62 Christmas Eve Dinner Recipes To Make

Beef Wellington is an English dinner involving fillet steak wrapped in puff pastry.

When prepared correctly, this baked dinner is moist, juicy, and highly flavorful, making it a favorite for the holiday season.

I appreciate that it's usually served with warm winter greens and well-seasoned fingerling potatoes to make it a well-rounded, sufficiently filling meal.

If you love crab and think mushrooms are to die for, try preparing Crab Stuffed Mushrooms for your next Christmas Eve dinner.

These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor.

They're easy to make and would be perfect as an appetizer or mid-afternoon snack as the family gathers around the living room.

Perhaps it's the soft, warm layers reminiscent of the layers of Christmas gift packaging or the bright red and white holiday-themed colors in lasagna's appearance.

The basil pesto ricotta this specific Christmas Eve Lasagna recipe calls for adds a green color to the holiday mix and a more dynamic and memorable nutty flavor.

It will certainly cheer you up!

Turkey has been and will likely forever be a holiday season favorite.

This Turkey Dumpling Stew takes things up a notch by combining the heartiness of turkey with the delectable flavors of a creamy, brothy, and fatty veggie and meat soup. 

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad recipe makes the perfect, festive-looking, and delicious-tasting side to any Christmas Eve Dinner.

The salad greens mixed with red cranberries and red-white apple slices topped with a homemade vinaigrette makes for a visually-appealing holiday color scape on your dinner plate.

A Creole Skiller Dinner comprises rice, peppers, onions, butter, chicken, and a whole lot of spices for a spirited, eye-catching dish the entire family will love.

I appreciate the range of spices in this dish the most, as it incorporates some heavy hitters like turmeric, chili powder, basil, and thyme, thus creating a highly potent and aromatic result.

These Honey Glazed Carrots are fantastic as a side dish to accompany any Christmas Eve dinner.

They are bright, colorful, and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and acidity.

The dish is also relatively simple, yet it looks like you worked tirelessly in the kitchen for hours.

These Danish Brown Potatoes are a must-have for any Christmas Eve dinner, as they're one of my favorite carb sides.

These potatoes are crispy on the exterior and soft inside, with a deep brown caramelized sugar coating. 

French Onion Stuffed Pork Loin is the dish version of the phrase "the gift that keeps on giving," making it relevant for Christmas Eve!

Each aspect of this meal is delectable, from the buttery onions to the cheesy, well-seasoned pork loin.

I like to serve this with mashed potatoes and asparagus for a well-rounded, hearty holiday dinner.

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are an ideal side to any holiday feast, especially for cheese-loving families bored with their classic roasted potatoes.

They are rich, creamy, and full of cheesy flavors that'll keep each party coming back for more.

I appreciate that this recipe includes butter and full-fat milk for the most mouth-watering result.

I love serving deviled eggs at large gatherings because they are easy finger foods but have a stylistic appeal.

These Christmas Developed Eggs take things up a notch with their festive red peppercorn and green parsley garnishes!

When you incorporate rosemary into beef tenderloin, the beef takes on a deep, peppery, and minty flavor that is exceptional for a holiday meal.

You can serve this dish as an entrée or sliced into thin pieces as hors-d'oeuvres.

I love to pair it with a red wine reduction sauce and roasted potatoes.

Honey-glazed meat is scrumptious every time, but something about this brown sugar dijon pork loin makes it even more special for a holiday feast.

The dark brown sugar creates a deep, almost burnt flavor that pairs perfectly with the sharpness of the Dijon mustard. 

Monkey bread is a classic pull-apart bread that is perfect for large gatherings.

This particular recipe is savory, with a garlic and Parmesan flavor, as opposed to the traditional cinnamon sugar.

It's perfect for dipping into soups or stews, and I appreciate that you can make it ahead of time without ruining the flavor when you reheat it.

There's nothing quite like a glazed ham on Christmas Eve. This dish is simple but effective and will impress your family or guests.

This recipe calls for cider and apple juice, and these ingredients bring out the natural flavors of the ham.

I recommend serving this ham with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Green beans are another holiday favorite, and these green beans offer an ideal side dish for a holiday feast because they are sweet, savory, and full of bacon-fat goodness.

