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    Home » Christmas

    30+ Non Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas

    Published: Dec 20, 2021 · Modified: Dec 20, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    collage of non traditional xmas dinner ideas with text overlay.

    While Thanksgiving has its tried-and-true menu, Christmas allows us to be creative in our meal planning. Consider these Non-traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas for a fun and festive feast to please everyone at the table.

    Whether you choose a Mexican food buffet, complete with tamales, or an Italian spread of Spicy Sausage Lasagna and Garlic Focaccia, you’re bound to enjoy some great budget-friendly meals that are just a little outside the Christmas box.

    • alphabet soup and a spoon in a bowl labeled enjoy on a black plate with saltine crackers. this …
    • dipping a flauta into sour cream on a platter of stacked flautas.
    • italian beef sandwich in a checked lined basket with a metal sauce cup.
    • pair of gratin dishes filled with cheese enchiladas next to red napkin with two forks.

    When folks think of Christmas Dinner, their thoughts may turn toward a Dickensian feast with a roast goose and plum pudding. That is to some a traditional Christmas Dinner.

    However, since every family and culture has its own favorite foods, it makes sense that Christmas Dinner can vary from formal to casual — with all kinds of flavor profiles included.

    Bust out of the norm and choose one of these Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas.

    Why Do This

    Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas can be more budget-friendly. Let’s be honest, Ebenezer Scrooge paid a pretty penny for that big goose. Modern-day turkey dinners with all the trimmings can definitely come with a high grocery bill. Save money when you choose a Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner.

    It can be easier on the cook. There was a reason that families in the Victorian era had kitchen help: those kind of meals were a lot of work! Plan a non-traditional Christmas dinner and you’re likely to have a much easier prep time.

    A non-traditional Christmas dinner can be fun! Comforting soups, hearty casseroles, international flavor profiles, and simple sandwiches can all be festive and fun. Just break out the linens and china if you want to be fancy! And the Christmas Cookies.

    Enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas dinner with less stress, less expense, and a whole lot of deliciousness.

    Tips for Success

    Whether you choose some non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas or stick with what you normally serve, there are several ways to make it easier:

    1. Do your shopping in advance to avoid crowds and shortages.
    2. Prep and freeze whatever dishes are freezer-friendly.
    3. Set the table early, especially if you want to make it special. It will take more time than you think.

    Presentation can matter. If you want it to.

    While you absolutely can dig out the paper plates and truly embrace all the relaxed, at-home feels this holiday season, you may want to make things just a little bit special. You don’t have to make an elaborate meal to pull that off.

    Instead,

    • set the table with linens and real dishes
    • consider individual ramekins or gratin dishes for plating that cozy casserole
    • pour some nice drinks
    • light the candles
    • play some music
    • linger over the meal

    It doesn’t matter if it’s mac and cheese, it’s who you’re with and how you spend the time that counts.

    grilled sirloin tip steak chopped and tucked into a pita sandwich.

    FAQs

    What should I serve for Christmas dinner?

    Traditional Christmas dinners can look different depending on your background and food culture. For some tamales are the must make, while for others, a roast with all the trimmings is de rigueur.

    As you consider what to make this Christmas, consider:
    – what do you like?
    – what’s easy?
    – what you can afford?
    – what includes traditions that matter?
    – what’s fun and non-traditional that you want to include?

    What is something different for Christmas dinner?

    There are so many different non-traditional dinner ideas that you draw from. Consider take-out favorites you can make at home yourself such as pizza, tacos, burgers and fries, pho, or stir-fries. You can also explore a variety of different international cuisines, such as French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Caribbean.

    Meal Ideas

    There are so many great meal ideas you can explore for a non traditional Christmas dinner. Consider some of these options:

    Casseroles

    Casseroles are comforting and easy on the cook. You can make them in advance, and they are warming on a cold Christmas day. While they might not be traditional, they are super delicious!

    • Mashed Potato Casserole (41 cents/serving)
    • Single Crust Pot Pie (77 cents/serving)
    • Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes
    • Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe (44 cents/serving)

    Mexican Food

    Who doesn’t like Mexican food? From tacos to burritos to rice and beans, there are delicious options to suit everyone. Make your own burrito bowls or bake up some easy chicken flautas for a delicious spread.

