37 Christmas Dinners for Two (Easy Ideas) (2024)

For an intimate holiday, you have to try these Christmas dinners for two.

A small holiday feast doesn’t have to be boring. You can try new and exciting recipes when the gathering is small!

I’ve gathered the classics like green bean casserole and scalloped potatoes.

But I also included bold main courses like oyster Rockefeller and beef wellington for that perfect meal.

So, lower the lights, stoke the fire, and get inspired with these Christmas dinners for two.

1. Ina Garten’s Roast Chicken

The Barefoot Contessa has definitely perfected the art of roasting a whole chicken.

This meal is an incredible festive dinner for two or a small family.

Ina’s recipe makes a moist, tender, and juicy chicken with tons of flavor. You’ll never use another chicken recipe again.

With only 20 minutes of prep, you can easily enjoy a super special Christmas dinner.

2. Classic Shrimp Scampi

Seafood pasta always makes for a delicious meal and this shrimp scampi is no exception.

This dish is full of delectable shrimp tossed in a buttery, lemony, and garlicky sauce. It is literally bursting with flavor.

I love how quick and easy this dish is. It’s an A+ meal every single time.

3. Skillet Spaghetti for Two

Another pasta dish that I often crave is spaghetti. This meal is so yummy and makes a fantastic date night dinner.

The meaty, flavorful sauce coats the noodles, and each bite is incredible. Make this vegetarian and leave out the meat.

Open a bottle of wine and enjoy this pasta dinner by the light of the Christmas tree.

4. Mini Meatloaf for Two

Meatloaf is classic comfort food. It was always one of my favorite meals growing up.

These mini meatloaves are fantastic for a Christmas dinner for two.

The glaze on top is fantastic and the meatloaf itself is super moist and flavorful.

Serve with some roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for an easy and delicious meal.

5. TikTok Feta Pasta

I have never had a more delicious or easy pasta before trying this recipe.

This viral dish literally wiped feta cheese from grocery stores around the world for months.

Roast a block of feta cheese with lots of juicy tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings. Stir in some cooked pasta and that’s it!

6. Chicken Schnitzel with Noodles

Chicken schnitzel is an Austrian dish that is the perfect dinner for two.

Chicken cutlets get double-coated with breadcrumbs and fried until they’re golden brown. They’re perfectly crispy and so yummy.

Serve the chicken with buttered egg noodles and peas for the ideal Christmas dinner.

7. Honey Glazed Ham Nugget

These honey-glazed ham nuggets are the perfect feast for two. They’re so sweet and salty with an ideal crust-to-ham ratio.

Plus, they’re a cinch to whip together in a flash.

Since ham nuggets come pre-cooked, all you need to do is glaze and pop them in the air fryer. How easy is that?

8. Beef Wellington for Two

Beef Wellington is one of the fanciest dishes I’ve ever made at home.

This recipe is elegant, romantic, and incredibly delicious.

A juicy, perfectly cooked tenderloin is encased with mushrooms and puff pastry.

This is a steakhouse-quality meal at home for a fraction of the cost. You have to try this rich and decadent dish.

9. Beef Bourguignon for Two

Beef bourguignon is an indulgent meal that definitely makes the cut for Christmas dinner.

Turn it into a whole date night and cook together, or make it ahead the night before.

This is a beef stew with tons of wonderful flavor. Although it requires a little extra work, it’s so worth it.

10. Coq au Vin

Coq au vin is a French chicken and mushroom stew. It makes an unbelievably good Christmas dinner for two.

This meal is simply irresistible. The chicken, veggies, and mushrooms are all perfectly cooked in the most delectable sauce.

It’s comforting, filling, and goes great with a glass of wine.

11. Easy Chicken Divan

This chicken casserole is an excellent choice for any holiday.

Juicy, bite-sized chicken and broccoli florets get tossed in an insanely good cream sauce.

The buttery, cheesy, and crispy topping makes the dish. Each bite has just a little bit of crunch.

You’ll love this comforting dish and all of its creamy-crunchy goodness.

12. Prime Rib Roast for Two

This recipe makes the juiciest, most indulgent prime rib.

The roast is coated in a lovely mix of herbs, garlic, and salt and pepper. It makes the crust absolutely perfect.

Enjoy this prime rib dinner in your own dining room while you wait for Santa.

13. Bisquick Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie is terrific for when you want turkey without roasting a whole bird.

This savory dish is packed with flavor and the crust is heavenly.

Using Bisquick, frozen veggies, and canned soups, this delicious dish is a cinch to make.

This is a great way to use up leftovers, too!

14. Sirloin Tip Steak

Sirloin tip steak is a recipe you’ll make for Christmas and every week after. This meal is incredible and budget-friendly.

The sirloin steak tips are first grilled to perfection. Then, they’re smothered in an ultra-creamy mushroom gravy.

In less than an hour, you’ll have an indulgent steak dinner ready to enjoy! All that’s missing is a glass of wine!

