This Christmas, ditch the “same old, same old” menu that has people sneaking extra cookies instead of sticking around for the main event. We’ve got a festive spread that caters to everyone—whether they’re carnivores, herbivores, or just really here for the carbs.
Each dish has a vegetarian-friendly alternative so you can feed the entire table without breaking a sweat (well, maybe a little sweat—it’s Christmas cooking, after all).
Pull out your festive apron, crank up those carols, and let’s get cooking!
🎄 Starters to Kick Off the Feast
1. Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans
For the Meat Lovers:
Ah, the melty, gooey baked brie. Top a wheel of brie with sweet cranberry sauce, crunchy chopped pecans, and a drizzle of honey. Wrap it in flaky puff pastry, bake it to golden perfection, and serve with crackers. Bonus: lay some prosciutto slices alongside it for those who need a meaty nibble.
Vegetarian Twist:
Skip the prosciutto and lean into the crunch! Serve with extra crackers, sliced apples, and even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for an Instagram-worthy finish.
2. Butternut Squash Soup
For the Meat Lovers:
This creamy roasted butternut squash soup is as warm and comforting as a holiday hug. Top it with a swirl of cream and crispy pancetta crumbles for a savory kick.
Vegetarian Twist:
Leave out the pancetta, and instead crown it with toasted pumpkin seeds and a dash of smoked paprika. You’ll still get a nice crunch and a hint of smoky flavor—without upsetting Aunt Linda’s vegetarian principles.
3. Caprese Christmas Wreath
For Everyone:
Caprese, but make it festive! Arrange bright cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil in the shape of a wreath. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then scatter crostini or crackers around it.
Spoiler alert: It’s already vegetarian. It’s a win-win.
🍖 Main Course Magic
1. Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Roast
For the Meat Lovers:
Meet your showstopper: a beef tenderloin roast, rubbed down with garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Roast it until it’s tender and perfectly pink inside. Serve it with a rich red wine jus, and watch the carnivores swoon.
Vegetarian Twist:
Swap the beef for a whole roasted cauliflower that gets the same herby love. Brush it with the Dijon-herb rub, roast it until golden, and slice it like a pro. Or, grab a seitan roast from the store, baste it with vegetable stock, and no one will even miss the meat.
🥔 Side Dishes That Steal the Show
2. Classic Sage and Onion Stuffing
For the Meat Lovers:
Make stuffing that’s worth stuffing your face with. Combine crusty bread cubes, sautéed onions, celery, fresh sage, and crumbled Italian sausage. Bake until crispy on top and soft in the middle.
Vegetarian Twist:
Substitute the sausage with hearty sautéed mushrooms and toasted pecans for a savory, nutty twist. Use veggie broth instead of chicken stock, and voila—you’ve got stuffing everyone can fight over.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
For the Meat Lovers:
The ultimate comfort food. These buttery mashed potatoes are whipped with roasted garlic, heavy cream, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top because, well, bacon.
Vegetarian Twist:
Go dairy-free by using plant-based butter and almond or oat milk for creaminess. Swap the bacon for crispy fried shallots or caramelized onions—because flavor doesn’t need to pick sides.
4. Green Bean Casserole
For the Meat Lovers:
This version isn’t shy about its intentions. The crispy pancetta does the hard work here—folded in like it owns the place, giving the green beans a salty kick that’ll make everyone say, “Oh wow, THIS is next level.” It’s the casserole equivalent of wearing sequins to Christmas dinner—daring and delicious.
Vegetarian Twist:
Who needs pancetta when you’ve got sautéed mushrooms bringing all that rich, earthy flavor to the table? Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika, and you’ve got a vegetarian version that even the carnivores will steal spoonfuls of when you’re not looking.
This casserole doesn’t need bacon to shine—it’s like that one friend who shows up to a party in a chic blazer and steals everyone’s attention anyway.
🍰 Desserts That End on a High Note
1. Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)
For Everyone:
A classic Christmas dessert that doubles as table decor. This rich chocolate sponge is rolled with chocolate buttercream and dusted with powdered sugar for a “fresh snow” effect. Bonus points for decorating it with meringue mushrooms and little sugared holly berries.
2. Cranberry-Orange Bread Pudding
For Everyone:
Warm, custardy, and full of holiday cheer, this bread pudding features tart cranberries, sweet orange zest, and a silky brandy sauce. Serve it warm with whipped cream for instant smiles.
Pro Tip: It’s already vegetarian! For a vegan-friendly twist, use almond milk and a flaxseed-based egg substitute.
3. Gingerbread Trifle
For Everyone:
Who needs gingerbread houses when you can layer gingerbread cookies, vanilla custard, whipped cream, and spiced poached pears in a trifle bowl? Bonus: you don’t have to worry about it collapsing halfway through the party.
Vegetarian and festive—easy-peasy.
🍷 Drinks That Warm the Soul
Holiday Mulled Wine
There’s something magical about mulled wine. It’s like the holidays distilled into a steaming, spiced elixir that fills the house with the scent of joy—and cinnamon. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and yes, it may just inspire you to belt out “Jingle Bells” off-key without an ounce of shame.
For the Adults:
This is no ordinary drink—it’s a mulled masterpiece. Start by gently simmering red wine with slices of juicy orange, fragrant cinnamon sticks, a sprinkle of cloves, and just enough honey to balance the spice. The result? A warm, ruby-red potion that melts away the stress of assembling that 1,000-piece toy on Christmas Eve. It’s festive, slightly boozy, and exactly what you need to survive Aunt Carol’s latest life update.
Pro Tip: Don’t let it boil! You want the wine warm and aromatic, not cooked off into sad grape juice.
Non-Alcoholic Option:
For those skipping the wine, or for the kiddos who want in on the fun, swap it out for cranberry or pomegranate juice. You’ll still get all the holiday magic: the vibrant color, the fragrant spices, and that cozy, warming vibe, minus the buzz.
It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel festive and wholesome at the same time—like a Hallmark movie in beverage form.
Eggnog (Classic or Vegan)
- This eggnog doesn’t mess around. It’s creamy, indulgent, and spiked with enough bourbon or rum to make awkward small talk with your uncle seem downright delightful. It’s like liquid velvet with a sprinkle of holiday cheer.
- Who says dairy gets to have all the fun? This version swaps out the cream for almond milk and coconut cream, creating a silky-smooth eggnog that’s still indulgent, minus the dairy guilt. Sprinkle it with nutmeg, and no one will even know it’s vegan until you brag about it.
Bring on the Festivities!
This Christmas feast has something for everyone, from the meat lovers to the veggie devotees. It’s hearty, celebratory, and full of festive flair—no awkward “Oh, can you eat this?” conversations required. Add some twinkle lights, turn on the holiday playlist, and watch as your guests go back for thirds.
Because let’s be honest—seconds are a given. 🎄
Did this spread hit the spot for your family? Were plates cleared, and seconds—or thirds—devoured with glee? 🎄✨ If you’re hungry for more festive ideas, head over to PodiumExpress.com and make every gathering a feast to remember!
