Planning an intimate Christmas Eve Dinner with co-living buddies? Our easy Christmas cooking recipes will make your table shine & get lazy roomies to work!

Planning a Christmas Eve dinner can be a daunting task and sometimes things get stressful. First you have to decide on a Christmas menu, then shop for ingredients, and finally comes the prepping and cooking. If you’re celebrating this Christmas with your co-living tribe, an equal distribution of chores and planning will help you take the edge off (and make this process a lot more fun)!

So while you and your roomies divide the chores, we are here to help you with our very merry ideas for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners that are traditional, easy and scrumptious.

Related: The Ultimate Way To Divide Chores While Keeping All Harmony Intact (Coliving)

Easy Christmas cooking: Meaty mains

No traditional Christmas Eve dinner is complete without a roast. So here are some meaty ideas for Christmas dinners that will have your guests going up for thirds.

1. Beef tenderloin with roasted cauliflower-pomegranate salad

Introducing a juicy and succulent beef tenderloin with a refreshing cauliflower-pomegranate salad. A beautiful main that’s a 100% crowd pleaser. Get the recipe here!

Image credits: Ryan Liebe

2. Easy Christmas cooking: Classic roast turkey

What’s more Christmassy than a hearty roast turkey? A traditional special with your favorite stuffing and all the trimmings.

Get the recipe here!

Image credits: David Tsay

3. Orange and cumin leg of lamb with roasted tomatoes and garlic

An aromatic and simple roast with humble ingredients like grape tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and zesty navel orange. The dish soaks in warm Mediterranean vibes that are perfect for the occasion. The best part about this meal is the leftovers (chances are there won’t be any) which make for delicious sandwich fillings. * drools *

Get the recipe here!

Image credits: HECTOR SANCHEZ/WOMAN’S DAY

Easy Christmas cooking: Crockpot dishes

You could be an awesome cook who actually loves playing around in the kitchen. Or you could be someone who loves to cook but would rather not hang around the hot oven for hours. If easy Christmas cooking is what you and your co-living tribe are planning this year, these delicious crockpot dinner recipes are just what you need.

4. Crock pot beef brisket with barbecue flavor

Brisket till you make it fellas! For all of you rolling your eyes at our punny attempt – the beef won’t cook itself and you need us for the recipe, so get used to it! Moving on, this crock-pot dish is absolutely delicious. With a 15-min prep time and 8 hours of cooking on its own – you have plenty of time to decorate your home or stalk your ex on Instagram (we don’t recommend this!) Spend your time wisely and get the recipe here!

Image credits: Donnahay|Pinterest

5. Pineapple glazed holiday ham

Make way for the holiday ham made extra special with crushed pineapple, apple jelly, and a bunch of warming spices. Truly wholesome, Christmassy, and merry very juicy.

Get the recipe here!

Image credits: Immaculatebites|Pinterest

6. Slowcooker cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce is a staple in all Christmas Eve dinners as it pairs beautifully with meaty roasts. While a lot of people buy canned cranberry sauce to save time, nothing beats the flavor of a homemade cranberry sauce that’s left to simmer in a crockpot. Yummy!

Made with only 4 ingredients, this cranberry sauce goes out to all of those who’re looking to go the extra mile this Christmas.

PS. If you’re prepping the roast ask your lazy co-living buds to prepare the darn sauce – it’s only fair! Get the recipe here!

Image credits: Momontimeout|Pinterest

Veggie & vegan options

As a guest hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, ask your guests if they’re okay with meaty options. If not, these easy, peasy, super breezy veggie & vegan options will become the star of your holiday dinner table.

7. Pumpkin penne

The creaminess and magic of this pumpkin penne will make your co-living fam go Fa la la in an orchestrated harmony!

Get the recipe from Love and Lemons »

Image credits: Love and Lemons

8. Chimichurri cauliflower “steaks”

Don’t deprive your vegetarian friends of a staple holiday steak dinner. Because this cauliflower steak has all the flavors of a charred steak paired with a delicious seasonal green sauce.

Get the recipe for Chimichurri Cauliflower “Steaks” »

Image credits: Good Housing

9. Thyme and shallot roasted butternut squash

A treat to behold, indeed! Not only are the roasted butternut squash dishes highly instagrammable, they’re also healthy and surprisingly delish.

Get the recipe for Thyme and Shallot Roasted Butternut Squash »

Image credits: Mike Garten

Related: Virtual Christmas Party Ideas For 2020

D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers with easy Christmas cooking? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!