15. Air Fryer Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Need some tasty greens at the table? You can’t go wrong with these air fryer-roasted Brussels sprouts!

They crisp up like a dream and pair well with pretty much any protein.

Add some potatoes to the side, and dinner is served.

16. French Onion Soup

I love a good, hearty soup to serve over the holidays! And Julia Child’s classic French Onion soup is so simple yet elegant.

The sweetness of the onions shines through that meaty beef broth. It’s so rich and buttery, it melts in your mouth.

With some crusty bread and Swiss cheese on top, it’s heavenly (and filling!)

17. Surf and Turf for Two

For the ultimate romantic Christmas dinner, try this surf and turf for two.

A spectacular duo of beef and seafood will leave you feeling merry and bright.

This dish includes a filet mignon and silky scallops. It’s the perfect combination. Both are perfectly seasoned, and the flavors are to die for.

A wine and rosemary pan sauce is the finishing touch you didn’t know you needed.

18. Marry Me Chicken

Christmas is the time for love, and this is a meal you’ll instantly fall for.

Juicy chicken breasts are a blank canvas for all kinds of crazy good flavor.

With bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich cream sauce, they’ll say “yes” before the meal is over.

19. Scalloped Potatoes

Looking for an elevated potato dish? Look no further!

Scalloped potatoes are always a favorite. They’re creamy, buttery, and super tender. They are the perfect potato sidekick for rich dinner proteins.

While this recipe makes a big batch, you can easily half the ingredients for an intimate dinner for two.

20. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken

Melt-in-your-mouth chicken is an aptly named dish that you’ll make again and again.

The creamy sauce is made with Parmesan cheese, mayo, and an incredible blend of seasonings.

The chicken is juicy, tender, and well, melts in your mouth.

Don’t spend hours preparing Christmas dinner. Make this simple and amazingly good chicken instead.

21. Lasagna for Two

These Christmas dinner ideas for two are quick and simple. Lasagna makes a fantastic Christmas dinner, and it’s so simple.

This layered noodle dish is full of rich, meaty sauce and creamy ricotta cheese.

The flavors are absolutely heavenly and each bite will leave you wanting more.

22. Mississippi Pot Roast

Crockpot recipes are excellent for holiday meals. Just throw your ingredients in and enjoy other activities throughout the day.

This pot roast is incredibly tender and packed with flavor. It’s cooked in a rich and savory gravy with pepperoncini and buttermilk ranch.

P.S. Your house will smell amazing.

23. Garlic-Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic butter baked salmon is an irresistible seafood recipe.

The salmon is flaky and perfectly cooked. It’s first brushed with an unbelievable garlic butter sauce. Yum!

Bake this recipe on one sheet pan with your favorite veggies to serve on the side.

This dish is super easy and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights or holiday celebrations.

24. Lobster Risotto

This lobster risotto for two is ultra creamy and super indulgent.

Use brown butter and scrumptious chunks of lobster tail for this decadent dish. You only need a few ingredients in total.

It’s a romantic meal that you can make together to enjoy a cozy Christmas evening.

25. Easy Crab Cakes

You only need seven simple ingredients for these meaty and flavorful crab cakes.

They’re packed with juicy crab meat, wonderful seasonings, and crispy breadcrumbs.

They’re so easy to make and will soon become your new Christmas tradition.

26. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is the epitome of holiday feasts! And it’s a clever way to sneak in healthy greens in a creamy sauce and French-fried onions.

It doesn’t get much easier (or tasty) than this classic recipe. Cream of mushroom soup makes is the perfect backdrop for tender green beans.

Don’t forget the French-fried onions, it’s the best part!

27. Slow Cooker Cornish Game Hens and Veggies

Cornish game hens and veggies in the slow cooker come out insanely good.

The game hens are so tender and juicy, the meat literally falls off the bone.

Everything is perfectly seasoned and the veggies will make you want seconds.

If you want a traditional Christmas dinner without all the work, this recipe is perfect!

28. Linguini with Clams

Linguini with clams is a classic Italian dish that is simple and surprisingly affordable.And it’s a great Christmas dinner idea for two.

The garlicky white wine sauce is scrumptious. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll sit down with an incredible meal.

Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or an average Sunday, this dish will be a hit.

29. Beef and Broccoli

Christmas dinner is often take-out for some families. So this year, why not make your favorite dish at home?

This takeout-inspired meal is relatively healthy. The mix of meat and veggies is divine.

And you’ll go crazy for the rich, savory sauce and all its glory.

Serve this dish with rice for a simple, yet memorable meal.

30. San Giorgio Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is one of my personal favorites and it’s an ideal holiday meal.

Perfectly cooked al dente noodles are a lovely base for the rich, meaty sauce. Oh, and don’t forget all of the melted cheese on top.

This is one casserole dish you do not want to skip.

31. Stuffed Pork Chops

This stuffed pork chop recipe is a quick and easy meal that tastes like home.

