Easy Holiday Menus

med105087_1209_holo_plateham.jpg

Forget long hours in the kitchen with complicated recipes. Make this Christmas dinner a no-fuss, unforgettable evening with these easy, elegant menus.

01 of 10

Classic Holiday Menu

med105087_1209_holo_plateham.jpg

Spread the joy with our classic holiday menu, a feast that's sure to dazzle. It's impressive and easy to achieve at the same time. In fact, you can start preparing the meal up to two days ahead.

Main
Brandied Ham

Side
Leek Gratin
Roasted Winter Vegetables
Spinach and Gruyere Souffle

Dessert
Glazed Chocolate Layer Cake

02 of 10

Quick Pork Roast Menu

med102552_1206_porkroast.jpg

This scrumptious pork roast is the highlight of any meal and is so simple to make, you'll spend more time with your family than in the kitchen.

Main
Bay-Leaf-Crusted Pork Roast

Side
Green Bean and Fennel Salad with Pecans

Butternut Squash, and Apple Puree

Dessert
Sticky Toffee Pudding

03 of 10

Christmas Roast Beef Menu

18edf02_e.jpg

This easy holiday dinner features a tender, moist roast beef and ends with a peppermint-flavored treat.

Main
Roast Beef with Caramelized Shallots

Salad
Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Side
Mashed-Potato Gratin

Dessert
Chocolate-Peppermint Cake

04 of 10

Classic Holiday Menu with a Kick

mld106339_1210_goose010.jpg

Holidays are a time for tradition -- and a few surprises, too. Here, we take classic french cocktails, popcorn, goose, and stuffing, and add a few flavorful twists.

Appetizer
Rosemary-Caramel Popcorn

Main
Crisp Goose

Side
Dried Cherry-Sourdough Stuffing

Cocktail
Manhattan Kir Royal

05 of 10

Easy Christmas Extravaganza

med103367_1207_ribroast.jpg

Skip seasonal stress with our step-by-step plan for a fabulously easy Christmas extravaganza. A juicy rib roast and seasoned potatoes cook at the same temperature to help you get this elegant meal on the table faster.

Main
Rib Roast with Rosemary-Garlic Potatoes

Side
Sauteed Peas and Red Onion
Frisee Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
No-Knead Dinner Rolls

Dessert
Chocolate and Nut Yule Log

06 of 10

Seasonal Holiday Menu

med104257_1208_downhome.jpg

A seasonal meal can be effortlessly festive: Try pork stuffed with fruit, plus tasteful accents. With layers of sweetened cranberries, buttery pound cake, and fluffy whipped cream, an easy trifle makes for a merry ending to a dazzling meal.

Main
Pork Loin with Dried-Fruit and Chestnut Stuffing

Side
Herbed Mushroom Custards
Celery Root and Potato Puree
Lemony Shredded Brussels Sprouts

Dessert
Cranberry Trifle

07 of 10

Easy Tenderloin Dinner

msledf_1203_horseradish.jpg

A meal featuring a one-hour beef tenderloin is a delicious (and effortless) indulgence for a celebratory occasion.

Main
Beef Tenderloin

Side
Potatoes Anna
Sauteed Swiss Chard

Dessert
Grand Raspberry Trifle

08 of 10

French Holiday Menu

boeuf bourguignon

Two French classics -- a beef stew cooked in wine and mini cream puffs -- play starring roles in this scrumptious feast.

Main
Boeuf Bourguignon

Side
Potatoes with Parsley

Salad
Watercress, Frisee, and Pear Salad

Dessert
Cream Puffs

09 of 10

Italian Holiday Menu

mld106339_1210_turkey011.jpg

This Christmas, toast to a flavorful holiday dinner with an Italian accent.

Appetizer
Pancetta-Wrapped Figs

Main
Turkey Breast

Side
Kale-and Sausage Stuffing
Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cocktail
Campari, Gin, and Orange

10 of 10

Easygoing, Elegant Holiday Menu

mld106339_1210_lambchops014.jpg

A seasonal celebration can hit all the appropriate notes and still feel sparkly instead of staid. Here, the classic vodka tonic gets a jolt of herbal intrigue, puff pastries are folded around artichoke hearts and cheese, and slender chops from a rack of lamb are dressed with a vibrant orange-juice sauce and surrounded by a passel of fingerling potatoes.

Appetizer
Artichoke Turnovers

Main
Oregano and Orange Rack of Lamb with Caramelized Fingerling Potatoes

Cocktail
Rosemary Vodka Tonics

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles