A Very Merry Grilled Christmas - 27 Ideas for a Grilled Christmas Dinner

'Tis the season for holiday cheer, where cooking, eating, and sharing abound with loved ones. We understand that ensuring everyone's place (and plate) at the Christmas dinner or your company's Hanukkah party can be stressful. But fret not! We have a delightful collection of holiday dishes, grilled to perfection, suitable for any festive occasion, and A Very Merry Grilled Christmas!

The Benefits of Cooking Christmas Dinner on the Grill

The holiday season is perfect for gathering with friends and family, enjoying delicious food, and creating lasting memories. However, with all the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be hard to find time to prepare for the big day. 

If you're looking for a way to simplify your holiday cooking, why not consider cooking your Christmas dinner on the grill? Not only can grilling save you time and hassle, but it can also produce some of the most delicious dishes you've ever tasted. Let's explore the benefits of cooking Christmas dinner on the grill and share some tips for staying warm while you do it.

Lock in Flavor

When you cook your Christmas dinner on the grill, you can lock in flavor in a way you can't replicate in an oven or stovetop. When you grill meat, the high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat, which produces a delicious, smoky flavor that can't be beaten. Additionally, grilling allows you to add a variety of different flavors to your dishes. Whether using wood chips to add a smoky flavor to your meats or grilling veggies and fruit for a tasty side dish, the grill provides endless possibilities for flavor.

Save Time and Oven Space

One of the most significant benefits of cooking Christmas dinner on the grill is saving time and freeing up valuable oven space. When you cook your meat on the grill, you can free up your oven for sides, desserts, and other dishes. Plus, grilling your meat is often faster than using an oven, which can be a lifesaver when trying to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.

Create Less Mess

Cooking on the grill can also help keep your kitchen clean and tidy. When you're cooking indoors, splatters and spills are bound to happen. However, when cooking outside on the grill, any messes can easily be wiped away with a quick spray from the hose. Plus, because you're cooking outdoors, you won't have to worry about pesky food odors lingering in your home for days after the big meal.

Stay Warm with Fire Pits and Patio Heaters

Of course, one of the main concerns with cooking on the grill during the winter is staying warm. However, with some creativity, it's easy to ensure you're warm and cozy while you cook. Setting up a fire pit or adding patio heaters to your outdoor space can help keep you warm while you cook. Additionally, you can always wear warm layers and invest in high-quality grilling gloves to keep your hands toasty.

Impress Your Guests

Finally, cooking your Christmas dinner on the grill is bound to impress your guests. Grilling is often associated with summertime cookouts, so serving up a delicious grilled holiday meal will make your guests feel like they're getting a special treat. Plus, because grilling produces such delicious flavors, your guests will surely be impressed with the quality of the food.

 

Now, Let's get to it!

 

A Very Merry Grilled Christmas - 21 Ideas for a Grilled Christmas Dinner

A Very Merry Grilled Christmas - A collection of holiday-inspired grilled dishes for the grill master in you! - Updated for 2024!

 

Rotisserie Beef Tenderloin

Rotisserie Beef Tenderloin

Basted in rich shallot-herb butter, and served with homemade horseradish sauce, everything about this dish will flatter and astonish your guests.

 

  

 

Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast - A Very Merry Grilled Christmas

Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast

Juicy, flavorful, and accompanied by a subtle blend of fruitwood and pecan, this dish adds a delightful twist to your traditional Christmas dinner.

 

 

Marinated Lamb Chops - A Very Merry Grilled Christmas

Marinated Lamb Chops

With flavors inspired by Korean cuisine, these chops are infused with an irresistible blend of savory, sweet, and spice. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts, this mouthwatering dish offers an easy yet indulgent way to celebrate the holidays around the barbecue.

 

 

Grilled Sirloin Roast - A Very Merry Grilled Christmas

Grilled Sirloin Roast

This grill-roasted beef sirloin, cooked to perfection, is a must-try for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. This recipe pairs exquisitely with classic holiday sides, such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring a memorable and delicious meal.

 

 

Grilled Bone-In Rib Eye with Garlicky Harissa

Grilled Bone-In Rib Eye with Garlicky Harissa

This succulent steak, seared to perfection and imbued with the fiery kick of harissa, promises to add an unforgettable touch to your holiday celebrations. 

 

 

Grilled Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce – A Very Merry Grilled Christmas

Grilled Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce

This classic dish is given a unique twist by taking it outdoors, ensuring a flavorful, succulent prime rib that will impress your guests. Add some spice to your holiday with the tangy Horseradish Cream Sauce, the perfect companion to your prime rib.

 

Bourbon Rotisserie Pork Roast

Bourbon Rotisserie Pork Roast

Infused with a unique blend of spices and sugar rub and topped with a caramelizing bourbon mop sauce, this dish promises a splendid feast of juicy, succulent pork with a crispy exterior.

