13 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas From Start to Sweet Finish

Christmas Eve is a time to gather around the table and enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones. The evening should be filled with warmth, comfort, and plenty of flavor. From the first course to the dessert, there are so many options to make your meal special. Whether you want to keep things traditional or try something new, the choices are endless. Let’s explore some dinner ideas that will leave everyone satisfied from start to sweet finish.

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Roasted Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp

Roasted garlic herb butter shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will add a touch of elegance to your Christmas Eve dinner. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs brings a rich flavor to the shrimp, making it a perfect starter. It is a simple dish that cooks quickly, which allows you to focus on the rest of your holiday meal. The light and flavorful shrimp will leave your guests craving more, and it sets the tone for the evening ahead.

For this dish, you will need large shrimp, garlic, unsalted butter, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat and a hint of paprika for extra flavor. Fresh lemon zest will complement the richness of the butter and garlic, providing a refreshing contrast. The ingredients come together easily, making this recipe perfect for a busy Christmas Eve.

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, then mix in the lemon juice and zest. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet, pour the garlic butter mixture over them, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Roast the shrimp in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are cooked through and slightly golden on the edges.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a classic appetizer that brings a burst of flavor to your Christmas Eve dinner. The savory filling combined with the earthy mushrooms makes for a delightful bite-sized treat. Whether you are serving them as an appetizer or as a side, stuffed mushrooms are always a crowd-pleaser. The versatility of this dish means you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a customizable option for your holiday table.

To make stuffed mushrooms, you will need large mushroom caps, cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and butter. You can also add sausage or bacon for an extra savory kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add depth to the stuffing, while a drizzle of olive oil helps to create a crispy topping. This simple combination of ingredients results in a rich and flavorful dish that will impress everyone.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C and clean the mushroom caps. Mix cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs in a bowl. Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

Baked brie with cranberry sauce is a decadent and festive dish that makes for a perfect holiday appetizer. The creamy brie cheese melts beautifully in the oven, and when paired with the tartness of cranberry sauce, it creates a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of warm cheese and sweet cranberry sauce will make your guests feel like they are enjoying something extra special. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the evening without stress.

You will need a wheel of brie cheese, cranberry sauce, walnuts or pecans, fresh thyme, and honey for drizzling. The cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference. Chopped nuts provide a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the brie, while fresh thyme adds a hint of herbal freshness. This dish is a great way to start the meal on a sweet and savory note.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. Place the brie on a baking sheet and spoon cranberry sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is soft and melted inside, then garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Honey Glazed Ham

A honey glazed ham is a traditional holiday dish that never fails to impress. The sweetness of the honey glaze perfectly complements the savory flavor of the ham, creating a delicious balance that will have everyone coming back for more. This dish is also easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal main course for Christmas Eve dinner. The aroma of the ham baking in the oven will fill your home with holiday cheer.

For this recipe, you will need a bone-in ham, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. The honey and brown sugar create a sweet and sticky glaze, while the mustard adds a slight tang to balance the flavors. The cinnamon and cloves offer a warm, aromatic scent that adds depth to the glaze, making it truly special. The ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful ham that will be the star of your dinner.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F or 165 degrees C. Mix the honey, mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to make the glaze. Brush the glaze over the ham and cover it with foil. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.

Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan

Mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any holiday meal. When you add garlic and Parmesan cheese, they transform from simple to extraordinary, with a rich and savory flavor that everyone will love. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes combined with the sharpness of the cheese and the depth of the garlic creates a deliciously satisfying side. This dish is sure to be a hit on your Christmas Eve table.

You will need russet potatoes, garlic, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Fresh garlic is sautéed in butter to bring out its natural sweetness, and then it is blended into the mashed potatoes for a fragrant finish. The addition of Parmesan cheese gives the potatoes a creamy, savory richness that will elevate your meal. These mashed potatoes are not only easy to make but also full of flavor.

Peel and boil the potatoes until they are tender. Sauté the garlic in butter until fragrant, then mash the potatoes with the garlic, butter, and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Herb Roasted Chicken

Herb roasted chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that will make your Christmas Eve dinner feel extra special. The combination of fresh herbs and the natural juices from the chicken creates a flavorful and moist dish. It is perfect for feeding a crowd, and the crispy skin adds an irresistible texture. Roasting the chicken with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic ensures that the meat is tender and full of flavor.