You can use fresh green beans if you'd like, but frozen ones are just fine for this recipe.

Salads may seem like the obligatory dish to present at a Christmas Eve gathering to add healthy choices and fresh colors to the table.

But the sweetness of pomegranate seeds, the savoriness of bacon, the saltiness of parmesan cheese, and the nuttiness of almonds all work together to create a lovely flavor, helping everyone enjoy Brussel sprouts and kale like never before!

Check out other recipes that include pomegranate.

A white lasagna prioritizes white cheeses - like mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone - over yellow cheese like cheddar and red sauces like bolognese.

The festive red color comes back into play with this meal with the help of salty, tasty prosciutto, and you can get the green color with dried basil and oregano, which amp up the flavors as well!

Mushrooms, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, onions, and more all meld together for this fragrant and healthy side dish.

I love an Italian roasted mushrooms and veggies dish during the holidays because it helps me incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients in between bites of fatty, juicy proteins and carbs without compromising flavor!

Speaking of fatty foods for the holiday season, one of my favorite recipes is for these Sausage Cream Cheese Bites.

I like quickly preparing these delectable bites to serve as appetizers for Christmas Eve parties, and I've learned to make a lot because everyone wants seconds!

Beef Rouladen is a German dish made of beef wrapped around bacon, onion, and pickle, then smothered in brown gravy.

In a way, Beef Rouladen is Beef Wellington's cousin, and it's exceptionally hearty and filling, making it ideal for the winter holidays!

We all know and love pizza, but have you heard of Candy Cane Pizza? It's not what you may think - crushed-up candy canes sprinkled all over a perfectly good pizza.

Fortunately, it's simply a delicious pepperoni pizza in which the dough is kneaded and molded into the shape of a candy cane!

It's a fun dinner to make and take pictures with on Christmas Eve.

Similar to Candy Cane Pizza, Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread gets its name from its shape, not necessarily its taste.

Nobody wants to eat anything that tastes like an actual Christmas Tree, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at how fun it is to pull apart this cheesy, buttery bread from its "Tree" formation.

Crab cakes are perfect for Christmas Eve dinner because you can dress them up or down, depending on the specific event.

This particular recipe is mid-tier, so it'll be perfect for larger family gatherings or small parties where you want to be impressive but don't want to cook for ages.

The garlic mayonnaise dip with lemon juice is my favorite part!

Blinis are tasty Russian-style pancakes, and these Smoked Salmon Blini Canapes are the perfect little treats for a more sophisticated Christmas Eve event.

Make sure to use a heavy cream-like creme fraiche for the creamiest, most delicious topping you could hope for.

Ratatouille isn't just an excellent Pixar movie– it's also a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner dish!

This particular recipe is light and healthy but still packed with flavor.

Summer squash, zucchini, and eggplant are the star veggies in this dish, and oregano, cloves, and themes give it that holiday-themed seasoning we all know and love.

Are you a little tired of making mashed potatoes for a side dish?

You can elevate your Christmas Eve dinner with these Parmesan Duchess Potatoes.

They're creamy, savory, and salty. Best of all, their spiraling top looks excellent for the Christmas table spread.

Prime rib is one of the most popular meat choices for holiday dinners because it presents as notably impressive, but it's relatively easy to cook, as long as you have a meat thermometer on hand.

In my opinion, the key to a good prime rib is adding the right amount of seasonings and horseradish, and I think this recipe nails the measurements to a tee.

You had me at "crab stuffed" I like when anything has crab stuffed into it, but baked potatoes are especially delightful because both items (crab and potato) go so well with loads of sour cream and cream cheese on top.

If you want to make this recipe even more delectable, feel free to add a little butter to the mix as well.

People who enjoy heartier dishes will love this Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage And Broccoli Rabe.

It takes a bit longer to cook than other dishes on this list, but it's worth the wait.

The addition of red pepper flakes makes this recipe stand out, as I always appreciate having a spicy kick with my savory dishes.

If you've never heard of it, Baccala Alla Napoletana is a traditional Italian dish made with salt-cured cod and black olives.

