10+ Christmas Lunch Recipes to Delight Your Holiday Gatherings

Christmas is a special time filled with joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food.

Many families look forward to sharing a festive meal together during this holiday season.

Whether you’re planning a big Christmas feast or a simple lunch, you can find recipes that will delight your family and friends.

If you’re searching for ideas to make your Christmas lunch memorable, there are plenty of tasty options.

You can create a menu that caters to everyone’s tastes and preferences with various easy-to-follow recipes.

From savory dishes to light salads, you can make your holiday meal extra special.

1) Homemade Marinated Feta

Making homemade marinated feta is easy and adds a tasty touch to your Christmas lunch. You can enjoy it with bread, crackers, or salads.

Start by cutting feta cheese into cubes. Choose a good-quality feta for the best flavor.

In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, and a little chili for heat. You can also add lemon zest for a bright taste.

Place the feta cubes in a jar and pour the herb mixture over them. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for the flavors to develop.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces feta cheese
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, oregano)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut feta cheese into ½-inch cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, herbs, chili flakes, lemon zest, and black pepper.
3. Place feta in a jar and pour the olive oil mixture over it.
4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

2) Glazed Carrots with Maple Syrup

Glazed carrots with maple syrup make a delightful side dish for your Christmas lunch. The sweet and savory flavors pair well with any main course.

To prepare, start with fresh carrots. You can cut them into sticks or leave them whole for a rustic look.

Mix maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Brush this mixture over your carrots.

Roast the carrots in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Stir them halfway through to ensure even glazing.

The result will be tender carrots with a beautiful shine. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds carrots
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut carrots as desired.
3. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, olive oil, and salt.
4. Brush the mixture over the carrots.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.

3) Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food perfect for Christmas lunch. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a crunchy topping that everyone loves.

You can use different types of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor. Mixing these cheeses creates a deliciously gooey texture.

To make it even better, try adding breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish. You can also mix in veggies or protein to make it more filling.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cheeses, milk, sour cream, and seasoning.
4. Combine the macaroni with the cheese mixture.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and butter.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

4) Duck Fat Potatoes

Duck fat potatoes are a delicious treat for your Christmas lunch. They turn out golden, crispy, and full of flavor. Using duck fat gives the potatoes a unique richness that you will love.

To make these potatoes, start by choosing a starchy variety like russets. Toss them in duck fat and seasonings for an amazing taste. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 minutes.

Baste the potatoes every 15 minutes for extra crispiness. The result will be soft on the inside and wonderfully crunchy on the outside. These potatoes are sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 g) russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) duck fat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks.
3. Toss the potatoes with duck fat, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.

5) Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches are a delicious twist for your Christmas lunch. These treats are easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love the combination of spicy sausage and creamy cheddar cheese wrapped in soft dough.

To start, you can use store-bought dough or make it from scratch. The filling blends the warmth of sausage with the sharpness of cheddar. You can also add jalapeños for an extra kick.

These kolaches are perfect as appetizers or snacks. They can be enjoyed warm out of the oven or served at room temperature. Adding these to your holiday spread will surely impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 1 can crescent roll dough
• 1 cup cooked spicy sausage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the crescent dough and cut into triangles.
3. Place sausage and cheese on each triangle.
4. Roll them up and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

6) Melt-In-Your-Mouth Baked Salmon

This baked salmon recipe is a crowd-pleaser for your Christmas lunch. The fish comes out tender and flavorful, making it a great choice for your holiday table.

You will need fresh salmon fillets, butter, and herbs. The key is to bake at 375°F (190°C) for the perfect texture.

Start by seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper. Then, spread some melted butter on top. You can add your favorite herbs such as dill or parsley for extra flavor.

Place the salmon in a baking dish and cook it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork when done.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
3. Spread melted butter on top.
4. Add fresh herbs.
5. Place in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes.
6. Check for doneness; it should flake easily.

7) Garlicky Baked Lobster Pasta

Garlicky Baked Lobster Pasta is a delicious dish that brings a taste of the coast to your Christmas lunch. This pasta is creamy, rich, and loaded with tender lobster meat.

You’ll start by cooking your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While that cooks, melt some butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic to give it that amazing aroma. Add the lobster pieces, letting them cook just until they’re done.

Mix the cooked pasta with the lobster and some cream. You can top it with crunchy bread crumbs and sprinkle with parsley for added flavor. Bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until it’s bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or linguine
• Lobster tail
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Bread crumbs
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.
4. Add lobster pieces and cook until done.
5. Combine pasta, lobster, cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Place in a baking dish and top with bread crumbs and parsley.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

8) Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Caprese stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and simple dish for your Christmas lunch. They are filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, offering a burst of flavor.

Start by marinating the chicken breasts to enhance the taste. Then, carefully stuff them with the mozzarella and tomato slices. Baking the chicken at 375ºF (190ºC) ensures it stays juicy while the cheese melts perfectly.

This dish looks festive and is sure to please your guests. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
2. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut pockets into the chicken breasts for stuffing.
4. Fill each pocket with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
5. Place the stuffed breasts on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

9) French Onion Stuffed Chicken Breasts

French Onion Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious twist on a classic dish. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for a festive lunch.

To start, you will need to butterfly the chicken breasts for stuffing. Mix cream cheese, Swiss cheese, and some sautéed onions. Once your mixture is ready, fill each chicken breast and secure them.

Cook the chicken in the oven until it’s golden brown. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This dish pairs well with simple sides like a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp Au Jus gravy mix
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté the onions in olive oil until caramelized.
3. Mix cream cheese, Swiss cheese, and Au Jus with sautéed onions.
4. Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with the mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

10) Pavlova with Fresh Berries

Pavlova is a delightful dessert that is perfect for Christmas lunch.

Its crispy meringue shell is soft and light inside, making it a wonderful treat. Topping it with fresh berries adds color and flavor.

To make your pavlova, start by whipping egg whites until they form stiff peaks.

Gradually add sugar, and keep beating until it’s glossy. Then, bake it slowly at 250°F (120°C) until it’s crisp on the outside.

Once cooled, top your pavlova with whipped cream and a variety of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work well. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds adds extra festivity!

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.

3. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy.

4. Stir in vanilla and cornstarch.

5. Spoon the meringue onto a baking sheet in a circle.

6. Bake for 1 hour.

7. Let it cool completely.

8. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.

9. Spread cream on the cooled pavlova.

10. Top with fresh berries and pomegranate seeds.