It’s Dec. 23 and you’re expecting guests for a traditional Northwest Indiana Christmas dinner, but you realized you haven’t planned the menu.

The simplest approach to planning your Christmas dinner menu begins with the main course and the rest of the food tends to fall into place.

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering in Griffith, feeding a house full of relatives in Hobart or looking for an easy holiday meal with minimal cooking in Crown Point, you can find all you need at the Strack & Van Til Food Market near you.

What should you make for Christmas dinner?

Quick Answer: Looking for Christmas dinner ideas? Start with one main course, such as ham, prime rib, turkey or beef tenderloin. Add two or three side dishes, bread and dessert to create a complete Christmas.

Choose one main course, add two or three sides, include a bread and finish with dessert.

The main course determines almost everything else. A glazed ham pairs naturally with sweet potatoes and rolls. Prime rib works best with potatoes and vegetables that complement its rich flavor. Turkey works with many of the same side dishes people enjoy at Thanksgiving.

Start with this Christmas dinner menu builder:

Main course	Sides that go with it	Bread	Dessert	What to buy ready-made
Baked ham	Mashed potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots	Dinner rolls	Pie or cookie tray	Ham, sides, dessert
Prime rib	Roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans	Crusty rolls	Cheesecake or pie	Roast, sides, rolls
Roast turkey	Stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes	Dinner rolls	Pumpkin or apple pie	Turkey, sides, dessert
Beef tenderloin	Roasted vegetables, potatoes, salad	Artisan bread	Cake or pie	Tenderloin, sides
Lasagna or Italian menu	Salad, roasted vegetables	Garlic bread	Cannoli, cookies or cake	Pasta dishes, bread, dessert

Christmas dinner planning checklist

• Choose the main course
• Select two or three side dishes
• Pick bread or rolls
• Order dessert
• Plan beverages
• Confirm guest count
• Order prepared items before holiday deadlines

The traditional Christmas dinner: Ham, turkey or a roast

Every family has its own traditions, but a few main dishes appear on Christmas tables year after year. Traditional Christmas dinner menus commonly feature ham, prime rib, turkey, beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, green beans and holiday desserts such as pies or cookie trays.

Baked ham

For many households, baked ham is the traditional Christmas dinner centerpiece. Spiral-cut and whole hams are easy to prepare and serve a crowd, and ham pairs well with most traditional holiday side dishes.

Many cooks finish their ham with a glaze during the final portion of cooking, adding sweetness and a holiday presentation.

If questions about cooking times are causing stress, the companion guide How Long to Cook a Ham covers the details.

Prime rib or standing rib roast

Prime rib roast is a traditional Christmas centerpiece for many families.

For serving sizes, temperatures and cooking guidance, see How Much Prime Rib Per Person, and How Long to Cook It .

Roast turkey

Turkey is one of the most traditional Christmas dinner options. A full turkey works well for larger gatherings, while a turkey breast is perfect for smaller celebrations.

Pork roast or beef tenderloin

A pork roast offers many of the same comforting flavors as ham while giving the meal a slightly different feel. Beef tenderloin provides an elegant centerpiece that cooks more quickly than many larger holiday roasts.

Christmas dinner ideas for a large group

Planning a Christmas dinner menu for a large group presents a different challenge: How to make sure everyone gets enough food without turning the day into a marathon cooking session.

One of the easiest solutions is serving two main courses once the guest list grows beyond a dozen people. Pairing a spiral ham with a beef roast gives guests options and helps stretch the more expensive meat farther. It also ensures there is enough food without requiring an oversized roast.

As a guideline, estimate about one-half pound of boneless meat per adult. If leftovers are an important part of the holiday tradition, increase that amount accordingly.

A buffet setup works well for large groups. Keep sides warm in disposable or oven-safe pans and offer appetizers while the roast rests. For appetizer ideas, see Christmas Appetizer Ideas That Hold Up on a Buffet.

If you’re planning party trays, the Party Trays in Northwest Indiana guide can help determine appropriate sizing.

Sides, bread and dessert

For many families, a handful of classic sides covers everything needed for a complete Christmas dinner.

Sides

Classic Christmas side dishes include mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and sweet potatoes. Together, they complement any Christmas dinner menu, whether you serve ham, prime rib, turkey or beef tenderloin. For more pairing ideas, see Christmas Side Dishes for Ham, Prime Rib and Turkey.

Bread

Fresh bread helps bring everything together.

Dinner rolls are a traditional choice because they work with almost every Christmas dinner menu. Warmed just before serving, they complement casual and formal meals.

Garlic bread is an excellent choice for Italian-inspired Christmas dinners, lasagna menus or meals built around beef.

Dessert

Popular Christmas desserts include pies, cookie trays and yule log cakes. For larger gatherings, offer two dessert options to give guests variety. See  How Many Cookies Per Person? Sizing a Cookie or Dessert Tray for quantity recommendations.

Non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas

If you’re searching for non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas, there are plenty of alternatives to ham and turkey.

An Italian Christmas dinner

Lasagna or baked pasta can serve as the centerpiece of a memorable Christmas meal. Add a simple salad, garlic bread and dessert, and the menu comes together quickly.

Many families that follow seafood traditions on Christmas Eve prefer a pasta-based meal on Christmas Day.

For more inspiration, see Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas, From Wigilia to the Seven Fishes.

Braised short ribs or pot roast

Short ribs and pot roast spend much of the day cooking unattended, allowing hosts to focus on guests, gifts and other holiday activities.

These dishes also pair naturally with potatoes, vegetables and bread.

Soup and salad

For smaller celebrations or late dinners, a hearty soup paired with a large salad can provide a satisfying meal without extensive preparation.

French onion soup is a particularly cozy option during the holiday season.

