10 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas For A Small Crowd

Main dishes + easy sides to help you create a Christmas menu your family will love! 

We all know you can’t have Thanksgiving dinner without a turkey. But what do you make for a small Christmas dinner?

Today, I’m sharing easy Christmas menu ideas for a small family dinner. This is perfect if you’re not planning to cook for a large crowd. 

Small Christmas Meal Ideas for You and Your Family 

#1 Brown Sugar Glazed Ham 

This baked ham is moist, tender, and delicious inside while the outside is brushed with a brown sugar glaze and caramelized for a hint of sweetness.

#2 Christmas Lasagna

A traditional lasagna recipe, but with a little Christmas twist! It’s packed with so much flavor thanks to the Italian sausage, bell peppers, basil, and the blend of 3 kinds of cheese. 

#3 Easy Italian Meatballs Over Spaghetti

Homemade meatballs in a quick tomato sauce make for the perfect easy family dinner! Serve over spaghetti for the ultimate homemade Christmas meal.

#4 Oven Roasted Cornish Hens

They’re simple, and elegant, and will turn out perfectly for your intimate family Christmas dinner. 

#5 Air Fryer Roast Beef

This roast beef is coated in Montreal steak spice before being air fried to juicy, tender perfection!

#6 Garlic & Herb Beef Tenderloin

This easy Garlic & Herb Beef Tenderloin Roast with Creamy Horseradish Sauce is so delicious and easier to make than you would think!

#7 Pork Tenderloin Roast

This roasted pork tenderloin is rich with holiday flavor. It’s incredibly tender, juicy and delicious.

#8 Crispy Honey Roasted Duck

This Honey Roast Duck recipe makes a beautiful holiday main dish but is easy enough for any special occasion or Sunday dinner.

#9 Christmas Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

A re-created version of the mom’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes from the iconic “A Christmas Story” film. 

#10 Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast

You get all the flavors of a holiday feast in no time. Just add a vegetable and some mashed potatoes, and you’re done!

Easy Side Dishes To Add To Your Christmas Menu

#11 Christmas Salad

A super easy Christmas Salad that is as fun and festive drizzled with homemade Honey Mustard Champagne Vinaigrette that is delicious. 

#12 Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, creamy, and loaded with 3 kinds of cheese. This Cheesy Mashed Potato recipe is also a great make-ahead side dish for the holidays. 

#13 Roasted Red Potatoes

Lightly seasoned and roasted in the oven to get those amazingly crisp edges, these crispy roasted potatoes are your new go-to side for the holidays and family dinner any night of the week! 

#14 Green Bean Casserole

From the crispy topping to the creamy sauce, this side dish is perfect for family dinner, holidays and more.

#15 Candied Yams

I made this on Thanksgiving and they were devoured! Candied yams are rich in flavor, covered in sweet sauce, and flavored with vanilla (which really does make a difference).

#16 Southern-Style Baked Mac & Cheese

If you’re craving some satisfying comfort food, this Southern Mac and Cheese recipe with a from-scratch cheese sauce (no Velveeta) has got you covered.

#17 Homemade Dinner Rolls

You’ll want to try this Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls recipe. It’s easy to make by hand or with a stand mixer, it comes together in one hour, and is absolutely heavenly served warm out of the oven.

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