50 Traditional Dishes for a Cozy Christmas Eve Dinner
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You might be excited for presents under the tree on Christmas morning, but don't forget about the real start to the holiday—Christmas Eve! Whether you dress things up with a dazzling feast or keep things casual with dinner and a Christmas movie, this list of Christmas Eve dinner ideas has something for everyone. So before you put on your matching Christmas pajamas, check out this list of winter dinner recipes for Christmas Eve. They'll have you feeling festive and cozy in no time!
Not sure where to begin? Try a Drummond-inspired menu with Ree's gorgeous prime rib as the main course, or opt for a slow cooker brisket or a big Christmas ham. Then, you can pair it up with one of the many delicious Christmas side dishes, like Brussels sprouts casserole, candied sweet potatoes, skillet dinner rolls, and so much more. For those hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes, you'll also find plenty of seafood ideas (like foil-packet shrimp pasta) and Italian Christmas recipes (like family-friendly lasagna). No matter which Christmas Eve idea you choose, the recipes on this list will keep things easy since you'll likely be busy cooking up a big Christmas Day brunch, too.
Steak au Poivre
This peppercorn-crusted steak has the most delicious sauce you've ever tasted! You'll want to pour it over the whole plate. Be sure to pile on the potatoes to scoop up every last drop.
Get Ree's Steak au Poivre recipe.
Mistletoe Martini
Say 'cheers' to the holiday season with this festive martini made with vodka, cranberry juice, and elderflower liqueur. There's also fresh mint for a pop of flavor and color.
Get the Mistletoe Martini recipe.
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
This green and red side dish isn't just pretty to look at—it’s delicious, too! The sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, sautéed shallots, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios make it so unique.
Get Ree's Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.
Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers
For a holiday starter that'll get everyone talking, try these homemade thumbprint crackers made with pimento cheese. The savory bites are filled with pepper jelly for an added spicy kick.
Get the Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this over-the-top casserole recipe that's loaded with mix-ins. It starts with prepared onion dip, bacon, cheese, fried onions, and even crunchy potato chips.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
Ree likes to serve up this easy appetizer whenever out-of-town guests arrive. It's made with refrigerated pizza dough so it couldn't be easier.
Get Ree's Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread recipe.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
The magic of this dish is that it's both elegant and comforting at the same time. It takes a childhood favorite like mac and cheese and adds lobster and buttery breadcrumbs for a special twist.
Get the Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe.
Christmas Margarita
If you've got a snowy white Christmas on your mind, try shaking up this festive margarita. It's made with cream of coconut, fresh lime juice, and a maraschino cherry on top.
Get the Christmas Margarita recipe.
No-Bake Eggnog Pie
You'll be doing plenty of baking on Christmas Day, so skip the oven and make this no-bake pie instead. It's cool, creamy, and made with store-bought eggnog.
Get the No-Bake Eggnog Pie recipe.
Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs
Christmas Eve dinner doesn't need to be complicated and this baked pasta recipe is proof. The comforting cheesy dish will be on the table in an hour flat.
Get Ree's Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs recipe.
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
This baked pasta dish is comfort food at its finest. It's loaded with rich caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a hearty beef broth. Plus, there's a layer of cheesy bread slices just like with a French onion soup.
Get the One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.
Steak Diane
A perfectly seared steak is delicious in its own right, but add a creamy, savory steak sauce and it becomes a special occasion dish, especially since this steak sauce is flambéed with brandy.
Get the Steak Diane recipe.
Cranberry Margaritas
Give this tequila-based drink a holiday makeover by using sweet-tart cranberry juice for flavor and color. A lime wedge and a dusting of snowy white sparkling sugar or salt on the glass will give it the festive flare it needs.
Get the Cranberry Margaritas recipe.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are creamy and buttery so it's no surprise they're a family favorite. What's more? They can even be made a day or two in advance.
Get Ree's Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Cranberry Brie Bites
As far as party appetizers go, it doesn't get easier than this finger food made with frozen puff pastry. The melty brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and toasted pistachios make it the perfect bite.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Beef Burgundy
If you want your house to smell like heaven, just make this comforting beef stew. Its rich and hearty with plenty of red wine and bacon to make it feel like a special occasion dish.
Get the Beef Burgundy recipe.
Champagne Punch
Pop the bubbly to make this crowd-pleasing punch. It's festive and boozy thanks to the addition of vodka, orange liqueur, and champagne.
Get the Champagne Punch recipe.
Lobster Bisque
A creamy, elegant bisque will warm your guests right up. This one is made with lobster tails and Creole seasoning so it has plenty of flavor.
Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
How pretty are these colorful tie-dye cookies? The swirly decorating technique is easier than you might think.
Get the Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies recipe.
Stuffed Artichokes
This impressive side dish will wow all your guests. The artichokes are filled to the brim with a cheesy, crunchy breadcrumb stuffing made with garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
This beautiful rolled turkey breast will be a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table. The filling is made with cornbread, bacon, and apples for a touch of sweetness.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Sugar Cookie Martini
This sweet holiday cocktail that tastes just like sugar cookies doubles as a fun dessert. You'll want to sip it in front of your sparkling Christmas tree.
