Well HELLO there, holiday food lovers! Are you ready to make this Christmas Eve the most delicious one ever? Okay, yes. Welcome. You and I are on the same team. Because we are firm believers that the festive feasting should not wait until the 25th!
We’re talking about that cozy, magical, anticipatory meal that makes the night before Christmas so special. This is the very essence of comfort food. From glazed ham and juicy prime rib to the creamiest potatoes and cheesiest sides, this list has you covered.
1. Braised Beef Short Ribs
Just thinking about these braised short ribs makes me feel so happy and festive. I mean, is there anything better than a super fatty, juicy, and tender bite of beef?
It’s swimming in this rich, sweet, and savory broth. Just total perfection. Plus, it cooks low and slow, so your house smells incredible the entire day. YUM.
2. Cauliflower Cheese
Look, I know the holidays are for all the decadent dishes, but we need some veggies, right? Just a heads-up: this cauliflower cheese is not a health food!
That sauce is so creamy and cheesy, just as decadent as a good mac and cheese. But don’t worry, there are lots of cauliflower florets hiding under all that goodness!
3. Pan-Seared Filet Mignon Bordelaise
Want to add some elegance to your Christmas celebration? This pan-seared filet mignon Bordelaise is it. This is totally that dish I’d order when I’m splurging at a restaurant.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not something you can make at home! All it really takes is premium-quality steaks and a simple bordelaise sauce. Once you make this, I bet it becomes your signature dish.
4. Beef Wellington
Planning an intimate Christmas Eve dinner with your favorites? You have to try this classic beef Wellington.
I know it can seem intimidating, especially since it’s Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish. But I promise, you can totally handle this. Honestly, as long as you use a premium, top-quality steak, you just can’t go wrong.
5. Red Wine Poached Pears
A holiday feast just isn’t complete without dessert! And honestly, I can’t think of a better finish to the meal than this sweet and refreshing treat.
Fruit might sound simple for dessert, but this recipe gives the humble pear a boozy upgrade. You just poach them whole with red wine, sugar, and spices. The reward is a dessert that’s both mouthwatering and so elegant.
6. Standing Rib Roast Recipe (Prime Rib Au Jus)
As far as Christmas Eve recipes go, this tender and succulent rib roast is going to earn you a standing ovation. It’s a total show-stopper centerpiece for any family dinner. And you can’t deny it looks extra Christmassy!
From the tender, perfectly pink meat inside to the well-seasoned, crispy crust on the outside, it is fantastic all the way through.
It uses a blend of thyme, garlic, mustard, and cracked black pepper. And bacon grease! Seriously, every bite is just better than the last.
7. Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mustard Sauce
It really doesn’t get much better than tender pork tenderloin just drenched in a creamy mustard and tarragon sauce.
While the meat is the star, that sauce is a serious show-stopper all on its own. It is so good, you might just end up eating in silence.
8. Fish Pie
Fish pie is something you see a lot in New England, so it’s no surprise it’s a British favorite, too. I’ve had it with mashed potatoes on top, and also with sliced potatoes, kind of like scalloped potatoes.
But this version, with phyllo pastry, is a dream. And it looks super impressive. Plus, it’s a nice change from all the heavy meats we usually eat around the holidays.
9. Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Pieces of fluffy, springy, cheese-filled bread all arranged in a fun and festive Christmas tree? It is almost too pretty to eat. But it’s way too delicious not to!
This tree is impressive all by itself, but it’s just not Christmas Eve ready without ornaments! So go ahead and sprinkle on some pomegranate arils and rosemary sprigs to decorate it.
10. Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake
How does this sound: tender pasta, buttered spinach, and mushrooms all coated in a delightful Parmesan cream sauce. Pretty yummy, right?
Okay, now add some gooey mozzarella and get ready to drool, because this is the perfect Christmas Eve recipe.
11. Roasted Goose
Want to serve something unique for your Christmas Eve dinner? What about a whole roasted goose? This recipe is super easy to follow and teaches you how to cook the goose to a perfect medium-rare, with crispy skin to boot.
And hey, don’t toss that goose fat! You should use it on Christmas day to make the most indulgent roasted potatoes!
12. Filipino-style Pineapple Glazed Ham
Just like in Europe, most of the big festive celebrations in the Philippines happen on December 24th. So, it won’t surprise you that this Filipino Christmas Eve recipe is nothing short of phenomenal.
The ham is slow-cooked in a brine of pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda, brown sugar, beer, and spices. It’s sweet, but also perfectly balanced with salty and savory flavors.
13. Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
Want that traditional Christmas Eve food but without all the hassle? Turkey breast is your new best friend.
If you sometimes find turkey a little boring, this is the perfect solution. Because let’s be honest: there’s really nothing bacon can’t fix!
For this recipe, you just wrap a brined turkey breast in bacon, pop it in the oven, and wait patiently while the magic happens.
14. Garlic Butter Lamb Chops
While I know some people don’t like the gamey taste of lamb, I just can’t get enough of it. So, if you feel the same way, then lamb chops for Christmas Eve dinner it is.
These are cooked in a glorious garlic, butter, and thyme sauce. These lamb chops aren’t just mind-blowingly rich; they’re also incredibly tender.
15. Sheet Pan Christmas Dinner with Beef Tenderloin
If you’re the kind of cook who loves to keep things simple, this dish is for you. With this recipe, both the main and the side dish cook at the same time, right on the same sheet pan.
That means less work and even fewer dishes for you! You’ll get insanely juicy tenderloin and lovely roasted red potatoes and mushrooms, all ready in just a little over an hour!
16. Roast Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce
Any dish that’s infused with red wine is an instant hit in my book. And this beef tenderloin is no exception. It is so impossibly tender, you don’t even need a knife to cut it.
Meanwhile, the red wine in the au jus lends this wonderfully bold flavor to every single forkful. Even better, while this dish might scream fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
17. Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
Dauphinoise: so hard to spell (and pronounce) but oh-so-simple to love. This French dish features thinly sliced potatoes with butter, cream, and cheese.
You stack it up, pour that sauce over, and then bake it until it’s bubbling. This rich casserole is kissed with thyme for a beautiful earthy contrast, and it’s one you will crave again and again.
18. British Christmas Pudding
I’m sure you already have lots of yummy Christmas desserts lined up for the big day. But why not expand your palate a bit and try something new for Christmas Eve?
Hint: this British Christmas pudding is calling your name! This isn’t like American pudding at all. Christmas pud is a dense cake that’s studded with dried fruit and candied fruit peel.