Keep your guests and family happy with these easy Christmas lunch ideas. Fresh, delicious food around the clock or leftover makeover ideas for the win!
The holidays are my favorite time to throw the ball out of the park. Everyone is in a lighter mood and willing to try just about anything. That’s why I put my best into every single recipe I make.
Cooking is a labor of love, and the holiday season gives us more opportunities to show our love. That’s why I like to keep my list of Christmas lunch ideas handy. It allows me to have fun and still have time to enjoy my family.
So stick around and save some of these to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.
Fresh and Easy
1. Whole Roast Duck
Make an elegant Christmas lunch with this crispy yet tender whole roast duck. The amazing glaze makes this duck recipe unforgettable. Plus, it’s easy and only takes 20 minutes of prep! Can’t beat that!
Meet the star of your next dinner party! Tender meat, crispy skin, and tangy honey-balsamic glaze will make your guests feel extra special. This mouthwatering dish is guaranteed to make your next celebration a smashing success!
2. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Are you looking for something to please everyone? Then, a Thanksgiving charcuterie board is the answer. And with a few tweaks, it’s the perfect Christmas charcuterie board. So take advantage of this one to avoid hangry guests.
This fall-themed charcuterie board is absolutely stunning and filled with delectable treats your friends and family will love! It’s the perfect appetizer to keep your guests grazing while they wait for the main course.
3. Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
This succulent, flavorful dish is a personal favorite because it’s so easy. Spatchcocking provides even cooking and better flavor distribution. Also, that smoky, delicious flavor elevates chicken to pure perfection, making it the perfect holiday lunch.
Fall-off-the-bone juicy chicken with smoky goodness is faster with the now-famous spatchcocking method. That makes for an easy weeknight dinner or soul-satisfying deliciousness after a long week.
4. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese is essential for this time of the year. So I’ve got you covered with this baked Southern mac and cheese recipe. And it’s ideal for when you’ve gotten all turkeyed out.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is super creamy, cheesy, soulful baked mac and cheese filled with great Southern flavors topped with crispy bread crumb. You will never break open a box again!
Pizza Pizzazz
5. Pizza Rolls
There’s no better comfort food for the holidays than pizza rolls. This finger food is savory and satisfying, and provides an excellent opportunity to spend time as a family. Or you can make them ahead and freeze them for a quick emergency lunch.
6. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
If you love Alfredo, you will fall head over heels with this straightforward Christmas lunch idea. Loaded with chicken and a creamy white Alfredo sauce, all in one of our favorite comfort foods: pizza. So take a break from the ham and turkey with this deliciousness.
7. Pizza Dough Recipe
All you really need for a great pizza is a great pizza dough recipe. After that, you can customize EVERYTHING! So grate your favorite cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Gruyere, etc.) and sauce (recipe follows). Get your toppings together (sausage, ham and pineapple, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, you name it) and have fun!
8. Easy Pizza Sauce
While on the topic of pizza, let’s talk about sauces. This rich, thick, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the homemade dough recipe. It’s so good you’ll swear off takeout. And you can make it ahead, freeze it, and thaw it the night before for a leisurely Christmas lunch.
Leftover Ham Makeovers
9. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Slice up that ham, add cheese, and turn it into baby sandwiches for a cute lunch ideas or a Christmas charcuterie board. Bite-sized comfort food that’s perfect any time of year.
Nothing says “comfort food” better than HAM and CHEESE SLIDERS easily prepared for any special occasion. A sweet blend of meaty and chunky ham with generous slices of cheeses sandwiched between perfectly fluffy buns. Best served as an appetizer or a simple snack using your leftover holiday ham!
10. Ham Loaf
I love getting crafty with leftovers, and this ham loaf is the perfect leftover idea. This impressive dish comes alive with a sweet and tangy glaze and makes good use of that huge ham from the night before. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted green beans, or turn it into a sandwich.
The perfect combo of ground ham and pork is tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor and texture. And it’s beautifully glazed with a tangy-sweet mix of brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice! Truly a must-have for your next gathering.
11. Steak and Peppers Sandwich
A hoagie roll stuffed with tender, thinly sliced strip steak with green peppers, onions, fortified with savory, tasty garlic avocado mayonnaise. Perfect for a satisfying Christmas lunch.
Steak and Peppers Sandwich – French baguette or hoagie rolls stuffed with gooey thinly sliced strip steak with green peppers, onions, fortified with savory tasty garlic avocado mayonnaise. Your perfect picnic rolls!
12. Deviled Ham
Deviled ham is a must-try for an easy Christmas lunch idea. Mix chopped ham, mayonnaise, mustard, spices, and seasonings, then spread it on crackers or make a delicious sandwich. Make it ahead for a versatile and quick lunch or snack.
Spice up your breakfast or appetizer repertoire with this quick and easy deviled ham. You can ramp up sandwiches as a spread or a dip for your favorite crackers. It’s smooth, spicy, and scrumptious!
13. Hoppin’ John
No list around the holidays would be complete without Hoppin’ John! Ham and bacon enhance black-eyed peas with smoky goodness. While it traditionally brings in the new year with good luck, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it on Christmas. Its savory, smoky, and spicy goodness will warm you right up during the harsh winter months.