Get the Sugar Cookie Martini recipe.
Manicotti
Nothing says big family meal like a baked pasta recipe! This one is made with cheese-stuffed manicotti and a hearty meat sauce.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
Rum Balls
This no-bake treat is one of the easiest desserts you'll make this holiday! The chocolatey rum balls can be decorated with various garnishes, like shredded coconut or sprinkles, and given out as take-home gifts for your guests!
Get the Rum Balls recipe.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken for dinner is always a winner—even on Christmas Eve! Just be sure to serve it over noodles to catch all that flavorful white wine and mushroom sauce.
Get the Chicken Cacciatore recipe.
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
These luxuriously creamy potatoes are perfect for special occasions. Serve them up as a side dish for prime rib, ham, turkey, or even fish on Christmas Eve.
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These sweet and salty bites will hold your guests over while you putting the finishing touches on dinner. For a pop of green color and a hint of spice, top each date with a slice of jalapeño.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Easier than a whole turkey, but just as impressive, this platter of juicy turkey breast is made entirely in the air fryer. Serve it up with turkey gravy and some fresh sprigs of rosemary to garnish.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Pull-Apart Cheese Bread
You'll never believe how easy it is to make this impressive loaf of bread. It only takes 3 ingredients, including store-bought jarred pesto!
Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.
Italian Wedding Soup
Kick things off with a cozy bowl of soup that's loaded with hearty meatballs, veggies, and pasta. Any small pasta will do, but you can also use pearl couscous.
Get the Italian Wedding Soup recipe.
Christmas Cranberry Cake
A beautiful cake with a snowy white frosting and sugared cranberries is sure to make the night feel festive. You'll love the way the tart fruit balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Get the Christmas Cranberry Cake recipe.
Roast Beef
Studded with garlic and topped with a flavorful onion gravy, this roast beef is a real show-stopper. Serve it up with mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious juices.
Get Ree's Roast Beef recipe.
Christmas Charcuterie Board
For a festive wreath that you can actually eat, try this circular Christmas charcuterie board! The red and green olives and mini mozzarella balls will look like little ornaments on a bed of herbs.
Get the Christmas Charcuterie Board recipe.
Chicken Saltimbocca
Instead of being wrapped in bacon, this chicken dinner uses prosciutto to make it feel a little fancier. It's perfect for special occasions like the holidays.
Get Ree's Chicken Saltimbocca recipe.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Even deviled eggs can get the holiday treatment with this recipe that uses fresh herbs and pickle relish for the green-tinted filling. Then, make them even more reminiscent of Christmas trees by adding red bell pepper "ornaments."
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
Peppermint Chocolate Sheet Cake
Sheet cakes are our solution when hosting a crowd. And this holiday-inspired version is sure to be a hit.
Get Ree's Peppermint Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.
Garlic Green Beans
This flavorful side dish is made in just 15 minutes (from start to finish!). It's a quick no-brainer for the holidays or any time!
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Whether you're serving turkey, ham, or prime rib on Christmas Eve, these sweet potato medallions with sweet candy-like glaze are the perfect accompaniment.
Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
There's a reason shrimp scampi is a classic dinner recipe—it’s buttery, garlicky, and so easy to make. Serve it over angel hair pasta or with a crusty loaf of bread.
Get Ree's Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
You can't go wrong with this simple side dish. It's easy to cook and serve just 15 minutes!
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Whether you're hosting a feast of the seven fishes or not, this elegant starter is perfect for your Christmas Eve dinner. It's cheesy, crunchy, and so flavorful.
Get the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This cheesy casserole is similar to a baked gratin but with seasonal Brussels sprouts as the base. Everyone will want a second portion!
Get the Brussels Sprouts Casserole recipe.
Root Beer Glazed Ham
Ree's five-ingredient ham is a holiday classic. The sweetness from the root beer and plum jelly combined with the spicy brown mustard and salty ham is simply perfection.
Get Ree's Root Beer Glazed Ham recipe.
Baked Gnocchi Alfredo
This twist on baked pasta, combines fluffy gnocchi with creamy Alfredo sauce for the ultimate, elegant casserole dish. It's also perfect for any vegetarians at your party!
Get the Baked Gnocchi Alfredo recipe.
Prime Rib
Treat your family to a gorgeous prime rib on Christmas Eve. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and au jus.
Get Ree's Prime Rib recipe.
Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Dress up your brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits and maple syrup for a sweet and salty flavor your whole family will love.
Get the Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
French 75 Cocktail
Start your holiday off with a toast and this classic bubbly cocktail. It'll get everyone in the festive spirit.
Get the French 75 Cocktail recipe.
Cocktail Meatballs
Spicy chili sauce and sweet apricot preserves make this party appetizer anything but boring. In fact, it'll be hard to eat just one!
Get Ree's Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Santa's not the only one who will love these tasty Christmas cookies, you'll love how easy they are to whip up thanks to boxed caked mix.
Get Ree's Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies recipe.
Christmas Crudités
Serve this Christmas color-inspired veggie platter for an appetizer. It comes with a vibrant herb dip you'll love.
Get Ree's Christmas Crudités recipe.
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