Try an easy twist on the classics this year with these alternative Christmas recipes.
Christmas is a time to celebrate traditions old and new. There's the long-standing history of Christmas trees, of course, but what about trends like white Christmas trees or upside-down Christmas trees? Your household likely engages in favorite Christmas activities, Christmas party games, and other annual traditions like DIY Christmas stockings personalized for each member of the family. But as families grow and branch off, memories are created and brand-new traditions are formed. So when you're planning your annual Christmas dinner, consider incorporating some non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas alongside the classic holiday recipes that have been go-tos for as long as you can remember.
Even your favorite holiday dish was something you had to try for the first time once. A few Christmases from now, you might be enjoying an easy Christmas dinner of Mexican-Glazed Meatloaves — but not unless you break out of your comfort zone and try them this year. Getting creative in the kitchen is nothing to be afraid of, and it's a surefire way to discover what you do (and don't) enjoy cooking and eating — on the holidays and throughout the year. Whether you're preparing a vegetarian Christmas dinner, a comfort food recipe that's only unconventional on Christmas, or you're willing to choose a totally unexpected dish in general just to add some excitement to your holiday table, these 60 alternative Christmas recipes are a great place to start.
1
Asparagus and Potato Galette
This galette looks elegant, but it's secretly super quick and simple. Filled with hearty ingredients, including potatoes, as well as fresh green produce like asparagus, create a perfectly balanced dish this Christmas.
Get the Asparagus and Potato Galette recipe.
2
Feta and Spinach Tartlets
These savory tartlets are inspired by flavors of the Mediterranean. Reminiscent of Greek spanakopita, they combine spinach, feta cheese, and fresh dill in a crunchy phyllo dough shell. Talk about a unique take on your classic Christmas appetizers!
Get the Feta and Spinach Tartlets recipe.
3
Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs
A delicious take on a classic comfort food that's also vegetarian-friendly? Say less.
Get the Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs recipe.
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4
Charred Cauliflower
This easy roasted cauliflower dish is drizzled with a slightly salty anchovy sauce, and utilizes the whole veggie.
Get the Charred Cauliflower recipe.
5
Beet Crostini
Juicy beets and kicked-up crème fraîche make perfect toast toppers in this unique recipe from entertaining expert Clinton Kelly.
Get the Beet Crostini recipe.
6
Hot Double-Onion Cheese Dip
This savory dip will be the first thing devoured in your appetizer spread. It's a crowd-pleaser bound to become an instant Christmas classic.
Get the Hot Double-Onion Cheese Dip recipe.
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7
Zesty Mini Crab Cakes
Bring a taste of summer to the traditionally wintry Christmas dinner spread with these mini crab cakes that are sure to get rave reviews from your guests.
Get the Zesty Mini Crab Cakes recipe.
8
Parmesan Pastry Pipes
Simple and oh-so-satisfying, these rich cheese-filled pastries are guaranteed to delight your guests this Christmas.
Get the Parmesan Pastry Pipes recipe.
9
Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter
You say 'potato,' we say, 'best Christmas side dish ever.'
Get the Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter recipe.
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10
Potato and Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Give au gratin potatoes an upgrade by combining them with shredded Brussels sprouts — perfect for vegetarians and veggie lovers alike.
Get the Potato and Brussels Sprouts Gratin recipe.
11
Spicy Cornbread with Chiles and Cheese
The combination of buttery cornbread with the chopped chiles and cheese will leave your tastebuds singing praises. For an extra touch, serve with maple butter for the perfect salty and sweet combo.
Get the Spicy Cornbread with Chiles and Cheese recipe.
12
Orange-Red Pepper Jelly and Orange Glazed Ham
This glazed ham will become a must-have for Christmas, simply because of how easy and low-maintenance it is to make. After a quick 10 minute prep, pop it in the oven for an hour and a half, then glaze and serve.
Get the Orange-Red Pepper Jelly and Orange Glazed Ham recipe.
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13
Five-Ingredient Potato Gratin
Potatoes seem to be a necessary staple during the holiday season, but with so many innovative ways to make them, they are never boring. With only five ingredients, you can create some cheesy and creamy gratin potatoes that are so good, you'll easily be reaching for seconds.
Get the Five-Ingredient Potato Gratin recipe.
14
Sweet Parker House Rolls
Even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy nibbling on these rolls come dinnertime. Sweeten with maple syrup and salt on top, or get creative with rosemary, sage, or even lavender.
Get the Sweet Parker House Rolls recipe.
15
Vegetable Lasagna
Whether you're a vegetarian or not, this hearty vegetable lasagna will be one of your favorite holiday dishes once you take a bite. Packed with lots of veggies, you get all the flavor plus smart substitutions that cut out unnecessary calories.
Get the Vegetable Lasagna recipe.
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16
Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Drizzled with spiced syrup, these sweet potatoes have a little kick to them, which perfectly compliments the other sweet flavors of the dish so it's not overwhelming.
Get the Glazed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
17
Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots
These lemon-maple roasted carrots are so good, they might even have your kids looking forward to eating their vegetables.
Get the Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots recipe.
18
Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey
If you aren't too turkeyed-out from Thanksgiving, this garlic and herb roasted bird makes for a crowd-favorite, and will look absolutely stunning as the centerpiece to your table.
Get the Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey recipe.
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19
Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach
You still have to get your greens in on the holidays. But with this creamy spinach dish, you'll be happy to put a serving or two onto your plate.
Get the Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach recipe.
20
Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown-Sugared Pecans
My oh my, sweet potato pie — well, not quite, but just as delicious (if not more so).
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown-Sugared Pecans recipe.
Annie O'Sullivan
As a member of the Special Projects Team, Annie works with the GH Tested program writing up product reviews and roundups and helps plan and run annual expos and events like the GH Parenting Summit, Xmas in July Expo, Cleaning Summit, Winter Essentials Expo, and more. When she’s not working, she can be found running, listening to true crime podcasts, designing graphic collages, or sipping on a margarita.
Jamie Kravitz
Digital Editor
Jamie Kravitz (she/her) is the digital editor at Woman's Day, where she oversees the brand's digital platforms and covers holidays, food, and more. Before joining WD in 2021, she was a digital editor at the Rachael Ray Show. Jamie has over five years of experience writing relationship, entertainment, home, and gifting content for publications including The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, and Elite Daily. She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing and lives in Brooklyn with her cats, Lumos and Linus.
