50 Best Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas

Make this holiday one to remember with these insanely delicious Christmas Eve dinner ideas.

Because there’s no need to wait until the big day to get the festive ball rolling!

Did you know it’s customary in most European countries to celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

Go anywhere in Spain or Sweden (for example), and you’ll be met with one helluva family feast. Then, Christmas day is usually pretty quiet and unassuming. 

Luckily, thanks to these Christmas Eve dinner ideas, you can have a double dose of festive fun!

From mashed potatoes and mac and cheese to glazed ham and roast beef, this list has your entire meal covered.  

1. Standing Rib Roast Recipe (Prime Rib Au Jus)

As far as Christmas Eve recipes go, this tender and succulent rib roast will earn you a standing ovation. 

It’s a show-stopping centerpiece at any family dinner. But you can’t deny it looks extra Christmassy!

From the tender and perfectly pink meat in the center to the well-seasoned, crispy outer crust, it’s fantastic through and through. 

You’ll use a blend of thyme, garlic, mustard, and cracked black pepper. Oh, and bacon grease! Seriously, every bite is better than the last!

2. Roast Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

Any dish infused with red wine is an instant hit in my book. And this beef tenderloin is no exception. 

It’s so impossibly tender, you don’t even need a knife to cut it. 

Meanwhile, the red wine in the au jus lends a wonderfully bold flavor to every forkful.

Better yet, while this dish may scream fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make.

3. Pan-Seared Filet Mignon Bordelaise

Add a dash of elegance to your Christmas celebration with this pan-seared filet mignon Bordelaise.

This is the kind of dish you’d typically only order when splurging on dinner out. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it at home.

All you’ll need here are some premium-quality steaks and a simple bordelaise sauce. Make it once, and it’ll soon become your signature dish.

4. Sheet Pan Christmas Dinner with Beef Tenderloin

If you’re the type of cook who likes to keep things simple, this dish is for you.

With this recipe, both the main and the side dish cook at the same time, on the same sheet pan. That means less work and even fewer dishes for you!

You’ll have insanely juicy tenderloin and lovely roasted red potatoes and mushrooms ready to go in a little over an hour!

5. Fish Pie

Fish pie is something you’ll see a lot in New England. So it makes sense that it’s a British fave.

I’ve had it with mashed potatoes on top, as well as sliced, like scalloped potatoes.

But this version, with phyllo pastry, is a dream. And it looks super impressive.

Plus, it’s a nice change to the heavy meats you usually get around the holidays.

6. Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast

Want traditional Christmas Eve food without the hassle? Turkey breast is your new best friend.

If you find turkey a little boring, this is the perfect solution. Because let’s be honest: there’s nothing bacon can’t fix!

For this recipe, you’ll wrap brined turkey breast in bacon, pop it in the oven, and wait patiently as the magic happens.

7. Braised Beef Short Ribs

The mere thought of braised short ribs fills me with all kinds of Christmas joy. 

After all, there’s nothing like biting into a fatty, juicy, tender piece of beef covered in a rich, sweet, and savory broth.

It’s absolute perfection. 

Better still, this dish cooks low and slow, so your house will smell unbelievable all day long!

8. Irish Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are so addictive, they should be illegal. 

They’re creamy, flavorful, and everything you could ask for in a side dish. 

But the twist comes from the cabbage and bacon. It’s a holiday game-changer, for sure!

9. British Christmas Pudding

No doubt you have all kinds of yummy Christmas desserts ready for big day.

But why not expand your palate and enjoy something new on Christmas Eve?

Hint: this British Christmas pudding is calling your name!

Not to be confused with American pudding, Christmas pud is a dense cake studded with dried fruit and candied fruit peel.

10. Beef Wellington

For an intimate Christmas Eve dinner with your loved ones, try this classic beef Wellington recipe.

The fact that it’s Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish may make it seem intimidating. But I promise it’s nothing you can’t handle.

