To cater to our ever-growing families, Southern Christmas dinners often end up bearing more resemblance to a buffet line than a traditional sit-down meal. Christmas buffets allow for a range of offerings, which is ideal for the picky eaters of the group. That’s why we’ve provided an expansive list of buffet ideas including all the classic dishes from Savory Sweet Potato Casserole to Twice-Baked Potatoes, but with a couple of Southern additions such as Spiced Pumpkin Grits and Macaroni Pie. Whether you’re celebrating on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, these are recipes that are simply irresistible and ideal for serving a crowd. With these Christmas buffet recipes, you’ll spend the holiday with great food and even better company.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Savory and sweet—how can that be? We balanced the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a savory Parmesan-herb streusel topping. The sweet potatoes are roasted, mashed, and mixed with sage and nutmeg to highlight their innate sweetness.
Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Two types of potatoes come together to create one creamy casserole that gets a hint of nuttiness from brown butter. Though it’s quick and easy to make the day of your dinner, it can be prepped a day ahead and then reheated in the oven. Sprinkle with chives after you pull your casserole from the oven.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Nothing fills your home with the scents of the season quite like a batch of fresh-baked gingerbread. The list of spices in this recipe includes black pepper, a surprise ingredient that takes it to the next level. Combined with the Brown Sugar-and-Ginger Whipped Cream, this is a special and unforgettable dessert.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
While you are waiting for all the guests to arrive, it’s worthwhile to put out a few appetizers. This holiday recipe uses jellied cranberry sauce and hot jalapeño pepper jelly. A package of frozen meatballs makes it fast and easy to assemble.
Southern Living
A mix of cranberries and fresh herbs add the colors of Christmas to these Brie bites. Squares of puff pastry serve as the base for the gooey cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Garnish with chopped pecans and sage leaves.
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Instead of using a glaze from a restaurant or grocery store, wow your guests with this homemade pineapple chutney. For ultimate juiciness, wrap the ham in aluminum foil after brushing it with the bourbon-brown sugar glaze.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
With elements borrowed from buttermilk biscuits and Parker House rolls, this big-batch recipe will have everyone singing their praises. Angel Biscuits also have the added benefit of being foolproof, a rarity for yeast rolls. Make the dough up to five days in advance and serve them fresh out of the oven.
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Holidays can be hectic, which is why we like to lean on make-ahead recipes. These yams can be assembled up to three days in advance—and no boiling is required to cook them to perfect tenderness.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Broccoli is a fan-favorite vegetable, but when it’s mixed with cheese it becomes the ultimate dish. Our recipe features a sauce made with whole milk and Cheddar cheese, thickened with a traditional flour-and-butter roux. The casserole gets topped with buttery crackers for the final touch.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason
It’s not a true Southern meal without deviled eggs, but don’t they deserve an upgrade for Christmas? This recipe begins with pickling the shrimp in a simple brine for 24 hours. Place one shrimp on top of each deviled egg with a sprig of dill, and you have a finger food that’s destined to impress.
Antonis Achilleos
This dish is something everyone will love, especially the kids. Three kinds of cheese (Gruyere, extra-sharp white Cheddar, and fontina) and fresh thyme create a depth of flavor that sets this Macaroni Pie apart from its peers. A refrigerated pie crust saves on the prep time.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Holiday guests will crave this cheesy and crunchy casserole. The dish can be prepped the night before and baked just before guests arrive. Hold off on adding the cracker topping until it’s time to bake.
Molly Bolton
You can never go wrong with brownies at a potluck, but this variation adds holiday magic to the old standard. Knock out two favorites with one indulgent Christmas dessert recipe.
Hector M Sanchez
At Christmas, Jell-O salad qualifies as both dessert and a side. This ruby red salad includes cranberry sauce, mandarin oranges, and pineapple. Find an old-fashioned mold to make it the star of the buffet table.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
All-purpose potatoes, like russet, Yukon gold, red, or fingerling, are all good choices for this roasted potato dish. Pair them with sweet potatoes and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Make sure the taters don’t touch for the crispiest results.
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith
This may be the prettiest main course you’ll ever serve. To create the jelly-roll-like swirl, slice open the tenderloin and lay it flat. Pound it thin, spread the creamy spinach-and-leek filling over the beef, roll it up, and tie it with twine.