Seafood

Seafood is another alternative to a traditional Christmas dinner. Whole salmon and crab legs are popular choices.

Crab legs offer a festive option for smaller gatherings and can turn dinner into a more interactive experience.

Easy Christmas dinner when there is no time to cook

A fully cooked spiral ham, prepared side dishes and heat-and-serve meals can significantly reduce kitchen time. See Heat and Serve Holiday Meals and Where to Order Christmas Dinner to Go in Northwest Indiana for additional options.

Small gatherings deserve attention, too. Christmas dinner for two can be as simple as a small roast, two thick steaks, a favorite side dish and a bakery dessert.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas dinner

What should I make for Christmas dinner?

Start with ham, prime rib, turkey or beef tenderloin, then add sides, bread and dessert.

What is a traditional Christmas dinner menu?

A traditional Christmas dinner menu often includes ham, turkey or a roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes or glazed carrots, dinner rolls and a holiday dessert such as pie or cookies.

What should I buy for Christmas dinner?

Start with a main course, such as ham, prime rib or turkey, then add side dishes, rolls and dessert.

What can I serve for Christmas dinner for a large group?

For groups larger than 12 people, serve two main courses, such as a spiral ham and a roast. A buffet setup makes serving easier, while appetizers keep guests satisfied before dinner.

What are the most popular Christmas dinner meats?

Ham, prime rib, roast turkey and beef tenderloin remain the most popular Christmas dinner meats.

How much meat do I need per person for Christmas dinner?

A good general guideline is about one-half pound of boneless meat per adult. If you’re serving two main courses, calculate the total amount across both meats. Plan for a little extra if you want leftovers.

What are good side dishes for Christmas dinner?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and sweet potatoes are classic Christmas side dishes.

What dessert goes with Christmas dinner?

Holiday pies, cookie trays, cakes and yule logs are popular Christmas dessert options. Many hosts offer more than one dessert so guests can sample different treats.

What is an easy Christmas dinner to make?

A fully cooked spiral ham is one of the easiest Christmas dinner options because it only needs to be warmed before serving. Pair it with prepared side dishes, fresh rolls and a bakery dessert.

What can I make for Christmas dinner instead of ham?

Non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas include beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, pot roast, lasagna, baked pasta, salmon or crab legs.

Can I order Christmas dinner instead of cooking?

Yes. The Strack & Van Til Deli Department offers prepared Christmas dinners, heat-and-serve meals and holiday side dishes. Order ahead of time at strackandvantil.com/catering.

Christmas dinner from Strack & Van Til

Whether you’re building a traditional Christmas dinner menu or are looking for shortcuts, the biggest advantage is being able to gather everything in one trip at your local Strack & Van Til store.

Visit the Strack & Van Til Meat Department for what Director Gary Teachman says is “the largest variety of quality smoked hams in the Midwest.” You’ll find bone-in or boneless hams, spiral sliced and fully cooked or carver that are simple to cook, plus a wide selection of fresh and frozen turkeys.

If it’s meat that you prefer for your Christmas dinner centerpiece, the Meat Department offers Certified Angus Beef Standing Rib Roast (prime rib) or Certified Angus Beef Boneless New York Strip Loin. Also available are the “12 Roasts of Christmas”: Certified Angus Beef Rump Roast, English Cut Roast, Top Round Roast, Eye of Round Roast, Sirloin Tip Roast, Beef Tenderloin Roast, Prime Rack of Pork, Boneless Center Cut Pork Roast, Crown Roast, Pork Sirloin Roast, Chiappetti Leg of Lamb and Rack of Lamb.

Make Christmas dinner the easiest with ready-to-heat-and-serve fully cooked meals from the Strack & Van Til Deli Department.

“Our four festive hearty meal options taste just like homemade and are designed to spread cheer around your table,” notes Deli Department Director Kristin Snow.

Choose from the Traditional Turkey dinner, the Traditional Ham dinner, the Turkey Breast dinner or the Prime Rib dinner. Each comes with potatoes and other traditional side dishes.

Order fully cooked meals in-store, by phone at 219-961-9119  or online at strackandvantil.com/catering for pickup throughout Lake and Porter Counties. Orders must be placed by Thursday, Dec. 17, for pickup on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Delivery orders must be prepaid in full, and all dinners are available for delivery between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 23. Cold, ready-to-heat dinners require a $25 delivery fee.

Don’t forget to pick up breads and desserts in the Strack & Van Til Bakery. Choose from fresh-baked French or Italian bread, dinner rolls, scratch-made brown-and-serve rolls, stuffing bread, garlic bread, sourdough or fresh-baked croissants.

Bakery desserts include pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, 10-inch Gourmet Apple, French Silk, Lemon Supreme and banana cream pies, plus red velvet, carrot and German chocolate cakes and a variety of cheesecakes.

“Platters of homestyle cookies, signature butter cookies and brownies or pumpkin bars are perfect for Christmas dinner,” says Bakery Director Stephanie Flynn.

Pick the roast and the rest follows

The secret to planning Christmas dinner is choosing the main course first.

Start with a baked ham, prime rib, roast turkey, beef tenderloin or another favorite centerpiece. Add a few sides that complement it, select a bread, finish with dessert and the menu is complete.

Whether you’re serving a traditional Christmas dinner, looking for Christmas dinner ideas for a large group or want an easy heat-and-serve option, the formula stays the same. Choose the main course and the rest follows.

Build the menu that fits your family, your schedule and your holiday traditions, order it from your hometown grocer, Strack & Van Til, and serve a festive Christmas meal that everyone will enjoy.

By Karyn G. Zafran

 [KB2]Crosslink to How Much Prime Rib Per Person, and How Long to Cook It

 [KB7]Crosslink to Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas, From Wigilia to the Seven Fishes (coming soon)