One of my favorite Christmas traditions is the annual dinner that Adam and I host for some of our closest friends in the run-up to Christmas. It’s our chance to dress up, slow down and enjoy an adults-only evening amidst the seasonal whirlwind. In recent years, we have decided to mix things up by inviting everyone to bring their children. The result? Endless fun, a little more chaos and many more mouths to feed.
While planning my menu, I’ve been reviewing my tried-and-true holiday party recipes that make feeding a crowd more joyful than stressful: simple but festive dishes that are non-negotiable for any holiday dinner, especially if you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen (or lose your mind in the process). Thanks to my years in catering, I’ve put together a solid lineup of main course recipes that tick all the boxes: crowd-pleasing favorites that almost everyone loves, built around large-batch cooking, like skillets or the grill, so you’re not sautéing 16 fish fillets or frying eggs one by one, and designed for maximum ease of preparation so that when guests arrive, I can pour a glass, take a breather, and join in the fun.
14 Festive and Easy Christmas Party Recipes to Feed a Crowd
I have selected this guide to make organizing a vacation really easy. Instead of organizing recipes by number of guests, you’ll find them grouped by level of effort—from make-ahead dishes that practically make themselves, to elevated yet practical options, and, of course, the elaborate dishes that provide a truly wow-worthy moment.
So the next time you’re hosting a party and wondering what to cook, add this guide to your favorites. These recipes are designed to keep things simple, festive, and stress-free, and to leave your guests happy, satisfied, and eagerly awaiting your next invitation.
Easy and forward
When your calendar fills up but you still want to host, these are the recipes that will keep you sane. Think of simple, large-batch dishes that you can prepare hours in advance, so you can light a candle, pour a glass, and enjoy your own feast.
A Zuppa Toscana soup
Starting with this guaranteed crowd pleaser that is way better than the Olive Garden version. This Zuppa Toscana soup is creamy, hearty, and the kind of dish everyone comes back to for “just one more ladle.” It’s the definition of cold-weather comfort and is perfect for catering to a hungry vacation crew.
Gnocchi in pan
Proof that the easiest recipes can still earn you host of the year status: these skillet gnocchi turn out wonderfully crispy while the vegetables caramelize into pure magic. It is an ideal main dish for families and leaves you free to enjoy the party.
Vegetarian White Chickpea Chili
Light, bright, and secretly loaded with protein, this white chili is a fresh alternative to the red meat-rich classic. Make a big pot, lay out the ingredients, and watch everyone customize their perfect bowl.
Winter Vegetable Lasagna
Lasagna is a crowd favorite for good reason. This vegetable lasagna is a lighter version of the classic dish, and the pasta made from scratch is worth the effort and time. The filling can be prepared the day before, giving you more time to spend with the dinner team.
A little fancy (but still doable)
For those gatherings where you want a touch of sparkle without spending all night in the kitchen. These crowd-pleasing plates look elevated, but are based on simple techniques and pair beautifully with simple dinnerware and a centerpiece for an effortlessly elegant finish.
Pesto pasta with vodka
Creamy, velvety and just enough indulgent, pasta alla vodka always provides a festive mood. It’s the kind of dish that provides a special presentation without taking up too much time on your hosting itinerary, a big plus when hosting a crowd.
Orange-Chili Glazed Pork Loin with Carrot Pesto and Roasted Carrots
A pork tenderloin is always a fan-favorite holiday recipe, and this tasty version is the only recipe you need. It’s a great opportunity to heat up your grill during the winter and a great excuse to save the oven for other tasty additions to your holiday table.
Halibut in pan with Italian green sauce and asparagus
Fancy enough for a dinner party but just as easy to mix up and grill, this halibut delivers bright, herb-packed flavor without the fuss. It’s a lighter main dish that still feels festive, perfect for balancing those richer holiday sides.
Slow Baked Salmon with Fennel and Herbs
The benefit of a lighter holiday party recipe is that it leaves room for delicious sides (and you don’t feel too full at the end of the night). This roasted salmon recipe is cooked to perfection and comes together all in one baking dish.
Roasted chicken
If you’ve ever wanted to try a whole roast chicken, this recipe is the best place to start. With delicious roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh garlic, this may be the tastiest Christmas recipe that everyone will love.
When you want to impress
These are the dishes that guarantee a good sigh when they arrive at the table. Bold flavors, gorgeous plating and just the right amount of surprise, especially when styled on decorative stoneware or sustainable glassware, turning your dinner into a moment.
Bourbon-Rosemary Glazed Ham
A true Christmas spectacle, this bourbon-glazed ham comes out caramelized and shiny (no dry ham here!). Best of all, it feeds a large group without demanding much in return.
Carne Asada Tacos
Festive, fun, and basically impossible to mess up, these tacos are my go-to when feeding a crowd with mixed tastes. Set up your own space and watch guests hover around the taco bar all night.
Sweet and Spicy Braised Ribs
These sweet and spicy ribs never go out of style. I could serve them every year for my family and friends, and no one would be sad about it. The meat that falls off the bone makes it easy to split and share with a group. And the best part? These go into the oven long before guests arrive and you can (basically) sit back until it’s time to eat.
Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Fresh Ricotta
Tender, fragrant and bathed in a rich tomato sauce, these lamb meatballs bring a touch of Mediterranean warmth to the table. Serve them with crusty bread, over pasta, or as a small, hearty dish.
Short Rib Ragu
Slow cooked until tender, this short rib ragu is pure holiday decadence. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent all day cooking (but no one needs to know otherwise!).
This post was last updated on December 8, 2025 to include new insights.
