As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to think about what we’ll be serving at our Christmas Eve dinners. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small, intimate celebration with loved ones, the right menu can make all the difference in creating warm and cozy memories.
In this article, we’ll share 20 festive Christmas Eve dinner recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds. From classic comfort foods like roasted turkey and mashed potatoes to more adventurous options like lobster bisque and wild mushroom risotto, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and get ready to make some delicious memories with these 20 festive Christmas Eve dinner recipes!
Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Elevate your prime rib roast game with this flavorful and aromatic herb-crusted recipe, perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 pound) prime rib roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the prime rib roast and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the herb mixture all over the roast, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the roast, then rub gently to ensure even coverage.
6. Place the roast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Cooking Time:
– 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for a 6-8 pound roast
Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey
Elevate your holiday meal with this flavorful and aromatic roasted turkey recipe, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and salt.
4. Loosely fill the turkey cavity with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 2-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-1/2 hours
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this rich and creamy mashed potatoes recipe, topped with a savory gravy.
Ingredients:
• 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
3. In a small saucepan, whisk together flour and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
4. Serve the mashed potatoes topped with the warm gravy.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple
A sweet and savory twist on a classic ham recipe, this dish is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup cherry or orange slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, top with pineapple and cherry/orange slices (if using).
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Veggie Dish
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, cook the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
6. Remove the sprouts from the oven and toss with the cooked bacon, red pepper flakes (if using), and any pan juices.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
This recipe yields 4-6 servings as a side dish or can be used as a topping for burgers, salads, or sandwiches.
Classic Beef Wellington
Transform tender beef into an elegant centerpiece with this classic Beef Wellington recipe. Duxelles, a mixture of mushrooms and herbs, adds depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) filet mignon or beef tenderloin
– 1/4 cup duxelles (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 cup puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Duxelles Recipe:
– 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (button or cremini)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season beef with flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Spread duxelles evenly over the beef, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a large rectangle.
5. Place the beef in the center of the pastry, brush edges with beaten egg.
6. Fold pastry over the beef, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush top with remaining egg and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
This indulgent twist on traditional mac and cheese adds a satisfying crunch to the dish by topping it with crispy breadcrumbs. The perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Orange Glazed Salmon
This sweet and tangy glaze adds a burst of flavor to the richness of salmon, perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup cranberries
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, puree cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and ginger until smooth.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the cranberry glaze evenly over each fillet.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables Recipe
A hearty, comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day. This slow cooker pot roast is tender, flavorful, and packed with nutritious vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef pot roast (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, layer the sliced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped potatoes.
3. Place the pot roast on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the pot roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Elevate your carrot game with this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrot pieces with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the carrots and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Spread the carrot mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this creamy and savory chicken recipe, packed with the flavors of spinach and artichokes.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-artichoke mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Coat the outside of each breast with cooking spray or olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This sweet and savory casserole is a perfect blend of roasted sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and crunchy pecans. It’s an easy and impressive side dish for your next family gathering or holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Toss with heavy cream and vanilla extract until sweet potatoes are well coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with marshmallows and sprinkle with pecans.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender and marshmallows are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Homemade Dinner Rolls with Honey Butter
Elevate your dinner table with these soft, buttery homemade dinner rolls infused with the sweetness of honey.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and divide into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly.
7. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Honey Butter:
– Mix softened butter with 1 tablespoon honey until well combined.
– Spread or drizzle over warm dinner rolls.
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
A classic comfort food recipe that combines tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crunchy onions for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup French-fried onions
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté green beans and butter until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt.
4. Combine cooked green beans, soup mixture, and French-fried onions in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with additional French-fried onions if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lobster Bisque with Crusty Bread
Rich and flavorful, this Lobster Bisque is a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crusty bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add lobster meat, fish stock, heavy cream, and paprika. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the bisque has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side for dipping into the bisque.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Chops
Elevate your lamb chops with a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze, perfect for special occasions or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey, and garlic.
3. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Brush the pomegranate glaze all over the lamb chops.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
Experience the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms and the luxurious aroma of truffle oil in this decadent risotto dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, oyster, and cremini), cleaned and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Truffle oil, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice and stir to combine with mushroom mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add white wine and cook until absorbed, stirring constantly.
5. Warm broth in a separate pot. Add 1/2 cup warmed broth to rice mixture and stir until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding broth and stirring, until rice is cooked and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Serve immediately, drizzled with truffle oil.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this elegant and delicious Baked Brie recipe, paired with a sweet and tangy Cranberry Sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey and butter until well combined.
3. Place the brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the honey-butter mixture evenly over the top of the brie.
5. Sprinkle thyme and rosemary leaves over the honey-butter layer.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
7. While the brie is baking, warm the cranberry sauce according to package instructions.
8. Serve the baked brie with warmed cranberry sauce and crackers or bread.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Dessert Shooters
A refreshing twist on traditional desserts, these bite-sized shooters combine the coolness of peppermint with the richness of chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cookies, sugar, and melted butter to create a crust mixture.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the crust mixture until well combined.
4. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
5. Spoon the mixture into small shot glasses or ramekins.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled dessert.
Eggnog Cheesecake with Caramel Drizzle
Celebrate the holiday season with this creamy and rich Eggnog Cheesecake, topped with a sweet and sticky caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
For the cheesecake:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the caramel drizzle:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, followed by eggnog, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
6. Allow cheesecake to cool completely before drizzling with caramel.
Caramel Drizzle:
1. Combine heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt in a saucepan.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before drizzling over cooled cheesecake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your loved ones this Christmas Eve with these mouth-watering dinner recipes. From classic Prime Rib Roast and Beef Wellington, to sweet treats like Peppermint Chocolate Dessert Shooters and Eggnog Cheesecake with Caramel Drizzle, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for roasted turkey or savory ham, decadent mac and cheese or rich risotto, these 20 festive recipes are sure to make your Christmas Eve dinner a hit.