Emily Laurae
You’ll certainly get your sweet tooth filled with this loaded sweet potato casserole. Alternating stripes of cornflake topping and fluffy marshmallows make it look heavenly.
Jennifer Causey
It wouldn’t be a holiday spread without a colorful congealed salad. This creamy Jell-O salad is made with crushed pineapple, whipped topping mix, mayonnaise, powdered sugar, red and green maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts. Serve this delightful retro salad on a fancy cake stand to decorate your buffet table.
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This vegetable side is so delicious that it will convert even the pickiest eaters. Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon are a dream pair, especially with aromatic shallots.
David Malosh; Prop Styling: Robyn Glaser; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero
Your holiday table will look so bright and festive with a tray of these tiny pies decorated with sparkling cranberries. These delightful little treats pack a lot of flavor from the combination of ginger cookie crust, cream cheese, and tart cranberry compote.
Courtney West
This creamy corn pudding can be made with fresh or frozen corn. This version is classic but made with fontina or Swiss cheese for subtle sharpness. We also included fresh chives and thyme for a little brightness.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
These homemade holiday cookies are so irresistible that you won’t want to share. Good thing the recipe makes a large batch of two dozen. To make a swirl in the peppermint filling, add stripes of red food coloring gel in your piping bag.
Caitlin Bensel
When filling out the dessert table, why not offer something for the cheesecake fans in the crowd? These pillowy cookies are topped with a glowing maraschino cherry that would make Rudolph proud.
Hannah Zimmerman
It’s simply not a holiday meal without classic mashed potatoes. This recipe uses cream cheese and an entire container of sour cream for ultimate creaminess. Prep the potatoes up to two days in advance, then bake as directed.
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Keep it simple with this four-ingredient fruit salad, or get creative and throw in your own favorite ingredients. For a holiday dinner, we recommend adding touches of red and green with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves.
Young and slender carrots in a rainbow of colors make a beautiful holiday side. We roast them in a sweet butter mixture along with classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then top them with a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This is the classic ham we all know and love. A touch of Dijon mustard, allspice, and cinnamon enhance the holiday flavor of this fan favorite. Plan to cook a boneless, spiral-cut ham for 15 to 20 minutes per pound, or a bone-in ham for 22 to 25 minutes per pound.
VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH STELLING; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL
Can’t decide which vegetable deserves a spot on the buffet? This rich and creamy, tender and crunchy casserole combines everything in one. You can also make it up to three days in advance, adding the toppings when it’s time to bake.
Greg DuPree
Oyster Casserole is a Christmas tradition in many Southern households. We think you’ll appreciate our favorite version, with plump oysters baked in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Roasting brings out a tender sweetness in an array of root vegetables, enhanced with spiced pecans and fresh thyme. This vegetable side can be served at room temperature, making it a great choice for the buffet table.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
This recipe comes to us from “Today” show anchor Craig Melvin. His mother’s prized macaroni is velvety and creamy thanks to evaporated milk, loads of butter, eggs, and a mixture of Cheddar and Velveeta. The Melvin family doesn’t have Christmas without it, and you shouldn’t either.
Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
These delicately sweet and fluffy yeast rolls will round out your Christmas dinner. Constructed in two layers of dough, they are also easy to pull apart and turn into sandwich rolls for sliders.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
The cozy sauce for this bread pudding is prepared with rum, brown sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla. Drizzle a little bit over the pudding and provide a boat filled with the sauce on the side.
This garlic and herb pull-apart bread can be formed into any shape, but for Christmas the choice is obvious. Using store-bought dough, basil pesto, and mini pepperoni for ornaments, you can have a creative appetizer or dinner side in less than 30 minutes. Just make sure to get a picture before the kids start pulling it apart.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These crumbly cookies derive most of their sweetness from a dusting of powdered sugar. Snowballs are a popular treat that’s easy to pop in our mouths, so it’s a good thing the recipe makes 4 dozen.