    • Corn Salad with Cilantro Dressing
    • Sheetpan Nachos with Chicken
    • Easy Recipe for Homemade Salsa
    • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

    Sandwiches

    Sandwiches never need be boring when there are so many fun and flavorful options. You might not think of it as Christmas dinner, but it can be a super fun non-traditional meal plan to include.

    • The Best Vegan Sandwich with Avocado
    • Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe
    • Sweet and Sour Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Prep!)
    • Cheese and Pickle Baguette Sandwich Recipe

    Comfort Foods

    Christmas should signify comforting and cozy, why not plan a meal that matches the mood? Cheese or potatoes (or both!) are a great start. Poll your people for the foods that comfort them most and plan those for Christmas dinner.

    • These Easy Tuna Melt Sandwiches are the Best Comfort Food
    • Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Mash
    • Easy Mac & Cheese in the Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker Meatloaf

    Soups & Stews

    Soups, stews, and chilis are delicious to serve for a non-traditional Christmas dinner. Choose two or more and feature “dueling soups”. Folks can choose whatever they like and load up on crackers, breads, and cheeses on the sides.

    Be sure to read how to fancy up Homemade Soup Recipes for Dinner.

    • Potato Soup with Sausage (95 cents/serving)
    • Guinness Beef Stew
    • Super Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
    • Spicy Beef & Bean Stew Recipe

    Pizza

    Everyone likes pizza! Serve up several different pies and you’ll find folks clamoring for a non traditional Christmas dinner every year!

    You can make your own dough or buy pre-made flatbreads to make things easier.

    • Freezer Meal Pizza Kits
    • Tortilla Pizza (52 cents each)
    • English Muffin Pizza Recipe
    • Margherita Flatbread Pizza

    Take-Out Fake Out

    Make your own take-out restaurant favorites at home for a delicious Christmas dinner outside the norm. Make ramen with fancy toppings, a chicken stir-fry, or fun hot sandwiches that you usually get at the deli.

    • Hot Turkey Pesto Sandwiches
    • Easy Cashew Chicken
    • Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
    • Turkey Avocado Baguette Sandwich

    Snack Plates

    Snacky meals are easy and fun. You can serve dedicated trays of certain kinds of snacks, like vegetables, fruit, meat, and cheese or combine them in the ever-trendy charcuterie board style.

    And yes, snacks can make a meal. And even a non traditional Christmas dinner.

    • The Ploughman’s Lunch, a very British Snacky Lunch
    • Vegan Charcuterie Board
    • Easy Affordable Relish Tray (67 cents/serving)
    • 10+ Snack & Charcuterie Board Ideas

    Tell us what you do!

    Leave a comment and share your favorite non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas. What has worked for you or what do you want to try?

    This post was originally published on December 11, 2020. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « Breakfast Charcuterie Board
    Salted Caramel Affogato Recipe (40 cents/each) »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen

      December 23, 2021 at 6:13 am

      We’re having Swedish meatballs and spaetzle this year. I love it because I can make most of it ahead of time and just finish it off Christmas day.

      Reply
    2. Lisa S.

      December 21, 2021 at 10:57 am

      We often do this especially when we aren’t having others over and it’s just us or us and my mom. We do beef stew, lasagne, crockpot whole chicken, we’ve done steak although that is not economical, we’ve done ham and navy beans with the frozen ham bone from thanksgiving. Something cozy that can go in the crock pot basically is what often happens. That way it’s taking care of itself, and we can all play. All we have to do is whip up some corn bread or biscuits to go with and a salad or veggie if it doesn’t already contain them.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        December 21, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        Sounds delicious!

        Reply
    3. Kelly Cook

      December 12, 2020 at 7:31 am

      We do a charcuterie Christmas dinner. We all like the snackiness of it and it’s super simple for me.

      I’m thinking about making the cheesey potatoes sometime today though.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        December 12, 2020 at 3:42 pm

        I like the snacky dinner on Christmas Day, too. My people just expect three meals (or more!) that day. LOL. We will probably do the cheesy potatoes with our tri-tip.

        Reply

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