18 Easy Christmas Recipes for Families
The smell of cinnamon and children's laughter – there's nothing like Christmas dinner with family! But the average family spends over 8 hours preparing their Christmas meal, leaving parents exhausted. As a mom of 5 kids, I've been there – frantically cooking while my children opened presents without me.
Creating magical Christmas memories doesn't require complicated recipes or culinary training. After years of holiday cooking with five little ones underfoot, I've learned simple ingredients and clever shortcuts transform your cooking from stressful to spectacular. These easy Christmas recipes for families help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories!
And while you're planning your holiday celebrations, don't forget to check out our Christmas crafts for kids to keep little hands busy while you cook, or browse our baby registry checklist if you're expecting a new addition to join your Christmas festivities. If you're planning a holiday gathering, you might also want to explore our fun Christmas party ideas to make your celebration extra special.
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.
Getting Started with Easy Christmas Recipes for Families
Quick Christmas Appetizers the Whole Family Can Make
I'll be honest – appetizers used to stress me out big time. You know that feeling when guests are arriving and you're still frantically chopping vegetables? Yeah, that was me every Christmas until I discovered these super simple appetizers that even my 8-year-old can help make.
The game-changer for me was realizing that impressive doesn't have to mean complicated. Take cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, for instance. You literally just spread cream cheese on a tortilla, sprinkle some dried cranberries and chopped green onions, roll it up, and slice. Five minutes of prep, and people think you're some kind of culinary genius!
Here are my go-to easy appetizers that never fail:
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels (5-minute prep)
4 large flour tortillas
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 green onions, finely chopped
Mix the cream cheese with cranberries and onions. Spread on tortillas, roll tight, and slice into rounds. The kids love helping with this one because there's no way they can mess it up!
Mini Sausage Rolls Using Store-Bought Pastry I used to make pastry from scratch until I realized nobody could tell the difference when I used the frozen stuff. Buy a package of puff pastry, wrap it around some seasoned ground sausage, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Done and dusted.
Christmas Tree Veggie Platter with Ranch Dip This one's more about presentation than cooking. Arrange broccoli florets in a tree shape on a large platter, use cherry tomatoes as ornaments, and yellow bell pepper strips as the trunk. Kids go crazy for this because it looks so festive, and honestly, it gets them eating vegetables without any complaints.
The trick with appetizers is having at least three different types ready to go. I always do one hot option (like the sausage rolls), one cold option (the pinwheels), and one that looks fancy but is actually super basic (the veggie tree). This way, you've got something for everyone, and if one recipe bombs – which has definitely happened to me – you're not scrambling.
Kid-Friendly Christmas Main Dishes That Actually Taste Amazing
Main dishes were my biggest challenge for years. I'd spend hours making some elaborate roast that half the family wouldn't even touch. Then I had this realization: why not make stuff that I know my family will actually eat?
The honey glazed ham changed everything for me. It's basically a set-and-forget method that makes you look like a holiday hero. You get a pre-cooked spiral ham (usually around 8-10 pounds), score the surface in a diamond pattern, and brush it with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pop it in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
Here's my exact honey glaze recipe:
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Mix it all together and brush on the ham every 30 minutes. The house smells incredible, and even picky eaters love it.
Christmas Crack Chicken in the Crockpot This recipe got its name because it's seriously addictive. I throw 3 chicken breasts, a packet of ranch dressing mix, a packet of onion soup mix, and 8 oz of cream cheese into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the chicken. Serve it over rice or in sandwich rolls. The kids call it "the good chicken," which is probably the best compliment I've ever gotten on my cooking.
Holiday Meatloaf Shaped Like a Christmas Tree Okay, this sounds fancy, but it's literally just regular meatloaf shaped differently. I use my standard meatloaf recipe (2 pounds ground beef, 1 egg, 1 cup breadcrumbs, and some seasonings), but instead of making it into a loaf, I shape it like a Christmas tree on a baking sheet. Brush it with ketchup mixed with a little brown sugar, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The kids think it's the coolest thing ever.
The secret to successful family main dishes is picking things that can sit for a while without getting ruined. Ham, slow cooker recipes, and casseroles are perfect because they stay warm and don't dry out if dinner gets delayed by present-opening or family shenanigans.
For more inspiration on creating the perfect holiday meal, check out our quick Christmas dinner ideas.
Stress-Free Christmas Side Dishes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Side dishes used to be where I'd completely lose my mind. I'd have like six different vegetables going at once, trying to time everything perfectly. Spoiler alert: it never worked. Now I stick to simple sides that can mostly take care of themselves.
Garlic Butter Green Beans (One Pan Wonder) This is hands-down the easiest side dish ever. Trim 2 pounds of fresh green beans, toss them in a large skillet with 3 tablespoons of butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. They come out perfectly crisp-tender every single time.
