Sharing some ideas for Christmas dinner and brunch recipes.
This year is coming back at breakneck speed and I’m trying to do everything in my power to avoid the last minute hassle. I started Christmas shopping early. I feel like the budget is less affected if you space things out too! – and I’m trying to plan and prepare as much as I can. Last year, I prepared a lot for Christmas dinner and found it a great pleasure. I think as moms we have a lot of tasks on our shoulders and the holiday season isn’t as fun if you spend it stressed and overwhelmed.
Christmas dinner and brunch recipes
Since I was thinking about ideas for Christmas brunch and dinner (both are at our house), I thought I’d share some sample recipes if you want to prepare ahead too. It’s worth mentioning here that I get all the meat for our Christmas parties from Butcher box. They have beef tenderloin, turkey, salmon and everything is of great quality.
What I’m cooking for Christmas
cranberry sauce
Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
Artichoke and Cracker Dip
A huge cheese board (I take food style seriously when it comes to a cheese board!)
Mashed sweet potatoes
Fall Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese, Spiced Walnuts, and Balsamic Dressing
Homemade sourdough (prepared in advance and frozen)
Christmas Cookies (I start baking early and freeze everything! We usually make these fingerprint cookies, mexican wedding cookies, mint bark, peanut butter flowersand sugar cookies)
mulled wine (THE BEST)
and the Pilot’s famous eggnog.
I’m going to prepare most of the food ahead of time, let Traeger work its magic on the turkey, and just enjoy snacking and spending time with our friends throughout the day.
More of our favorite Christmas recipes are here!
Christmas recipe ideas
Breakfast
Nana’s famous egg dish
This has been one of my favorite Christmas brunch dishes for SO long. It’s perfect to serve for any holiday, but I love making it on Christmas Day as a fun gift. Add some fresh pico de Gallo sauce and you’ll never eat it any other way.
Nana’s Creme Brulee French Toast
After Nana’s famous egg recipe, you’ll find her beloved Creme Brulee French Toast recipe. It is the perfect treat after breakfast casserole. The top is perfectly crispy and creamy, and the bottom is a crunchy, caramelized portion. Chef’s kiss!
The most perfect cinnamon rolls
Although this recipe is one overnight, it’s worth the wait. These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and have a gorgeous cream cheese frosting; They are really delicious. Plus, they make the perfect Christmas morning breakfast while you relax and watch everyone open their gifts.
sweet potato hash
This sweet potato hash is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. There are a couple of different ways to serve this meal on the morning of your vacation. You can enjoy it alone or top it with a super easy organic egg with a little sauce! Super delicious.
Baked egg with sweet potato, goat cheese and turkey bacon
If you are new here, I love egg dishes. They freeze well, are versatile, and are truly my favorite food! This healthier Christmas breakfast idea is filling and good for you! It’s a great way to really boost protein in a tasty way.
Egg Muffins with Turkey Bacon, Kale, and Cheese
If you have a larger variety, or even if you just want something quick and easy, these egg muffins are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, something about the fact that they are a muffin instead of a square cut from a plate just makes them “cuter.” Feel free to add and remove vegetables or meats as you wish!
Mediterranean egg bites
These egg bites are another great addition to your Christmas brunch ideas. They are similar to egg muffins, but are another great option to present on holiday mornings. It’s a good way to have a tasty, protein-rich breakfast, with a little less meal prep.
Apple and baked oatmeal pie with walnuts
This breakfast idea can seem It looks like a dessert because it is so sweet and tasty, but in reality it is perfectly appropriate to serve as breakfast. The look of baked oatmeal takes it from a sweet dessert to a customizable Christmas brunch recipe.
Lunch/dinner
Mexican style! We usually eat enchiladas, rice and beans at my dad’s house.
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to what you know. Enchiladas, rice, and beans are comfort food for me, which makes them perfect to include on the list! Vacations are about good food and good memories.
If you like Mexican style, try these chicken tacos with homemade tortillas!
If you’re picky about your tortillas like me (#noshame), then making your own is super easy and generally worth it. These chicken tacos with homemade tortillas are a great staple for a Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day snack.
Rosemary salmon with cranberry sauce (perfect for substituting turkey!)
If you’re not a big fan of turkey, you can still celebrate the holiday with rosemary salmon and cranberry sauce. It allows you to follow a healthier eating routine during the holidays, without feeling like you’re missing out on any of the savory dishes.
Gluten-free filling
You don’t have to stop enjoying stuffing during the holidays if you’re gluten-free, you just need an inclusive option! This recipe is delicious and doesn’t lose any of the flavors you might experience with other gluten-free alternatives.
Green Bean Casserole
A dairy-free, vegan, green bean casserole gluten free, and Does it have a creamy mushroom and cashew sauce topped with crispy baked onions? Sign me up. This recipe is so good that I sometimes take it off my Christmas brunch recipe itinerary just to make it on a regular night!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Sometimes you just need to break out the Instant Pot, even more so during the holidays. This macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and healthier than the typical macaroni and cheese recipe. It’s a staple when it comes to holiday meals.
Savory Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Bowls
This is another recipe that’s good enough to be a justified Christmas meal, but leans more toward the side of being protein-packed and healthier in comparison. Not to mention, who wouldn’t prefer to dine in a pumpkin bowl?
Desserts
raw chocolate cake
This raw chocolate cake is so good that when you’re done you’ll see finger marks on your cup… (No speaking from personal experience 😉). It’s just a simple mix of raw ingredients that are ready to eat after an hour in the freezer!
Mint bark with coconut oil
‘Tis the season for peppermint bark, but specifically this peppermint bark made with coconut oil. As nice as it is, I think my favorite part about this dessert is that it takes no time to make. It is a great Christmas themed gift.
Healthy Pumpkin Pie
This year you can enjoy a classic pumpkin pie, without dairy or refined sugar. This alternative uses maple syrup and coconut sugar to sweeten the dessert naturally. Something about knowing you’re eating healthier ingredients can make a dessert so much better.
Pumpkin Pie Brownies (OMG I need to make these again)
If you are new here, be careful when doing them, because No be able to stop This is one of my favorite desserts; Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it also uses healthy fats and protein, avoids refined sugar, and leaves dairy and grains behind.
Double Chocolate Paleo Gooey Cake
This is the most delicious, glorious, chocolatey cake I have ever tasted. Plus, it turns out it’s grain-free. and no eggs. The texture is not necessarily that of a cake, but it tastes the same. Also, if it’s basically nuts and chocolate, it’s technically just trail mix, right?
Crispy Almond Butter Truffles
These delicious little desserts pack a big punch in terms of flavor. They are practically everything good and sweet in the world, while still being free of added sugars and gluten. What more could we ask for?
Are you cooking this week? What’s on the menu? What is your all-time favorite Christmas dessert?
My grandma makes a bomb chocolate cake and I also love these cookie bars my mom makes called Grammies. I always say I’ll take one or two each day and then I’ll have 18,239.
It’s also worth mentioning that I FINALLY switched out our bakeware for a non-toxic option and I’m so happy I did it in time for all the holiday baking. Check it out here. For many more recipes for any occasion, check out my recipe list.
Have a good morning and see you later today!
xoxo
gina
