50 Christmas Lunch Ideas That Won't Ruin Your Appetite For Dinner
Christmas morning is such a whirlwind. Between opening presents from Santa, attending church services, and preparing for the big Christmas dinner, it's easy to overlook one thing: lunch. Your family still needs to eat lunch on Christmas Day, especially if all they've had is candy from their stockings. We know: You want to save room for the gorgeous Christmas feast you're going to eat that night. But the last thing Mama needs is a bunch of hangry family members showing up for dinner. To hold the family over and keep you sane, we pulled together some of our favorite ideas for Christmas lunch. These festive recipes are either super quick or make-ahead to help you out after a hectic morning and before the day's main culinary event at dinner. With these Christmas lunch recipes, you won't miss a second of the holiday with your family.
Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches
Our savory twist on the classic Czech pastry is the perfect lunch bite with a simple green or fruit salad. Smoky sausage and Cheddar cheese pair for a perfectly satisfying meal.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Make Christmas lunch a festive snack that everyone can pick on before the main dinner event with this cheeky pull-apart bread recipe. It's easy to make thanks to a can of pizza dough, and you can make any shape that suits you.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Whether your crew wakes up in time for breakfast, brunch, or late lunch, this shrimp and grits casserole will satisfy them. There's plenty of shrimp gravy to go around, so let everyone dig in.
Macaroni Pie
Macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. This delicious pie version is easy to whip together. Add in roasted broccoli for an easy, complete meal.
Ham Biscuits
Ham biscuits are a timeless, anytime-of-day party food. Make the biscuits ahead and freeze them until you're ready for a fresh-from-the-oven meal.
Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup
Convenience products like frozen vegetables and canned tomatoes help you quickly prepare a lunch that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. You can make this ahead and warm it up before serving.
Barbecue-Pork Pizza
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Barbecue and pizza merge in this fantastic mashup meal. Make the pork ahead of time, and you’ll have a lunch that makes everyone happy.
Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches
Prep these easy slow-cooker sandwiches the day before so you can throw them together for lunch and not miss a second of Christmas Day with your family.
Salmon Bagel Sandwiches
This isn't your average lox bagel. Made with savory slow-cooked salmon and fresh herbed cream cheese, your family will love these pretty bagel sandwiches.
Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups
These bite-sized mushroom pies are perfect served alongside deviled eggs and other party appetizers for a light and casual Christmas lunch. Make them ahead and pop them in the oven just before lunch.
Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey
Use whatever citrus fruit you grab at the grocery store in this colorful, fresh salad. It will be a bright, fresh addition to the table.
Extra Easy Lasagna
Lasagna is a popular dish to serve around the holidays, and what better time to bring out an easy lasagna than at Christmas lunch?
Christmas Morning Strata
When in doubt, a hearty breakfast casserole with a handful of ingredients is a surefire way to have a happy crowd. Make it easy by assembling the night before and refrigerating until after Santa's delivery.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Bacon
A cup of warm soup is comforting for a cold Christmas Day but won't fill the family up too much before dinner. This slow-cooker soup means you have more time to spend with loved ones.
Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad
Have the cheese puffs ready in the freezer to put together this presentable but easy old-school luncheon recipe. The Ham Salad is a great way to use any leftover Christmas Eve ham.
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip
Start Christmas lunch with a festive twist on classic spinach dip. Use puff pastry to turn the party dip into a jolly, edible tree.
Best Waldorf Salad
Every holiday meal could use a pretty seasonal salad to start. This classic combines apples, celery, grapes, and pecans in a light dish that won't take away from the feast.
Italian Casserole
This cozy casserole is the ideal make-ahead dish to have on hand throughout the holidays. Assemble the day before and keep refrigerated until you're ready to bake.
Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich
These quick, flavorful sandwiches are easy to put together while you work on dinner dishes. Make the sandwiches ahead of time and wrap them individually for an easy-to-grab lunch.
Biscuits-and-Gravy Skillet
We'd enjoy this comforting one-dish meal any time of day. Made in one pan, this recipe couldn't be easier. Just top the creamy sausage filling with frozen biscuits and bake.
Harvest Salad
This winter salad showcases the best and brightest of the season. It's also a great palate cleanser in between morning pastries and Christmas dinner.
Hot Chicken Salad
Our hot chicken salad takes the classic combination of chicken, mayo, and celery and adds a tasty explosion of flavors. Crushed potato chips create a crispy topping.
Winter Vegetables and Gnocchi
This quick, seasonal pasta recipe is on the table in 30 minutes and will satisfy everyone at the table. Serve a tossed salad or fruit on the side, and dig in.
Beef Stew
Make a big batch of beef stew the day before and enjoy it for lunch on Christmas Day. Cut up a chuck roast instead of buying stew meat for the best flavor.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches
This Southern favorite open-faced sandwich is a crowd-pleaser for even the crankiest Christmas crowd. The creamy Mornay sauce and plentiful bacon are sure to bring cheer to the table.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
This is our Test Kitchen's new favorite way to make brunch ahead for a crowd. This dish is sure to be on everyone's wishlist for holidays to come with its cheesy egg custard and caramelized onions.
Ham-and-Cheese Puff Pastries
These buttery pastries are filled with a dreamy combination of ham, Gruyere, thyme, and honey mustard. Make them ahead of time for an easy Christmas lunch.
Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce
Meatballs never disappoint. Instead of serving with spaghetti, try these sliders for a lunch spread. They're cooked in the slow cooker, so they can be hot and ready for serving time.
Peppered Beef Soup
This hearty soup will warm you up on chilly holidays. The toasted bread bowls add a nice touch, but you can skip them if you don't have time.
Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread
This beautiful flatbread starts with store-bought pizza dough, but the fresh toppings keep it light. Bottled balsamic glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball
Set out a timeless cheese ball and everyone can snack until dinner time. This version uses feta and cream cheese. Shape it into a Yule log for a festive presentation.
Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans
Salads don't have to be boring. This bright and crunchy salad made with apples, pecans, and shaved Brussels sprouts makes a lovely lunch on Christmas.
Ham-and-Cheese Sliders
These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd on Christmas. Plus, they're ready in under 30 minutes.
Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs
This salad is the refreshing break your day of feasting needs. It takes just minutes to prepare but still packs in loads of flavor.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
A tray of baked brie and dippers is always a welcome sight for hungry guests. Serve with crackers, apples, or even biscotti.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Satisfy your holiday crew with a pan of loaded pork nachos. They come together in minutes. You can use leftover pork or pick up a container from your favorite barbecue place.
Burrito Bowls
This recipe is great for a gathering because every guest can customize their own bowl. Set out a variety of toppings like black beans, charred corn, and avocado, and let everyone help themselves.
Chicken and Fontina Panini
This delicious crusty sandwich couldn’t be easier. Pesto, tomatoes, rotisserie chicken, and fontina cheese are all you need to layer between your bread. If you don’t have a panini press, use a heavy cast-iron skillet as a makeshift press.
Mini Quiche Recipe with Asparagus and Goat Cheese
These mini quiches can be made up to two days ahead of time. And since they’re served at room temperature, you can let them sit before serving, no other cooking is required.
Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing
Have lunch ready in 15 minutes with this light and easy dish. Don’t skip the pepper jelly dressing. It adds sweetness and spice.
Fresh Fruit Salad
This is our go-to fruit salad recipe, but for a festive spin, use only green and red fruit. Finish with honey-sweetened orange juice and fresh mint.
Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans
Combine salsa and refried beans to help keep the toppings in place in this loaded nacho recipe. Mexican chorizo, hot sauce, and jalapeno create levels of heat and flavor.
Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad
Roasting the lettuce caramelizes it and makes for an elegant presentation. Embellish store-bought dressing to save time. No one will know it’s not homemade.
Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Cheese
Both kids and adults will rave about this creamy homemade tomato soup. Top it with Cheddar or serve it with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.
Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Your slow cooker does all of the hard work to make these delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Douse them with Carolina-style vinegar sauce, and top with pickles and onions.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
These meatballs are ready to serve in 30 minutes. The cranberry sauce gives these a holiday twist. A jar of jalapeno pepper jelly spices things up.
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
In 30 minutes, this hearty one-pan casserole is ready to serve. It’s easy to put together, tastes great, and there’s plenty for everyone, perfect for hosting.
Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
This cheesy baked pasta topped with crunchy breadcrumbs will be a hit at your holiday gathering. Look for pre-chopped, bagged kale to save time.
Collard Green Salad with Oranges and Port-Soaked Cherries
A light lunch doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. This salad hits sweet, tangy, and zesty notes with port-infused dried cherries, navel oranges, goat cheese, and walnuts, and it’s still easy to make.
Ham and Noodle Casserole
Have this classic casserole waiting in your freezer for Christmas lunch so you won't skip a beat in your dinner prep.
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