Celebrate the holidays with smoky flavor! This Christmas roundup features smoked ham, turkey, festive appetizers, cheesy sides, and decadent desserts—perfectly grilled or baked for a holiday feast your family will never forget.
As lifelong backyard grillers in Texas, we’ve hosted countless Christmas dinners right around the smoker. These tried-and-true recipes represent our go-to line-up — tested for ease, holiday crowd-pleasing flavor, and minimal stress when you’re entertaining family and friends.
And did we mention. . .they’re delicious!
Christmas on the Grill? Yes, Please!
There’s nothing quite like celebrating Christmas with the rich, smoky flavors of the grill.
While most people think of roasting a turkey or baking a ham indoors, here in Texas we know that some of the best holiday dishes are made over fire and smoke.
From glazed hams and juicy smoked turkeys to cheesy sides, sweet potato casseroles, and festive appetizers, these recipes will help you serve up a Christmas feast your family will never forget.
And of course, no celebration is complete without dessert—so we’ve included some of our favorite holiday sweets from our sister site, Out of the Box Baking.
Festive Appetizers
No Christmas celebration is complete without a table full of irresistible starters! These festive appetizers are perfect for holiday gatherings—warm, smoky, and bursting with flavor. From sweet candied bacon to creamy dips and bite-sized pig shots, each recipe is designed to bring people together around the tree (and the grill). Serve them as your guests arrive, and watch the Christmas cheer spread with every bite.
Smoked Candied Bacon
Sweet, salty, and smoky—these bacon strips are an irresistible Christmas appetizer or stocking stuffer snack for grown-ups.
Why it works for Christmas: It’s make-ahead friendly, easy to serve on platters, and adds a touch of smoky sweetness to any holiday spread.
Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle
Rich, creamy, and kissed with a hint of smoke, this appetizer turns simple cream cheese into something unforgettable. The drizzle of golden honey adds the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Why it works for Christmas: It’s elegant yet effortless—ideal for grazing boards and holiday gatherings. The honey drizzle adds that festive sparkle, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Savory Southern Corn Dip
Savory Southern corn dip is a popular appetizer or side dish in Southern cuisine. It's a creamy and cheesy dip that features corn as its main ingredient, with gives it an added crunchy texture. In this recipe I'm going to show you how I make it.
Why it works for Christmas: The colors of corn, peppers, and cheese make this dip as cheerful as the holiday itself. It’s warm, hearty, and easy to keep bubbling on the grill or smoker while guests mingle.
Smoked Pig Shots
Bacon-wrapped sausage cups stuffed with creamy cheese filling—these little bites are as fun as they are delicious and perfect for holiday snacking.
Why it works for Christmas: These smoky, bacon-wrapped bites are the ultimate party pleaser. They’re easy to prep ahead and grill up fresh as guests arrive—perfect for keeping everyone happy while the main course finishes. Their rich, smoky flavor fits right in with the warmth and indulgence of the holiday season.
Ham and Turkey Sliders with Hot Pepper Jelly
These Ham and Turkey Sliders with Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly combine sweet heat, smoky Gouda, and savory meats for the ultimate holiday appetizer or easy main dish. Perfectly grilled, melty, and packed with flavor—your guests will devour every bite!
Why it works for Christmas: These little sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd. Use leftover holiday ham or turkey, add melty cheese, and brush with a buttery glaze for a quick and satisfying bite. They’re easy to assemble, warm beautifully on the grill, and make an irresistible addition to your Christmas buffet or brunch.
Holiday Mains
When it comes to Christmas dinner, the main course takes center stage. Whether you’re serving a beautifully glazed smoked ham, a golden turkey fresh off the grill, or a tender pork roast infused with herbs, these recipes bring rich, smoky flavor to your holiday table. Each one is hearty, festive, and sure to impress your family and guests—making Christmas dinner as memorable as the season itself. 🎄🔥
Smoked Honey Ham
A centerpiece worthy of any Christmas table, this smoked honey ham is glazed to perfection with a sweet, sticky finish. The smoky flavor enhances the natural richness of the ham, making it a holiday must-have.
Why it works for Christmas: No holiday table is complete without a glazed ham, and this smoked version takes it to the next level. The sweet honey glaze caramelizes beautifully over the smoke, giving you that perfect balance of savory and sweet that’s made for Christmas dinner — and even better for leftovers the next day.
Perfect Smoked Turkey on the Grill
Golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this smoked turkey is perfect for Christmas dinner. The slow smoke locks in moisture and gives the bird a rich, festive aroma.
Why it works for Christmas: A smoked turkey is the centerpiece of any festive feast. The slow smoke locks in moisture and infuses rich flavor, freeing up your oven for sides and desserts. It’s a show-stopping main course that brings a little outdoor magic to your holiday table.
