Christmas is coming up SO FAST! But I don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen so Today I thought I’d share a simple menu plan …

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6 Easiest Christmas Dinner Recipe Ideas

As the holiday season rolls around, the joy of Christmas dinner preparation can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, hosting a festive feast doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are six of the easiest Christmas dinner recipes that are sure to impress your guests without causing you stress.

1. Herb-Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and drizzle olive oil, rubbing it all over the skin.
3. Season the chicken generously with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Place lemon wedges inside the cavity for added flavor.
5. Roast in the oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
6. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, combine milk and minced garlic; heat until warm.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the garlic milk and butter.
4. Mash until creamy and well mixed. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm, topped with additional butter if desired.

3. Green Bean Almondine

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for about 4 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add almonds. Toast until golden brown.
3. Add the drained green beans to the skillet, tossing to combine.
4. Add lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Let it cool before serving. This can also be made a day in advance!

5. Easy Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 package of stuffing mix (e.g., bread or cornbread)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté celery and onion until softened.
3. In a large bowl, mix the stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, sage, and chicken broth until combined.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

6. Festive Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 cup mandarin oranges
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the fruit and marshmallows if using.
2. Gently mix in the vanilla yogurt until everything is well coated.
3. Chill until ready to serve. This bright and fresh salad is a perfect complement to your heavier holiday dishes!

Conclusion

With these simple recipes, you can create a delightful Christmas dinner that will leave your guests satisfied and impressed. Enjoy the holiday season without the pressure of complicated culinary tasks, and make lasting memories with loved ones around the dinner table! Happy cooking!