Who says grilling is only for the summer months?! These 35 Christmas Dinner Ideas on the Grill will give you plenty of inspiration to make the main course, sides, and even dessert on your beloved BBQ grill this holiday season!
From fan favorites to family picks, we’ve rounded up our favorite recipes to help you create your perfect holiday menu!
Table of Contents
Meat
For a next level Christmas meal, make grilled meat instead of the usual oven-roasted variety. Open fire, charcoal, wood chips – they all give meats an extra layer of flavor that is quite simply, irresistible!
The Ultimate Smoked Or Grilled Turkey Recipe
Not only is this Grilled Turkey recipe highly rated, but the article is incredibly thorough and informative. It’s a LOT, but there is a “Jump to Recipe” button at the top and a clickable Table of Contents. The author explains different methods of grilling turkey (like whole vs. butterflying), provides a timing plan, how to make gravy, cooking a frozen turkey in case of emergency, and just a slew of really useful and helpful information. I highly suggest you take the time to read through at least some of it!
Best Grilled Turkey
For a less intimidating recipe, try this one from How Sweet Eats. Slathered with herb butter and stuffed with herbs and aromatics, this Grilled Turkey is a simple and easy show-stopper! With 4.98 stars from almost 400 reviews, you don’t need to take only my word for it.
Grilled Whole Chicken (Gas & Charcoal Instructions)
Prefer chicken over turkey? Using your house-favorite seasoning mix or dry rub, learn how to grill a whole chicken on either a gas or charcoal grill with this easy step-by-step how-to that provides expert tips for juicy chicken and crispy, smoky skin!
Mediterranean Chicken (Spatchcocked/Butterflied)
Spatchcocking (butterflying) chicken allows for more even cooking and results in juicier, more tender meat. This Mediterranean-inspired garlic and citrus infused chicken is butterflied and then grilled to golden crispy perfection.
BBQ Chicken (Spatchcocked/Butterflied)
A fabulously juicy and tender chicken with an excellent smoky flavor thanks to an easy homemade BBQ sauce. It may not be what you typically picture when you think of a Christmas meal, but this recipe might be worth considering!
Beer Can Chicken
Using a beer can to grill your chicken acts as both a vertical roaster to maintain even cooking and crispy skin, as well as a steamer to create incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Prime Rib Roast
Encrusted with herbs and seasonings, this prime rib is dry brined then slow cooked on your outdoor grill to absolute, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. If you’ve never made prime rib before, fear not. In addition to tricks and secrets for making the ultimate roast, the comprehensive article gives all the prepping, trimming, and storing info you need on top of instructions for cooking in a pellet smoker, gas grill, charcoal grill, big green egg, and yes, even an oven too.
Grilled Sirloin Roast
Turn your classic beef sirloin roast up a notch with this recipe for a grilled roast. Simple seasonings, a healthy dose of garlic, and those smoky BBQ flavors will surely make this the star of your holiday table.
Grilled Ham with Honey Bourbon Glaze
Who doesn’t love a good spiral ham for Christmas? This grilled ham is similar, but next level! Smoky flavor with a lovely honey bourbon glaze for that crispy sticky sweet skin. This recipe might just earn a spot in your permanent Christmas recipes.
Grilled Ham Steaks with Brown Sugar Glaze
Short on time or don’t want to cook a large ham? Try this easy recipe for grilled ham steaks! They’re basted with a brown sugar honey mustard sauce that is absolutely delectable.
Grilled Rack of Lamb
For a stunner of a main course, you’ll want to try this Grilled Rack of Lamb. An easy garlic rosemary marinade produces a robust and succulent lamb that will have your guests licking their lips and asking for seconds!
Fish / Shellfish
Families who traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve with a seafood feast will love a grilled fish twist on the holiday menu this year! We’ve got the best recipes from whole fish to fillets (and even lobster.)
Grilled Whole Trout / Fish (or other white fish)
There’s just something impressive about whole cooked fish and this recipe for grilled whole trout is sure to wow your family and friends. Stuffed with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, it’s wonderfully tender, flavorful, and crispy.
Grilled whole Salmon with Lemon and Shallots
Another fantastic option for your holiday dinner is grilled whole salmon. On top of all the health benefits, it’s easy to prepare and simple to cook on your grill. This recipe utilizes the fresh citrusy flavors of shallots, lemons and dill to really bring out the flavors of the grilled salmon.
Grilled Cod Filets
A simple seasoning blend of garlic, paprika, salt and pepper is sprinkled on mild cod filets before grilling to tender, flaky perfection, making these an excellent choice for even your pickiest eaters.
Grilled Sea Bass with Garlic Butter
Sea Bass, with it’s mildly sweet flavor and delicate, buttery texture, is lightly seasoned and complemented by a zippy lemon garlic butter in this easy recipe.
Grilled Lobster Tails
Nothing says “special occasion” better than lobster tails! And what better occasion than Christmas to serve exquisite tender grilled lobster tails to the people you love most!