The beauty of one-pan sides is that there's less cleanup, which is crucial when you're already drowning in dishes. Plus, green beans are one of those vegetables that most kids will actually eat, especially when they're loaded with garlic butter.
Honey Roasted Carrots with Fresh Herbs Cut 2 pounds of carrots into sticks, toss with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until they're caramelized. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary at the end. Even people who claim to hate carrots end up going back for seconds.
Make-Ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes Here's where I'm gonna blow your mind: you can make mashed potatoes the day before Christmas. I use about 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, mash them with butter, cream cheese, and warm milk, then store them in the fridge overnight. On Christmas day, just reheat them in a slow cooker on low with a little extra milk. They taste exactly like fresh-made potatoes, but without the last-minute stress.
Quick Tips for Side Dish Success:
Use frozen vegetables when fresh ones are expensive or out of season
Season everything with salt and pepper first, then add other flavors
Don't be afraid to use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store
Roasting is almost always easier than stovetop cooking
The key is choosing sides that complement your main dish but don't require constant attention. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are fantastic because they can roast in the oven while you're dealing with other stuff.
No-Bake Christmas Desserts Kids Can Help Create
Desserts were always my weak spot until I discovered the magic of no-bake recipes. Seriously, why was I torturing myself with complicated layer cakes when I could make amazing treats without even turning on the oven?
Peppermint Bark (3 Ingredients of Pure Magic) This recipe has saved my bacon so many times. You need 12 oz white chocolate chips, 12 oz dark chocolate chips, and about 1/2 cup crushed candy canes. Melt the dark chocolate, spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, let it set for about 10 minutes, then repeat with the white chocolate. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top while the white chocolate is still soft. Refrigerate for an hour, then break into pieces.
The kids love crushing the candy canes – I just put them in a sealed bag and let them go to town with a rolling pin. It's like therapy for them, and they feel so proud when the bark is finished.
Christmas Cookie Balls (No Oven Required) These are basically cake pops without the sticks. I use a box of vanilla cake mix (don't judge me), mix it with one container of vanilla frosting, roll the mixture into balls, and dip them in melted chocolate. You can decorate them with sprinkles, crushed cookies, or whatever you have on hand.
The texture is incredible – like a cross between cake and fudge. And because there's no baking involved, the kids can help with every step without me worrying about anyone getting burned.
If you're looking for more traditional cookie recipes that kids can help with, don't miss our collection of easy Christmas cookie recipes.
Hot Chocolate Bombs DIY Tutorial These became huge during the pandemic, and for good reason – they're fun to make and even more fun to use. You'll need chocolate molds (I got mine on Amazon for like $8), melting chocolate, mini marshmallows, and hot chocolate mix.
Here's the basic process:
Melt chocolate and brush it into the molds
Let it set, then carefully remove the chocolate spheres
Fill half of them with cocoa powder and marshmallows
Warm a plate and use it to slightly melt the edges of the empty spheres
Press them together to seal
When you drop one into hot milk, it melts and releases all the goodies inside. The kids think it's actual magic, and honestly, it kind of feels like it.
The best part about no-bake desserts is that they're nearly foolproof. If something goes wrong, you can usually just melt it down and start over. Plus, they often taste better after sitting for a day, which means less last-minute stress.
Make-Ahead Christmas Recipes for Busy Parents
Let me tell you about the year I tried to make everything fresh on Christmas morning. It was a disaster of epic proportions. I was still cooking when we should have been opening presents, everyone was hangry, and I basically ruined Christmas. Never again.
Now I'm all about make-ahead recipes that let me actually enjoy the holiday instead of being stuck in the kitchen. The game-changer was realizing that most people can't tell the difference between something made fresh and something made ahead – as long as you do it right.
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Eggnog This recipe literally saved Christmas morning for our family. The night before, I cube up a loaf of challah or brioche bread and put it in a buttered 9x13 pan. Then I whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of eggnog, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and some vanilla. Pour it over the bread, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Christmas morning, I just pop it in a 350°F oven for about 45 minutes until it's golden and puffy. The bread soaks up all that custard mixture overnight, so every bite is incredibly rich and flavorful. Plus, the eggnog gives it this amazing holiday taste that regular French toast just can't match.
Freezer-Friendly Christmas Cookies (Batch Cooking Life Saver) I used to think fresh cookies were always better until I learned how to freeze cookie dough properly. Now I make quadruple batches of my basic sugar cookie dough in November, roll it into logs, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it.
My go-to sugar cookie dough recipe:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix it all together, divide into portions, and freeze. When you want fresh cookies, just thaw the dough for about 30 minutes, slice, and bake. They taste exactly like fresh-made dough, but you can have warm cookies ready in 20 minutes instead of spending an hour on prep.
Slow Cooker Mulled Cider (All Day Simmering) This recipe makes the whole house smell like Christmas without any effort from me. I combine 8 cups of apple cider, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 8 whole cloves, 4 cinnamon sticks, and some orange peel in the slow cooker. Set it on low and let it simmer all day.
