21 Traditional Christmas Food Ideas for Your Dinner Party

‘Tis the season to join loved ones around a table and feast on a delicious home-cooked meal. Every family has its tried-and-true family recipes, but there are some dishes you’re likely to find in most homes. These traditional Christmas food ideas may even get you inspired to start preparing for this coming holiday.

Traditional Christmas main dishes

These are the dishes you’re bound to find at the center of dinner tables around the country.

1. Roasted turkey

It’s no surprise that turkey is the star of the traditional Christmas dinner in North America. There are dozens of ways to cook this bird to perfection, but a long slow roast is by far the most popular. It’s certainly worth the time and effort.

2. Glazed ham

Ham is another traditional main dish served at Christmas dinner. The secret to getting it right is making a glaze that is both flavorful and crispy when it comes out of the oven.

3. Slow-roasted brisket

Brisket is also a mainstay at many family’s dinner tables. When cooked properly, it becomes tender, juicy, and packs a powerful flavorful punch.

4. Roast beef

Who could forget roast beef? It’s especially popular in England and Ireland and has made its way to the United States. It’s delicious right out of the oven and makes great leftovers to be enjoyed throughout the week.

5. Codfish

Eating codfish on Christmas Eve is a tradition in many southern European countries and in Italian-American homes alike. It’s one of the most popular delicacies enjoyed during the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a celebration of seafood.

Traditional Christmas side dishes

For many, Christmas dinner is all about the side dishes. And judging from this long list, they’re not wrong.

6. Roasted potatoes

Roasted potatoes are the most often served side at Christmas. It’s not hard to see why: you can flavor them in dozens of different ways, and they complement the main dish every single time—be it meat or fish.

7. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a close second. Because they’re not too intense in flavor, they let the main dish shine. Yet, their creaminess adds interest to the meal.

8. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a more complex flavor profile, and so have conquered a spot on the traditional Christmas dinner table. 

9. Scalloped potatoes

Once again, potatoes have gained another spot on this list. This time, sliced finely and broiled in a rich, creamy sauce.

10. Stuffing

Stuffing is yet another important part of Christmas dinner for most families. It pairs well with a juicy roast turkey and all the other side dishes and sauces often served on the holidays.

11. Green beans

To add some green to your plate, don’t forget to serve green beans. If you season them right, they will be the vegetable everyone reaches for.

12. Carrots

Carrots also make your plate look more colorful. More often than not, they’re served roasted full of nutty notes. To switch things up, top them with parmesan and garlic.

13. Brussels sprouts

Roasting and slightly charring this humble vegetable brings out the most unique flavors. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to brighten up the dish and serve alongside all your other favorite sides.

14. Gravy

Of course, Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be the same without gravy. It cuts out the dryness roasted meat can sometimes have and ties all the flavors on your plate together.

15. Cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce does much of the same as gravy, only it’s sweet. Whether you’re making your own from scratch or buying it from the store, cranberry sauce balances out flavors and makes meals more interesting.

Beloved Christmas desserts

There’s always room for dessert, even after an indulgent meal, right?

16. Panettone

Panettone is an Italian sweet bread made with raisins and candied fruit. It’s tall, light, and fluffy. It quickly made its way into American homes, where it can be found during the holiday season.

17. Gingerbread baked goods

Gingerbread cookies and gingerbread houses are cornerstones of Christmas celebrations. Lightly spiced and soft on the inside, they’re had to resist. You can make your own or buy them from the store.

18. Christmas pudding

Christmas pudding is most popular in Great Britain and Ireland, but also in the United States. It’s made with candied fruits, fresh apples, nuts and almonds, brown sugar, brandy, and a lot more.

19. Yule log

Enjoyed all over Europe, yule logs are a fun and delicious mainstay of Christmas. This chocolate-and-cream cake is rolled and shaped into a log and sometimes sprinkled with powdered sugar.

20. Fruitcake

Although fruitcakes don’t enjoy the best reputation, they’re still a traditional Christmas dessert. In fact, they’re quite delicious if you get one that’s been made well. And, if you find them too dry, here’s a simple tip: toast a slice and spread a thin layer of butter on it—it instantly tastes better.

21. Christmas trifle

The last dessert on this list is a Christmas trifle. Everything about it is delicious: the cake or sweet biscuit on the bottom, the custard and cream, and the fruit and jam layers. How could anyone resist it?

Skip the grocery trip and just focus on the planning

Christmas is a busy day at grocery stores. Who wouldn’t want to avoid them if they could? Whereas before you had to brave the queues and rush traffic, now you can order everything you need online via Instacart. With just a few clicks, your groceries could be at your doorstep, thanks to same-day delivery. This way, you don’t need to leave the house and can instead focus on planning your holiday meal.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Butterball Whole Turkey Grade A, Frozen (26-28 lb) (per lb)

Hatfield Ham, Uncured, Original (32 oz)

California Olive Ranch Golden Sweet Potato (1 lb bag)

Bell's Stuffing, Traditional (6 oz)

Bauducco Panettone, Original, with Candied Fruits and Raisins (26.2 oz)

Fosters Traditional Foods Classic Christmas Pudding (16 oz)

Chocolate Yule Log Cake (32 oz)

English Trifle Parfait Cups (each)

Instacart

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.