Potatoes
A traditional side for your holiday table – potatoes! Despite the many ways you can cook up this rustic spud, grilling is certainly one of the most flavorful.
Grilled Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes become beautifully crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside when they’re grilled. These wedges are seasoned with a simple fresh blend of parsley and rosemary and would pair well with any of the grilled proteins on our list.
Grilled Red Potatoes
Toss red potato medallions in earthy seasonings and grill in a foil packet to create slightly crisped, golden coins of goodness. These herby potatoes would be the perfect option for the grilled rack of lamb or either of the beef roasts.
Potatoes au Gratin
Potatoes Au Gratin has to be one of the best potato comfort foods. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped by a velvety cream sauce and blanketed with lightly crispened melty cheese. This lightened-up recipe doesn’t use cream or milk, but maintains a soft silky texture with butter, herbs, and spices and a healthy dose of cheese!
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
This basic recipe illustrates how to make whole foiled-wrapped sweet potatoes on the grill with minimal seasonings, allowing the potatoes’ natural sweetness to shine and pair with most proteins.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Dry Rub
This recipe, on the other hand, takes whole sweet potatoes to the next level by incorporating a savory dry rub and delightful smoked honey butter. The potatoes are cooked directly on the grill to get a nice char on the skin. The grilled BBQ chicken and beer can chicken would pair particularly well with this flavor profile.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes Medallions with a Brown Sugar Glaze
If you want to serve multiple side dishes for your holiday meal, not only do these sweet little gems take a fraction of the time to cook compared to whole potatoes, but they’re also easier to serve in smaller portions.
Veggies
From mixed platters to fresh salads, there are so many wonderful fall and winter vegetables that can be incorporated into a grilled holiday meal. This Christmas Day, try one of these incredible recipes that might just become a family favorite for years to come!
Grilled Autumn Vegetables with Sage Brown Butter Bean Dip
Can you imagine this colorful array of veggies on your holiday table? Absolutely stunning! Served with the sage and brown butter white bean dip, it’s an equally impressive appetizer as it is a side.
Grilled Mixed Vegetables
Perfectly charred vegetables tossed in a rosemary garlic balsamic sauce. A surefire crowd-pleaser that complements any grilled protein.
Grilled Butternut Squash With Browned Butter And Sage
Browned butter, sage, and parmesan cheese get all cozy with butternut sqash in this grilled side dish that is equally nutty, savory, and sweet.
Grilled Rainbow Carrots
Make a statement with a colorful assortment of grilled carrots tossed in a lovely champagne vinaigrette. This Christmas side dish is easy to prep and quick to cook on an outdoor grill.
Grilled Carrots With Balsamic Glaze
Sweet and tangy balsamic glazed carrots are easy to make and great to prep ahead with a par-boiling trick!
Grilled Garlic Green Beans
Forget the green bean casserole and opt for these irresistible charred green beans. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, lemon and Parm cheese, you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to try grilled green beans!
Grilled Green Bean Salad
The explosion of incredible fresh flavors and textures in this salad will have you rejoicing! Crunchy radishes and red onions, creamy avocado, fragrant dill and mint, salty feta, chewy farro, and crisp smoky green beans all come together in the most beautiful symphony of ingredients.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
With honey, lemon, and toasted walnuts, these fabulous tender-crisp grilled cauliflower steaks are an outstanding side dish or vegetarian main course.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
For an impressive rustic side dish on your holiday table, grill up some brussels sprouts on the stalk! You can often find sprouts sold on the stalk at specialty grocery stores or farmers markets. Cut the sprouts at the table as you go or right before serving; either way it’ll be sure to draw attention from your guests!
Desserts
What better way to end your special dinner than with a grilled dessert? These recipes are easy to put together, but what makes them truly special is that unique flavor you get from cooking over an open fire. These will surely become family favorites, not just for special occasions, but any time of year!
Grilled Chocolate Brownies in Oranges
Grab your spoons and get ready to dig into these festive beauties! Soft and fudgy brownies infused with citrusy orange flavor literally melt in your mouth.
Grilled Apples a La Mode
Sugar and spice and everything nice. These warm, tender grilled apples served with a scoop of cool and creamy vanilla ice cream will have you swooning!
Honey-Rum Grilled Bananas
A quick, no fuss, grilled dessert is the best way to end your Christmas dinner. Serve with a sprinkle of brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy but incredible treat.
Skillet Cherry Pie
Bust out your cast iron skillet and make a grilled pie! A juicy, sweet, and tart cherry pie with hints of vanilla and almond and the best crispy crust! (Oh, and a store-bought pie crust makes this dessert totally attainable!)
Whichever incredible recipes you choose to make this year, we hope you make the effort to be present and truly enjoy the special time with your family and friends. Life is short. Fill it with beautiful moments and great meals! Merry Christmas!
