Christmas morning is such a whirlwind.

We know: You want to save room for the gorgeousChristmas feastyou’re going to eat that night.

But the last thing Mama needs is a bunch of hangry family members showing up for dinner.

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

With these Christmas lunch recipes, you won’t miss a second of the holiday with your family.

Smoky sausage and Cheddar cheese pair for a perfectly satisfying meal.

There’s plenty of shrimp gravy to go around, so let everyone dig in.

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Macaroni Pie

Macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

This delicious pie version is easy to whip together.

Add in roasted broccoli for an easy, complete meal.

Southern Living Christmas Salad in a bowl to serve

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Ham Biscuits

Ham biscuits are a timeless, anytime-of-day party food.

Make the biscuits ahead and freeze them until you’re ready for a fresh-from-the-oven meal.

you could make this ahead and warm it up before serving.

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Video Still

Credit: Southern Living

Make the pork ahead of time, and youll have a lunch that makes everyone happy.

Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

This isn’t your average lox bagel.

Made with savory slow-cooked salmon and fresh herbed cream cheese, your family will love these pretty bagel sandwiches.

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Credit: Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Make them ahead and pop them in the oven just before lunch.

It will be a bright, fresh addition to the table.

Make it easy by assembling the night before and refrigerating until after Santa’s delivery.

Macaroni Pie

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

This slow-cooker soup means you have more time to spend with loved ones.

TheHam Saladis a great way to use any leftover Christmas Eve ham.

Christmas Tree Spinach Dip

Start Christmas lunch with a festive twist on classic spinach dip.

Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Use puff pastry to turn the party dip into a jolly, edible tree.

Best Waldorf Salad

Every holiday meal could use a pretty seasonal salad to start.

Italian Casserole

This cozy casserole is the ideal make-ahead dish to have on hand throughout the holidays.

Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup

Credit: Greg DuPree

Assemble the day before and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

Make the sandwiches ahead of time and wrap them individually for an easy-to-grab lunch.

Biscuits-and-Gravy Skillet

We’d enjoy this comforting one-dish meal any time of day.

Cut barbecue pork pizza on a cutting board on a table with a pizza cutter and two glasses of water beside.

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Made in one pan, this recipe couldn’t be easier.

Just top the creamy sausage filling with frozen biscuits and bake.

Harvest Salad

This winter salad showcases the best and brightest of the season.

Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

It’s also a great palate cleanser in between morning pastries and Christmas dinner.

Crushed potato chips create a crispy topping.

Serve a tossed salad or fruit on the side, and dig in.

Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Cut up a chuck roast instead of buying stew meat for the best flavor.

The creamy Mornay sauce and plentiful bacon are sure to bring cheer to the table.

Make them ahead of time for an easy Christmas lunch.

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

Meatballs never disappoint.

Instead of serving with spaghetti, try these sliders for a lunch spread.

They’re cooked in the slow cooker, so they can be hot and ready for serving time.

Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Peppered Beef Soup

This hearty soup will warm you up on chilly holidays.

Bottled balsamic glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.

Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Set out a timeless cheese ball and everyone can snack until dinner time.

Extra-Easy Lasagna

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson

This version uses feta and cream cheese.

Shape it into a Yule log for a festive presentation.

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

Salads don’t have to be boring.

Christmas Morning Strata

Credit: Southern Living

Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd on Christmas.

Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes.

Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs

This salad is the refreshing break your day of feasting needs.

Slow-Cooker Winter Vegetable Soup with Bacon

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

It takes just minutes to prepare but still packs in loads of flavor.

Serve with crackers, apples, or even biscotti.

Pulled Pork Nachos

Satisfy your holiday crew with a pan of loaded pork nachos.

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

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They come together in minutes.

you could use leftover pork or pick up a container from your favorite barbecue place.

Burrito Bowls

This recipe is great for a gathering because every guest can customize their own bowl.

Christmas Tree Spinach Dip

Credit: Micah A. Leal

Chicken and Fontina Panini

This delicious crusty sandwich couldnt be easier.

Pesto, tomatoes, rotisserie chicken, and fontina cheese are all you better layer between your bread.

If you dont have a panini press, use a heavy cast-iron skillet as a makeshift press.

Waldorf Salad

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Dont skip the pepper jelly dressing.

It adds sweetness and spice.

Finish with honey-sweetened orange juice and fresh mint.

Italian Casserole

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Mexican chorizo, hot sauce, and jalapeno create levels of heat and flavor.

Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Roasting the lettuce caramelizes it and makes for an elegant presentation.

Embellish store-bought dressing to save time.

Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

No one will know its not homemade.

Top it with Cheddar or serve it with your favoritegrilled cheese sandwich.

Douse them with Carolina-style vinegar sauce, and top with pickles and onions.

Biscuits-and-Gravy Skillet

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

These meatballs are ready to serve in 30 minutes.

The cranberry sauce gives these a holiday twist.

A jar of jalapeno pepper jelly spices things up.

Harvest Salad

Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Its easy to put together, tastes great, and theres plenty for everyone, perfect for hosting.

Look for pre-chopped, bagged kale to save time.

Collard Green Salad with Oranges and Port-Soaked Cherries

A light lunch doesnt have to sacrifice flavor.

hot chicken salad

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Winter Vegetables and Gnocchi

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Beef Stew

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Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

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Croissant Breakfast Casserole

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Ham-and-Cheese Puff Pastries

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Peppered Beef Soup

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

Credit: Greg DuPree

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders

Credit: Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Baked Brie In Puff Pastry

Credit:Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Pulled Pork Nachos

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Burrito Bowls

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Chicken and Fontina Panini

Credit: Greg DuPree

Asparagus and Goat Cheese Mini Quiches

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Fresh Fruit Salad

Credit: Jen Causey

Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Cheese

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Credit: Greg DuPree

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Collard Green Salad with Oranges and Port-Soaked Cherries

Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Credit: Jen Causey