Christmas Eve is the perfect time to gather family and friends for a cozy, delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a traditional dinner or adding a modern twist, these recipes will make your evening unforgettable. Below is a complete Christmas Eve dinner menu with instructions for each dish.
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (4–5kg)
- 100g butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture under the skin and over the turkey.
- Place turkey in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Roast for 2.5–3 hours, removing foil for the last 30 minutes to brown.
- Let rest 15 minutes before carving.
2. Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
Ingredients:
- 500g carrots, peeled and chopped
- 500g parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss carrots and parsnips with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.
- Serve hot with the main dish.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50g butter
- 100ml milk
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
4. Pigs in Blankets
Ingredients:
- 12 small sausages
- 6 rashers of streaky bacon, halved
Instructions:
- Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon.
- Place on a baking tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve alongside the roast.
5. Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients:
- 400g green beans, trimmed
- 30g butter
- 50g sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Melt butter in a pan and toast almonds until golden.
- Add green beans and toss for 2–3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 200g fresh cranberries
- 100g sugar
- 100ml water
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens (10–15 minutes).
- Cool slightly and serve alongside the turkey.
7. Christmas Eve Dessert: Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 100g sugar
- 80g flour
- 20g cocoa powder
- 200ml whipping cream
- 100g dark chocolate
- Icing sugar and berries for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Fold in flour and cocoa powder.
- Spread mixture on a lined baking tray and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Whip cream and melt chocolate.
- Roll sponge with whipped cream, then coat with melted chocolate.
- Decorate with icing sugar and berries.