The holiday season is here, and planning your Christmas menu can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy dinner, these 5 Xmas menu ideas are perfect for creating a magical meal. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got your Christmas feast covered!
1. Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Mix butter, herbs, and garlic in a bowl. Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread the mixture underneath and on top.
Season the turkey with salt and pepper.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan and pour chicken broth into the pan.
Roast for 3-3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Helpful Note:
Pair this with cranberry sauce and stuffing for a classic Christmas touch.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Place ham in a roasting pan. Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves in a bowl.
Brush the glaze all over the ham. Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
Remove the foil, baste with more glaze, and bake for another 30 minutes.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Note:
Save the drippings to make a delicious sauce for serving!
3. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Drain and mash the potatoes until smooth.
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese, then mix into the mashed potatoes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Helpful Note:
For an extra kick, top with chopped chives or crispy bacon bits.
4. Christmas Vegetable Medley
Ingredients:
2 cups baby carrots
2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss vegetables with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Helpful Note:
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor before serving.
5. Gingerbread Trifle
Ingredients:
1 box gingerbread cake mix (baked and cubed)
2 cups vanilla pudding
2 cups whipped cream
1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Layer gingerbread cake cubes, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream in a trifle dish.
Repeat layers until the dish is full.
Top with crushed cookies and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Helpful Note:
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor.
These 5 Xmas menu ideas will make your Christmas celebration truly special. Try them all or mix and match to suit your taste. Wishing you a merry and delicious holiday season!
