36 Festive Dinners to Cook This Holiday Season.

Sharing 36 cozy and delicious holiday dinners today to help you find the perfect dishes to share with family and friends this season. This roundup has everything—from classics like my simple roasted beef tenderloin to festive pastas, easy slow-cooked roasts, and comforting winter favorites. If you’re looking for simple, delicious holiday dinner ideas to serve this December, you’ll definitely find something special here.

I can’t believe we’re already a third of the way through December. Like so many of you, I’m deep in planning mode. I’m trying to figure out the perfect recipes to make for my family this Christmas.

Everyone will be home soon—almost the entire crew! It’s going to be full, chaotic, and so much fun. With a house full of people, I’ve already started thinking about my menus and how to make this Christmas feel as magical (and delicious!) as possible.

This year, I’m focusing on simple recipes that feel special but don’t require a stressful amount of effort. Thankfully, I have years of holiday favorites to lean on to make this season both cozy and memorable.

Below, I’m sharing some of our most-loved dinners for the holidays. Beef tenderloin, roasts, festive baked pastas, big beautiful salads, and more. Truly, something for everyone.

Let me know what you’ll be adding to your holiday menu this year! I’m making something new—a baked ham! I’m actually so excited. Now I just have to decide…whole leg or something easier?

What are you cooking this holiday season?

Red Wine Braised Pot Roast

4.80 from 126 votes

6

A classic, warming, easy, and delicious one-pot meal that's great for weeknights and entertaining, too!

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Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce.

3.88 from 1723 votes

8 servings

A perfect meal to feed a crowd!

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Beef Enchilada Casserole

3.64 from 38 votes

6

An easy mix-and-bake weeknight casserole dinner made with beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and melty cheese…so simple, so good!

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Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

3.86 from 21 votes

6

Slow-cooked short ribs with red wine, herbs, and all the cozy flavors of the season. Elegant enough for Christmas, easy enough for weeknights!

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Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce

4.35 from 232 votes

6

My go-to fancy holiday dinner that impresses all. Beef tenderloin seasoned with fresh rosemary and garlic and served with a rich and creamy wild mushroom sauce. There’s nothing more elegant or delicious to serve family and friends this December!

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Dutch Oven Lasagna

2.50 from 28 votes

8

Dutch Oven Lasagna with rich ricotta sauce and hearty Bolognese. A comforting winter pasta made simple with my easy one-pot shortcuts.

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Crockpot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup

4.75 from 31 votes

6

A wonderfully cozy soup made in the crockpot or on the stove. A creamy lasagna-inspired soup!

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One-Pot Creamy Italian Lasagna Soup

4.84 from 36 votes

6

Sausage, spinach, cream, melty cheese, and broken noodles – all the lasagna vibes, none of the layering!

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One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni

4.14 from 680 votes

8

This One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni is for nights when you’re craving Italian, but you also need something simple and easy to prepare.

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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

4.38 from 40 votes

6

All the flavors of traditional chicken Parmesan, made simple in the crockpot. Comforting, cheesy, and the perfect cozy weeknight dinner!

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Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Potatoes

4.83 from 302 votes

6

Comforting + delicious, getting a slow-cooked meal on the table couldn't be easier!

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Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

4.38 from 2561 votes

6

30 mins, one-pot…this silky smooth, extra creamy pasta is the perfect cozy winter recipe for serving up to friends and family!

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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

4.99 from 131 votes

8

Simple to put together, healthy, and pairs perfectly with just about any meal!

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Creamy Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

4.92 from 34 votes

6

Vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and potato gnocchi in a creamy verde broth…perfect for an extra chilly night! 

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Brown Butter Pesto Lasagna

4.55 from 61 votes

8

A great meal for entertaining…make ahead and bake before guests arrive. Perfect for the holidays!

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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

4.63 from 1070 votes

6

An all-in-one meal for busy weeknights that's equally great for the holidays…quick, easy, hearty, and so delicious!

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Shredded Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Salad

4.26 from 478 votes

6

Quick, festive, easy to make ahead, and so delicious. Perfect for your next holiday gathering!

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Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala

4.33 from 1456 votes

4

The 30-minute skillet dinner that feels extra special!

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Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks

3.83 from 1980 votes

6

Made simply, each cute little potato stack is perfect and so delicious.

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One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo.

4.47 from 3352 votes

6

The perfect winter dinner…quick, easy, hearty, and delicious…a cherished all-in-one dinner!

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Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs

4.19 from 914 votes

6

Slow cooked short ribs in red wine with fresh herbs and sweet cranberries. They’re a one pot and done kind of dinner, festive, and totally delicious. Serve these over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and you’ll have the perfect dinner for a cold night in.

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Healthier Instant Pot Coq au Vin

4.16 from 1080 votes

6

For those cold fall and winter nights when you want a fancy slow braised chicken, but you want it ready in less than an hour. All made in the instant pot (or the slow cooker), using simple, wholesome ingredients you may already have on hand.

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Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce

4.89 from 52 votes

16

Feels elegant and fancy yet comes together in under an hour…sure to be loved by all!

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Creamy White Wine Mushroom Stuffed Shells

4.33 from 703 votes

8

A great make-ahead dish for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and upcoming holiday dinner parties!

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Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

3.96 from 1275 votes

6

My go-to "house" salad. Pairs perfectly with any meal…make it on repeat all winter long!

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One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake.

4.18 from 1476 votes

8

The ultimate cold weather comfort food. Think French onion soup, with the addition of pasta, a creamy sauce, and melty Gruyere cheese…so delish!

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30 Minutes Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs

4.21 from 800 votes

6

These 30 Minute Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs…with browned butter mashed potatoes. Best for cold fall and winter nights when you want a fancy slow-braised chicken, but you want it ready in less than an hour.

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Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath.

4.15 from 506 votes

10

The perfect pull-apart bread for all of your upcoming holiday dinners.

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Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread

4.41 from 455 votes

16

Soft, buttery, and SO delicious. Serve warm with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt + marinara for dipping!

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Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana.

4.35 from 1267 votes

6

This super simple Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana is the perfect cold-weather dinner…great for nights when I'm craving Italian, but want something warming too.

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Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey Parts

4.20 from 5 votes

8

Roast your holiday turkey in half the time without the stress…you'll get a perfectly cooked turkey every time!

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Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy.

4.36 from 1730 votes

8

It’s finally time for Turkey Talk!! I LOVE this herb and butter roasted turkey with white wine pan gravy.

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30 Minute Spicy Miso Chicken Katsu Ramen

4.37 from 1269 votes

4

Made in the instant pot or on the stove…best for when you're craving ramen, and need it fast!

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Ham and Cheese Sliders

4.89 from 18 votes

12 sliders

Cheesy, salty, crispy, and delicious…your new go-to easy appetizer for holiday parties this season!

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Beef Tenderloin Roast with Marsala Cream Sauce and Smashed Potatoes

4.94 from 15 votes

6

Everything feels elegant and fancy, but in reality, it comes together pretty effortlessly!

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Honey Butter Soft Pretzel Candy Canes

4.34 from 6 votes

8 rolls

The perfect rolls for all of your upcoming holiday dinner parties. Enjoy any leftovers for breakfast!

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4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

4.29 from 626 votes

6

An easy, delicious, and healthier way to enjoy pasta night!

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Lastly, if you make any of these 32 Festive Dinners to Cook This Holiday Season, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!