Christmas lunch ideas can be necessary for the season’s busyness. After unwrapping presents while sipping peppermint hot chocolate, you may want to snack on the Christmas cookies. Lunch is not on your mind. But eventually, everyone gets hungry!
But let’s be honest, Christmas lunch can be time-consuming if you spend a lot of time figuring out what to serve.
Some believe that Christmas Day means avoiding cooking, especially after Christmas Eve dinner. Others think Christmas day requires elaborate meals like roasted turkey and prime rib. No matter where you land on the scale, these Christmas lunch ideas include something for every level of cooking readiness.
Last-Minute Christmas Lunch Ideas
Hosting Christmas dinner or lunch? Having a few last-minute lunch and dinner ideas for Christmas is always a good idea. Holidays sometimes go differently than planned, or maybe you’re just done with cooking for the year. Whatever your reason, here are a few festive and easy meal ideas to make in a pinch.
Bagels with Avocado, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Basil
The bagel is a versatile bread. Craft sandwiches, eat them plain, or make French toast. In this Christmas lunch idea, you'll find yourself stuffing bagels with creamy avocado and crisp tomatoes.
Check out this recipe
Delicious Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Gooey cheese and juicy ham come together to form this tasty hot sandwich. This is the kind of warmth you are likely to crave on a cold Christmas day. It's also perfect for using up that leftover glazed ham.
Check out this recipe
Monte Cristo Sandwich
The Monte Cristo is a sandwich with savory meats and sweet jam. Cooked French toast-style, this sandwich is perfect for a Christmas lunch idea.
Check out this recipe
Walking Taco Casserole
Savory and cheesy, made with corn chips or Fritos. Cook's choice!
Check out this recipe
Chicken Salad With a Holiday Twist
Simple and delicious is always ideal for a Christmas lunch idea. This chicken salad offers the right mixture of flavors and textures for a perfect easy meal.
Check out this recipe
Classic and Crunchy Chicken Caesar Wrap
Crunchy romaine leaves, tender chicken, and sweet cherry tomatoes feature in these wraps. With a Caesar dressing to add to the flavor, this is a Christmas lunch idea that will make a reappearance.
Check out this recipe
Cuban and Mexican-Inspired Christmas Lunch Ideas
Mexican Spaghetti {Fideo}
This is one of the most popular ways to eat pasta in Mexico. Spaghetti with a simple tomato-based sauce and garnished with little cheese, perhaps some cream on top too! It’s loved by adults as well as kids alike.
Check out this recipe
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a fast and tasty snack for any occasion. Filled with cheese and then topped with cheese. Gooey goodness!
Check out this recipe
Christmas Tree Quesadillas
These Christmas tree quesadillas are perfect for a yummy and festive lunch! Entertain your guests with the themed meal with these little tasty trees.
Check out this recipe
Pastelitos de Carne
This dish is popular for parties and events in Cuban households. Beef-stuffed sweet and flaky pastries inspire serving Pastelitos de Carne for every family event.
Check out this recipe
Italian-Inspired Christmas Lunch Ideas
Olive Garden Stuffed Shells
This copycat recipe for Olive Garden Stuffed Shells is the best there is. Creamy with just enough marinara sauce. Just like the real thing.
Check out this recipe
Italian Panini
The Italian panini includes many types of meat and melted provolone cheese. Toasting the bread invites the perfect crunch, while the gooey cheese brings comfort. This meal is easy to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or shallots to the sandwich.
Check out this recipe
Easiest Fried Spaghetti Recipe
This fried spaghetti is the easiest and most delicious recipe for using up leftover pasta hanging out in your fridge. Try and enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Italian Pasta Bake
The prep is the time-consuming part of this Christmas lunch idea. The time spent is well worth it in the case of this Italian pasta bake. Prepare this tomato sauce-based meal the evening before and refrigerate until baking.
Check out this recipe
Quick and Easy Stromboli
Stromboli is an excellent meal for pleasing a crowd. Delicious dough encases Italian meats, cheese, and sauce, making for a hearty and warm meal. You can get creative with Stromboli by adding sausage with rosemary and other spices. As a big bonus, prep and baking take less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Hearty Christmas Lunch Ideas
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This white cheddar mac and cheese takes your childhood favorite to a whole new level. Trust this one to give you the comfort you seek – and might end up on your Christmas dinner menu.
Check out this recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
If the name of this Christmas lunch idea fails to incite you, I don’t know what will! Imagine creamy comfort food with a crispy crunch layered on top. The difference in textures and the warm, homey taste is ideal for Christmas and any other day.
Check out this recipe
White Chicken Chili
Is your home the hub for Christmas gatherings? You’ll want something to ward off the chill from the revolving door. White Chicken Chili could be the perfect solution. It boasts light cream cheese flavors and tender chicken with various options for toppings.
Check out this recipe
Easy Pulled Pork Sliders
Sliders are always the perfect size for lunch items. This recipe crafts a flavorful pulled pork to please your family for this holiday meal. Try honey barbecue for a sweeter taste.
