18 Finnish Christmas Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 30, 2024
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. And if you want to add some unique flavors to your holiday spread, why not try some traditional Finnish recipes? One dish that is sure to impress your guests is the mouthwatering Finnish Christmas ham. This dish has been a staple in Finnish households for centuries and is still enjoyed by many during the holiday season. Let's take a closer look at this beloved recipe and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
For a taste of Finland this holiday season, try these Finnish Christmas Cookies. Made with a buttery dough and filled with a sweet prune jam, these cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday table. The combination of the rich dough and fruity filling is sure to be a hit with your guests. Don't be afraid to experiment with other fillings, such as apricot or raspberry jam, to add a personal touch to this traditional Finnish treat.
2of 40
Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Tarts)
Main Ingredients: Pitted Prunes, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
Another popular Finnish holiday treat is Joulutorttu, or Finnish Christmas Tarts. These flaky pastries are traditionally filled with a prune jam, but can also be filled with other sweet fillings like apple or cherry. The star-shaped design makes these tarts a festive addition to any holiday spread. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
3of 40
Joululimppu/ Finnish Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Rye Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, Molasses, Fennel Seeds
No holiday feast is complete without some fresh bread, and this Finnish Christmas Bread is the perfect addition. This dark, slightly sweet bread is flavored with molasses and spices like cinnamon and cloves. For a twist, try adding some raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for a burst of flavor and texture.
4of 40
Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Star Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Ricotta Cheese, Unbleached All Purpose
These adorable star-shaped cookies are a must-have at any Finnish holiday celebration. Made with a simple butter cookie dough and topped with a sweet prune jam, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. For a more festive touch, use red and green colored sugar to sprinkle on top before baking.
5of 40
Finnish Christmas Cookies With Prune Jam (Joulutorttu)
Main Ingredients: Softened Butter, Sugar, Flour, Eggs, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of prune jam, then these Finnish Christmas Cookies are a must-try. The combination of the buttery cookie dough and the sweet, tangy prune jam is simply irresistible. For a more indulgent treat, try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
This addictive holiday snack has become a staple at many holiday gatherings. Made with saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate, this sweet and salty treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before the chocolate sets.
7of 40
Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
Looking for an easy and delicious breakfast to serve on Christmas morning? Look no further than this Christmas Morning Wife Saver. Made with layers of bread, ham, cheese, and a creamy egg mixture, this dish can be prepared the night before and popped in the oven in the morning. For a vegetarian version, swap the ham for your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
This festive green punch is the perfect addition to any holiday party. Made with lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and lime sherbet, this non-alcoholic drink is refreshing and delicious. For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or rum to give it a little kick.
If you're looking for a lighter option to balance out all the rich holiday dishes, this Christmas Salad is the perfect choice. Made with mixed greens, cranberries, pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is both beautiful and delicious. For an extra burst of flavor, add some crumbled feta cheese on top.
This addictive holiday snack has become a staple at many holiday gatherings. Made with saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate, this sweet and salty treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before the chocolate sets.
This fruity and festive punch is sure to be a hit at any holiday party. Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale, this non-alcoholic drink is both refreshing and flavorful. For an adult version, add some rum or bourbon for a little extra kick.
These classic Italian cookies are a must-have at any holiday celebration. Made with a simple butter cookie dough and topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are both delicious and visually appealing. For a twist, try adding some lemon or almond extract to the dough for a different flavor profile.
13of 40
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Frozen
If you're hosting a big holiday brunch, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish to serve. Made with layers of bread, bacon, cheese, and eggs, this casserole is hearty and flavorful. For a vegetarian version, swap the bacon for some sautéed veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
14of 40
Christmas Morning Treats!
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Butter, Maple Syrup
These cute and colorful treats are a fun and easy recipe to make with kids during the holiday season. Made with cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate, these treats can be shaped into festive Christmas shapes like wreaths or trees. For a healthier option, try using whole grain cereal and dark chocolate.
If you want to add a touch of British tradition to your holiday meal, try making this Christmas Figgy Pudding. Made with dried figs, spices, and brandy, this rich and flavorful dessert is a staple at many Christmas dinners in the UK. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the brandy with apple juice or cider.
These soft and chewy cookies are a delicious twist on the classic Gooey Butter Cake. Made with a cake mix, cream cheese, and butter, these cookies are easy to make and will be a hit with everyone. For a festive touch, add some red and green sprinkles on top before baking.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious holiday drink, this Easy Christmas Punch is the way to go. Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda, this punch is both sweet and tangy. For an adult version, add some vodka or sparkling wine for a little extra kick.
You can't go wrong with a classic Christmas cookie recipe. Whether you opt for sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or chocolate chip cookies, these treats are a must-have at any holiday gathering. Get creative with your decorating and use festive colored icing and sprinkles to make your cookies even more special.
These adorable cookies are a favorite during the holiday season. Made with a buttery dough and filled with your choice of jam, these cookies are both delicious and visually appealing. For a twist, try filling them with a chocolate ganache or Nutella instead of jam.