In fact, as long as you start with premium, top-quality steak, you really can’t go wrong.

11. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Want to celebrate Christmas with cozy comfort food?

This chicken and rice casserole is a creamy delight the whole family will enjoy.

It’s a combination of perfectly seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. And the blend of soups hits all the right spots.

12. Roasted Goose

Want to serve something unique for Christmas Eve dinner? How about a whole roasted goose?

This easy-to-follow recipe teaches you how to cook goose to a perfect medium-rare, with crispy skins to boot. 

And hey, don’t throw that goose fat away! Instead, use it on Christmas day to make the most indulgent roasted potatoes!

13. Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts

It’s not Christmas dinner without sprouts!

But this year, let’s amp up your feast with these crispy, sweet, and spicy Brussels.

They’ll turn any veggie hater into an addict with just one bite. And they pair well with so many mains.

14. Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

The beauty of mac and cheese is two-fold: it’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s beloved by all!

So, whether you’re looking for a lazy dinner, hearty comfort food, or an indulgent party side dish, this masterpiece of a dish checks all the boxes.

And remember, you don’t need outrageous ingredients to make great mac and cheese.

15. Ravioli Lasagna

It’s never a dull party whenever lasagna is on the table!

But this version is a little different. Instead of regular pasta noodles, you’ll add layers of pillowy ravioli!

Heavenly is an understatement.

16. Roast Chicken

If you’re making ham or beef for Christmas Day, maybe do something easy for Christmas Eve?

You can always count on roast chicken when you need something simple yet scrumptious.

Compared to ham, beef, and turkey, chicken is definitely the humblest choice. But that doesn’t mean it lacks those big flavors.

Plus, it’ll cook in half the time. Serve it with those spicy Brussels, and dinner is done.

17. Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Christmas Eve is a busy day. So why not let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting?

Just dump everything into the pot, then get on with the wrapping.

Come dinner time, you’ll have tender, insanely flavorful meat ready to be devoured.

18. Filipino-style Pineapple Glazed Ham

Just like in Europe, most of the festive celebrations in the Philippines happen on December 24th.

So, it’ll come as no surprise to hear 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.

19. Cauliflower Cheese

I know Christmas is all about decadent dishes, but let’s not forget our veggies.

A word of warning – cauliflower cheese isn’t exactly healthy! That creamy, cheesy sauce is just as decadent as mac and cheese. 

Luckily, there’s plenty of cauliflower florets hiding underneath!

20. Lighthouse Inn Potatoes

Potatoes are a must-have at any family feast.

And this iconic Connecticut dish is the one I turn to the most often. Especially when I want to impress!

It’s rich, creamy, and wonderfully crunchy.

21. Million-Dollar Deviled Eggs

Seriously, how amazing do these deviled eggs look?

They’re just as rich and creamy as the classic appetizer we all know and love. But the paprika and bacon really make them sing.

And if you really want to make them festive, try adding pink peppercorns and parsley for garnish.

22. Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner

While I admit it’s pretty time-consuming to cook a massive hunk of meat, I think it’s more than worth it in the end.

Luckily, this prime rib couldn’t be easier to whip up.

The marinade needs time to work its magic. But that’s all hands-off time. The rest is up to the oven.

23. Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Pieces of fluffy, springy, cheese-filled bread arranged into a fun and festive Christmas tree? It’s almost too pretty to eat.

But it’s too delicious not to!

This tree is impressive on its own, but it’s just not Christmas Eve ready without the ornaments!

So sprinkle some pomegranate arils and rosemary sprigs to decorate.

24. Alton Brown Meatloaf

Meatloaf is the quintessential American family dinner. So, serving it on special occasions with the family is a no-brainer.

And while you’ll find loads of meatloaf recipes online, I think Alton Brown’s is by far the best. 

I’ve used his recipe thousands of times, and I always get the juiciest, most scrumptious meatloaf without fail.