Check out this recipe
Shrimp and Grits
Whether in the south or far from it, shrimp and grits are a comfort like no other. Need a Christmas lunch idea that brings you warmth and joy? Go with the savory flavors in this shrimp and grits recipe.
Check out this recipe
Mulligan Stew Recipe
It’s hard to argue with a hearty stew when the cold weather around Christmas strikes. Invite your family in from the cold to enjoy this tender, slow-cooking soup. Your home will fill with the aroma of juicy beef and rich broth, adding to the joy of Christmas day.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
A classic chicken pot pie is a hearty meal to enjoy on a cold day. For this Christmas lunch idea, simplify by prepping your veggies early.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Caramelized Onion and Bacon Flatbreads
There are few combinations better than caramelized onions and bacon. Adding it to a flatbread could be genius in action. This delicious Christmas lunch idea could become a staple for your holiday parties.
Check out this recipe
Soup Ideas for Christmas Lunch
As the winter chill sets in and the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort and nourish the soul. And when it comes to Christmas, there are so many delicious and festive soups to choose from. From hearty potato and leek to creamy pumpkin, these soups are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday tradition. So grab a spoon and read on for some of our favorite Christmas soup recipes
New England Corn Chowdah
An easy meals recipe for one pot corn chowdah (aka potato soup) my moms recipe for the perfect potato soup. Ideal for a nice fall day.
Check out this recipe
Classic Minestrone Soup
Cultures of all kinds love an authentic Italian minestrone. Minestrone includes various seasonal vegetables, including green beans, squash, potatoes, and peas. Save yourself 20 to 30 minutes on Christmas day by prepping your vegetables and ingredients ahead of time.
Check out this recipe
French Onion Soup
Another great Christmas lunch idea is a tasty French onion soup. The soup alone introduces a relaxed and warm mood. Add toasted baguette slices to create a meal worth talking about.
Check out this recipe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-French-Onion-Soup-LEAD-06-00d3b5bcdf4a4261b89e1be4aedf90f3.jpg)
Creamy Cabbage Soup
Creamy cabbage soup that is gluten-free, keto, low calorie, and delicious. This recipe is simple to make and easy to adapt for all tastebuds.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin is a fantastic addition to any holiday meal, so why not include it in Christmas lunch ideas as soup? Rich, warm, and creamy are a few descriptive words that fit this recipe. If you’re a pumpkin fan, you won’t regret this. If you aren't a pumpkin fan, butternut squash could serve you well.
Check out this recipe
Salad Ideas for Christmas Lunch
Honeycrisp Apple Harvest Salad
Savor crisp apples and tangy cranberries in this yummy Christmas lunch idea. This holiday Honeycrisp salad is perfect if you want something light and healthy.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Macaroni Potato Salad
This Christmas lunch idea can appease macaroni salad or potato salad fans. The salad features a hummus-based sauce that will make your tastebuds smile! The hummus itself is a creative recipe involving lemon juice, hot sauce, and pure maple syrup.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Fruit Salad
Who doesn’t love fruit salad – especially at Christmas? This recipe is unique with holiday-favorite fruits, including cranberries, pomegranates, and apples. Toss together this fruit salad and enjoy your dessert-like meal with your family.
Check out this recipe
Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad makes a great lunch item, whatever the season. Crisp peppers and a robust, flavorful dressing make this Christmas lunch idea ideal.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Casseroles
Easy Tuna Pasta Recipe
This creamy tuna pasta recipe is an easy and comforting pasta dish that uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
Garlic mushroom cauliflower skillet has the nutrition you need with flavor. The taste of the caramelized crust on the cauliflower might make this a repeat side dish. Yet, the real win comes with the fresh herbs, including thyme and parsley.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Chicken Crescent Casserole
You are going to love this Creamy Chicken Crescent Casserole Recipe! Using homemade Cream of Chicken Soup, juicy white meat chicken and crescent rolls. Perfect for a holiday meal.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Sides
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Potatoes are a staple for most holiday meals, even though they are not typically the main dish. If you like cheesy potatoes with bacon and green onion to add a kick, this is the potato for you. The base includes butter, salt, pepper, and sour cream to create a tasty layer beneath the toppings.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Corn on the Cob
Savory smoked corn on the cob is tender and juicy. The perfect side dish for chicken, beef, fish, or any holiday dishes you crave.
Check out this recipe
Frozen Egg Rolls In Air Fryer
While egg rolls don’t usually go with a Christmas meal, they add the flavors and textures you crave. A crispy shell with veggies, roast pork, and shrimp loads these tasty masterpieces memorable. Add a sweet duck sauce for dipping, and the experience is one unforgettable appetizer. Better yet? Use frozen egg rolls and make them in your air fryer.
Check out this recipe
5-Ingredient Loaded Totchos
Loaded totchos (tater tot nachos) are what they sound like – delicious. With less crunch than a chip but more flavor, your oven-baked meal will succeed with this Christmas lunch idea.
Check out this recipe
Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉
