24 Easy Christmas Lunch Ideas
Christmas Lunch Ideas – Keep your guests and family happy with these easy ideas. Fresh, delicious food around the clock or leftover makeover ideas for the win!
The holidays are my favorite time to throw the ball out of the park. Everyone is in a lighter mood and willing to try just about anything. That’s why I put my best into every single recipe I make.
Cooking is a labor of love, and the holiday season gives us more opportunities to show our love. That’s why I like to keep my list of Christmas lunch ideas handy. It allows me to have fun and still have time to enjoy my family.
So stick around and save some of these to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.😉
Content…
Fresh and Easy
1. Whole Roasted Duck
2. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
3. Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
4. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Pizza Pizzazz
5. Pizza Rolls
6. Sausage Breakfast Pizza
7. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
8. Pizza Dough Recipe
9. Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
Leftover Ham Makeovers
10. Ham Loaf
11. Monte Cristo Sandwich
12. Deviled Ham
13. Hoppin’ John
14. Quiche Lorraine
15. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
16. Ham Salad
17. Ham Casserole
18. Ham Hock and Beans
Leftover Turkey Makeovers
19. Chicken Salad Sandwich
20. Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
21. Fiesta Chicken Casserole
22. Chicken Enchiladas
23. Chicken Lasagna
24. Turkey Sliders
Conclusion
Fresh and Easy
1. Whole Roast Duck
Make an elegant Christmas lunch with this crispy yet tender whole roast duck. The amazing glaze makes this duck recipe unforgettable. Plus, it’s easy and only takes 20 minutes of prep! Can’t beat that!
2. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Are you looking for something to please everyone? Then, a Thanksgiving charcuterie board is the answer. And with a few tweaks, it’s the perfect Christmas charcuterie board. So take advantage of this one to avoid hangry guests.😂
3. Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
This succulent, flavorful dish is a personal favorite because it’s so easy. Spatchcocking provides even cooking and better flavor distribution. Also, that smoky, delicious flavor elevates chicken to pure perfection, making it the perfect holiday lunch.
4. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese is essential for this time of the year. So I’ve got you covered with this baked Southern mac and cheese recipe. And it’s ideal for when you’ve gotten all turkeyed out.
Pizza Pizzazz for Easy Christmas Lunches
5. Pizza Rolls
There’s no better comfort food for the holidays than pizza rolls. This finger food is savory and satisfying and provides an excellent opportunity to spend time as a family. Or you can make them ahead and freeze them for a quick emergency lunch.
6. Sausage Breakfast Pizza
Did everyone sleep in, and you’re all having breakfast at noon? Then sausage breakfast pizza is perfect. This breakfast lover’s hit is filling, fun, and a great lunch or brunch option any time of the year.
7. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
If you love Alfredo, you will fall head over heels with this straightforward Christmas lunch idea. Loaded with chicken and a creamy white Alfredo sauce, all in one of our favorite comfort foods; pizza. So take a break from the ham and turkey with this deliciousness.
8. Pizza Dough Recipe
All you really need for a great pizza is a great pizza dough recipe. After that, you can customize EVERYTHING! So grate your favorite cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Gruyere, etc.) and sauce (recipe follows). Get your toppings together (sausage, ham and pineapple, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, you name it) and have fun!
9. Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
While on the topic of pizza, let’s talk sauces. This rich, thick, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the homemade dough recipe. It’s so good you’ll swear off takeout. And you can make it ahead, freeze it, and thaw it the night before for a leisurely Christmas lunch.
Leftover Ham Makeovers
10. Ham Loaf
I love getting crafty with leftovers, and this ham loaf is the perfect leftover idea. This impressive dish comes alive with a sweet and tangy glaze and makes good use of that huge ham from the night before. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes and spicy green beans, or turn it into a sandwich.
