Christmas Eve runs smoother when dinner is already taken care of before the evening begins. I rely on meals that can be cooked early and served later without losing their comfort or appeal. These 13 dinners help keep the kitchen calm while the house fills with family and conversation. It’s the kind of planning that lets the night unfold without rushing the clock.
Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs are baked until soft with sauce that clings well. These ribs reheat smoothly, which makes them helpful for make-ahead holiday meals. Wrap them tightly after baking to keep moisture locked in.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs
Crock Pot Chili – Easy and Delicious!
Crock Pot Chili – Easy and Delicious! simmers slowly until thick and comforting. I like preparing this earlier in the day so it can rest and develop deeper flavor. Stir gently before serving to keep everything evenly heated.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili – Easy and Delicious!
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken is oven roasted with simple seasonings that create juicy meat and lightly crisp skin. This recipe works well for Christmas Eve because it can be cooked earlier in the day and held without worry. Cover it loosely while resting to keep the texture just right.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Crescent Roll Ham and Cheese Bake
Crescent Roll Ham and Cheese Bake is baked until flaky on top with melted cheese inside. This simple recipe reheats quickly, making it useful when timing shifts on Christmas Eve. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing for clean portions.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Ham and Cheese Bake
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing is baked until the chicken stays juicy and the filling turns soft. I like prepping this earlier because it holds well while resting. Cover loosely after baking to keep the chicken from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits is baked with tender chicken and vegetables under soft, golden biscuits. This comfort food dinner can be assembled ahead and baked later in the evening. Let it rest briefly after baking so the filling stays in place.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Dutch Oven Whole Chicken is roasted in the oven until the skin turns golden and the meat stays tender. I like making this ahead because it rests well and reheats easily without drying out. Let the chicken cool fully before carving so serving later feels calm and unhurried.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken is slow cooked until the chicken stays tender and the bacon holds its shape. This recipe works well when you need hands-off prep during busy holiday hours. Finish it under the broiler briefly if you want extra color before serving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken
Crock Pot Brisket – Beth’s Brisket Recipe
Crock Pot Brisket – Beth’s Brisket Recipe is slow cooked until the beef becomes tender and easy to slice. I rely on this recipe for holidays since it stays moist and comforting when kept warm. Slice the brisket just before serving to keep it soft and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Brisket – Beth’s Brisket Recipe
Crock Pot London Broil
Crock Pot London Broil cooks low and steady for tender beef and well-seasoned gravy. It’s an easy choice for Christmas Eve when the slow cooker does most of the work. Slice the meat across the grain right before serving to keep it tender.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot London Broil
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi is baked with chicken, olives, and fruit until tender and saucy. This dish is known for tasting even better after it rests, which helps with holiday planning. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving to keep it moist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi
Roast Turkey with Cheesecloth Method
Roast Turkey with Cheesecloth Method is oven roasted using cheesecloth to keep the meat tender and the skin golden. This method allows steady cooking and makes early prep much easier. Remove the cheesecloth near the end so the skin finishes nicely before serving.
Get the Recipe: Roast Turkey with Cheesecloth Method
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast is slow cooked with vegetables until everything turns soft and rich. This family favorite is helpful when you want dinner finished well before guests arrive. Keep it on low heat with the lid on to hold it comfortably until serving time.
Get the Recipe: Sunday Dinner Pot Roast
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