This savory, smokey, a bit spicy, and hearty black-eyed pea stew will warm your soul any day of the year. Southern classic soul food is super easy and richly flavored with Creole Seasoning and herbs. Pair it with rice, collard greens, and cornbread for a traditional New Year’s menu!
14. Quiche Lorraine
A buttery pastry crust filled with creamy eggs, savory bacon (in this case, leftover ham), and Gruyere cheese is ideal for any occasion. The simple ingredients are delicious hot or cold, coming together in the blink of an eye. So whether you’re whipping up Christmas brunch or lunch, this one is a great idea.
Quiche Lorraine – the queen of all savory tarts made with a combination of flaky pie crust and an egg custard filling with bacon, cheese and a hint of heat from Creole seasoning. An amazingly easy and delicious breakfast or brunch that comes ready in no time. Serve it hot or cold!
15. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Scalloped potatoes never fail to satisfy and impress my guests. And it’s a great way to use leftover ham for a main dish or carb-rich side. The ham’s saltiness is a match made in heaven when paired with potatoes. Add some steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a one-pot wonder.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham – cheesy, creamy, filling and family-approved casserole dish loaded with warm and comforting flavors in a delicious white sauce. Another great recipe for your leftover ham!
16. Ham Salad
Ham salad is perfect for using your leftover ham. Its creamy, savory flavor profile makes a great appetizer or lunch. Spread it on crackers, make a sandwich, or top a tossed salad for another quick and easy one-dish meal.
The perfect way to use up leftover holiday ham. Made with just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time. Serve it on toast, crackers, or on sandwiches for a hearty and fuss-free lunch, snack, or party appetizer!
17. Ham Casserole
Ham casserole is a fantastic dish that’s even better when you use leftover ham. This super easy and versatile dish with pasta, veggies, and ham is a timesaver for a satisfying Christmas lunch—a real treat for a busy weeknight dinner.
A quick, effortless, and delicious wonder-filled casserole perfect for brunch or dinner. Fantastic, cheesy, and flavorful! The hearty cheddar cheese mixture complements the savory ham and tender party of veggies.
18. Ham Hock and Beans
Enjoy classic soul food with ham and beans, sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The smoked ham hock infuses the beans with savory smokiness. This economical recipe using leftover ham and beans is as affordable as it is comforting.
What’s more satisfying than the heavenly taste of beans spiced up with ham? Deliciously smoky ham hocks and tender-creamy beans make classic soul food. Let everything slowly simmer together, and voila! – the perfect dinner is ready!
Leftover Turkey Makeovers
Almost any recipe that uses cooked chicken is super simple to adapt to turkey. So take advantage of the holiday abundance to whip up easy lunch recipes with leftover turkey.
19. Turkey Salad Sandwich
A chicken salad sandwich is a classic picnic recipe. I make it for lunch year-round; that’s how great this recipe is. Pile your turkey salad on crescent rolls, croissants, or brioche sandwich bread for an unforgettable Christmas lunch.
Chicken Salad Sandwich – a delicious and quick meal made with chicken, sliced sweet grapes, crunchy pecans and celery in a creamy, vibrant mayo-based dressing. Great for lunch or summer picnics and tailgates.
20. Creamy Pasta Salad
A fantastic side dish or a meal on its own, and oh-so-easy to make with that delicious leftover turkey. The beautiful flavors and textures are perfect for any occasion. The filling combination is pure soul-satisfying goodness.
21. Fiesta Casserole
Turn that leftover turkey into a party casserole! Literally! You’ll love this fiesta chicken casserole recipe because it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And with only 10 minutes of prep time, it’s ideal for an easy Christmas lunch entree.
This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is an excellent casserole dish brimming with Southwestern flavors, corn, beans, cheese, pasta, and leftover chicken. With just less than 10-minutes of prep time, you can make this cheesy hearty dish for busy weeknights!
22. Enchiladas
Fill your home with the irresistible aroma of homemade enchiladas; comfort food gold! Every bite is hearty and satisfying, and they’re even better with the leftover turkey. Enchilada sauce, tortillas, and turkey make a perfect lunch or dinner idea, and the kids love it!
Rich, cheesy, and super saucy chicken enchiladas to adorn your dinner table with their ultimate blast of colors and flavors. This quick and easy recipe is more amazing with my homemade enchilada sauce! Perfect comfort food to share with your family and friends.
23. Turkey Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those recipes you can have so much fun with because it’s so versatile. I love lasagna because it’s the perfect opportunity to clean the fridge of leftover veggies, sauces, and meat. And that’s precisely what you can do with your leftover turkey this season. Assemble this cheesy lasagna for a leisurely Christmas lunch.
Chicken Lasagna is an easy makeover of chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The rich Alfredo sauce layered with lasagna noodles, mushrooms, spinach, and a three-cheese sauce is easy enough for an everyday meal but elegant enough for that special date night.
24. Turkey Sliders
Use leftover turkey for a spin on a traditional pulled pork slider. Shred your turkey, add BBQ sauce, and assemble for a kid-pleasing lunch or snack.
Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with pulled pork piled on a warm toasted bun and loaded with crunchy coleslaw is down-home BBQ.
By Imma
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