18+ Italian Christmas Dinner Recipe Ideas Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
Christmas is a time for celebrating with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. And what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Italian Christmas dinner? From mouth-watering antipasti platters to hearty pasta dishes and decadent desserts, Italian cuisine offers a variety of options for a festive feast. If you're looking to add some Italian flair to your Christmas dinner this year, here are some recipe ideas to inspire you.
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a festive and delicious white Christmas lasagna? This dish combines the classic flavors of lasagna with a creamy white sauce, making it a perfect addition to your holiday dinner menu. Plus, it's a great alternative for those who may not be fans of traditional red sauce lasagna. With layers of tender noodles, creamy cheese, and savory chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner
Main Ingredients: Standing Rib Roast, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly
If you're looking to impress your guests, a prime rib roast is the perfect choice for your Christmas dinner. This tender and juicy cut of beef is often reserved for special occasions, and for good reason. With a flavorful rub and slow roasting method, you'll have a mouthwatering main course that will leave everyone raving. Serve it with some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying holiday meal.
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Italian Venison Wellington The Ultimate Elegant...
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin, Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter, Crimini
Elevate your holiday dinner with this elegant and impressive Italian venison Wellington. This dish features tender venison wrapped in a flaky puff pastry and filled with a savory mushroom and herb filling. Not only is it visually stunning, but the combination of flavors is sure to wow your taste buds. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes and a glass of red wine for the ultimate holiday feast.
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Neapolitan Christmas Eve Spaghetti with Walnuts (U...
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves
This Neapolitan Christmas Eve spaghetti is a traditional Italian dish that is typically served on Christmas Eve. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that features spaghetti topped with a sauce made from anchovies, walnuts, and herbs. The addition of walnuts adds a delicious crunch to the dish and makes it perfect for the holiday season. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a glass of wine for a cozy and comforting meal.
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Feta & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Fresh Spinach
For a lighter and healthier option for your holiday dinner, try these feta and spinach stuffed chicken breasts. The combination of creamy feta cheese and nutritious spinach makes for a flavorful and satisfying filling for the chicken. Plus, it's an easy dish to prepare and can be on the table in under an hour. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Alfredo Florentine Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Frozen Chopped Spinach, Salt
If you love Alfredo sauce and lasagna, why not combine the two for a decadent holiday meal? This Alfredo Florentine lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring layers of creamy Alfredo sauce, flavorful spinach, and tender noodles. It's a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions, and your guests will be asking for seconds.
No holiday dinner is complete without a hearty and delicious dish of Italian meatballs. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main course with pasta, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian seasonings, they are full of flavor and will have your kitchen smelling amazing. Just be sure to make enough, as they will disappear quickly!
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you want to take your meatballs to the next level, try making these great big Italian meatballs. These oversized meatballs are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a holiday gathering. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, they are incredibly tender and juicy. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
After a busy and hectic holiday season, you'll want to relax and enjoy a delicious breakfast on Christmas morning. This Christmas morning wife saver is the perfect dish to make ahead and bake on the big day. It features layers of bread, ham, cheese, and a flavorful egg mixture, and is topped with a crunchy cornflake crust. It's a hearty and comforting breakfast that will keep you full until your holiday dinner.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
For those following a keto diet, it can be challenging to find holiday dishes that fit your dietary restrictions. These keto stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy option that everyone at the table will enjoy. Filled with a mixture of ground beef, Italian herbs, and cheese, these stuffed peppers are bursting with flavor. Plus, they are low in carbs and high in protein, making them a great choice for a holiday meal.
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Hearty Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Eggs
If you're looking for a classic and hearty dish to serve at your holiday dinner, look no further than this hearty lasagna. Made with layers of tender noodles, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a great option for feeding a big group, as it can easily be doubled or tripled. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Braciole is a traditional Italian dish that is perfect for a holiday dinner. Thinly sliced beef is rolled with a flavorful filling of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, and then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is a delicious and impressive dish that will make your guests feel special. Serve it with some pasta and a glass of red wine for a truly authentic Italian meal.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
For a more hands-on approach to making meatballs, try making your own homemade Italian meatballs. This recipe calls for a combination of ground beef and pork, as well as a variety of Italian herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Fry them in a pan until golden brown and then simmer them in your favorite tomato sauce for a delicious and comforting dish. Serve them with some spaghetti or on a sub roll for a tasty and filling meal.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Ravioli is a popular dish in Italian cuisine, and this creamy Italian ravioli is a great option for a holiday dinner. Made with a rich and creamy sauce, tender ravioli, and a variety of Italian cheeses, this dish is full of flavor and will leave your guests wanting more. It's a great option for a vegetarian meal, but you can also add some cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier dish.
