Spin the wheel Christmas dinner ideas
One main dish, then the rest
Start with the main course, because it sets the oven schedule, the shopping list and the budget. The list mixes classics like ham, prime rib and roast turkey with options for people who want something different: lasagna, a mac and cheese bar, tamales or a soup and bread buffet. Several entries are vegetarian or vegan, so you can serve one guest well without cooking a second dinner.
For four people, a ham or turkey breast gives you leftovers without a week of sandwiches, and a prime rib roast of three to four pounds serves four. For 12, plan about one pound of bone-in meat per person, or half a pound if it is boneless. Casseroles like baked pasta stretch the farthest and can be assembled the day before.
Pick the dish first, then choose two or three sides, and one dessert. Anything that can go from the fridge to the oven on Christmas Day will save you a stressful morning.
What's on this wheel
- Honey glazed ham
- Prime rib roast
- Roast turkey with gravy
- Beef Wellington
- Vegetarian mushroom Wellington
- Baked pasta with three cheeses
- Lasagna for a crowd
- Herb roasted chicken
- Glazed salmon with lemon
- Stuffed pork loin
- Slow cooker pot roast
- Roast duck with orange sauce
- Lamb with rosemary and garlic
- Stuffed acorn squash
- Roasted cauliflower steaks
- Shrimp scampi with linguine
- Stuffed bell peppers
- Cornish hens for two
- Beef tenderloin with horseradish
- Sheet pan sausage and veggies
- Shepherd's pie
- Swedish meatballs and noodles
- Vegan lentil loaf
- Chicken pot pie
- Stuffed shells with spinach
- Crown roast of pork
- Beef stew in bread bowls
- Tamales for the family
- Baked ziti with sausage
- Roast goose with apples
- Turkey breast for a small table
- Eggplant parmesan
- Seafood paella
- Mac and cheese bar
- Meatloaf with glaze
- Chili and cornbread night
- Tacos with all the toppings
- Slow cooker pulled pork
- Homemade pizza night
- Soup and bread buffet
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Planning with a spin
- Look at Entries and delete anything that doesn't suit your guests, such as seafood for a guest with allergies.
- Press Spin to pick the main dish. Spin twice if you want a vegetarian second option.
- Write down the oven times, and check whether you need to defrost, brine or marinate a day or two before.
- Use Remove from wheel to cross out dishes you served last year, so the dinner feels new.
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Christmas dinner ideas questions
How much food do I need for 12 guests?
Plan around 1 pound of bone-in meat or half a pound of boneless per person, plus two to three sides. Add one more side than you think you need, since guests tend to pile on.
What's an easy Christmas dinner for 4?
A glazed ham, a roast chicken, or baked pasta with a salad. These can be prepped the day before, and a ham needs little attention while it heats.
What can I serve vegetarians?
Mushroom Wellington, stuffed squash, cauliflower steaks and lentil loaf are the strongest options. A good vegetarian main with its own gravy makes the whole table feel included.
How far ahead can I prepare?
Sauces, casseroles and desserts can be made one or two days before. Hold the roast itself until the day, and let it rest for 20 minutes before you slice.
What sides go with the main dish?
Pair a rich roast with one green vegetable, one starch and something bright, like a citrus salad or cranberry relish. Ham suits scalloped potatoes and green beans, and a mushroom Wellington goes well with roasted carrots and gravy.
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