Yahoo LifestyleTry These Unconventional Christmas Dishes at Your Holiday Dinner
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Try These Unconventional Christmas Dishes at Your Holiday Dinner
Christmas is a time to celebrate traditions old and new. Putting up a Christmas tree is a longstanding tradition, of course, but what about the upside-down Christmas tree trend that's grown more popular in recent years? Most households have their own favorite Christmas activities, Christmas party games they play every year, and DIY traditions like making personalized Christmas stockings for each member of the family. But as the family tree grows and branches off into new families, precious 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 recipes you crave every year. After all, even your favorite holiday dish was something you had to try for the first time at one point, right? A few Christmases from now, you might be enjoying Mexican-Glazed Meatloaves — but not unless you break out of your comfort zone and serve it up this year first.
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 want to try a comfort food recipe that's only unconventional if it's served on Christmas, or you're willing to choose a totally unexpected dish in general just to add some excitement to your holiday table, these 54 alternative Christmas recipes are a great place to start.
Misc. - 2/55
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.
SARAH ANNE WARD - 3/55
Orange-Red Pepper Jelly and Orange Glazed Ham
This glazed ham is 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 eagerly to your hungry quaranteam.
Get the Orange-Red Pepper Jelly and Orange Glazed Ham recipe.
ALEXANDRA ROWLEY - 4/55
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.
CON POULOS - 5/55
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.
CHRIS COURT - 6/55
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.
KAT TEUTSCH - 7/55
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.
SARAH ANNE WARD - 8/55
Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots
These lemon-maple roasted carrots are so good, they might even have your kids looking forward to eating their vegetables.
MIKE GARTEN - 9/55
Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey
If you aren't too turkeyed-out from Thankgiving, this garlic and herb roasted bird makes for a crowd-favorite, and will look absolutely stunning as the centerpiece to your table.
CHRIS COURT - 10/55
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.
CHRIS COURT - 11/55
Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown-Sugared Pecans
My oh my, sweet potato pie — well, not quite, but just as delicious if not more.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown-Sugared Pecans recipe.
CON POULOS - 12/55
Pot Roast and Root Vegetables
A piping hot pot roast is just what everyone will want to keep them warm during the chilly holiday temps.
CON POULOS - 13/55
Cheddar and Herb Stuffing
Some may say stuffing is a Thanksgiving-only dish, but when you think about how delicious it is, how could you not serve it on Christmas? Prepare yourself for some cheesy bread goodness with this easy recipe.
CHRIS COURT - 14/55
Mushroom and Herb Stromboli
Food you can eat with your fingers is always fun. Pair this savory stromboli with some marina or cheese sauce for extra flavor.
CHRISTOPHER TESTANI - 15/55
Garlic and Sage Infused Mashed Potatoes
Sometimes, it's best to stick with the simple, and these decadent garlic and sage infused mashed potatoes are as easy as it gets. Plus, they are super delish!
Mike Garten - 16/55
Roasted Chicken and Squash Panzanella
Roast chicken paired with some fresh squash and arugula is the perfect meal to satisfy you for dinner while still leaving some room for some holiday desserts.
Mike Garten - 17/55
Cheesy Sausage & Pepper Pasta Bake
Cheese and sausage and pepper oh my! This one pot meal tastes amazing and makes for easy cleanup after dinner.
GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ - 18/55
Blanched Green Beans
Green beans might not be the food everyone craves before the holiday meal, but one bite of these tangy bacon vinaigrette veggies and everyone will be clamoring once they hit the table. You can even use the salty-sweet sauce on Brussels sprouts as well.
Mike Garten - 19/55
Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
And speaking of those versatile veggies...sweet and sour sprouts anyone? Honey, vinegar, and chiles blend with satueéd Brussels sprouts for an unbelievably tasty dish.
Mike Garten - 20/55
Dry-Brined Lemon-Rosemary Roasted Turkey
Dry brine your Christmas turkey to keep the outside crispy and the inside meat super moist.
Mike Garten - 21/55
Orecchiette with Sausage and Radicchio
Spice up a basic pasta dish with some sausage, radicchio, red pepper flakes, and more for a colorful and fun plate.
ANDREW PURCELL - 22/55
Cornbread, Sausage, and Chestnut Stuffing
If you love cornbread and stuffing, then this dish is just what you are want this holiday season. Blend crumbled cornbread with sweet sausage, chestnuts, pears, and more for a slightly sweet and salty side.
CON POULOS - 23/55
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons
Soup is so simple and so underrated. This creamy sweet potato soup, spiced with cinnamon and maple croutons, is the cozy dish you'll want to serve at your holiday dinner, and enjoy all winter long.
Get the Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons recipe.
CON POULOS - 24/55
Roasted Broccoli With Sharp Cheddar Crumbs and Honey Mustard Dip
Chock full of nutrients and flavored with sharp cheddar crumbs, guests will happily pile this roasted broccoli onto their plate.
Get the Roasted Broccoli With Sharp Cheddar Crumbs and Honey Mustard Dip recipe.
GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ - 25/55
Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter
These browned butter veggies are almost too gorgeous to eat — almost.
Get the Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter recipe.
CHRIS COURT - 26/55
Tangy Cranberry Meatballs
Great as a pre-dinner app or as part of the big meal, these cranberry meatballs bring a tangy sweetness to the salty flavors of the meatball, creating a perfect flavor profile.
Mike Garten - 27/55
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Serve up these individual twice-baked potatoes with a dollop of meringue for a fun twist.