If you're looking for a simple yet delicious dish to serve at your holiday dinner, this Italian chicken casserole is the perfect choice. It features tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with a layer of melted cheese. It's a one-dish meal that is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Italian Herb Baked Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Italian Breadcrumbs, Grated Parmesan
For a twist on traditional meatballs, try making these Italian herb baked meatballs. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are seasoned with a variety of Italian herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Instead of frying them in a pan, they are baked in the oven, making them a healthier option. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a delicious and easy holiday meal.
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Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausages, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Marinara
If you're a fan of Italian sausage, you'll love this easy and flavorful Italian sausage bake. It's a simple dish that features sausage, peppers, onions, and potatoes all roasted in the oven until tender and delicious. The combination of flavors is perfect for a holiday dinner, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of sausage. Serve it with some crusty bread for a satisfying and filling meal.
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Easy Stromboli (Italian Stromboli)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pizza Dough, Sliced Pepperoni, Capicola, Sliced
Stromboli is a popular Italian dish that is perfect for a casual and relaxed holiday dinner. This easy stromboli recipe features a combination of Italian meats and cheeses, rolled up in pizza dough and baked until golden brown. It's a great option for feeding a crowd, as it can be sliced and served as an appetizer or a main course. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
If you're short on time and looking for a quick and easy holiday dinner, this sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is the perfect choice. It features chicken, vegetables, and potatoes all roasted together on one sheet pan for easy cleanup. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices for maximum flavor, making it a satisfying and tasty meal. Plus, it's a great option for those following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet.
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Potato Starch
For a unique and delicious twist on traditional gnocchi, try making this sweet potato gnocchi. The addition of sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness to the dish and gives the gnocchi a beautiful orange color. Serve it with your favorite pasta sauce or a simple brown butter and sage sauce for a flavorful and festive holiday meal. You can also make a large batch and freeze the extra for a quick and easy dinner option during the busy holiday season.
Antipasti Platter
Bold Flavors and Vibrant Colors
One of the most iconic elements of an Italian Christmas dinner is the antipasti platter. This appetizer course is filled with a variety of bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it the perfect way to kick off your meal. Start with a selection of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and coppa. Add some featured cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gorgonzola, and Mozzarella. Don't forget to include some related accompaniments such as olives, roasted peppers, and marinated artichokes. Arrange everything beautifully on a large platter, and let your guests help themselves.
Pasta Course
From Classic Lasagna to Seafood Linguine
No Italian Christmas dinner would be complete without a pasta course. For a classic option, try making a hearty lasagna with layers of homemade pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel. If you prefer seafood, opt for a linguine with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a light white wine sauce. For a vegetarian option, try a mushroom and spinach cannelloni with a creamy ricotta filling. Whichever pasta dish you choose, make sure to serve it with a featured side of garlic bread and a related side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Main Course
From Roasted Turkey to Stuffed Pork Loin
When it comes to the main course, there are plenty of options for an Italian Christmas dinner. A roasted turkey is a popular choice, but you could also go for a featured Italian-style roast chicken with fragrant herbs and spices. Another related option is a stuffed pork loin with a delicious filling of bread, herbs, and dried fruit. For a lighter option, try a baked fish dish with a variety of related Mediterranean flavors. Whichever main course you choose, make sure to serve it with a side of roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Dessert
From Panettone to Tiramisu
No Christmas dinner is complete without a decadent dessert. In Italy, the traditional Christmas dessert is panettone, a sweet bread filled with dried fruit and nuts. You could also try making a featured panettone bread pudding for a warm and comforting dessert. Another related option is a classic tiramisu, made with layers of ladyfingers, coffee, and creamy mascarpone cheese. For a lighter option, try a refreshing fruit salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Whichever dessert you choose, it's sure to be the perfect ending to your Italian Christmas dinner.
In conclusion,
Italian Christmas dinner offers a variety of delicious and festive options for a memorable holiday meal. From the antipasti platter to the pasta course, main course, and dessert, there are plenty of featured and related dishes to choose from. So this Christmas, why not add some Italian flair to your dinner table and impress your guests with these delectable recipe ideas? Buon Appetito!
