Our Best Recipes For an Unforgettable Christmas Eve Meal, No Matter Your Family's Dinner Style

Recipe: Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna checks all the boxes on our holiday meal wish list: feeds a crowd (of all ages), can be made in advance, and can be made in one dish. These roll-ups, however, were made for a holiday helping of Lasagna, as they still check the boxes but are presented in a way that while casual, feel celebration-worthy too. 

Recipe: Pineapple Glazed Ham

Glazed ham isn't just for Easter. Make this pineapple-glazed, cherry-studded showstopper the center of your Christmas Eve table this year. Trust us: It tastes as good as it looks. 

Recipe: Pancetta-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Whipped Horseradish Cream

Pancetta (otherwise known as "Italian bacon") adds an extra layer of richness and a deliciously crisp texture to beef tenderloin. Slice the beef into rounds and serve with Whipped Horseradish Cream.

Recipe: Yeast Rolls

A basket of warm, scratch-made rolls makes the most laid-back holiday meal feel special. This recipe, a favorite among our readers, turns out beautifully every time.

Recipe: Christmas Salad

This salad is a go-to for holiday gatherings because the sturdy lettuce can hold for a few hours. This works well for a serve-yourself dinner style without sacrificing the salad's signature flavors of beets, onions, bacon, and feta.  

Recipe: Lisa Cericola's Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

No one can resist an extra helping of these buttery, silky smooth mashed potatoes. This recipe comes from a Southern Living editor's own kitchen, so trust us when we say the addition of herbs and brown butter will surprise you in the best way. 

Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic

This simple side dish of blanched, then sautéed green beans comes together in minutes and will pair perfectly with any dish on your menu. Not a fan of garlic? Omit it and top the green beans with toasted slivered almonds.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Stacks 

Enjoy the comfort of sweet potatoes in a pretty little bite with these rosemary-and-cinnamon-topped stacks. While beautiful, they are surprisingly easy to make and look fancy thanks to the unique flavors and presentation. 

Recipe: Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

Roast multicolored whole baby carrots in a hot oven, then toss them in a spicy-sweet honey glaze for a side dish that looks and tastes more impressive than the sum of its parts.

Recipe: Ambrosia Trifle

Everyone will be eager to dig into this incredible trifle, made with layers of angel food cake, maraschino cherries, and pineapple. We especially love the rich flavors of the homemade custard—made with whipped cream, mayonnaise, and sour cream.

Recipe: Gingerbread Cake Roll with Eggnog Cream

We gave an old-fashioned Christmas dessert—gingerbread cake—an extra holiday twist with eggnog cream filling. Add a dusting of powdered sugar to top it off. 

Recipe: Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Everyone loves crème brûlée for its golden, crackled tops and silky custard filling. Turn this favorite fancy dish, which always feels like a special occasion when you order it at restaurant or make it at home, into a crowd-friendly cheesecake for Christmas.