Smoked Pulled Pork
Tender and smoky, this pulled pork can be piled high on sandwiches or served alongside holiday sides. It’s comfort food with a Christmas twist.
Why it works for Christmas: Slow-smoked pork shoulder adds incredible depth and richness to any holiday spread. It’s easy to make ahead and stays tender and juicy for hours—perfect for serving a hungry crowd. Pile it on rolls for Christmas Eve sliders or serve it alongside traditional sides for a down-home holiday feast.
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Fragrant herbs meet smoky pork for an elegant yet simple Christmas dinner option. Perfect if you want something a little different from the traditional ham or turkey.
Why it works for Christmas: Tender, juicy, and full of herb flavor, this dish feels fancy without being fussy. It’s quick to grill, looks beautiful sliced on a holiday platter, and pairs perfectly with classic Christmas sides like roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.
Christmas Sides
The magic of Christmas dinner is often found in the sides—the cozy, comforting dishes that round out the feast. From creamy casseroles to smoky sweet potatoes and golden cornbread, these recipes add warmth, color, and flavor to your holiday spread. Pair them with your favorite mains, and you’ll have a table full of sides that taste just like Christmas comfort.
Sweet Potato Casserole (Two Ways)
A Christmas classic with a smoky twist—choose between marshmallow topping or crunchy pecans for the perfect holiday side.
Why it works for Christmas: This cozy classic brings warmth and comfort to the holiday table. Whether you go with the pecan topping or toasted marshmallows, it’s a festive favorite that balances savory meats with a touch of sweetness — and the smoky flavor from the grill makes it extra special.
Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon
Comfort food at its finest! These cheesy, smoky potatoes with crispy bacon are an indulgent addition to any Christmas meal.
Why it works for Christmas: Creamy, smoky, and loaded with flavor, these potatoes are the ultimate holiday comfort food. The bacon adds a festive touch of indulgence, and the dish pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or brisket — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any Christmas gathering.
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Golden, creamy, and slightly sweet, this casserole is the perfect balance for savory holiday meats.
Why it works for Christmas: This rich, golden casserole is a true holiday staple — warm, comforting, and easy to make ahead. The creamy corn and melted cheese create a cozy side that complements smoked meats and adds a touch of Southern charm to the Christmas table.
Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing
A Southern favorite, this dressing pairs perfectly with smoked turkey or ham, adding classic comfort to your Christmas table.
Why it works for Christmas: Nothing says comfort and tradition quite like cornbread dressing. The smoky flavor from the grill gives it a modern twist while keeping that classic Southern taste alive. It’s the perfect make-ahead side for holiday dinners — rich, savory, and steeped in old-fashioned Christmas charm.
Honey Cornbread on the Smoker
Sweet, smoky, and downright irresistible—this Honey Cornbread on the Smoker is baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet. The perfect side for BBQ nights!
Why it works for Christmas: Sweet, smoky, and golden, this cornbread is the perfect side for holiday hams, turkeys, and roasts. The touch of honey adds warmth and depth, while the subtle smoke flavor makes it stand out from traditional oven-baked versions — a festive twist on a Southern favorite.
Sweet Endings
No Christmas feast is complete without a little something sweet! From smoky skillet cookies and cast iron dump cakes on the grill to festive bakes like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and peppermint brownies from Out of the Box Baking, these desserts are the perfect way to wrap up your holiday celebration. Share them by the fire, around the tree, or straight from the oven—because Christmas joy is always sweeter with dessert.
Easy Christmas Cupcakes to Decorate with Kids
These cupcakes bring joy in more ways than one. Pick your favorite flavor (red velvet, chocolate, Funfetti, Italian cream—whatever makes your heart happiest), and then let the decorating fun begin. From Santa’s caps and melting snowmen to reindeer faces and Christmas trees, these festive cupcakes are made for laughter, color, and family moments. Perfect for little helpers and big smiles.
Why it works for Christmas: Decorating cupcakes together is a fun, hands-on way to make sweet holiday memories. Kids can get creative with sprinkles, frosting, and candy toppings, and the cupcakes double as edible décor for your dessert table — festive, colorful, and full of Christmas cheer.
Cast Iron Pumpkin Spice Cake
This cozy Pumpkin Spice Cake is baked in a cast-iron skillet right on the grill (or in your oven)! Made with a boxed spice cake mix and creamy pumpkin puree, it’s the perfect easy dessert for fall cookouts and holiday gatherings.
