What to Grill on Christmas: Festive Meats and Side Dishes for a Holiday Feast

Christmas often conjures up images of roasted turkeys, glazed hams, and hearty casseroles, but grilling during the holidays has become a rising tradition for families looking to add a smoky, flame-kissed twist to their feast. Whether you are serving a prime rib, lamb chops, or a perfectly seared steak, grilling can elevate Christmas dinner into a culinary experience that blends tradition with bold flavor. With the help of wireless meat thermometers like smart probes, you can cook confidently, knowing your centerpiece will be juicy and perfectly cooked.

Choosing the Perfect Meats to Grill for Christmas

Christmas is all about indulgence, and the grill is the perfect place to craft a centerpiece that impresses both in presentation and flavor.

Prime Rib Roast on the Grill

Photo by @stevens_smokehouse

Few holiday roasts carry the prestige of a prime rib. On the grill, it develops a charred crust while maintaining tender, buttery meat inside. A wireless meat thermometer ensures your roast stays in the medium rare zone, where the marbling melts just enough to coat every bite with richness. For a festive flair, coat the rib in garlic, rosemary, and thyme before grilling slowly over indirect heat.

Christmas Lamb Chops

For smaller gatherings, lamb chops bring elegance and flavor without the time commitment of a large roast. Marinate them in olive oil, mint, and garlic before placing them on high heat for a quick sear. Smart thermometers are particularly helpful here because lamb is best enjoyed between medium rare and medium, a range where even a few minutes can make the difference between succulent and overdone.

Holiday Steaks on the Grill

Steak at Christmas might sound simple, but when paired with the right side dishes, it becomes a luxurious centerpiece. Ribeye or filet mignon grilled to perfection and served with festive accompaniments can rival any roast. A wireless thermometer helps eliminate guesswork, especially when preparing multiple steaks at once for guests who have different doneness preferences.

Steak Pairings and Festive Side Dishes

A great grilled main deserves equally spectacular side dishes. Christmas side dishes should be hearty enough to complement the smoky richness of meat but festive enough to make the table feel special.

Classic Potato Gratins and Roasted Vegetables

Grilled meats and potatoes are a timeless pairing. A creamy potato gratin layered with cheese and herbs offers the perfect indulgent side to a prime rib or steak. For a lighter option, roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets add natural sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of grilled beef or lamb.

Festive Greens and Bright Flavors

Balance is essential in a holiday feast. Bright green sides like garlic butter green beans or a grilled Brussels sprouts salad with balsamic glaze bring freshness to the table. Pairing these with steak enhances the dining experience by cutting through the richness of the meat. The contrast makes every bite feel balanced rather than heavy.

Christmas Bread and Sauces

No holiday meal is complete without bread and sauces. Herb-infused focaccia or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up juices from grilled steaks and roasts. Complement them with sauces like creamy horseradish for prime rib, mint sauce for lamb, or a festive red wine reduction for steak pairings. These additions tie the meal together with warmth and holiday flair.

Grilling Techniques for Holiday Success

The magic of a Christmas grill feast lies not just in the menu but in the execution. Proper techniques ensure your food impresses on both flavor and presentation.

Mastering Indirect Heat

Large cuts like prime rib or whole lamb legs benefit from indirect heat, which cooks them evenly without burning the exterior. Using a smart thermometer allows you to monitor internal temperatures without constantly lifting the lid and losing heat. This technique gives you the peace of mind to prepare side dishes while the meat cooks steadily.

Searing for Flavor

Photo by @guarbarcooks

Whether you are cooking steaks or lamb chops, finishing with a sear locks in flavor and creates a satisfying crust. Preheat part of your grill to high heat and use it to sear meats once they have reached just below their target temperature. A meat thermometer helps you nail this balance without overshooting.

Timing and Serving Warm

Timing is everything on Christmas. Coordinating the grill with oven-based sides requires precision. Smart thermometers with app connectivity can alert you when the meat reaches its ideal temperature, ensuring everything is served hot at the same time. This makes holiday cooking more seamless and less stressful.

Creating a Festive Grill Atmosphere

Part of the joy of grilling on Christmas is the experience itself.

Outdoor Winter Grilling

In colder climates, grilling outdoors adds an adventurous twist to holiday traditions. Dress warmly, keep a hot beverage nearby, and embrace the seasonal atmosphere. The smoky aroma of grilling meat mingling with crisp winter air becomes part of the memory your guests will cherish.

Presentation and Table Setting

Presentation matters as much as preparation. Serve your grilled prime rib or steak on wooden cutting boards, garnish with sprigs of rosemary or cranberries, and pair it with vibrant side dishes. The visual appeal makes the meal feel even more festive, turning dinner into a full holiday experience.

Bring the Feast Together

If you want to simplify your holiday grilling while ensuring perfection, consider using The MeatStick. This wireless smart meat thermometer gives you the freedom to monitor temperatures from your phone, letting you spend more time with family instead of hovering over the grill.

Gather around the fire, plate up your favorite festive meats and sides, and enjoy a Christmas meal that blends tradition with innovation.

Christmas grilling is not just about what is on the plate but about creating memories of warmth, flavor, and togetherness. With the right meats, festive side dishes, and the precision of smart thermometers, your holiday feast will be remembered long after the decorations are put away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What meats are best to grill for Christmas?

Prime rib, lamb chops, and steaks like ribeye or filet mignon all make impressive Christmas centerpieces. Grilling adds a smoky crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

How do wireless or smart meat thermometers help during holiday cooks?

They let you monitor internal temperatures without lifting the grill lid, reduce guesswork for doneness, and help you coordinate multiple steaks or roasts so everything finishes on time.

Why use indirect heat for large holiday roasts?

Indirect heat cooks big cuts like prime rib or whole lamb legs evenly without burning the exterior. It also allows you to keep the lid closed and maintain steady heat.

What are good Christmas side dishes to pair with steak and other grilled meats?

Creamy potato gratin, roasted root vegetables, garlic butter green beans, and grilled Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze all complement the richness of grilled beef or lamb.

How do I build flavor and still hit the right doneness?

Bring meats to just below target temperature, then finish with a hot sear for a flavorful crust. A meat thermometer helps you avoid overshooting.

How can I serve everything hot at the same time?

Use a smart thermometer with app alerts so you know exactly when the meat reaches its ideal temperature. This makes it easier to coordinate with oven or stovetop sides.

Any tips for grilling outdoors in winter for Christmas?

Dress warmly, keep a hot beverage nearby, and embrace the seasonal atmosphere. The smoky aroma in the crisp air becomes part of the holiday memory.

What breads and sauces round out a festive grill menu?

Herb focaccia or warm dinner rolls pair well with grilled meats. Creamy horseradish suits prime rib, mint sauce complements lamb, and a red wine reduction elevates steak pairings.