These festive cookies are perfect for any holiday celebration. Made with a simple cookie dough and topped with red and green sprinkles, these cookies are both easy to make and delicious. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
This recipe takes a traditional Finnish Christmas cookie and gives it a beer can chicken twist. The combination of spices and herbs along with the beer infusion creates a succulent and flavorful chicken that will leave your guests wanting more.
22of 40
Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Tarts)
Main Ingredients: Pitted Prunes, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
For a more traditional Finnish Christmas dish, try making Joulutorttu or Finnish Christmas tarts with a beer can chicken twist. The flaky pastry and juicy chicken make for a perfect combination that will become a holiday favorite.
23of 40
Joululimppu/ Finnish Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Rye Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, Molasses, Fennel Seeds
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish, look no further than Joululimppu or Finnish Christmas bread made with beer can chicken. The bread is infused with the flavors of the beer and chicken, making it a show-stopping side dish for your holiday meal.
24of 40
Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Star Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Ricotta Cheese, Unbleached All Purpose
Another take on the traditional Finnish Christmas tarts, these star-shaped cookies are filled with beer can chicken and are perfect for snacking on during the holiday season. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.
25of 40
Finnish Christmas Cookies With Prune Jam (Joulutorttu)
Main Ingredients: Softened Butter, Sugar, Flour, Eggs, Baking Powder
For a sweet and savory twist on a classic Finnish Christmas treat, try these cookies filled with prune jam and beer can chicken. The jam adds a touch of sweetness to the dish and complements the beer-infused chicken perfectly.
This addictive holiday snack gets a beer can chicken makeover with tender and flavorful chicken pieces mixed into the classic Christmas crack recipe. It's the perfect appetizer to serve at your holiday gathering.
27of 40
Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
If you're looking for a breakfast dish that will please a crowd, try making this Christmas morning wife saver with beer can chicken. It's a delicious and hearty casserole that is sure to become a holiday tradition in your household.
Add some holiday cheer to your meal with this festive Christmas Grinch juice made with beer can chicken. The combination of flavors will have you feeling jolly in no time.
This refreshing and light Christmas salad is made with beer can chicken for a unique twist on a classic dish. The chicken adds a depth of flavor to the salad that will have your guests raving.
No holiday gathering is complete without a festive punch. Add a twist to your usual recipe by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The result is a flavorful and unique punch that will be a hit with your guests.
These Italian Christmas cookies take on a new flavor profile with the addition of beer can chicken. The combination of herbs and spices in the chicken pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
For a hearty and satisfying breakfast, try making this Christmas breakfast casserole with beer can chicken. It's a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd on Christmas morning.
33of 40
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Frozen
Add some excitement to your Christmas morning with these beer can chicken-stuffed treats. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
34of 40
Christmas Morning Treats!
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Butter, Maple Syrup
This traditional Christmas dessert gets a beer can chicken twist with tender chicken pieces mixed into the pudding. It's a rich and flavorful treat that will be the talk of your holiday meal.
These gooey butter cookies are a holiday favorite, and they only get better with the addition of beer can chicken. The chicken adds a savory element to the sweet cookies, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.
This easy Christmas punch is a crowd-pleaser, and the addition of beer can chicken makes it even more special. It's a simple and delicious way to add some holiday cheer to your gathering.
These classic Christmas cookies get a beer can chicken twist with tender chicken pieces mixed into the dough. They are a fun and unique treat to serve at your holiday gathering.
These thumbprint cookies are filled with a beer can chicken and cranberry filling, making them the perfect sweet and savory treat for the holiday season. They are sure to be a hit with your guests.
These Kris Kringle Christmas cookies are filled with a beer can chicken and cream cheese filling, making them a rich and indulgent holiday treat. They are the perfect addition to your cookie tray.
End your holiday meal on a high note with this festive Christmas punch made with beer can chicken. The chicken adds a unique flavor to the punch that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
The History of Finnish Christmas Ham
The Origins
The tradition of serving Christmas ham can be traced back to the 16th century in Finland. At that time, ham was considered a luxury item and was only served during special occasions such as Christmas. It was also a way for farmers to showcase their wealth as they could afford to raise pigs and cure their meat. Over time, the tradition of serving Christmas ham became ingrained in Finnish culture and is now a beloved part of their holiday festivities.
The Preparation
Preparing the perfect Finnish Christmas ham requires time, patience, and attention to detail. The process starts with selecting the right ham, which is typically a bone-in smoked ham. The ham is then cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices for several days, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. After curing, the ham is rinsed and boiled before being coated in a mixture of mustard, breadcrumbs, and molasses. It is then baked in the oven until it reaches the perfect level of crispiness.
The Presentation
In Finland, the presentation of the Christmas ham is just as important as the taste. The ham is typically carved into thin slices and arranged on a platter. It is often served with traditional Finnish sides such as mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers. Some families also like to add their own twist to the dish by glazing the ham with different flavors such as honey or maple syrup.
In Conclusion
The Finnish Christmas ham is more than just a dish, it is a symbol of tradition, family, and celebration. By adding this delicious recipe to your holiday menu, you are not only treating your taste buds but also honoring a centuries-old tradition. So why not bring a taste of Finland to your Christmas table this year and impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering dish?
