53 Delicious Christmas Lunch Ideas for Your Celebration in 2024
The holidays are never far away and that means it’s time to start coming up with Christmas lunch ideas for you and your guests.
But what should you make? You already have dinner planned out and you’ve had your dessert menu planned since last year, but lunch feels much less significant. It certainly doesn’t have to be.
We’re here to offer some of our favorite Christmas lunch ideas that are perfect for the occasion. Read on to learn more!
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- Simple Christmas Lunch Ideas
- Traditional Christmas Lunch Ideas
- Christmas Lunch Ideas for Large Groups
Simple Christmas Lunch Ideas
If you’re new to cooking, you may want to keep it simple. We’ve started our list with some fairly straightforward Christmas lunch ideas that are mostly beginner-friendly. However, if you’re feeling bold, you may want to check out cooking classes near you to elevate your skills (and your meals).
No matter where you are, you can learn to cook. There are cooking classes in Austin, cooking classes in Kansas City, cooking classes in San Jose and even cooking classes online. So if you’re wondering “What should I serve for Christmas lunch?”, take a cooking class for some inspiration.
1. Turkey and Avocado Wrap
This simple Christmas lunch idea is a twist on the classic turkey sandwich. It features sliced turkey breast, optional crispy bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato wrapped in a tortilla. Add some cranberry sauce or mayo for an extra Christmas-y touch.
2. Christmas Ham and Cheese Sliders
For many people, Christmas ham is essential for the holidays. These miniature and decadent versions of the classic ham and cheese sandwich are perfect for a Christmas party. Put sliced ham steak and melted cheese on a toasted bun, served with pineapple rings or cherry sauce to put on top.
3. Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
This is a simple and elegant Christmas lunch idea. A sweet and savory combination, this grilled cheese features soft brie cheese, cranberry sauce and optional greens on crusty bread. Perfect for a festive and flavorful lunch while making DIY Christmas decorations with friends.
4. Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pita Chips
This classic Christmas party food favorite is made with spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese. Serve with crispy pita chips or crackers for a satisfying snack that’s light enough to prepare for a heavy Christmas dinner later.
5. Mini Quiches
Make these simple individual quiches filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of ham, bell peppers or spinach. These mini quiches are easy to make and can be customized to suit your guests' tastes, making them a great Christmas lunch idea when family is visiting.
6. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
A fresh and healthy simple Christmas lunch idea, these wraps are stuffed with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. Add some croutons for extra crunch or some cranberry sauce for a festive twist on a classic.
7. Roasted Veggie Soup with Crusty Bread
Soup is the ideal winter food, and a light veggie soup is perfect for Christmas, so you don’t get too full. This soup features roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini and sweet potatoes blended with vegetable broth and optional cream for a more decadent result. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
8. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwiches
Another grilled cheese to add to the list of simple Christmas lunch ideas. This sandwich is full of melted cheese, fresh tomato slices and basil on toasted bread. Add some leftover Christmas Eve ham or turkey for extra protein.
9. Mac and Cheese Bites
If you don’t have room for macaroni and cheese for your traditional Christmas day table setting ideas, why not include it for lunch? It works for both small lunches and work Christmas party ideas because these bites are easy to pick up and eat. These tasty bites are made with macaroni, cheese and breadcrumbs, and then baked until crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce.
10. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad is one of the simplest lunches there is, and it’s reminiscent of deviled eggs, a common Christmas appetizer. Spread creamy egg salad made with boiled eggs, mayonnaise and mustard on top of toasted bread with lettuce and tomato. Add paprika for some extra spice.
11. Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are undeniably holiday-friendly, so they make great Christmas lunch ideas. You can load a baked sweet potato with a variety of toppings. Savory options include beans, corn and onions. Sweet ones include sugar, cinnamon and cranberry sauce. Get creative!