So give it a try, and let me know what you think!

25. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is such an easy dish. But it looks restaurant-worthy every time.

The meaty filling, the toasty bread, and the gooey cheese – I can’t resist a second bowl!

26. Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

While some people don’t like the gamey taste of lamb, I can’t get enough of it. 

So, if you feel the same way, then lamb chops for Christmas Eve dinner it is.

Cooked in glorious garlic, butter, and thyme sauce, these lamb chops are not just mind-blowingly rich but also incredibly tender.

27. Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)

Dauphinoise: hard to spell (and pronounce) but oh-so-simple to love.

This French features thinly sliced potatoes with butter, cream, and cheese. Stack it up, pour over the sauce, then bake until bubbling. 

The rich casserole is kissed with thyme for a beautiful earthy contrast, and it’s one you’ll crave again and again.

28. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, your best option is something quick and easy. And it doesn’t get any better than this King Ranch casserole. 

First of all, this thing is massive! One recipe can satisfy eight hungry people with ease. 

Flavor-wise, it gets a 12/10. Loaded with chicken, cheese, cream, chiles, and tortillas, every component screams comfort food.

29. Red Wine Poached Pears

A Christmas feast isn’t complete without dessert!

And I can’t think of a better way to end your meal than this sweet and refreshing treat. 

Fruit for dessert may seem simple, but this dish gives the humble pear a boozy upgrade.

Just poach them whole in red wine, sugar, and spices, and you’ll be rewarded with a mouthwatering and elegant dessert. 

30. Chicken Schnitzel with Noodles

Bring the flavors of Austria home with this easy recipe.

Schnitzel, “cutlet,” is a German-Austrian dish of breaded (sometimes battered) and deep-fried meat. 

Veal is the most traditional, but chicken is cheap, tasty, and sure to be a hit with the kids and grown-ups alike.

31. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

I often turn to soup on Christmas Eve. It’s just so warm and comforting!

And this one is about as cozy as it gets.

Serve it with fluffy biscuits, and it’ll be gone in a flash.

32. Bourbon Chicken

Chunks of juicy chicken coated in a glistening glaze of brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and apple juice. Sounds good, huh?

That’s because it is!

With its flawless sweet and savory flavor combination, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this dish. 

Serve bourbon chicken over rice or noodles for a simple yet satisfying Christmas Eve dinner.

33. Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mustard Sauce

It doesn’t get much better than tender pork tenderloin drenched in a creamy mustard and tarragon sauce. 

While the meat is the star of this dish, that sauce is quite the show-stopper.

It’s so good, you might end up eating in silence.

34. Tamale Pie

I adore tamales. And they’re a pretty common Christmas Eve dinner option.

But they’re also pretty hands-on and time-consuming to make.

That’s why I like this cheats tamale pie! It’s all the same great flavors with half the work.

35. Guinness Beef Stew

Tender and succulent beef infused with deep, dark Guinness is just as incredible as it sounds.

Your house will smell wonderful as this dish cooks. And it’s another quick-prep recipe that yields impressive results.

Make this dish extra special by serving it over a bed of mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, meaty, and beyond divine!

36. Chipotle Chicken

Want to keep the festive food for December 25? Then why not make something a little different?

Skip the line at Chipotle and make your own version of their iconic chicken dish: chicken thighs marinated in chile peppers, herbs, and spices and grilled until charred. 

Use it for burritos, tacos, or rice bowls for a fun Mexican Christmas fiesta!

37. Chinese Almond Chicken

Give your American Christmas a Chinese twist with this winning dish! 

A sweet and savory Asian sauce ties together juicy pieces of chicken, crunchy almonds, and hearty vegetables.

Serve it over tender noodles or with fried rice for the ultimate take-out experience.

38. Chicken Florentine Pasta

No matter the occasion, it’s always a good time for pasta – especially this terrific pasta dish!