They’re incredibly moist and fork-tender in a rich buttery broth.

But the real star of the show is the homemade stuffing that incorporates slate bread. It soaks up all that amazing sauce like a dream.

32. Red-Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Want to get fancy this holiday season? Then say hello to these red-wine-braised short ribs.

Braised in an elegant (yet simple) red wine sauce, these ribs are insanely moist and fall off the bone.

Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes to soak up all that sauce, and it’s a meal fit for a king.

33. Roast Turkey Breast

For a traditional Christmas dinner on a smaller scale, try this roast turkey breast.

This turkey is coated with butter. Once baked, it turns delicious and juicy with the most golden skin.

Take 10 minutes to prep the turkey and then throw it in the oven and forget it. This dish will make a return every holiday.

34. Steamed Mussels with White Wine Broth

Steamed mussels make one romantic meal. This dish is a terrific option for Christmas dinner or any holiday.

These mussels are cooked in a flavor-bomb white wine broth. It’s made with garlic and shallots, which make it irresistibly tasty.

Don’t forget to get some good bread to soak up all that delectable broth.

35. Sweet Potato Pilaf

This isn’t your average rice pilaf. With tender sweet potatoes, pecans, and cranberries, it’s like Christmas in a bowl.

There are so many bright flavors in this dish that you won’t need a lot of extra sides. It has it all!

Trust me, you don’t want to sleep on this amazing recipe.

36. Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Chilean sea bass is like the filet mignon of the sea.

This fish is juicy, flaky, and super flavorful. With a lemon caper butter sauce, this recipe will quickly become your favorite splurge meal.

Christmas dinner at home just became elevated and sophisticated in less than 30 minutes.

37. Oysters Rockefeller

It doesn’t get much fancier than oysters Rockefeller! While this dish is elevated and fancy, you may be surprised at how quickly it comes together.

You need 15 minutes for prep, and 10 minutes to cook. That’s it!

It’s insanely buttery and garlicy, and the perfect way to ring in the new year.

37 Christmas Dinners for Two

Course: DinnerCuisine: English

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

2

hours

Cooking time

1

hour

30

minutes

Calories

1422

kcal

Beef Wellington is vibrant, flavorful, and ultra-fancy. That tender beef wrapped around puff party is sheer perfection. For an intimate dinner for two, it’s heavenly.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

• 28 -ounce center cut filet mignons, 1 3/4″ thick

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, very finely chopped

• 1 shallot, finely minced

• 2 cloves garlic cloves, finely minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

• 2 tablespoons cognac (optional)

• 6 slices prosciutto

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 sheet store-bought all-butter puff pastry

• 1 egg

• kosher and sea salt

• freshly cracked black pepper

• 1/2 batch rosemary roasted potatoes

Instructions

• Sear the Steak
• Add neutral oil to a skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Once hot, sear steaks for 3-4 minutes, then flip and sear for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat, and store in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles
• Melt butter in the steak skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped mushrooms to the steak skillet, and fully coat in butter. Then, season with salt and pepper.
  
• Cook the mushrooms until soft, stirring frequently. Once mushrooms start to release their juices, add shallot, garlic, thyme, and cognac (optional). Reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
• Transfer the mushroom mixture to a bowl, and cool to room temperature.
• Wrap the Steaks
• Place two pieces of plastic wrap next to each other on your workstation. Then, layer 3 pieces of prosciutto on the plastic wrap.
• Spread the mushroom mixture evenly between the prosciutto. Place the steaks in the middle and brush with Dijon mustard.
• Pull the ends of the plastic wrap up to wrap the steaks in the prosciutto. Remove the plastic wrap, and discard.
• On a floured workstation, remove the puff pastry from its package. Then, cut it into 4 squares and stack two pieces on top of each other (then repeat).
• Roll the two stacks of puff pastry until each stack measures 8×8.
• Place the wrapped steaks in the center of each square and fold the edges around the steak. Pinch the edges to secure them tightly.
• Then, place wrapped steaks in the freezer for 25 minutes.
  
• Bake
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place frozen wellingtons on a baking sheet and brush them with a lightly beaten egg. Then garnish with flakey sea salt.
• Bake beef wellingtons in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Or, until the internal temperature is 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove from the oven, and rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Roast the Potatoes
• While the steaks are resting, prepare the potatoes. Reduce oven heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the potatoes in half and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
• Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 1 hour, flipping the poatoes every 20 minutes.
• Serve beef Wellingtons with roasted rosemary potatoes. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use a food processor to chop the mushrooms finely and quickly for the duxelles.
• Score the top of the puff pastry lightly with a sharp knife for a decorative finish and to help steam escape.

Nutrition

• Calories: 1422kcal
• Carbohydrates: 73g
• Protein: 66g
• Fat: 91g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 226mg
• Sodium: 4765mg
• Potassium: 1181mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Calcium: 120mg
• Iron: 9mg