisp, colorful exterior and the tender white meat inside. Once you get down to the rice-based stuffing, it’s all over. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone who sees and tastes it. It’s savory, salty, and spectacularly scrumptious. You won’t have to worry about storing leftovers once you bring it to the table.
8. Brussels Sprout Salad
Do you like extra crunchy salads? If so, you need to start using Brussels sprouts as your base STAT. I’m 100% serious. People often overlook Brussels sprouts, especially for salads. However, they not only taste great, but they also have the most satisfying crunch. You can use them as a salad base for any salad. This particular one is colorful, festive, and full of holiday flavors. It features apples, pomegranate arils, cranberries, and more. It’s the ultimate holiday salad.
9. Cozy Chicken Pot Pie
There is nothing more comforting than a freshly baked pot pie. An ex of mine’s mother used to make these every Christmas. I don’t miss the ex, but I do miss those soul-warming pot pies. That’s why I had to figure out how to make them myself. This recipe was the key. It takes a bit of time to get them right, but they’re entirely worth it. This recipe allows you to make one large pot pie or four individuals. I recommend the miniature ones. There’s nothing nicer than having your own pot pie. That way, no one has to argue over who gets the best parts of the crust.
10. Vegan Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Bake
This dairy-free, vegan pasta is a quick and tasty lunch option for any occasion. You can break it out for Christmas if you like. However, it’s just as nice on a lazy Saturday afternoon. It’s creamy and garlicky, with tender pasta and a cheesy finish. (Don’t worry; the cheese is vegan, too!) Everyone will love it – kids and adults alike.
11. Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells
Pesto cheese stuffed shells are cheesy, herby, and yummy. They’re pretty decadent for lunch. But hey! If you can’t be a little indulgent on a holiday, when can you be? The shells are soft and chewy. The tomato sauce gives them a bright, zesty flavor. And best of all, you won’t have to worry about leftovers.
12. Spicy Sesame Chicken and Ginger Rice
This sweet-n-spicy chicken tastes like something from your favorite Chinese takeout joint. It’s a sticky, saucy treat on top of fluffy, spicy rice. It’s a quick, 30-minute meal that’ll save you a lot of hassle for Christmas lunch.
13. Guacamole Salad
I have so many adjectives to describe this guacamole salad recipe. Bright, fresh, colorful, light, delectable – all of these words apply. It uses fewer than ten ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to make. Plus, there’s no cooking involved, just cutting and mixing. Serve it with fresh, crispy tortilla chips for a zingy, zippy side dish.
14. Roasted Cranberry Chicken
Roasted cranberry chicken might be the prettiest dish on this entire list. The crisp skin is a gorgeous golden brown. Also, the bright red cranberries add a lovely splash of color. Mix in the fresh green sprigs of herbs, and it almost looks like art. Fortunately, it also tastes spectacular. If any meal could get you onto Top Chef, it would be this one. That’s how pretty and delicious it is.
15. Roasted Butternut Squash
Do you know what these are? They are roasted orange chunks of YUM. Forget roasted potatoes; they’ve got nothing on butternut squash. This perfect side dish is sweet and earthy with an incredible caramelized exterior. Caramelizing the pieces gives them a better taste and an unbeatable texture. Want a veggie so good that even the kids won’t argue about eating it? Roasted butternut squash is the way to go.
16. Vegan Chili with Beans and Millet
This vegan chili is dense, chunky, and flavorful. Its texture and flavor are downright meaty, even though there’s no meat in the dish. You’ll add things to this chili that you’ve probably never thought of before. I’m not just talking about millet and celery. I mean the red wine and chocolate. Yes, chocolate. It gives the chili a warm, rich flavor, unlike any chili you’ve ever tried. It’s spicy, tasty, and healthy – packed to the brim with veggies. Serve it by itself or as part of a larger meal. Either way, people will appreciate it. They won’t even care that it’s vegan; many likely won’t notice.
17. Christmas Fruit Salad
This stunning fruit salad is almost too pretty to eat. Luckily, I’ve never let that stop me, and neither should you! It’s a sweetly tart mix of fruit and Greek yogurt. Add some granola and pistachios for crunch, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone wants to try.
