Listen, I get it – Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean being stuck inside all day.
Grilled Dinner Recipes For Christmas give you that smoky, charred magic while keeping the kitchen clean and the family happy.
My kids go crazy for anything with grill marks, and honestly, firing up the grill in December feels rebellious in the best way.
You’re about to discover ten holiday-inspired grilled dishes that’ll make your festive dinner unforgettable.
1. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Grilled Turkey Breast
Forget the whole bird drama. I butterflied a turkey breast, marinated it in maple syrup, bourbon, and fresh thyme overnight, then grilled it over medium heat.
The glaze caramelizes into this sweet-savory crust that’s pure Christmas magic. Kids love the sweetness, and you’ll love how it stays juicy without constant basting.
Takes about 35 minutes on the grill, and you can slice it thick for sandwiches the next day.
The bourbon cooks off completely, leaving just that deep, warm flavor that screams holiday comfort. Pro tip: let it rest fifteen minutes before carving or you’ll lose all those beautiful juices.
2. Charcoal-Grilled Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Crust
This is my Christmas centerpiece. I coat a bone-in prime rib with crushed garlic, rosemary, and coarse salt, then sear it hard over charcoal before moving to indirect heat.
The outside gets this insane crust while the inside stays medium-rare. My youngest won’t touch most meat, but this? He asks for seconds.
It’s festive, impressive, and way easier than oven-roasting. You need a meat thermometer – pull it at 120°F internal for perfect medium-rare.
The smoky char from the grill adds a depth you simply can’t get indoors. Rest it properly, slice against the grain, and watch it disappear.
3. Grilled Honey-Mustard Glazed Ham Steaks
Ham steaks are underrated for Christmas grilling. I brush thick-cut steaks with honey, whole-grain mustard, and a splash of apple cider, then grill them until the edges crisp up.
The sugars in the honey create these beautiful caramelized spots that kids fight over. Each steak feeds two people, making portion control dead simple.
No carving stress, no drying out, just pure grilled perfection. The mustard cuts through the sweetness perfectly, and the char adds complexity.
I serve these with grilled pineapple rings on the side – the tropical sweetness pairs incredibly well with the savory ham.
4. Cedar-Planked Salmon with Cranberry-Orange Glaze
Grilling salmon on cedar planks infuses it with this subtle woodsy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
I soak the plank, lay the salmon on it, then brush it with a reduction of cranberries, orange juice, and honey.
The plank prevents sticking and adds moisture. My daughter, who normally hates fish, devours this.
The festive cranberry element makes it unmistakably Christmas, and the orange brightens everything up.
Cook it until it flakes easily – about 20 minutes on medium heat. The cedar smoke is gentle, not overpowering, letting the salmon’s natural richness shine through while those holiday flavors complement perfectly.
5. Grilled Whole Chicken with Spiced Butter Injection
I inject a whole chicken with butter mixed with cinnamon, sage, and black pepper, then spatchcock it for even cooking.
The spices give it this holiday aroma that fills the yard, and the butter keeps every bite moist. Kids love pulling the crispy skin off, and you can shred the leftovers for Christmas week sandwiches.
Takes about an hour over indirect heat. The cinnamon is subtle – not sweet, just warm and inviting.
Flip it once halfway through, and use a chimney starter to keep consistent heat. This grilled chicken becomes your new tradition.
6. Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi-Style Christmas Twist)
I marinate beef short ribs in soy sauce, pear puree, sesame oil, and ginger for 24 hours.
The pear tenderizes the meat naturally, and the grilling creates these crispy, caramelized edges that are absolutely addictive.
My kids call them “sweet meat sticks,” and they’re not wrong. The Korean BBQ flavors feel exotic yet approachable, giving your Christmas dinner an unexpected twist.
Grill them hot and fast – about three minutes per side.
The thin-cut flanken-style ribs cook quickly and are perfect for little hands. Serve with steamed rice and watch them vanish.
7. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Balsamic Reduction
Pork tenderloin is lean, quick, and takes marinade beautifully. I rub it with rosemary and garlic, grill it over high heat to get a crust, then move it to cooler spots to finish.
While it rests, I simmer balsamic vinegar with cranberries and brown sugar into a thick sauce.
The tanginess cuts through the pork’s richness perfectly. Kids prefer it sliced thin with the sauce drizzled on top.
The festive cranberry element makes it scream holiday dinner without being heavy. Cook to 145°F internal, rest it, and you’ve got a grilled masterpiece that took 20 minutes.
8. Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint-Pomegranate Marinade
Lamb chops might sound fancy, but they’re ridiculously easy. I marinate them in fresh mint, pomegranate molasses, and garlic, then grill them three minutes per side for medium-rare.
The pomegranate adds this sweet-tart complexity that feels festive and elegant. My older kids love gnawing the bones – it’s primal and fun.
The mint keeps everything bright and cuts through the lamb’s natural gaminess.
These are perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner when you want something special but not overwhelming.
The char from the grill adds a smokiness that complements the marinade beautifully.
9. BBQ Glazed Grilled Meatloaf on Cedar Planks
Yes, meatloaf on the grill. I form a mixture of ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, and Christmas spices like nutmeg and sage onto soaked cedar planks.
Brush it with BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of cranberry sauce for that holiday twist.
The plank prevents it from falling apart, and the smoke flavor is incredible. Kids love the familiar comfort food vibe, and you get that grilled complexity adults crave.
Takes about 40 minutes over indirect heat. Slice it thick and serve with grilled vegetables. It’s festive comfort food that’s completely different from your usual Christmas recipes.
10. Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers with Turkey and Wild Rice
I hollow out red and green bell peppers for that Christmas color scheme, stuff them with ground turkey, wild rice, dried cranberries, and sage, then grill them over medium heat until the peppers char and soften.
The grilling adds a smoky depth that oven-baking can’t match. These are self-contained, kid-friendly, and surprisingly filling.
My youngest loves picking out the cranberries, while I appreciate the clean-eating aspect.
Top them with a bit of melted cheese in the last five minutes if your kids need that dairy incentive. They’re colorful, nutritious, and unmistakably festive.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what nobody tells you about grilling during the holidays – it’s therapeutic.
While everyone else is stressing over oven space and timing, you’re outside with your grill, away from the chaos, creating something genuinely special.
These recipes aren’t just about feeding people; they’re about giving your Christmas dinner a personality that’s uniquely yours.
The kids will remember the year Dad grilled everything, and honestly, you’ll probably never go back.
Don’t overthink it – good meat, high heat, and confidence make you look like a genius every time.