 

 

Italian Herb Rotisserie Chicken with Sweetened Balsamic Glaze

Italian Herb Rotisserie Chicken with Sweetened Balsamic Glaze

This unique holiday-inspired dish, featuring a hearty blend of herbs and a tantalizing sweetened balsamic glaze, promises a burst of flavors guaranteed to impress your guests. Easy to prepare yet delivering a fine dining experience, this dish is the perfect way to add an unforgettable touch to your Christmas celebrations.

 

Herb and Red Wine Rotisserie Leg of Lamb

Herb and Red Wine Rotisserie Leg of Lamb

This classic and seasonal dish will captivate your taste buds with its delicious herbs and marinade. So add this Very Merry Grilled Christmas dish to your holiday menu and enjoy a stress-free holiday season!

 

 

Grilled Holiday Honey Ham

Grilled Holiday Honey Ham

Your guests will be absolutely in awe of this classic holiday favorite, made bold and dramatic with overnight dry rubs that tantalize the taste buds and a simple glaze that will make your mouth water. With Grilled Holiday Honey Ham, you'll have a meal fit for a king! 

 

 

Grilled Salmon with Green Goddess Dressing

Grilled Salmon with Green Goddess Dressing

This holiday classic will surely please any seafood lover who loves a festive flair. A delicious combination of salmon, herbs, and vinaigrette will set the tone for an elegant Christmas dinner. Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with this unique and flavorful dish!

 

 

Grilled Sea Salt Crusted Rib Eye with Homemade Horseradish

Grilled Sea Salt Crusted Rib Eye with Homemade Horseradish

Treat yourself to something extraordinary with the Grilled Sea Salt Crusted Rib Eye with Homemade Horseradish this holiday season! This ornate dish lets you feel like a culinary master, avoiding the usual rushing and stress of preparing an unforgettable meal.

 

 

Crusted Pork Loin

Crusted Pork Loin

Grilled and smoked at low temperature, this pork melts in your mouth with an insane crust full of flavor and texture.

 

 

 

Grilled Honey Dijon Turkey Breast

Grilled Honey Dijon Turkey Breast

A simpler and tastier way to serve turkey without prepping the whole bird again, featuring a simple spice brine and addicting Honey-Dijon glaze

 

 

 

Grilled Mustard-Covered Rack of Lamb

Grilled Mustard-Covered Rack of Lamb

Brashly raising the standard of Christmas Day dinner, this lamb features an herb and shallot infused mustard marinade, a beautifully seared crust, and a perfectly moist finish.

 

 

Pork Crown Roast on the Grill

Pork Crown Roast on the Grill

Featuring a herb and gin marinade, sweet fig glaze, and a lemony mustard sauce, the flavors match the presentation to make your Christmas table the talk of the town.

 

 

 

Chipotle Maple Chicken

Chipotle Maple Chicken

This flavor-packed dish is ready in just minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal between engagements but weighty enough to crown the Christmas Day table.

 

 

 

Grilled Pears with Brie and Pistachios - A Very Merry Grilled Christmas

Grilled Pears with Brie and Pistachios

This easy-to-make dish is a perfect combination of sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy, guaranteed to impress at any festive gathering. 

 

 

 

Cornbread Stuffed Pork Loin

Cornbread Stuffed Pork Loin

This slow-grilled pork loin finishes moist and flavorful from the slowly rendered fat, featuring traditional cornbread stuffing with sage and pine nuts.

 

 

 

Grilled Cranberry-Orange Flank Steak

Grilled Cranberry-Orange Flank Steak

An overnight cranberry-orange marinade and fresh compote topping make this flank steak perfect for large groups, bringing the season's flavors with a heartier texture than ham or poultry.

 

 

Sage & Garlic Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Sage & Garlic Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This tenderloin is a quick and easy way to whip up an elegant meal for the big day, featuring a sage and garlic marinade.

 

 

 

Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef

Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef

A gregariously opulent presentation is matched with savory richness from a garlic-herb rub, smoky flavor, and a lovely au jus.

 

 

 

Spiced Grilled Rack of Lamb

Spiced Grilled Rack of Lamb

This showstopper features a spice and mustard rub, a beautiful, rich, and earthy blend of flavor.

 

 

 

Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with Apple-Radish Vinaigrette

Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with Apple-Radish Vinaigrette

Gorgeous rib eye steaks grilled to your liking are topped with a vinaigrette that is a refreshing, colorful addition.

 

 

Grilled Asparagus Plate with Cilantro Pepita Pesto

Grilled Asparagus Plate with Cilantro Pepita Pesto

A beautiful side dish full of earthy flavor and texture, this dish is healthy, easy to make, festive, and will take only ten minutes to cook.

 

 

Rotisserie Herb Butter Turkey

Rotisserie Herb Butter Turkey

The best part of using the rotisseries is the skin's flavor, color, and texture, but simplicity is a handy byproduct.

 

 

 

Vegan Christmas Seitan Negimaki

Vegan Christmas Seitan Negimaki

Homemade seitan marinated in rich Asian flavors, wrapped around bright scallions, and grilled to perfection.