Christmas dinner brings many families together. It fosters a sense of unity and belonging — and the food is pretty delicious, too, from traditional Christmas dishes and sides to innovative desserts.
Planning and making a memorable Christmas dinner menu that balances traditional Christmas recipes with exciting flavors can feel overwhelming. However, with a little creativity, you can include different ingredients to keep everyone satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or an intimate get-together, you have plenty of tasty options!
Holiday Appetizers
Holiday appetizers kick off festive gatherings and tantalize the taste buds. Here are some delicious small bites that are sure to impress your guests.
1. Scrumptious Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory morsels are a perfect low-carb appetizer that combines the savory taste of Premio Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage With Kale with rich cheeses and the earthy flavor of baby bella mushrooms. They’re quick and easy to prepare ahead of time. With a burst of umami goodness in every bite, these stuffed mushrooms are the ideal dish for holiday gatherings or any other special occasion.
2. Holiday Sausage Wreath
This delightful dish delivers a combination of flavors and textures that capture the essence of holiday celebrations. The Premio Sweet Italian Sausage provides a robust, savory flavor. Hints of spice enhance the overall taste, while the sweetness balances the earthy notes of the brown cap mushrooms. The shape of the Holiday Sausage Wreath makes it a showstopper that invites guests to dig in.
3. Apple-Sausage Rings
A twist on traditional apple fritters, these Apple-Sausage Rings combine the savory flavors of Premio Sweet Italian Sausage with the tanginess of Granny Smith apples. The dish features apple rings that are battered and fried to golden perfection, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. It’s simple to follow for both novice and experienced cooks and will appeal to kids and adults alike.
Main Dishes
Here are our best Christmas dishes, featuring a variety of flavors and ingredients to please any palate.
4. Thanksgiving Turkey With Sweet Potato Sausage Stuffing
A traditional holiday favorite! You can stuff your turkey with a mix of bread or croutons, vegetables and herbs. The stuffing absorbs the flavors from the turkey as it cooks, making it incredibly flavorful. Enjoy turkey with sweet potato sausage stuffing, or create your own version with onions, celery and carrots. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.
5. Italian Chicken Rolls
This flavorful and visually appealing dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It features chicken breasts that are pounded thin and filled with a delicious mixture of sausage, onions, bell peppers, ricotta and Swiss cheese. They’re then rolled and coated in seasoned breadcrumbs before being baked to perfection. The Premio Sweet Italian Sausage adds a hearty flavor and a bit of spice.
6. Gustoso Italian Pot Pie
This Gustoso Italian Pot Pie is a delightful twist on the classic pot pie. It combines the robust flavors of Premio Sweet Italian Sausage with a medley of vegetables and a savory pasta sauce, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. This comforting and hearty dish is easy to prepare, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday meal rotation.
7. Ronnie’s White Christmas Lasagna
If you’re looking for a holiday meal that’s perfect for sharing and embodies the essence of comfort food, then you’ll want to add this lasagna to the table. It features layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich ricotta, a blend of cheese, tasty sausage, mushrooms and a creamy sauce. A Christmas lasagna is a warm and satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
Side Dishes
When it comes to Christmas dinner ideas, remember to leave enough space on the table for sides. Here’s a selection of delicious side dishes that perfectly complement a Christmas Day dinner.
8. Sausage, Pear & Brie Flatbread
This flatbread is a delightful and sophisticated dish that combines the savory flavors of Premio Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage, the creaminess of Brie cheese and the sweetness of fresh pears. It’s a quick yet elegant side dish that’s easy to share in gatherings.
9. Savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
A delicious dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavors of Italian sausage, this side is great for the whole family. Add color to the table with this gluten-free and kid-friendly recipe filled with cream cheese and cream. It makes for a luscious, satisfying bite.
10. Sausage & Potato Salad
Potato salad with sweet Italian sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together savory and creamy elements in a satisfying way. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to prepare for home cooks of all levels. The creamy texture and savory flavors make this salad a comforting meal that evokes feelings of home cooking.
11. Premio Gravy
This delectable and comforting gravy combines savory meats and creamy textures to create a rich sauce that will enhance any holiday meal. The Italian sausage forms the base of the gravy, while the chopped bacon brings a crispy texture and smoky flavor.
Sweet Treats
No matter how much you eat, there’s always space for something sweet. These two treats will round off the Christmas dinner celebration.
12. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Who says you need to choose between pumpkin pie and cheesecake? Pumpkin cheesecake combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the smoothness of cream cheese, all sitting atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Top with a tangy sour cream mixture, and garnish with crunchy pecans to finish off this perfect treat.
13. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Do you enjoy sipping hot cocoa by the fire? Capture the comforting flavors of hot cocoa in cookie form. With a rich chocolate base and the added sweetness of marshmallow bits and chocolate chips, these cookies are great for cozy gatherings. They’re sure to please kids and adults alike.
Beverages
Beverages can complement dishes or add to the Christmas spirit. Make one of these signature beverages to enjoy with your friends and family.
14. Classic Eggnog
Made with a delightful blend of rum, cream, eggs and vanilla, this classic festive drink is a quintessential treat that warms the heart and brings joy to any gathering. Serve in tumbler glasses over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an added festive touch.
15. Homemade Hot Cocoa
This indulgent beverage warms the soul on even the chilliest nights. Combine rich cocoa, creamy milk and finely chopped chocolate to create a decadent drink that’s perfect for cozying up by the fire or enjoying after Christmas dinner. Spice it up with chili or cinnamon, or even add a splash of rum to suit your taste.
Find Your Favorite Italian Sausage From Premio Foods
Christmas dinners often focus on comfort foods that bring warmth and joy, and Italian sausages are exceptionally comforting. They can also simplify meal preparation because they can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes. Use them in stuffing or as a main dish to add a hint of spice and complement traditional holiday flavors.
Premio Foods has made fine Italian sausage for more than 40 years. We offer traditional Italian favorites and world sausage flavors that can be used as alternatives in most of the above recipes.
Find Premio Foods sausage in a store near you, and start planning your Christmas menu!