Like the Skillet Gnocchi above, this recipe needs attention, love, and care.

This recipe calls for soaking the cod for at least 48 hours for the best result.

The shapes of mushroom caps seem to have been made for stuffing, and I'm here for it!

I love this recipe because it calls for what I think are the best "stuffing" ingredients, like parmesan cheese, pepper, and cayenne, without much more.

Sometimes, the easiest recipes are simply the best!

The 18-ingredient list on this Spiced Steaks with Cherry Sauce recipe might initially seem daunting.

But most of it involves specific spices and herbs that work to amplify the steak's flavor and don't take too much time or effort to combine.

The best Christmas Eve dinner ideas incorporate not just one, not just two, but multiple flavor profiles into one dish.

And this Apple and Walnut Stuffed Pork does just that.

It's nutty and earthy from the walnuts, sweet and tart from the apples, savory and salty from the pork, and vinegary from the red currant sauce.

What more could you ask for?

Who says you have to leave the fresh ingredients for the side dishes?

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole combines healthy chicken and broccoli with creamy, dreamy ingredients like cheddar cheese and mayonnaise.

This is one of my all-time favorite cold weather comfort food recipes, and it's easy to see why. It's hearty and filling and will leave you satisfied without being too heavy.

These Garlic Butter Lamb Chops are the perfect example of a dish that is both elegant and easy to make.

I like to make them when I have company because they always impress, but they're not difficult or time-consuming to prepare.

The key is to let the meat rest after cooking to stay juicy and flavorful.

This Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast is the perfect-sized meal for smaller holiday gatherings.

It's also a great way to satisfy your bacon cravings without having to cook an entire pound of bacon.

The turkey breast gets wrapped in bacon, which not only keeps it moist and juicy but also gives it a delicious smoky flavor.

You could also make this for Thanksgiving dinner!

This Baked Gnocchi Alfredo is the perfect winter comfort food. It's warm, creamy, rich, comforting, and packed with flavor.

I can eat this alone without any issue, but most people like to serve it alongside roasted vegetables and some form of protein like grilled chicken or baked beans.

Bordelaise is a French sauce with dry red wine, bone marrow, shallots, and fresh herbs.

It usually gets served with red meat or game, and this Pan Seared Filet Mignon is no exception.

The filet mignon is seared to perfection and then smothered in a delicious, rich Bordelaise sauce.

It's the perfect dinner party dish and is sure to impress young children and adult guests alike.

This Seafood Chowder has tons of flavor from the onions, Worcestershire sauce, clams, and crab meat.

It also has a lovely, dynamic texture from cream cheese, chopped celery, and carrots. 

This seafood chowder is an ideal choice for coastal-dwelling families with access to fresh ingredients. 

These Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffed Shells are a delicious combination for a fall or winter dinner that will please the whole family.

I especially like this contest-winning recipe for Christmas Eve due to its bright, festive colors, thanks to the red tomatoes, orange butternut squash, and green kale salad blend.

This Tortellini Carbonara is a fun, easy twist on the classic Italian dish.

It gets made with cheese tortellini, which makes it a bit heartier than your typical carbonara.

I like adding extra veggies, like mushrooms and peas. But feel free to keep it simple with just the tortellini, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.

Another Italian Christmas dish is Baked Spaghetti, one of the best dishes for a large crowd.

Spaghetti made the traditional stove-top way is already incredible.

But baking it rewards you with an even more complex, smokier flavor and a heartier dish loaded with mozzarella cheese.

Bang Bang Chicken incorporates buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs for delicious baked chicken breasts that are to do for.

This recipe does an excellent job of walking you through how to make not only the chicken but also a tasty sweet chili dipping sauce that elevates the dish even further.

Want something with both hearty and healthy components?

This Artichoke Florentine Pasta does the trick by incorporating antioxidant-rich artichokes and spinach, two powerful vegetables with loads of health benefits.

However, it doesn't skimp on the butter, parmesan cheese, milk, and reduced-fat cream cheese, so you can still expect ample flavor and creaminess in this Christmas Eve dish.

