So the pretty pic you see as the featured is image is my Christmas dinner plate from 2024. A little disclaimer I live in a dual income no kids household and my partner and I have been making Christmas dinners together since 2015 with the exceptions of 2018 and 2019 so these are some of my favourite holiday meal ideas with a few recipes links thrown in for inspiration but a lot of what we make we simply experiment and eat what we love.
Christmas 2025 Dinner Ideas
So I am going to share some ideas for appetizers although a lot of the times because it is just the two of us, we skip these but I tend to always plan for them and a few years we have made starters. Then I will share main dish meat ideas and some sides. A few desserts (most of which I haven’t made myself except the cheesecake) and some drink options.
Appetizers
I made a failed cheese board in Christmas 2023, but I stand by the idea even though it was a bit overwhelming for two people, consider downsizing portions and individual pieces but get cured meats, cheese, fruit and chocolate, nuts, sauces, honey, and bread (I can’t show you my pics so sorry because my charcuterie wasn’t pretty).
Other appetizer ideas I have had but didn’t actually make include Jamaican homemade peppered shrimp, crescent rolls, baked brie and crackers, garlic shrimp, etc. Little bite sized options.
Main Course
Glazed ham, the last time I made a ham was in 2015 and the last time I bought a ham (Pricesmart) was in 2023.
Honey garlic salmon – I made a version of this in 2024 and it a showstopper. Very simple, I don’t think you need a recipe.
Sweet chili chicken was also on the menu for 2024 and was an easy dish to pull together, I air-fried chicken chunks then added store bought Thai sweet chili sauce.
Lasagna we made this for Christmas 2015 and I again in 2022 I think. A fav but if it is only two people maybe reconsider because you will have lasagna for days.
Roast beef or beef stew is another household favourite we have done beef stew multiple times.
Curried goat is also a staple for many Jamaican families, we cooked it last year but in the days leading up to the holidays and not for Christmas dinner itself.
Sides
Mashed potatoes – a crowd favorite
String beans and carrots
Broccoli – however you like it.
Mac and cheese – again however you and your family like it.
Some people love soups so have a go at that too if you like.
Desserts
You will likely need Jamaican Christmas cake, fruitcake or black cake, whatever you call it. Other options to consider are cheesecake (I made this Basque cheesecake on the first Friday of summer 2025 and I want to do it again at Christmas). You can try a chocolate cake like German chocolate and Devil’s Food.
Drinks
So for drinks you need sorrel, eggnog is a good option, it is very involved if you make it from scratch so get the store bought stuff and make it better. You will need wine and again choose the wines you like. And while you are eating and drinking, stay hydrated and do everything in moderation.
A Note on Preferences
The holidays are a time to connect and gather and food is community and joy so cook and eat what you love. If you are hosting consider food allergies and dietary restrictions or preferences.
I hope this has inspired you a little.
What is your favourite Christmas holiday dish or drink?
The basque cheesecake sounds tempting. I may try it as my next project in the kitchen. Thanks for the ideas.
It was easy. Mixed it all up in the blender but trust the process the under baking and wet middle is a little daunting but once you broil it and let it set in the refrigerator it is just perfection. Let me know if you make it.
[…] Christmas 2025 Dinner Ideas […]