Why it works for Christmas: Filled with warm spices and baked in a cast iron skillet, this cake brings all the cozy holiday flavors to your table. It’s simple to make, beautiful to serve, and tastes like Christmas in every bite — especially with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Spiced Apple Dump Cake (in cast iron skillet on the grill)
Warm spiced apples, buttery cake, and smoky undertones—this dessert tastes like Christmas in every bite.
Why it works for Christmas: Warm apples, cinnamon, and spice make this dessert a cozy holiday favorite. Grilling it in a cast iron skillet adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect Christmas comfort dessert.
Best Holiday Sugar Cookies
These Best Holiday Sugar Cookies are a holiday tradition in the making. Think buttery-sweet dough that holds its shape beautifully, and frosting or royal icing that dries just right. Perfect for decorating with festive shapes, bright colors, or sparkly sprinkles—great for family baking time or giving away as gifts. Let your youngsters pick the cookie cutters; let your adults have fun with the icing. These cookies are as much about the experience (and the nostalgia!) as they are about the sweet, buttery crunch.
Why it works for Christmas: These classic sugar cookies are as festive as it gets — soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with sprinkles or royal icing. They make wonderful gifts, cookie-exchange treats, or edible ornaments, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy to every holiday celebration.
Easy Skillet Cookie on the Grill
Crispy edges, gooey center—this giant cookie is perfect for sharing around the Christmas tree.
Why it works for Christmas: Warm, gooey, and baked right on the grill, this giant cookie feels like a campfire treat with a holiday twist. Serve it straight from the skillet with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a cozy, crowd-pleasing Christmas dessert everyone will love.
Delicious Peppermint Bark from Out of the Box Baking
Crisp, pepperminty, and beautifully festive, this peppermint bark is holiday magic made simple. With layers of rich chocolate, creamy white topping, and crunchy candy-cane pieces, it’s the kind of treat that looks gorgeous on a cookie tray and delights in every bite. No baking fuss—just melt, layer, chill, and snap. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking one (or two!) before dinner.
Why it works for Christmas: Peppermint bark is a holiday classic — simple, festive, and always a hit at parties or in gift tins. The bright peppermint flavor and white chocolate layers bring cheerful color and crunch to your dessert table, making it a must-have Christmas sweet.
Cast-Iron Peach Dump Cake
This cast-iron peach dump cake recipe is simple and delicious. All you need is canned peaches, cake mix and butter, with absolutely no mixing required. Cooking it on the grill creates a thick and golden crust and gives it a hint of smoky flavor that is the perfect compliment to the peachy, buttery goodness! Perfect for your holiday table.
Why it works for Christmas: Sweet peaches and a hint of smoky flavor make this dessert a cozy choice for the holidays. It’s easy to prepare on the grill or smoker, freeing up oven space for other dishes, and it brings a touch of Southern warmth to your Christmas table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill in cold weather during the holidays?
Absolutely! Just make sure your grill is sheltered from the wind and preheated a few extra minutes. Using a digital thermometer helps maintain consistent temperature in colder conditions.
What’s the best meat to smoke for Christmas?
Brisket, turkey, and honey ham are all holiday hits. They hold heat well, feed a crowd, and deliver rich smoky flavor that feels special for the season.
Can I make sides on the grill, too?
Yes! Sides like cornbread, mac and cheese, or cheesy potatoes turn out beautifully on the grill. Cast iron skillets are your best friend for even heat and easy cleanup.
How far in advance can I prep these dishes?
Many of them — including dips, casseroles, and desserts — can be prepped one day ahead. Just keep them chilled until ready to grill or smoke.
What’s a good dessert to end a Christmas cookout?
Try your Spiced Apple Dump Cake or Cast-Iron Peach Dump Cake! Both are easy, warm, and smell amazing coming off the grill.
How can I make outdoor cooking part of our Christmas traditions?
Start simple! Choose one dish to grill each year — maybe the turkey, ham, or a favorite dessert like peach dump cake — and make it your family’s “signature” outdoor recipe. Invite everyone to take part, from seasoning the meat to lighting the fire. Cooking outside together creates memories that go far beyond the meal.
How can I honor faith and fellowship around the grill during the holidays?
The holidays are about gratitude and connection. Gathering around the grill gives you a chance to slow down, pray together, and thank God for the blessings of good food and family. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, sharing a meal made with love is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the season.
Merry Christmas, Y’all!
Thanks for stopping by to check out our favorite Christmas dishes. We hope your holiday is blessed and filled with all the things you love.
This Christmas, fire up the smoker, gather your loved ones, and celebrate with flavors that are warm, festive, and truly unforgettable.
About the Pit Master
Zach Morrow, our Backyard Texas Grill pit master, believes Christmas is best spent around the fire with family, friends, and great food. His passion for smoking and grilling shines in these holiday recipes—each one crafted to bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of Texas tradition to your Christmas table.