Whether you're throwing the whole Christmas party or simply bringing a dish, we've got a huge list of the best Christmas food ideas for you to choose from! These foods aren't just delicious, they'll save you time, money, and stress, too!

Smoked chicken on a plate with holiday decor around from Shelf Cooking.

Does the idea of spending too much time in the kitchen all day long on a holiday make you want to run for the hills? Yeah, that's how we feel too. No worries, friend. We've got a list of foods compiled for you so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your friends and family!

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Some of these Christmas food ideas are make-ahead, and some are slow cooker-friendly, but all are quick, easy, and cheap to help you stay on track this Christmas! Let's get to it!


CHRISTMAS FOODS FOR BREAKFAST

French toast sticks on a baking sheet from Shelf Cooking.

Looking for a delicious, yet easy, Christmas morning breakfast idea? You're in the right place! Here are some of our favorite go-to breakfast ideas for Christmas morning.

Whether you're cooking for the masses or just a few friends or family, these Christmas food ideas for breakfast are here for the win!


CHRISTMAS FOOD IDEAS FOR LUNCH

Nobody wants to spend their entire Christmas Day cooking over a hot stove while everyone else parties the day away. We've got a few great lunch ideas that will make your life easier and let you spend more time where it counts… with family!

  • Homemade Pizza – Keep it classy with our simple French bread pizza or mix up some of our easy pizza crust and make it from scratch. If you're feeling festive, use a large Christmas tree cookie cutter to make mini Christmas tree pizzas!
  • BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – These BBQ chicken sandwiches are ah-ma-zing and they're made in the slow cooker, so no hot stove required. Plus, it's a super affordable way to feed a crowd!
  • Sliders – Make Christmas lunch easier by making slider sandwiches ahead of time. Try lunch meat on Hawaiian rolls for a meal everyone will love!

No matter what you make, make it easy on yourself!


DINNER CHRISTMAS FOODS

Whole chicken in a smoker from Shelf Cooking.

Whether you're a traditional Christmas foods gal, or you love a good mix-up, we've got Christmas dinner food ideas for you!

If you're serving a crowd, or just a few close friends or family, these Christmas dinner foods will be a hit, we promise!


EASY AND DELICIOUS SIDE DISHES

Nothing says a Christmas meal like a full table spread with sides galore! Here are some of our favorites to make for the big day!

Not only are these sides delicious, but they're also all easy to make and great for a tight budget! Nobody said you need to break the bank to make a Christmas meal.


CHRISTMAS DESSERT IDEAS

Sopapilla cheesecake squares on the counter from Shelf Cooking.

You can't have a Christmas gathering without dessert, right? Nah. We've got some of our best Christmas dessert ideas compiled right here for you!

Is your mouth watering yet? Whichever Christmas food ideas you choose to make, we hope your family will love them as much as we do!


What are some of your favorite traditional Christmas foods? Share with us in the comments below!

Christmas food ideas, from Shelf Cooking

Want more holiday fun?

Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!