For this dish, you will need a whole chicken, olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon, salt, and black pepper. The herbs are stuffed inside the chicken to infuse the meat with flavor, while the lemon adds a burst of citrusy freshness. You can also use a little butter to make the skin extra crispy and golden. This recipe is simple to prepare but results in a stunning main course for your holiday meal.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then stuff it with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon. Season the outside with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C, and the skin is golden and crispy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon make a savory and flavorful side dish for your Christmas Eve dinner. The crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts create a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This dish is simple yet indulgent, offering a delicious contrast to heavier main courses. Roasting the Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, while the bacon adds a smoky depth to the dish.

You will need Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The Brussels sprouts are trimmed and halved, then tossed with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings before roasting. The bacon is chopped and added to the pan, allowing it to crisp up and release its savory flavor into the sprouts. This dish is a great way to enjoy vegetables with an added touch of indulgence.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Lay the bacon strips over the sprouts and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown and the bacon is crispy.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and artichoke dip is a creamy and indulgent appetizer that will be a hit at any Christmas Eve dinner. The rich combination of cream cheese, spinach, and artichokes makes for a comforting and savory dip. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, or raw vegetables for dipping, making it a versatile starter for your holiday meal.

For this dip, you will need cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. The spinach and artichokes provide a fresh and earthy flavor, while the cheeses create a creamy, indulgent base. The garlic adds a little warmth, and the lemon juice helps brighten the dish. This dip can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a convenient option.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichokes, and cheeses. Season with garlic and lemon juice, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that adds a pop of color to your Christmas Eve dinner. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the glaze, making them a delicious complement to any main course. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, saving you time on the big night. The glossy glaze makes the carrots look festive and appealing, perfect for a holiday meal.

For this dish, you will need fresh carrots, butter, brown sugar, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon. The brown sugar and honey create a sweet glaze that coats the carrots, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. This side dish is not only delicious but also easy to make and full of holiday charm.

Peel and slice the carrots into even pieces. In a pan, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Add the carrots and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and coated in the glaze. Serve warm, drizzled with extra glaze.

Classic Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is a refreshing and crisp dish that pairs perfectly with your holiday meal. The combination of crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and salty Parmesan cheese creates a delightful contrast of flavors. Adding croutons brings texture to each bite, while anchovies give the dressing a savory depth. This salad is a great way to balance out heavier dishes and bring a light, refreshing element to the table.

You will need romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, Caesar dressing, and anchovies. You can use store-bought dressing or make your own by combining mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and anchovies. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor, while the croutons provide a satisfying crunch. This salad is easy to prepare and can be assembled just before serving.

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, then toss it with Caesar dressing. Add croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If using anchovies, chop them and sprinkle over the salad. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a quintessential dessert for Christmas Eve, offering a rich, sweet flavor that is hard to resist. The combination of crunchy pecans and a caramel-like filling creates a perfect contrast of textures. This classic pie is easy to make ahead of time, and it is always a crowd favorite. The indulgent sweetness of the pie makes it a fitting end to a delicious holiday meal.

You will need pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pie crust. The rich, gooey filling is made with brown sugar and corn syrup, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. You can also add a splash of bourbon for a subtle depth of flavor. This dessert is simple to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Stir in the pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly golden.

Roasted Prime Rib

Roasted prime rib is a luxurious and flavorful main course that makes a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas Eve dinner. The tender, juicy meat paired with a crispy, flavorful crust will have your guests savoring every bite. Prime rib is perfect for feeding a crowd and provides a rich, indulgent taste that is sure to elevate your holiday meal. It is a classic choice for those who want to make a memorable dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

You will need a bone-in prime rib roast, garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. The garlic and fresh herbs coat the meat, infusing it with flavor as it roasts. A generous seasoning of salt and pepper ensures that the roast has a crisp, well-seasoned exterior. This cut of meat is simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients to bring out its natural flavors.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F or 230 degrees C. Rub the prime rib with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs. Roast the meat for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and continue roasting for 1.5 to 2 hours. Let the prime rib rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Chocolate Yule Log

The chocolate yule log is a classic dessert that adds a festive touch to your Christmas Eve dinner. This rolled cake is filled with rich chocolate ganache and decorated to look like a log, making it a fun and delicious holiday treat. The light and fluffy cake combined with the decadent chocolate filling creates a dessert that everyone will enjoy. It’s a beautiful dessert that captures the spirit of the season in both flavor and appearance.

You will need eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, heavy cream, dark chocolate, and powdered sugar for dusting. The cake is baked in a sheet pan and then rolled with the ganache filling, creating a swirl effect. The cake is then decorated with additional ganache to resemble tree bark, and a dusting of powdered sugar gives it the appearance of snow. This dessert looks impressive but is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the eggs and sugar together, then fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Bake the cake for 12 to 15 minutes, then roll it with the ganache while it is still warm. After cooling, frost the rolled cake with the remaining ganache and dust with powdered sugar.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.