12. Chicken and Rice Bowls
Looking for something simple and filling? This simple Christmas lunch idea can be meal-prepped so you don’t have to cook during the busy holiday. Fill bowls with grilled chicken, fluffy rice and your choice of steamed veggies. Serve with a side of soy sauce or stir-fry sauce.
13. Lentil Soup
Legumes for the holidays? Yes! Lentils are full of healthy protein and fiber to keep you full (but not stuffed) while you open gifts and enjoy the company of your friends. According to Harvard Health, they’re great for heart health and weight control. They’re healthy powerhouses. Make this soup with red or green lentils blended with vegetables and spices. Serve it with a side of your favorite bread for dipping.
14. Quesadillas
Was one of the unique Christmas gifts you got last year a tortilla press? Put it to good use for this simple Christmas lunch idea. Make tortillas filled with melted cheese (and optional protein or veggies) and serve them with salsa and sour cream. Perfect for a fun and customizable lunch.
15. Veggie and Hummus Wraps
These work well as either whole wraps or portable pinwheels. These wraps can be stuffed with a variety of vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, spinach and bell peppers, alongside a thick spread of creamy hummus. Wrap the ingredients in tasty tortillas.
Traditional Christmas Lunch Ideas
What is a traditional Christmas lunch? Traditional Christmas lunches are generally on the heavier side, but they’re perfect for anyone who prefers lighter fare at night. Many people prefer larger lunches over large dinners, and if that sounds like you, you’re in luck! After opening Christmas gifts for Dad and Mom, fill up on these traditional meals, perhaps just with smaller portions.
16. Roasted Turkey with Gravy
A classic Christmas centerpiece, roasted turkey is a staple of holiday meals in the United States. The slow-cooked turkey can be served with a rich and savory herbal gravy made from pan drippings and flour.
17. Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Ham is a popular Christmas meat, so it’s great for Christmas lunch ideas. Baked ham is smothered in a sweet and tasty pineapple glaze made with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple rings. You can’t go wrong here.
18. Beef Wellington
This is a popular traditional Christmas dinner, but it also makes a show-stopping main course for Christmas lunch. Beef Wellington is beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry with mushrooms and herbs. Baked until golden for a decadent holiday treat.
19. Lamb Roast with Rosemary
Lamb is a less popular choice for the holidays, but it’s not unheard of. It makes a good lunch if you know you’re serving ham and turkey for dinner. Lamb roast is seasoned with rosemary, garlic and lemon before it’s slow-cooked to perfection. It’s often served with mint jelly.
20. Vegetarian Lasagna
Skipping the meat? This Christmas lunch idea may be perfect for you. Vegetarian lasagna layers pasta, ricotta cheese (or mashed tofu and nutritional yeast, for vegans) and sautéed spinach to create a satisfying and delicious main course without the meat. Add white beans for more protein.
21. Braised Short Ribs
Ribs may be too heavy for lunch most days, but not on Christmas. Braised short ribs are slow-cooked in red wine and stock with carrots, celery and onions. These ribs turn out super tender and delicious.
22. Classic Christmas Goose
This is a traditional European dish for the holidays. A roasted goose is stuffed with apples, onions and potatoes. After that, it’s slow-cooked until crispy on the outside. Serve it with a side of gravy.
23. Roasted Chicken with Stuffing
Roasted chicken is a classic comfort food. It can be stuffed with bread stuffing, herbs, and veggies before you put it in the oven and bake it until it’s golden. Serve it with gravy and mashed potatoes for a filling Christmas lunch idea.
24. Prime Rib with Horseradish Sauce
Prime rib is a decadent Christmas lunch idea, so arrive hungry. Slow-cook your prime rib until it’s tender. Serve it with a tangy sauce made with sour cream, horseradish and mustard. This pairs well with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
25. Grilled Salmon with Lemon
Salmon for Christmas lunch? Sure. Salmon is light and full of healthy fats. If you live somewhere where it’s warm during the holidays, you can even grill it outside. If a grill was one of your Christmas gifts for Mom, put it to good use. Marinate it in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, then grill until flaky.