The beauty is that people can serve themselves whenever they want, and it just gets better as it sits. I've had guests ask for the recipe every single time I make it, and they're always shocked when I tell them how simple it is.
Pro Tips for Make-Ahead Success:
Label everything with dates and reheating instructions
Don't make-ahead anything with fresh herbs – they get weird
Most casseroles freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
Always test a make-ahead recipe before the actual holiday
The key to make-ahead cooking is being realistic about what actually improves with time and what doesn't. Soups, stews, casseroles, and baked goods usually get better after a day or two. Fresh salads and anything with crispy toppings should be made the day of serving.
Budget-Friendly Christmas Recipes Under $20 for the Whole Family
Christmas dinner doesn't have to break the bank, though I'll admit it took me a few years to figure that out. I used to think I had to buy the most expensive everything to make it feel special. Turns out, it's more about creativity and presentation than expensive ingredients.
Hearty Christmas Soup Using Leftover Vegetables This soup has become a Christmas Eve tradition at our house. I use whatever vegetables are starting to look sad in my fridge – carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans – and turn them into something magical. The secret is starting with a good base of sautéed onions and garlic, then adding chicken or vegetable broth.
My basic formula:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4-6 cups mixed vegetables, chopped
6 cups broth
1 can diced tomatoes
Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves
Sauté the onion and garlic first, add the vegetables, then the broth and tomatoes. Simmer for about 30 minutes until everything is tender. The total cost is usually under $8, and it feeds our family of four with leftovers for lunch.
Rice and Bean Christmas Stuffed Peppers These look fancy but cost almost nothing to make. I buy red and green bell peppers when they're on sale (usually around $1 each), then stuff them with a mixture of cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cheese. The filling costs maybe $3 total, and you get six stuffed peppers.
The trick is cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water – it adds so much more flavor for basically no extra cost. I also add cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to make it taste more interesting than just plain rice and beans.
Affordable Christmas Cookie Recipe (Makes 4 Dozen) This recipe costs about $5 in ingredients and makes enough cookies for a small army. I use basic pantry staples: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and baking powder. The secret is making different variations from the same dough – half get rolled in cinnamon sugar, half get pressed with a fork for a crosshatch pattern.
Budget Cookie Dough Base:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter (buy it on sale and freeze it)
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
This dough is super forgiving, and you can add different mix-ins to make it seem like you made multiple types of cookies. Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts all work great.
Money-Saving Tips That Actually Work:
Shop your pantry first before buying anything new
Buy generic brands for baking ingredients – nobody can tell the difference
Use seasonal vegetables that are naturally cheaper in December
Make one expensive dish and fill in with cheaper sides
Double recipes and freeze half for next year
The biggest money-saver I've discovered is planning your menu around what's already on sale. Instead of deciding what to make and then shopping for it, I look at the store flyers first and build my menu around the deals.
It usually saves me 30-40% on my grocery bill, which leaves more room in the budget for Christmas gift ideas for kids and stocking stuffer ideas. Speaking of gifts, if you're looking for something special for the mom in your life, check out our Christmas gift ideas for mom or explore our DIY Christmas gift ideas for thoughtful, handmade presents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I prepare Christmas recipes for my family?
Most appetizers and desserts can be prepared 2-3 days ahead, while casseroles and baked goods freeze well up to one month before Christmas. Store properly wrapped items in the refrigerator or freezer, and always label with preparation dates.
What are the easiest Christmas recipes for kids to help with?
No-bake cookies, assembling appetizer platters, mixing ingredients for casseroles, and decorating pre-baked items are perfect for children. Focus on tasks that don't involve sharp knives or hot surfaces.
How can I make traditional Christmas recipes healthier for my family?
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use whole wheat flour in baking, add extra vegetables to casseroles, and reduce sugar by 1/3 in most dessert recipes without affecting taste.
What Christmas recipes work best for large family gatherings?
Slow cooker recipes, large casseroles, sheet pan meals, and recipes that can be doubled easily work best. Focus on dishes that can sit in warming trays or be served at room temperature.
How do I keep Christmas recipes warm during long family dinners?
Use slow cookers on warm settings, chafing dishes, or keep items covered in a low oven (200°F). Serve cold items like salads and desserts from the refrigerator just before eating.
Final Thoughts
Creating memorable Christmas meals doesn't require days in the kitchen or expensive ingredients. These easy recipes prove simple can be spectacular! From quick appetizers kids can help with to make-ahead desserts, you have everything needed for delicious holiday traditions.
Christmas magic isn't in complicated techniques—it's in shared laughter while cooking and satisfied smiles around your table. The simplest recipes often bring the most joy.
Start planning today: pick three recipes and begin meal prep this weekend. Your future self will thank you!
