While it may be the season of giving, it’s hard to stay in the holiday spirit when you’re a first-time Christmas dinner host. What are some easy Christmas dinner menu ideas that don’t require expert skill? Rosemary garlic pork roast gets its rich flavor from a simple herb rub. Use this Christmas dinner menu for beginners to create a delicious, no-stress meal this holiday season.
A Christmas Dinner Menu for Beginners That Anyone Can Cook
With easy, step-by-step instructions and simple but elegant presentation, this Christmas dinner menu for beginners is anyone’s recipe for success. But, before we detail the menu, here are some helpful holiday hacks to streamline your planning and preparation.
Christmas Dinner Hacks for Beginners
Even the most experienced host can benefit from tips and shortcuts to simplify a holiday meal.
Use these Christmas dinner hacks to plan an easy holiday dinner:
- Create a timeline: 3-4 weeks in advance of the big day, create a weekly, daily, and hourly timeline of what needs to get done. It will help keep track of tasks big and small and when to check them off.
- Ask for help: Simplify your to-do list and delegate certain jobs or dishes to your guests well in advance. Whether it’s bringing a side dish or some ice for beverages, almost everyone is eager to contribute and it makes your planning easier.
- Make-ahead what you can: Cookie dough, casseroles, and even mashed potatoes can be made in advance of Christmas morning, saving time for more immediate tasks. Thaw frozen items in the refrigerator a few days before cooking and reheat refrigerated items alongside your main dish.
- Allow time to thaw meats and poultry: Make sure you know how to thaw a turkey, ham, or pork roast safely in the time that you have. While refrigerator thawing is safest, most meats and poultry require several days to defrost completely.
Appetizers
What is a typical Christmas dinner menu without a few snacks? Just a few small bites will be a welcome sight as your guests arrive.
Try these easy apps to hold your company over while dinner cooks:
- Sausage Pesto Ring: Pre-made biscuit dough and store-bought tomato sauce and pesto simplify preparation, while Italian seasoning gives the sausage extra flavor.
- Sweet chicken bacon bites: These tasty bites of chicken can be seasoned, wrapped in bacon, and coated in brown sugar well in advance of Christmas morning. Freeze or refrigerate and pop them in the oven an hour ahead of your guests’ arrival.
- Crockpot Queso Blanco Dip: Let your slow cooker do the work when hosting a large gathering. Simply combine the Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses with cream, bacon, and green chilis. Simmer everything in the crockpot for 45 minutes to 1 hour for a warm and tasty dip.
Main Course
Skip the conventional turkey or ham and opt for a juicy and flavorful pork roast that cooks in half the time. This Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast recipe gets its flavor from a simple herb paste of rosemary, thyme, parsley, and garlic. A touch of red pepper adds a little heat and searing before roasting gives the meat a beautifully browned exterior.
A 4lb boneless pork loin should be done in under 90 minutes. Just allow at least 15 minutes for it to rest after cooking so the juices can redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Side Dishes
A simple Christmas dinner menu for beginners has to include side dishes that are made ahead or easy to assemble.
These side dishes are simple, but tasty, complements to roast pork:
- Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes: Boil, mash and season your potatoes several days in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an oven-safe dish. Christmas morning, simply reheat them alongside the pork.
- 10-Minute Roasted Asparagus: While your main dish rests, keep the oven on and roast the asparagus for 10 minutes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. A sprinkle of lemon juice after cooking provides a fresh burst of flavor.
- Brandy-glazed Carrots: Steam baby carrots right out of the bag in a skillet with ½ inch of water. Toss them in a reduction of butter, honey, and brandy for a sweet side that’s done in 30 minutes.
Dessert
Christmas and cookies go hand in hand and these recipes can be made ahead and frozen for a festive, no-fuss dessert. Classic Shortbread Cookies have just three ingredients and can be frozen after baking and thawed at room temperature in one day. Meanwhile, this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe has a simple dough that freezes beautifully. Once thawed, roll and cut in holiday shapes or bake as a simple drop cookie after rolling in holiday sprinkles.d
We hope this easy Christmas dinner menu for beginners allows for stress-free time with those who matter most this season. From all of us at RD Appliance Service, Corp, have a safe and happy holiday!
