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?

4.79 from 114 votes

Red Wine Braised Pot Roast

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

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3.88 from 1722 votes

Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce.

A perfect meal to feed a crowd!

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3.62 from 31 votes

Beef Enchilada Casserole

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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3.86 from 21 votes

Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

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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4.35 from 232 votes

Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce

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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2.28 from 25 votes

Dutch Oven Lasagna

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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4.80 from 29 votes

Crockpot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup

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

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4.89 from 35 votes

One-Pot Creamy Italian Lasagna Soup

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

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4.14 from 680 votes

One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni

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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4.56 from 29 votes

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

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

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4.83 from 288 votes

Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Potatoes

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

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4.38 from 2558 votes

Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

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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4.99 from 131 votes

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

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

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4.91 from 33 votes

Creamy Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

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4.55 from 61 votes

Brown Butter Pesto Lasagna

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

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4.63 from 1054 votes

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

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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4.26 from 478 votes

Shredded Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Salad

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

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4.33 from 1452 votes

Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala

The 30-minute skillet dinner that feels extra special!

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3.83 from 1979 votes

Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks

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

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4.47 from 3329 votes

One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo.

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

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4.19 from 913 votes

Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs

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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4.16 from 1079 votes

Healthier Instant Pot Coq au Vin

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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4.89 from 52 votes

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce

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

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4.33 from 703 votes

Creamy White Wine Mushroom Stuffed Shells

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

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3.96 from 1275 votes

Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

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

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4.17 from 1473 votes

One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake.

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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4.21 from 800 votes

30 Minutes Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs

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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4.15 from 506 votes

Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath.

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

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4.41 from 455 votes

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread

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

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4.35 from 1264 votes

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana.

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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4.20 from 5 votes

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey Parts

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

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4.36 from 1729 votes

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy.

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

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4.37 from 1267 votes

30 Minute Spicy Miso Chicken Katsu Ramen

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

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4.89 from 17 votes

Ham and Cheese Sliders

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

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4.94 from 15 votes

Beef Tenderloin Roast with Marsala Cream Sauce and Smashed Potatoes

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

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4.34 from 6 votes

Honey Butter Soft Pretzel Candy Canes

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

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4.29 from 622 votes

4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

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!