Christmas Dinners & Sides to Make

Looking for a show stopping Christmas or holiday dinner? I've gathered my best recipes for your main and sides to make it easy to celebrate.

Holidays don't have to be stressful! With a little bit of planning you can make a menu that easily fits into your day. Figure out what dishes you can make ahead, such as your Christmas morning meal, and you'll be on top of things.

The Blackberry Glazed Ham pictured above is a beautiful centerpiece to your holiday table. Don't forget to prep some pretty gifts in jars like Hot Cocoa Mix or homemade Vanilla Extract.

Desserts and drinks shouldn't be missed, either. I've also collected my best recipes for your Christmas Treats! Make sure you plan ahead for some Easy Christmas Morning Meal options.

Easy Holiday Side Dishes

Yes, this list is potato-heavy. But we easily grow and store potatoes for the winter, so they are truly the perfect side dish in my book!

Roasted Little Potatoes

The easiest side dish is roasting up little potatoes, whether they are saved from last year's harvest or from the store.

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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Have your mashed potatoes ready in advance and still warm when it's time to serve dinner thanks to the Instant Pot.

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Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes

Old potatoes? They are perfect for using up in these Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes! Eat now or freeze for later.

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Ham and Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes

Got potatoes to use up? This recipe is perfect for using up a bunch of potatoes - and you can make a giant batch to freeze!

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Dutch Oven Scalloped Potatoes

This easy holiday side dish cooks into a gloriously creamy showstopper. Scalloped potatoes are naturally gluten free and made in a Dutch oven.

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How to Cook Frozen Vegetables

Freezing is the simplest way to preserve your garden. It is also just as easy to cook these veggies from frozen so the entire family will enjoy them.

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Macaroni and Cheese:- Stovetop or Baked

This is a "use what ya got" recipe. Whatever cheese (I recommend blending three types) and whatever veg needs to go.

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No Boil or Precook Mac n' Cheese

This Macaroni and Cheese recipe. You don't have to boil the noodles. You don't have to make a roux. It's dang tasty and adaptable as well. Use whatever leftover chunks of cheese you have on hand in the refrigerator.

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Christmas Main Dish Showstoppers

Whether you like wild game or ham, or want a vegetarian pasta (see the macaroni above) you'll have a main dish for the entire family.

Instant Pot Ham Bone Pea Soup

Hambone and Pea Soup transforms a few, simple ingredients into such a hearty and delicious soup. The Instant Pot takes a recipe that used to simmer all day and gets it on the table in under 2 hours!

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Charlies Cipate

Cipate is a hearty and filling hunters dish made in one pot featuring rabbit but you could also try making it with grouse or chicken!

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Cast Iron Roast Chicken

I love the presentation of a whole chicken, and it makes its own gravy right in the pan so all you have to do is make a side!

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Venison Backstrap

I love cooking venison backstrap as rare as possible to get the most enjoyment. Serve with mashed potatoes for soaking up the pan sauce.

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Venison Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the best comfort foods! I love to use both red and white sauce and stuff it full of wild game under a cheesy top.

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Dutch Oven Ham

I like just a small amount of glaze on a ham. The citrus cuts the richness of the cured ham and also makes for a beautiful presentation.

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Slow Cooker Moose Roast

Cook up a tender, flavourful moose roast in your slow cooker! The perfect way to serve up wild game at family dinner.

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Venison Wellington

The ultimate in British cooking, venison Wellington in homemade puff pastry is a beautiful holiday meal your family will love.

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Blackberry Glazed Spare Ribs

Using blackberry glaze on pork spare ribs rivals any barbecue sauce. The sweet glaze creates the perfect crust in the oven.

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Dutch Oven Salmon

Creamy lemon dill sauce coats perfectly cooked Dutch oven salmon. The ultimate one-pot meal that's so easy and delicious.

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