26. Vegetarian Stuffed Portobellos
Another tasty vegetarian Christmas lunch idea! Vegetarian stuffed portobellos are roasted mushrooms filled with an assortment of ingredients depending on your preferences. One popular combination of fillings includes goat cheese, herbs and breadcrumbs, but you can get creative. You can even stuff them with veggies, meat (for non-vegetarians) and tofu.
27. Christmas Ham with Cherry Glaze
Another Christmas ham for lunch. If you don’t like pineapple, this may be a good option. Christmas ham is coated in a cherry glaze made with cherry jam, brown sugar and mustard. You can use store-bought jam. Bake it until the glaze is shiny and the meat is fully cooked. This also works well cut up and put on sandwiches.
28. Mushroom Gravy over Egg Noodles
This is an easy and semi-traditional Christmas lunch idea that you can meal prep relatively easily. You can also cook the gravy for Christmas Eve dinner and use the leftovers here. The gravy can be simple mushroom gravy or you can include some protein, like beef or turkey.
29. Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin tends to be smaller and less filling than other meaty Christmas lunch ideas, so if you want something that's both traditional and light, it might be the best option for you. Roasted pork tenderloin can be seasoned with herbs and spices, then slow-cooked until soft and tender. Serve it with your favorite roasted winter vegetables.
30. Traditional Christmas Pudding
Pudding for Christmas lunch? This isn’t the creamy pudding many Americans will think of. Rather, it’s a firmer British-style pudding. A sweet and rich dessert, traditional Christmas pudding is made with dried fruit, suet, breadcrumbs, treacle and spices. It’s steamed until moist, almost like a steamed cake. Served with brandy butter.
31. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are a holiday staple, and they’re perfect for a warm and filling lunch on a cold winter’s day. Combine tender chicken that pulls apart easily and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy and savory broth. You can replace the chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
32. Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Salted cod is a popular holiday dish in some parts of the world. Honor that tradition with this tasty cod Christmas lunch idea. Season your cod with lemon juice, olive oil and herbs before baking it until it’s flaky. Served it with roasted vegetables for a light and healthy lunch.
33. Roasted Vegetable Tart
This Christmas lunch idea is relatively light and healthy. It’s also easy to assemble. An easy roasted vegetable tart is a flaky crust topped with roasted vegetables, optional cheese and herbs. Some people also like adding a sweet element, like a chutney or glaze.
34. Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole
This is a popular side dish for the holiday dinner table, but it also makes an excellent Christmas lunch idea. Mash your baked, boiled or steamed sweet potatoes until they’re smooth. Top them with marshmallows and candied nuts. Bake the casserole until the marshmallows are slightly brown on top, but not burnt.
35. Green Bean Casserole
This is another great side dish-turned-lunch. It’s a tasty and comforting combination of green beans, cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. You can use canned soup and beans for a super easy Christmas lunch idea that requires very little prep work.
Christmas Lunch Ideas for Large Groups
Are you prepping for a big Christmas party? No worries. These Christmas lunch ideas are perfect for your next big holiday party or potluck.
36. Taco Bar With All the Fixings
This is a fun and interactive option for a Christmas fiesta. Your taco bar can feature ground beef, chicken, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and all the fixings that someone may want. Guests can create their own tacos to suit their tastes or put ingredients in a bowl with rice.
37. Sliders and Sides Galore
Who doesn’t love tiny sandwiches? Miniature burgers, chicken sandwiches and pulled pork sandwiches can be served with a variety of tasty holiday sides, such as mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole and sauerkraut (among others, of course).
38. Pasta Station with Sauces
Even picky eaters usually love pasta, making this a great Christmas lunch idea that can please an entire crowd. Include various pasta shapes, as well as marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, and a variety of toppings like meatballs, sausage and vegetables. This is so easy to prepare for a large group.
