13 Non Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas

Christmas is a time for celebration, and that often means enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends. Many of us tend to stick to traditional holiday dishes, but why not mix things up this year? With a little creativity, you can turn your Christmas dinner into a truly unforgettable experience. Try exploring international flavors and recipes that will transport your taste buds around the world. From spicy Korean BBQ to rich and creamy Greek Moussaka, there are countless options to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary beginner, you’ll find inspiration in this list of 13 non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Korean BBQ Short Ribs are a flavorful and tender twist on traditional ribs. Marinate short ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and gochujang, then grill or braise until fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve with a side of spicy kimchi and steamed rice for a truly authentic experience.

Equipment

– Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
– Grill or oven broiler
– Tongs or slotted spoon
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Cutting board and knife
– Whisk and spoon for mixing marinade

Ingredients

– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons gochujang
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Kimchi and steamed rice for serving

Servings

6-8 people

Mexican Tamales

Mexican Tamales are a traditional dish filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. For a Christmas dinner twist, try filling tamales with pork or chicken, and serving with a spicy salsa and sour cream.

Equipment

– Tamale steamer
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing filling
– Corn husks and string for wrapping

Ingredients

– 2 pounds pork or chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cornhusks
– 1 cup masa harina
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Spicy salsa and sour cream for serving

Servings

8-10 people

Thai Green Curry Chicken

Thai Green Curry Chicken is a creamy and aromatic dish made with chicken, green curry paste, coconut milk, and Thai basil. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Equipment

– Wok or large skillet
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons green curry paste
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Thai basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Steamed rice or noodles for serving

Servings

6-8 people

Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a spicy twist on the classic Alfredo dish. Shrimp and bacon are sautéed with garlic and Cajun seasoning, then tossed with fettuccine noodles and Parmesan cheese.

Equipment

– Large skillet or wok
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fettuccine noodles
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
– 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste

Servings

6-8 people

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon is a sweet and savory dish made with salmon fillets, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and brown sugar. Grill or broil until caramelized, then serve with steamed vegetables and rice.

Equipment

– Grill or oven broiler
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Steamed vegetables and rice for serving

Servings

4-6 people

Greek Moussaka

Greek Moussaka is a hearty and flavorful dish made with eggplant, ground lamb, and bechamel sauce. Layer eggplant slices in a baking dish, then top with the meat sauce and cheese.

Equipment

– Large baking dish
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Grater for grating cheese
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 2 large eggplants
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup tomato paste
– 1 cup bechamel sauce
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Servings

6-8 people

Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Moroccan Lamb Tagine is a rich and aromatic dish made with lamb, preserved lemon, and olives. Braise the lamb in a clay pot, then serve with couscous and vegetables.

Equipment

– Clay tagine pot or large Dutch oven
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pound lamb shoulder
– 1 preserved lemon
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh olives
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Couscous and vegetables for serving

Servings

6-8 people

Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish made with chicken, tomato sauce, butter, and spices. Grill or broil the chicken, then serve with basmati rice and naan bread.

Equipment

– Grill or oven broiler
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Basmati rice and naan bread for serving

Servings

6-8 people

Stuffed Chicken Fajita Bake

Stuffed Chicken Fajita Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish filled with chicken, peppers, onions, and cheese. Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of shredded cheese, diced peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning, then bake until golden brown.

Equipment

– Baking dish or casserole
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing filling
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 4 boneless chicken breasts
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1 cup diced peppers
– 1 cup diced onions
– 1/2 cup fajita seasoning
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Servings

4-6 people

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a fun and casual twist on traditional pork sandwiches. Slow-cook a pork shoulder, then shred and toss with BBQ sauce and pickles. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Equipment

– Slow cooker or Dutch oven
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing sauce
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped pickles
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw for serving

Servings

4-6 people

Chicken Tikka Masala Pie

Chicken Tikka Masala Pie is a creamy and flavorful twist on the classic curry dish. Fill pre-baked pie crusts with chicken tikka, Indian spices, and creamy masala sauce, then bake until golden brown.

Equipment

– Pre-baked pie crusts
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing filling
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 cup chicken tikka
– 1 cup Indian spices
– 1 cup creamy masala sauce
– 4 pre-baked pie crusts
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Servings

4-6 people

Chimichurri Steak

Chimichurri Steak is a flavorful and herby twist on traditional steak. Marinate steak in a mixture of parsley, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then grill or broil until medium-rare. Serve with chimichurri sauce and crusty bread.

Equipment

– Grill or oven broiler
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing marinade
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pound steak
– 1 cup parsley
– 1 cup oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chimichurri sauce and crusty bread for serving

Servings

4-6 people

Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs

Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs are a sweet and savory twist on traditional meatballs. Mix together ground beef, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and chopped pineapple, then form into balls and bake until golden brown.

Equipment

– Baking dish or casserole
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk and spoon for mixing filling
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste

Servings

4-6 people