33 Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for a Festive Twist

Why choose between steak and seafood when you can make this restaurant-quality meal and get the best of both worlds? The secret is getting the timing just right, but don't worry, this recipe has you covered.

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It doesn't matter what you're making for your main course when this casserole is your side. Ree takes creamy mashed potatoes and piles them high with epic toppings like cheese, bacon, fried onions, and even potato chips.

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There are few things more delicious than a properly roasted chicken. Ree's version is buttery, lemony, herby, and extremely tasty. Plus, it is so versatile that you can make practically any side you want with it!

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You can serve this squash as a flavorful side or a full meal if you want! The tender, sweet veggie gets stuffed with sausage, rice, kale, mushrooms, and lots of flavorful herbs.

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Another dish you only seem to order at a restaurant because it sounds special is linguine with clam sauce. But guess what? It only takes 20 minutes when you make it at home. That's a Christmas miracle!

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A cranberry dessert is a bit unexpected, but still completely seasonal! It's equal parts sweet, tart, and buttery. Serve it warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear.

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If you're new to leg of lamb, prepare to be amazed! The garlicky, herbaceous crust and juicy meat are sure to become a new favorite. Serve it up with gravy or switch things up some more with a bright chimichurri on the side.

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Yes, you can serve margaritas on Christmas! Just give it the holiday treatment by adding pomegranate juice and maple syrup for sweetness.

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Forget the boxed mac and cheese you might remember as kid. This elevated version is even more luxurious! It's made with four types of melty cheese, buttery lobster, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

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This one-pot meal is everything you love about a cheesy, decadent French onion soup with the heartiness of a baked pasta dish! If that doesn't impress your distant cousins, we don't know what will.

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Turn pork tenderloins into a show-stopping centerpiece by wrapping it in layers of prosciutto, mustard, sage leaves, and flaky puff pastry. Add a slaw made from Brussels sprouts and dinner is served!

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Dress up your typical chicken thighs with this creamy white wine sauce featuring spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The red and green colors are a fun way to add a pop of festiveness, too.

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A salad might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Christmas dinner, but the crunchy cabbage, toasted pecans, and tart green apples are a refreshing way to kick things off.

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This creamy, dreamy treat has all the familiar warmth of seasonal spices, sweet vanilla, and even spiced rum! It would make for an unexpected topping to your favorite Christmas pie.

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This Italian dinner mash-up combines chicken parmesan with layers of lasagna for a crowd-pleasing dish. The best part is that you can even make it ahead of December 25.

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Don't forget about your bread basket! This sweet and salty twist on dinner rolls will have everyone asking for a second one.

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Ree gave her usual roast turkey a spicy makeover by adding a glaze made with butter, chipotles, oregano, honey, cumin, and garlic. It'll help create a spicy gravy, too!

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Everyone loves a cheesy spinach artichoke dip, but just wait until they see it in this handheld form. All you need are wonton wrappers to create the crispy cups.

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