59 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for Holly Jolly Comfort
Many argue that Christmas Eve dinner is incomplete without a saucy, cheesy lasagna; others say the occasion requires a traditional glazed ham (how else are you supposed to have leftover sandwiches on Christmas Day?). Some treat their Christmas Eve menu as Thanksgiving Round II, with the turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce to match; others prepare a full Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Our opinion: there is no right or wrong way to do the holiday meal.
Accordingly, this collection of Christmas Eve dinner ideas has inspiration for every type of celebration. For those who want extra time in the kitchen, a bronzed, crispy roast duck and potatoes au gratin make excellent cooking projects. If you save the feast for Christmas Day, an ample spread of hors d’oeuvres and festive Christmas cocktails will fuel you through the last-minute preparations. Whichever route you choose, save room for dessert—even if it’s just a cookie plucked off the plate for Santa.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Billingskog1/59Homemade Cheese Spread With Garlic and Herbs
Channel the flavors of herby, spreadable Boursin cheese into homemade dip. Serve with seeded crackers before Christmas Eve dinner, then save the leftovers for slathering on bagels for Christmas Day brunch.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton2/59Mulled Wine
Combine red wine, brandy, and all the spices in a saucepan to make this warming winter drink. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on low heat and set a ladle beside it so guests can help themselves.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell4/59Relish Tray
It’s easy enough to assemble a retro relish tray on the fly (and bring your older relatives immense delight in the process). For extra pizzazz, serve it with garlicky cheese spread or ranch-y dip.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Ottaviano7/59Simple Roast Chicken
An elegant roast chicken feels just as celebratory for a smaller holiday gathering as a turkey (and it’s much more manageable). Go with Thomas Keller’s expert recipe, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and thyme. It’s an easy Christmas Eve dinner idea that never misses.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton8/59St. Louis Toasted Ravioli
Crispy, toasty deep-fried ravioli are an everlasting crowd-pleaser. Whip up a quick pesto to serve alongside the sidecar of marinara and channel a red-and-green Christmas theme.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich9/59Mashed Potatoes and Leeks With Thyme
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton10/59French Silk Pie
Give your oven a break with this dreamy, no-bake chocolate pie. Luscious chocolate mousse sits under a cloudlike layer of whipped cream and hand-shaven chocolate curls.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton11/59Stuffed Mushrooms
A classic dinner party starter, these adorable bite-size mushroom caps (no portobellos here, please) are filled with sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, and lots of Parmesan cheese.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton12/59Chili Crab Dip With Shrimp Chips
Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs in this spicy chili crab dip; they cut through the spice to keep you coming back for another bite. Keep the recipe on hand for your New Year’s Eve party spread too.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton13/59Gourmet’s Classic Eggnog
A conversation starter for any holiday gathering, homemade eggnog will set a holly-jolly tone for the evening. Plus, this Christmas cocktail serves a crowd.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Ali Nardi14/59Figs-in-a-Blanket With Goat Cheese
With jammy roasted figs, melty cheese, and buttery puff pastry, this vegetarian take on pigs in a blanket will please the whole family (yes, even the meat lovers). Feel free to switch up the cheese too: try them with blue cheese, Brie, or Manchego.
