Christmas Buffet Ideas: 7 Must-Try Comforting Dishes

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine and the sound of laughter echoes around the table. I absolutely adore hosting a Christmas buffet, and trust me, it’s all about bringing people together with delicious food and festive cheer. These Christmas buffet ideas I’m sharing are a collection of my family’s favorite dishes that never fail to impress. From a perfectly roasted turkey to the sweetest honey glazed ham, each bite is a reminder of our cherished traditions. My favorite part? The way everyone gathers around to share stories while the food is served buffet-style—it’s a celebration of love, laughter, and, of course, amazing food! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the holiday spirit together!

Ingredients List

1 whole roast turkey
1 whole honey glazed ham
4 cups of stuffing (prepared according to package instructions)
5 pounds of mashed potatoes (boiled and mashed with butter and milk)
2 quarts of green bean casserole (prepared and baked)
2 cups of cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups of gravy (made using turkey drippings)
2 dozen rolls (baked until golden brown)
2 whole pumpkin pies (sliced for serving)
1 gallon of apple cider (chilled and ready to serve)

How to Prepare Instructions

Prepping the Main Dishes

First things first, let’s get that turkey and ham ready! Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for the turkey. While that’s warming up, season your turkey generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs—think rosemary and thyme! It’s all about that flavor. Roast the turkey for about 3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). As the turkey is roasting, get started on the honey glazed ham. It should bake at the same temperature for about 1.5 to 2 hours. I usually baste it with honey and a bit of brown sugar for that sweet glaze—trust me, you’ll want to keep tasting it!

Preparing the Side Dishes

While the main dishes are in the oven, let’s tackle those sides! For the stuffing, just follow the package instructions, which usually involve mixing it with boiling water and letting it sit. Easy peasy! Now, for the mashed potatoes, peel and chop 5 pounds of potatoes, then boil them until tender. Mash them with butter and milk until creamy and smooth. And for the green bean casserole, mix fresh or canned green beans with cream of mushroom soup, top it with crispy fried onions, and bake according to your recipe—usually around 30 minutes.

Making Sauces and Accompaniments

Now onto the sauces! Making homemade cranberry sauce is super simple—just simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of water until they burst and thicken. It’s so refreshing! For the gravy, use those delicious turkey drippings. Just whisk the drippings with some flour and broth over medium heat until thick and rich. You’ll want to taste and adjust with salt and pepper!

Final Touches and Serving

As everything finishes cooking, pop those rolls in the oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown. For serving, I love to lay everything out buffet-style on a big table. It’s all about that festive atmosphere! Arrange the turkey and ham in the center, surrounded by sides, sauces, and pies. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for a gorgeous touch. Your guests are going to be so excited to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a festive feast that brings everyone together—perfect for family and friends!
Easy to prepare with straightforward steps, so you won’t stress in the kitchen.
Great for large gatherings, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Delicious and comforting flavors that evoke the warmth of the holiday season.
Offers a variety of dishes from savory mains to sweet desserts, all in one spread.
Flexible menu options allow you to adapt for dietary restrictions or preferences.
Creating a buffet-style meal adds an interactive and fun element to your holiday celebrations.
Make-ahead possibilities mean you can spend more time with loved ones and less time cooking on the day.

Tips for Success

To make your Christmas buffet a smashing success, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years. First off, preparation is key! I like to tackle as much as I can the day before. You can prep your side dishes, make the cranberry sauce, and even bake the pies in advance. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities and less time worrying about what’s in the oven!

Using fresh ingredients makes a world of difference in flavor, so head to your local market for the best veggies and herbs. Trust me, your mashed potatoes will taste so much creamier with fresh butter and milk! And when it comes to accommodating dietary restrictions, don’t be shy—ask your guests if they have any preferences or allergies. You can easily whip up a gluten-free stuffing or a plant-based option for your sides. Everyone will appreciate the thoughtfulness!

Lastly, set up your buffet table with a bit of flair! Use festive tablecloths, cute labels for each dish, and don’t forget to add some holiday decorations. It’s all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. With these tips in your back pocket, your Christmas buffet will be both delicious and memorable!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After your festive gathering, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to enjoy! Storing them properly is key to keeping that scrumptious holiday flavor intact. First, let everything cool down to room temperature before you store it. I usually divide the food into airtight containers—this helps to keep them fresh and prevents any unwanted mixing of flavors.

For the turkey and ham, slice them up and store in separate containers. They can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

As for your sides, mashed potatoes can be stored for about 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or cream to help bring them back to that creamy goodness. For the green bean casserole and stuffing, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 20-30 minutes.

And don’t forget about the rolls! They can be stored at room temperature for a day, but if you want to keep them fresh longer, wrap them in foil and refrigerate. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. And finally, your pumpkin pie? Just store it in the fridge for up to 4 days—no special reheating needed, it’s delicious cold too!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a festive Christmas buffet, it’s good to be mindful of what’s on your plate! However, please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. On average, one plate of this delightful spread contains approximately:

Calories: 800
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 100g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 40g

These values can help you gauge your portions, but remember, the joy of the holiday season is about sharing delicious food with loved ones. So enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to savor those festive flavors!

FAQs

Can I make some of these dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many of these Christmas buffet ideas can be prepared in advance. For instance, you can make the cranberry sauce and pies a day or two ahead. The stuffing can also be assembled and stored in the fridge, ready to pop in the oven when it’s time to eat. This way, you can enjoy more time with your guests on the big day!

What if I have guests with dietary restrictions?
Don’t worry! It’s easy to accommodate various diets at your buffet. You can prepare a gluten-free stuffing or offer a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables or a grain salad. Always check with your guests ahead of time to see what they need, and I promise they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness!

How do I keep everything warm during the buffet?
Great question! To keep your dishes warm, consider using chafing dishes or slow cookers. If you don’t have those, placing hot dishes in the oven on a low heat (around 200°F or 93°C) can also help. Just make sure to cover them with foil to prevent drying out!

What’s the best way to serve the buffet?
I love to set up a big table and display everything buffet-style! Start with the main dishes like turkey and ham in the center, and then arrange the sides and sauces around them. Use cute labels for each dish—it adds a personal touch and helps guests know what to expect. Don’t forget some festive decorations to enhance the holiday spirit!

Can I use leftovers in different recipes?
Definitely! Leftovers are a fantastic opportunity to get creative. You can turn leftover turkey into a hearty soup or a turkey pot pie. The ham can be used in omelets or sandwiches. Get inventive! It’s a great way to minimize waste while enjoying those festive flavors all over again!

You might also like it

Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes: 5-Star Easy Dinner

Christmas Tree Food: 5 Festive Ways to Delight Guests

Thanksgiving Food Table: 7 Tips for a Heartwarming Feast

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.