If you thought the Tortellini Carbonara sounded intriguing but would like something more traditional, check out this recipe for classic Pasta Carbonara.

I love carbonara because the bacon flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta.

It's a dish that's both rich and yet still light enough to enjoy with other recipes.

This Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make ahead of time.

And because it only takes 35 minutes to bake, it's perfect for when you have other dishes in the oven.

This casserole also gets filled with healthy ingredients like chicken breasts, sweet red peppers, onions, and carrots, so you can feel great about serving it to your family on Christmas.

What isn't there to love about this Tomato-Poached Fish recipe?

The chile oil gives it a nice kick, while the herbs add a beautiful, well-rounded flavor, especially the mint leaves.

The best part is that it's heart-healthy and relatively straightforward to make, taking only 25 minutes of your time.

Braised short ribs are a classic choice for the holiday season, and for a good reason. They're rich, flavorful, and relatively easy to make.

This recipe gives you all the details you need to make perfect short ribs, and I appreciate that it gives you the options for using a slow cooker and an instant pot.

Rosemary and thyme add ample flavor to the short ribs, so don't leave those out!

Baked ham is a holiday classic, and this Apple Glazed Baked Ham recipe takes it to the next level.

The glaze is made with apple jelly, white wine, and Dijon mustard, giving the ham a beautiful, caramelized crust.

If you love chicken Alfredo, you'll love these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells.

The dish is highly flavorful, thanks to the four different types of cheeses, as well as the parsley and basil.

What I love most about this dish is that nothing is too overpowering. The chicken, cheeses, and sauce harmonize to create a delicious stuffed shell.

For a truly festive Christmas Eve dinner, try this Roasted Goose recipe.

Goose might be an unusual dish for some, but it's a commonly eaten type of poultry for many.

The goose is roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender.

Serve it with roasted potatoes and a classic green salad for a complete meal.

Shrimp Scampi is a light and flavorful seafood dish you can make in only 15 minutes.

White wine, cloves, lemon, and parsley create a beautiful sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly.

I recommend serving this dish over pasta, but you could also enjoy it alone as a pre-dinner appetizer.

These Candied Sweet Potatoes are another fantastic side dish option for your Christmas Eve dinner.

They're both sweet and savory, combining holiday-associated ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup.

This Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a good, hearty dish.

It's not made with bourbon liquor, but it would go well with a glass of bourbon on the side if you ask me!

It's composed of chicken breasts, garlic, brown sugar, and cider vinegar for a dynamic, memorable flavor.

Traditional eggnog is always delightful, but why not put a twist on it with a creme brulee version?

This Eggnog Creme Brulee recipe is ideal for families willing to spice things up - literally!

It incorporates cinnamon and nutmeg for a spirited flavor and vanilla extra for extra sweetness.

Check out our favorite rum to add to a cup of eggnog!

This Italian Spinach Beef Pie is a wonderfully savory dish that will have your guests coming back for more.

Ground beef and spinach work well together because the spinach provides a much-needed dose of green vegetables, while the meat ensures that everyone will get satisfied.

Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto is a well-loved dish because each ingredient provides something unique.

The lemon is tart and juicy, the basil is earthy and fragrant, and the shrimp adds a meaty freshness.

Brussels sprouts are controversial on their own, but they're hard to resist in this casserole.

It's filled with creamy white cheddar cheese and topped with freshly cooked bacon and bread crumbs.

Cornbread is delicious in its own right, but when you combine it with additional ingredients for a more dynamic flavor and texture, it's even harder to say no to!

Diced apples, pork sausage, fresh parsley, and chopped pecans do the heavy lifting in this multifaceted, versatile dish.

This Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese Dip is arguably the best appetizer for a fun Christmas Eve dinner.

Not only is it quick to prepare in under 20 minutes before baking, but it also has a dynamic texture thanks to the creamy cheese, crispy bacon, chewy cranberries, and crunchy almonds.

Everyone at the Christmas Eve dinner party will leave rave reviews after trying this Chicken-Pepper Alfredo, especially those who love mushrooms, bacon, and cheese.

The recipe calls for roasted pepper sauce, and I recommend spicing things up by adding cayenne pepper flakes at the end.