CHRIS COURT - 28/55
Roasted Sausages and Sweet Potato-White Bean Stew
Thanks to this one-dish meal, you can say goodbye to a big post-dinner cleanup. Enjoy roasted sausages with cubed sweet potatoes, cannellini beans, and Swiss chard for a meal packed with protein and antioxidants.
Get the Roasted Sausages and Sweet Potato-White Bean Stew recipe.
RYAN LIEBE - 29/55
Garlic Miso Rolls
Honestly, can you ever have too many rolls on the dinner table? Probably not, but if you have to choose, these garlic miso rolls should be your number one pick.
GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ - 30/55
Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Bacon seems to make everything better, especially your classic Brussels sprouts.
Mike Garten - 31/55
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary Pecans
Spice up your mashed potato game with these rosemary-infused sweet potatoes with walnuts to give it some crunch.
Romulo Yanes - 32/55
Green Beans with Orange and Almond Gremolata
Add some interesting flavors like orange and almond to a side dish that isn't usually the star.
Get the Green Beans with Orange and Almond Gremolata recipe.
Mike Garten - 33/55
Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
With mozzarella, Romano, and cottage cheese, this creamy lasagna-stuffed spaghetti squash will be an instant hit.
Chris Court - 34/55
Vegetable and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells
Everyone will be reaching for these stuffed shells, made with broccoli florets, red wine vinegar, and three different cheeses.
Con Poulos - 35/55
Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella
You can't go wrong with this classic chicken dish that you can easily throw in a slow cooker in the morning and not think about until dinnertime.
Mike Garten - 36/55
Cottage Pie
From olive oil and tomato paste to cinnamon and beer (yes, beer!), this hearty and warm cottage pie has all of the flavor you're looking for on Christmas day.
Mike Garten - 37/55
Risotto with Sweet Potato, Lemon, and Sage
This fresh and creamy side will become a Christmas favorite when paired with a juicy turkey or steak entree.
Mike Garten - 38/55
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Kefir-Mint Topping
Add some Mediterranean flare to your traditional Christmas dinner with halved zucchinis topped with boneless chicken and low-fat kefir.
Get the Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Kefir-Mint Topping recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER - 39/55
Ham Biscuits
Try putting your traditional Christmas ham between two warm and flaky biscuits for a delicious take on the holiday classic.
CON POULOS - 40/55
Seafood, Chorizo and Vegetable Stew
This stew's wine- and tomato-rich broth is the perfect complement to spicy chorizo, sweet white fish, and tender shrimp.
Con Poulos - 41/55
Baked Steak
This delicious steak dish may use simple ingredients, but with roasted lemon and Worcestershire sauce, its flavor is sophisticated and bright.
Con Poulos - 42/55
Creole Cassoulet
Andouille sausage and smoky bacon give this classic French dish some real Cajun flare.
CON POULOS - 43/55
Beef, Mushroom and Green Bean Stir Fry
The vegetables in this dish not only lend nutrition, but color and a crunchy texture as well. Feel free to substitute sugar snap peas or snow peas for green beans, but don't skimp on the fresh ginger — the powdered version won't hold its own in this dish.
Kana Okada - 44/55
Spanish Noodles with Shrimp and Peas
Enjoy this simple and delicious Spanish-inspired pasta dish, made with fideos (pasta) and shrimp, on Christmas Day.
KATE SEARS - 45/55
Curried Squash Pancakes with Arugula and Apple Salad
A delish and healthy alternative to regular pancakes, this recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
Get the Curried Squash Pancakes with Arugula and Apple Salad recipe.
CHRIS COURT - 46/55
Mexican-Glazed Meatloaves
Adobo sauce, chipotle chillies, and chorizo make this meatloaf dinner a delicious fiesta. You can even cut cooking time by almost an hour by making 4 mini loaves from this recipe instead of one big meatloaf.
William Brinson - 47/55
French Onion Spaghetti Pie
This hearty noodle casserole contains all of the same great flavors of a classic French onion soup, but in a creative and fun new way.
Kate Sears - 48/55
Paella
Paella, usually a very labor-intensive dish, is made much easier with the help of leftover slow-cooked Mediterranean Seafood Stew.
Getty Images - 49/55
Borscht and Beef Pasta
Based on the traditional Russian soup, this satisfying pasta gets its boldness and bright color from two pounds of beets. Complementing the root vegetable's rusticity and heft are hearty whole wheat linguine and quick-browning ground beef.
Con Poulos - 50/55
Baked Kale Gratin
This cozy casserole with bacon, red bell pepper, butter, and grated Parmesan will instantly put everyone in good spirits.
Get the recipe at Country Living.
Johnny Miller - 51/55
Caraway-Dill Biscuits
These warm and flaky biscuits with fresh dill and caraway seeds will absolutely melt in your mouth.
Get the recipe at Country Living.
ED ANDERSON - 52/55
Potato Gratin
Combine russet potatoes, Gruyère, and fresh cream to create this ultra creamy dish.
Get the recipe at Country Living.
CHRISTOPHER TESTANI - 53/55
Vegan Mash Potatoes
These vegan mash potatoes are as creamy as your average butter and milk version thanks to vegan butter and olive oil.
Get the recipe at Delish.
KAT WIRSING - 54/55
Vegan Lasagna
Who says vegan food can't be tasty? This lasagna has flavors everyone can get behind, like mushrooms, garlic, marinara, and basil.
Get the recipe at Delish.
ETHAN CALABRESE - 55/55
Balsamic Glazed Roasted Cauliflower
If you're looking for a non-meat option, roast up this cauliflower wedge glazed with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and parsley.
Get the recipe at Delish.
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Jonathon Boulton