Chicken Florentine features al dente linguine, chicken strips, spinach, and mushrooms tossed in a rich and creamy white sauce.

It’s indulgent and hearty, but it won’t weigh you down. For something a little more colorful, try shrimp instead of chicken.

39. Bang Bang Chicken

Celebrate Christmas Eve with a bang…bang chicken!

Chunks of crispy fried chicken are covered with a sweet and sticky Asian sauce that’s simply to die for. 

You’ll need a quick mix of mayo, honey, and gochujang (red bean paste from Korea). That creates a flawless, sweet, and spicy, tastebud-tingling flavor. 

Again, you’ll want to double that recipe because the stuff is addictive!

40. Juicy Stuffed Pork Chops

Full disclosure: these stuffed pork chops are actually over-stuff chopped. As in, you’ll put the filling on top and bake until juicy.

It’s another fun cheat recipe that’ll give you the same great flavors with just a few minutes of prep.

What a game-changer!

41. Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne

Making the perfect pasta is easy when you stick to this formula: al dente noodles + scrumptious sauce + cheese.

So long as you have those three elements, there’s nothing holding you back!

This Applebee’s chicken penne takes it to the next level with not just one but three kinds of cheese.

It’s indulgent, but the tomatoes, garlic, and basil balance out the richness just right.

42. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp is a terrific holiday dinner option. It’s quick to cook, super tasty, and nice and light.

That way, you can save room for the big feast on Christmas day – and all the sweet treats, of course!

43. Chicken Divan

Chicken divan is a delightful casserole featuring chicken and broccoli in cream sauce with a crumbly buttery breadcrumb topping. 

It was invented in the 1930s at an Italian hotel called Divan Parisian. It was a hit then, and it continues to be a hit today.

Rich and decadent, it makes for a fantastic Christmas Eve meal. It’s also a great way to introduce broccoli to kids!

44. Chicken Katsu

Did you know that a lot of people in Japan celebrate Christmas with fried chicken? KFC, to be precise.

So let’s take a page out of their book with this stunning fried chicken dish. It’s a fun Christmas Eve food you know everyone will go nuts for.

I like it in a sandwich with spicy mayo. But you can’t beat it with noodles or rice.

45. Beer Can Chicken

On the hunt for a fun way to cook a whole chicken? I’ve got just the thing!

It’s an old-school recipe in which the bird is roasted upright with a can of beer at the base.

The liquid steams and seeps into the meat as it cooks, making it super flavorful and juicy.

Feel free to use soda instead. I like Sprite for its citrusy notes.

46. Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake

How does this sound: tender pasta, buttered spinach, and mushroom coated in a delightful Parmesan cream sauce.

Pretty yummy, right?

Well, add some gooey mozzarella and prepare to drool because this is the perfect Christmas Eve recipe.

47. Marry Me Chicken

If you want to impress with food but can’t cook to save your life, marry-me chicken is the solution.

It’s a simple yet elegant angel-hair pasta dish with chicken, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce.

Serve it right in the skillet with plenty of crusty bread, and it’ll vanish in minutes!

48. Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque is the kind of dish you get in fancy restaurants. But it’s embarrassingly easy to recreate at home.

Better yet, you get the luxury of lobster without cooking the whole thing!

Serve this as a starter or with crusty bread for dinner and I bet you’ll lick the plate clean.

49. Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

Say goodbye to dry and rubbery chicken breasts and hello to melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Here’s the secret: top each chicken breast with a mix of mayo and Parmesan, then bake until golden.

This simple topping doesn’t just lend creamy and savory flavors to the meat but also makes it outrageously tender and juicy.

You’re welcome.

50. Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

Last but not least is a delectable dish that has a cult following online.

This may just be a copycat of Applebee’s fiesta lime chicken, but boy, is it spectacular.

With layers of crushed corn chips, perfectly seasoned lime chicken, creamy dressing, salsa, and melted cheese, every bite is a party in your mouth.