Traditional Christmas dinner is often a feast involving side dishes, some form of delicious meat, and desserts like pies and Christmas cookies. However, for those who are spending the holidays alone, it doesn't always feel worth it to make an entire roasted turkey with mashed potatoes on the side. Whether you're staying home due to the pandemic or you're simply choosing to have some well-earned alone time, making Christmas dinner for one shouldn't be a high-stress affair. Here are 8 Christmas dinner ideas for one that festive, delectable and easy.
1. Christmas Eve Lasagna
Christmas meals are meant to be comforting and warming, since much of the country is battling cold and snow during the holiday season. Few main dishes are more comforting than cheesy lasagna! This Christmas Eve lasagna is the perfect way to celebrate alone or with your loved ones, and is extra festive with its red and green colors, which come from the bolognese sauce and basil pesto ricotta. Enjoy this Italian holiday dinner with a glass of red wine and a crackling fire.
Get the recipe here.
2. Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is always a go-to for celebratory meals. This Christmas dinner for one recipe involves a juicy roast chicken with gravy made from the juices, along with roast potatoes and roasted veggies like carrots, parsnips and sprouts. The bread sauce and sage and onion stuffing bring the meal to a new level of deliciousness and comfort. You can do much of the cooking the day before if you plan to spend your Christmas Day relaxing.
Get the recipe here.
3. Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is another scrumptious option when it comes to a holiday feast. This Wellington recipe contains a tender-cut beef tenderloin, mushrooms, olive oil, a shallot, prosciutto, and thyme. The tender seasoned beef goes great with the mushrooms and flaky puff pastry. Enjoy this for an indulgent Christmas dinner for one.
Get the recipe here.
4. Roasted Pumpkin, Mushroom and Quinoa Bake
Your holiday meal can be just as festive if vegetarian! This easy quinoa bake is an ideal one-pan holiday meal full of veggies. This delicious holiday bake features onion, cloves, garlic, feta, mushrooms, pumpkins, and sage for extra flavor. No need to go all out with roasted chicken, side dishes and pies when you can have a delectable and satisfying one-pan meal.
Get the recipe here.
5. Mustard Pork with Garlic Butter Vegetables
Another veg-filled dinner menu, this mustard pork is made with 5 simple steps and uses only one tray. The pork is flavored with paprika and mustard, then roasted alongside veggies like carrots, onion and asparagus. The garlic butter adds a delectable buttery flavor to the veggies. Tender vegetables and golden pork drizzled with lemon juice sounds like the perfect holiday meal to me.
Get the recipe here.
6. Garlic Butter-Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Asparagus
Salmon is always a go-to for me when it comes to treating myself. This easy recipe is perfect for a celebratory Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, full of buttery rich deliciousness from the garlic butter. Home cooks who like a kick can add a sprinkle of red pepper for some spice. Enjoy with a glass of white wine!
Get the recipe here.
7. Curried Sweet Potato-Apple Soup
One of the best options for comfort food is a good curried soup, especially when it involves sweet potato. This recipe can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and it can be made even easier with a slow cooker or instant pot. This Christmas dinner recipe is creamy and delicious, with garlic, ginger, nutmeg and curry powder adding flavor to the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples. Rather than making a Christmas side dish, serve this soup with a few pieces of crusty bread for dipping.
Get the recipe here.
8. Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs with Brussels Sprouts
For a fancy Christmas dinner for one, it's hard to beat short ribs with a side of Brussels sprouts. The short ribs are made with onions, carrots, and celery, and braised with red wine for a rich flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes, and enjoy with an appetizer or side of Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Get the recipe here.