18. Pesto Caprese Sandwich
I love Caprese anything – salads, skewers, sandwiches. It doesn’t matter what form it comes in; Caprese equals delicious to me. These fresh, light sandwiches are an easy, no-cook lunch option. You’ll simply mix up the basil pesto and assemble the sandwich. It shouldn’t take you longer than 20 minutes. *Note: These also make a fantastic lunch box option for the kiddos. They’re nutritious and taste terrific. Just be sure you slip an ice pack in with them to keep them fresh.
19. Croque Madame
Croque Madame is a fancy name for a superb ham and cheese sandwich. It’s a hot ham and cheese sandwich covered in Bechamel sauce and Gruyere. A bit of forewarning, though. Once you try it, a regular ham and cheese sandwich will never suffice again.
20. Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Try these if you prefer turkey to ham. You’ll prepare the turkey filling and cook it in the slow-cooker. Doing so infuses it with a ton of robust flavor from the beer, butter, and onion soup mix. Once it’s ready, load it onto your favorite bread or rolls. You won’t be disappointed.
21. One-Pan Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
One-pan meal recipes are always welcome in my house. Like most people, I appreciate anything that makes the cooking process simpler. This one is more than just convenient, though. It’s also lip-smackingly good. It’s thick and hearty, with a savory taste and plenty of gooey cheese. Plus, it’s also nutritious and vegetarian-friendly. That way, practically anyone can enjoy it. (Unless they’re on the keto diet; it’s pretty carby.)
22. Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Sheet pan meals are like one-pan meals in their simplicity. This one features sweet and garlicky honey balsamic chicken. There are also lots of tender, herby veggies. It’s a complete meal all in one pan. Make enough for the whole family in less than an hour.
23. Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
This seven-ingredient mac-n-cheese is the same kind your gramma used to make. It’s unbelievably cheesy and so gooey and creamy. It’s the kind of macaroni you don’t even have to chew. It basically melts on your tongue once you put it in your mouth! Best of all, you probably have everything you need to make it in your kitchen right now.
24. Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
I’m not sure what’s softer in this recipe – the bread or the pimento cheese spread. This pimento cheese isn’t like the kind you buy at the store. It’s light, fluffy, airy, and incredible. It has all the brilliant flavors of superb pimento cheese. However, the texture is ten times better than any you’ve ever had. Typically, pimento cheese spread is kind of lumpy. This one feels more like biting into a cloud. Trust me; you’re going to love it.
25. Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole
This cheesy squash casserole is perfect for any meal. It includes lots of rich cheese, fresh squash and onions, and a crunchy cracker topping. It’s buttery, salty, and garden-fresh. Pair it with anything you like, or serve it by itself. It’s certainly filling enough to make a complete meal.
26. Leftover Skillet Turkey Pasta
This 40-minute pasta dish is a great way to use up leftover meat. (Chicken or turkey work best, though you could experiment with anything.) It’s herby and tomatoey, with a fresh, bright taste and tender pasta. The juicy chicken (or turkey) is just extra in this dish. The pasta, veggies, and sauce are the real stars of the show.
27. Pesto Chicken Salad
Do you often find chicken salad spread too bland? If so, this recipe is the one for you. There’s nothing plain or mild about it. It features sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, and almonds. However, it’s the basil pesto that makes it so awesome. It gives it a bold, almost Italian flavor you’re sure to love.
28. Linguine with Lemon & Tomatoes
Looking for a light, bright pasta dish that won’t weigh you down? Check out this 35-minute linguine recipe. It takes just 5 minutes of prep and another 30 to cook. It’s meat-free and includes plenty of healthy veggies, pine nuts, and mozzarella. It’s Mediterranean fare at its finest. Everyone around the table will appreciate it.
29. Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
Rotel chicken spaghetti is a rich, decadent dish. It’s so addictively good that you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make. It’s cheesy, chickeny, and so creamy. You’ll need just six ingredients to make it, plus salt and pepper. It should be ready in less than an hour. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it tastes just as good the next day.
30. King Ranch Chicken Casserole
At a glance, this dish looks a lot like Rotel chicken spaghetti. This one, too, includes Rotel, but it adds several other ingredients. It’s just as rich and decadent as the recipe above. However, it features a slightly tangier, zestier flavor. Either way, you’re sure to love whichever you try. Click on a star to rate it!
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