10+ Christmas Recipes for a Crowd: Delicious Dishes to Share with Family and Friends

When hosting a big Christmas gathering, planning the menu can feel overwhelming. Finding delicious recipes that can satisfy a crowd is key to making your celebration memorable and enjoyable. From appetizers to desserts, there are countless options that will please every palate.

Whether you are preparing for a small family gathering or a large festive feast, having a variety of recipes on hand is helpful. You’ll want to create dishes that are not only tasty but also appealing and easy to serve. Embrace the spirit of the season with recipes that bring everyone together and leave a lasting impression.

Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Herb-crusted beef tenderloin is perfect for your holiday gathering. This dish not only looks impressive but also tastes amazing. You will love the blend of fresh herbs that brings out the meat’s flavor.

Start with a beef tenderloin, trimmed to keep it tender. Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This helps it cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

For the herb crust, mix together rosemary, thyme, and garlic with olive oil. Spread this mixture over the tenderloin, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare.

Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Serve the beef with some sides, and enjoy a delicious holiday meal!

Ingredients

• 4 lb beef tenderloin
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Let the tenderloin sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
3. Mix herbs and garlic with olive oil.
4. Coat the tenderloin with the herb mixture.
5. Roast for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

2) Gingerbread Trifle

Gingerbread trifle makes a perfect dessert for your holiday gatherings. This layered treat combines soft gingerbread, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. The spiced aroma brings a festive feel to any event.

You can prepare this dessert ahead of time. Layer the gingerbread with vanilla pudding and whipped cream in a large dish or individual cups. You can even top it with gingersnaps for added crunch.

The taste is a sweet delight, making it a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties. Your guests will love the combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 gingerbread cake (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups vanilla pudding
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Gingersnap cookies (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the gingerbread cake according to the recipe or package instructions.
2. Whisk together the vanilla pudding mix with milk until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, layer pieces of gingerbread, pudding, and whipped cream.
4. Drizzle caramel sauce between layers.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
6. Top with crushed gingersnap cookies before serving.

3) Maple-Glazed Ham

Maple-glazed ham is a festive dish that your guests will love. It combines the sweet flavor of maple syrup with a touch of tang from Dijon mustard. This balance makes the ham delicious and perfect for any holiday gathering.

You can easily prepare this recipe with just a few ingredients. The ham stays juicy and tender, especially with the bone in. The glaze creates a beautiful, caramelized crust that adds visual appeal to your table.

To serve, slice the ham and arrange it on a platter. You can pair it with sides like mashed potatoes or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Bone-in ham
• Pure maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Score the surface of the ham and brush the glaze all over it.
4. Bake the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally.
5. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

4) Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon make a tasty side dish that everyone will love. The combination of crispy bacon and tender, caramelized sprouts is hard to resist.

To prepare, start by rinsing your Brussels sprouts and trimming the ends. This helps them cook evenly. You can slice them in half if you prefer smaller pieces.

Cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy. Save a little bacon fat for flavor. Toss the Brussels sprouts in olive oil and the reserved bacon fat. Then, add salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet. Roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown.

The bacon can be crumbled and added on top before serving. It adds a delicious crunch to the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 4 strips of bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse and trim the Brussels sprouts.
3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy and set aside.
4. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread them on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving.

5) Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash casserole is a wonderful dish for holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a favorite. This recipe is not only tasty but also simple to prepare.

To start, you’ll need peeled and chopped butternut squash, parsnips, olive oil, fresh sage, and salt. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.

Cook the butternut squash until soft, then mash it. Mix it with other ingredients and pour it into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.

This casserole brings warmth and color to your Christmas table. Everyone will enjoy the cozy flavors, making it a great addition to your crowd-pleasing recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook butternut squash until soft, then mash it.
3. Mix in parsnips, olive oil, sage, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 45 minutes until set.

6) Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Eggnog cheesecake bars are a delightful treat for your holiday gatherings. They combine the creamy taste of cheesecake with the classic flavor of eggnog. This dessert is sure to impress your guests.

To make them, start with a simple graham cracker crust. Mix the crumbs with sugar and butter, then press it into a baking dish. For the filling, blend cream cheese, sugar, and eggnog for a smooth, creamy texture.

Bake the bars in a water bath to keep them moist. Let them cool before slicing into squares for serving. These bars can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 cup eggnog
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and ¾ cup sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggnog and eggs; mix until well blended.
6. Pour the filling over the crust.
7. Bake in a water bath for 30–35 minutes.
8. Let cool before slicing into squares.

7) Cranberry-Orange Punch

Cranberry-Orange Punch is a bright and festive drink perfect for holiday gatherings. This punch combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges, making it refreshing and appealing to many.

To make it special, you can add ginger ale for a bubbly touch. It’s easy to prepare and can be served with or without alcohol. Guests will love the garnishes of fresh cranberries and orange slices.

You can prepare it in a large punch bowl, ensuring there’s enough for everyone. Just mix the juices, add the soda, and stir gently. It can be made ahead of time and chilled until serving.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 4 cups ginger ale (or sparkling wine)
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice and orange juice.
2. Just before serving, add ginger ale.
3. Stir gently to mix.
4. Add ice cubes.
5. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices.

8) Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish perfect for any holiday gathering. The creamy texture combined with the rich flavor of garlic makes them a favorite at the table.

You can easily adjust this recipe to feed a crowd. Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re tender. Then, mash them to your desired consistency.

Mix in butter, cream, and minced garlic for that wonderful flavor. Adding herbs or cheese can give your potatoes an extra twist.

These garlic mashed potatoes pair well with many main dishes and add warmth to your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of potatoes (such as Yukon Gold)
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water (about 1 inch) for 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add butter, cream, and minced garlic.
5. Mash to your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Baked Brie with Cranberries

Baked Brie with cranberries is a delicious and simple dish perfect for holiday gatherings. You’ll love the combination of creamy cheese and sweet-tart cranberries that melt together beautifully.

To make this appetizer, you need a wheel of Brie cheese. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and score the top in a crisscross pattern. This helps the toppings soak in and the cheese to melt nicely.

Next, spread your favorite cranberry sauce over the Brie. You can also add nuts for extra crunch, like walnuts or pecans.

Bake the Brie in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden and gooey.

Serve it warm with crackers or sliced bread for dipping. Your guests will be impressed!

Ingredients

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese
• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern.
4. Spread cranberry sauce over the cheese.
5. Sprinkle with nuts, if using.
6. Bake for 15 minutes until gooey.

10) Spiced Hot Chocolate

Spiced hot chocolate is a delightful treat, perfect for gatherings. The warm flavors of spices add a cozy touch. You can make it in a large batch to serve your guests.

Start with 1 gallon of whole milk and 2 cups of heavy cream. Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. For spices, include cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves to create that festive flavor.

Heat the mixture on medium until it’s warm, stirring regularly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil. Once it’s combined, serve it hot with whipped cream on top.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder.
2. Heat on medium until warm, stirring regularly.
3. Once the mixture is warm, add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and stir well.
4. Serve hot with whipped cream if desired.