Southern Living
These truffle-like chocolates are so easy to make, you won’t mind when they fly off the table. With just five ingredients, like Oreo cookies, cream cheese, and Junior Mints, they taste exactly like Christmas. Roll them in the chocolate coating and chill until hardened.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
When the holidays are here, it’s time to load our plates with scalloped potatoes. The tender, thinly sliced potatoes swim in a creamy sauce lightly enhanced with nutmeg, onion, and thyme. Use a mandoline to create the delicate slices.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Between the apple cider brine and hours in the smoker, this recipe is as flavorful as turkey gets. Our Smoked Turkey Breast is a wonderful treat for a smaller buffet or for when you plan to offer multiple main courses. We think hickory complements the flavor of the bird best, but you can use maple or applewood chips too.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
This green bean recipe uses crushed red pepper flakes and honey to create a sticky glaze with holiday shine. Combined with red wine vinegar and golden raisins, this vegetable side is tangy, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
Two dessert favorites, red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls, come together in this recipe to create a breakfast dessert like no other. Chocolate, cinnamon, and cream cheese filling, this recipe has it all. Bonus points for it looking like the perfect Christmas dish.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Crispy prosciutto and crunchy asparagus come together in this recipe to form a deliciously savory side dish for your buffet. It’s easier than it looks. Just wrap your asparagus, broil for 6 to 8 minutes, and serve.
Brittany Conerly, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
A classic Southern side, cornbread dressing, not much else can replicate the feeling of home this dish brings. Don’t think this recipe is just for Thanksgiving. This smell of sage and cornbread is a welcome scent any time of the year.
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
How could your Christmas spread be complete without Classic Green Bean Casserole? Every time of year is perfect for green bean casserole, but for a Christmas feast, this divine side dish will be devoured before anyone has time to get seconds.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
‘Tis the season for casserole. This creamy potato casserole has all the fixings of your favorite loaded potato, in a convenient casserole form. Crispy bacon, potato skins, and scallions on top form a succulent layered scoop that will make your mouth water just looking at it.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Originally appearing in Southern Living in 1995, this dinner roll recipe has been a fan favorite for years. These delicious, buttery rolls are easy to make. You can even make them in advance to save time to spend with family.
Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Add some fruit and greenery to your buffet this year with this deliciously crisp salad. Sweet potato and feta enhance the apples and cranberries with the pistachios adding a salty crunch on top. This will cleanse your palate and make room for more tasty treats.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Fans of creamed spinach will love this hearty and salty side dish. Collard greens add an extra bite and spinach just can’t quite compare. We added bacon to this recipe which enhances the chicken broth flavor and makes every bite just a little bit better.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Spread it on bread or pack it up and bring it to your neighbors. This slow-cooker spread is relatively hands-off, but tastes like a labor of love. Tangy apple cider and cranberry pairs with sweet pear to craft a jam-like spread that fits nicely with a dinner roll, on a charcuterie board, or in a jar wrapped up for your loved ones.
Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Most Southern meals are incomplete without grits. These cheesy and delicious grits are a classic that your guests will be begging for more of. The parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the grits to make the perfect side dish this holiday season.
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
A delicious appetizer for a well-put-together Christmas buffet. This hot dish pairs nicely with crackers or toasted bread. Elevate your spread by adding this delicious fan-favorite.
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Looking for an easy appetizer? These Baked Brie Bites are only five steps, easy to take on the go, and so show-stopping that everyone will be asking how to make them. The secret to success: all ingredients are store bought and this comes together in 30 minutes.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Experience an appetizer from the sweet potato capital of the world: Vardaman, Mississippi. Peppery chorizo sausage and sweet potato create the perfect sweet and savory blend. You’ll be sure to stand out with these unique but delicious and crispy bites.
HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: BUFFY HARGETT MILLER; FOOD STYLING: WILLIAM SMITH
Another bite-sized delight that will leave everyone absolutely wowed are these Herbed Potato Stacks. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. Elevate your potato game and bring these crafty snacks to your next holiday party.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Ring in the holiday spirit with chestnuts (pecans) roasting on an open fire (in your oven). These buttery and crunchy nuts are delectable on a salad, on a pie, or by themselves. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for them to finish cooking.
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Wow everyone with a beautiful wreath-shaped appetizer. Little do they know, you probably had the easiest time making it. Arrange your greens and olives into your desired shape, make your filling and fill your peppers, and arrange your peppers on the wreath. It’s really that easy!