11. Monte Cristo Sandwich
A delicious and savory treat that’s perfect for a light lunch and a great way to use that leftover ham. Spread the bread with butter, layer on ham and cheese, then dip it in a beaten egg and fry it until golden brown and crispy. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
12. Deviled Ham
Deviled ham is a must-try for an easy Christmas lunch idea. Mix chopped ham, mayonnaise, mustard, spices, and seasonings, then spread it on crackers or make a delicious sandwich. Make it ahead for a versatile and quick lunch or snack.
13. Hoppin’ John
No list around the holidays would be complete without Hoppin’ John! Ham and bacon enhance black-eyed peas with smoky goodness. While it traditionally brings in the new year with good luck, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it on Christmas. Its savory, smokey, and spicy goodness will warm you right up during the harsh winter months.
14. Quiche Lorraine
A buttery pastry crust filled with creamy eggs, savory bacon (in this case, leftover ham), and Gruyère cheese is ideal for any occasion. The simple ingredients are delicious hot or cold, coming together in the blink of an eye. So whether you’re whipping up Christmas brunch or lunch, this one is a great idea.
15. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Scalloped potatoes never fail to satisfy and impress my guests. And it’s a great way to use leftover ham for a main dish or carb-rich side. The ham’s saltiness is a match made in heaven when paired with potatoes. Add some steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a one-pot wonder.
16. Ham Salad
Ham salad is perfect for using your leftover ham. Its creamy, savory flavor profile makes a great appetizer or lunch. Spread it on crackers, make a sandwich, or top a tossed salad for another quick and easy one-dish meal.
17. Ham Casserole
Ham casserole is a fantastic dish that’s even better when you use leftover ham. This super easy and versatile dish with pasta, veggies, and ham is a timesaver for a satisfying Christmas lunch—a real treat for a busy weeknight dinner.
18. Ham Hock and Beans
Enjoy classic soul food with ham and beans, sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The smoked ham hock infuses the beans with savory smokiness. This economical recipe using leftover ham and beans is as affordable as it is comforting.
Leftover Turkey Makeovers for an Easy Christmas Lunch
Almost any recipe that uses cooked chicken is super simple to adapt to turkey. So take advantage of the holiday abundance to whip up easy lunch recipes with leftover turkey.
19. Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken salad sandwich is a classic picnic recipe. I make it for lunch year-round; that’s how great this recipe is. Pile your turkey salad on crescent rolls, Dutch crunch bread, or brioche sandwich bread for an unforgettable Christmas lunch,
20. Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
A fantastic side dish or a meal on its own, and oh-so-easy to make with that delicious leftover turkey. The beautiful flavors and textures are perfect for any occasion. The filling combination is pure soul-satisfying goodness.
21. Fiesta Chicken Casserole
Turn that leftover turkey into a party casserole! Literally! You’ll love this fiesta chicken casserole recipe because it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And with only 10 minutes of prep time, it’s ideal for an easy Christmas lunch entree.
22. Chicken Enchiladas
Fill your home with the irresistible aroma of homemade enchiladas; comfort food gold! Every bite is hearty and satisfying, and they’re even better with the leftover turkey. Enchilada sauce, tortillas, and turkey make a perfect lunch or dinner idea, and the kids love it!😋
23. Chicken Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those recipes you can have so much fun with because it’s so versatile. I love lasagna because it’s the perfect opportunity to clean the fridge of leftover veggies, sauces, and meat. And that’s precisely what you can do with your leftover turkey this season. Assemble this cheesy lasagna for an easy Christmas lunch.
24. Turkey Sliders
Use leftover turkey for a spin on a traditional pulled pork or ham and cheese slider. Shred your turkey, add BBQ sauce, and assemble for a kid-pleasing lunch or snack.
Conclusion
Make it a waste-free holiday season with these convenient and delicious Christmas lunch ideas. You will save money and time, and most importantly, your family and guests will be happy. Which one of these ideas will you be trying? Let me know in the comments below!