39. Baked Potato and Topping Bar
Baked potatoes are a holiday staple. Make them crowd-friendly with this Christmas lunch idea. Include toppings such as cheese, sour cream, bacon bits and chives. Have guests create their own loaded baked potatoes.
40. Mac and Cheese Bar With Toppings
You can’t go wrong with macaroni and cheese. For this easy group Christmas lunch idea, prepare a large batch of mac and cheese. Provide a variety of tasty toppings, like veggies, protein, legumes and sauces so everyone can assemble their ideal bowl.
41. Grilled Beef and Veggie Kabobs
For this simple Christmas lunch idea for a crowd, make colorful kabobs featuring marinated beef and vegetables. Grill them up and let your guests choose which ones they want. Serve them with a side of quinoa for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
42. Custom Salad Bar
Looking for something light? A salad bar is a perfect Christmas lunch idea. Keep the base simple, like iceberg lettuce. Provide mixed greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, protein options and a variety of dressings so everyone can build their ideal tasty salads.
43. Sandwich Board With Assorted Meats and Cheeses
This easy DIY Christmas lunch idea will make most people happy. Provide a selection of meats, cheeses, breads and condiments so guests can create their own sandwiches. Consider also providing a side, like chips or soup.
44. Grilled Panini and Soup Station
Paninis and soup are perfect for a warm and cozy Christmas lunch idea. If you have a panini press, you can even allow people to assemble their own. You’ll need a variety of cheeses, veggies and proteins. You can also provide a few soups, such as tomato soup and chicken noodle.
45. Large Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are still in style, and they’re perfect for a light Christmas lunch that still feels elegant. Assemble (or buy) a visually appealing board with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, garnishes, fruit and spreads. People will be picking at this board until it’s time for Christmas dinner.
46. Breakfast for Lunch: Eggs, Pancakes, and Sausages
Did you wake up late on Christmas Day? Have a big breakfast for lunch. Make enough scrambled eggs, pancakes and breakfast meats for everyone. Breakfast foods are easy to cook in large batches and they’re totally comforting.
47. Chicken and Waffles
This classic comfort food combination features crispy fried chicken served with a fluffy waffle and maple syrup. This may not be a traditional Christmas lunch, but it is a delicious one that your guests will love.
48. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Bar
What’s more comforting than grilled cheese and tomato soup? This Christmas lunch idea is easy and quick. Let guests assemble their ideal grilled cheese by choosing their cheeses and toppings. End the bar with bowls of fresh tomato soup (or canned, we won’t tell.)
49. Meatball and Marinara Bar
Set up a meatball and marinara bar with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce and crusty bread for a build-your-own bowl or sandwich experience. You can also include various cheeses as well as meat-free options.
50. Roasted Veggie and Quesadilla Bar
This is a play on the grilled cheese bar but with tortillas and extra toppings. Prepare roasted veggies, cheese and tortillas and allow guests to create their own quesadillas. Pan-fry them on demand. Make sure to provide some salsa and other toppings for a full lunch.
51. Grilled Protein and Rice Bowl Bar
Rice bowls are so easy to set up for crowds, making them great Christmas lunch ideas for groups. You’ll need cooked protein, beans, veggies and rice. You’ll also want a variety of sauces that can totally change the bowl, like peanut sauce, salsa and stir fry sauce. Every bowl will be totally unique.
52. Lentil and Veggie Curry
Again, we love legumes here. A lentil and veggie curry is a light and healthy Christmas lunch idea that’s sure to please. Prepare a hearty and flavorful curry made with lentils, vegetables and aromatic spices. Serve it with rice or naan bread.
53. Breakfast Burrito Bar
We’re closing this list of Christmas lunch ideas out with more breakfast for lunch. Provide tortillas and savory breakfast staples like eggs, sausage, bacon and veggies, as well as cheese and other toppings. Yum!
So what will you make for lunch this Christmas? These Christmas lunch ideas are total crowd-pleasers, so whether you’re dining alone or with all of your friends, there’s sure to be something you’ll love.
For even more fun Christmas inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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