19+ Recipe Ideas For Christmas Eve Buffet Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Christmas Eve is a time for gathering with loved ones and celebrating the holiday season. And what better way to do that than with a festive and delicious buffet? If you're looking for recipe ideas for your Christmas Eve buffet, you've come to the right place. We've put together a selection of dishes that are not only easy to prepare, but also guaranteed to impress your guests. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, we've got you covered for a memorable and mouth-watering Christmas Eve feast.
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And every family has their own traditions and secret recipes that make the holidays extra special. For my family, one of those traditions is my mom's secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix.
My mom's Chex Mix is like no other. It's a perfect blend of savory, salty, and just a hint of sweetness. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make. This is why it has become a staple in our household during the holiday season.
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Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Yeast, Water, Orange Juice, Orange
What's better than waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of freshly baked doughnuts? Nothing, in my opinion. And these Christmas Eve doughnuts are a must-try for any holiday breakfast or brunch.
These doughnuts are filled with a delicious homemade custard and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated for a stress-free Christmas morning.
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Christmas Eve Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Yellow Onion
If you're looking to switch up your traditional Christmas Eve feast, why not try this Christmas Eve calamari? This dish is a delicious and unique twist on the classic Italian seafood dish, and it's sure to impress your guests.
The calamari is lightly breaded and fried to perfection, and then tossed in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. It's a perfect appetizer to kick off your holiday meal and will leave everyone wanting more.
If you're a fan of sweet and salty treats, then you have to try this Christmas crack. This addictive snack is made with a base of saltine crackers, topped with a layer of caramel and chocolate, and finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt.
This treat is so easy to make and is perfect for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season. Just be warned, it's called "crack" for a reason – you won't be able to stop eating it.
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Christmas Eve & the Seven Fishes
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper, White
The tradition of the "Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve is a popular Italian-American tradition that has been passed down for generations. This feast consists of seven different seafood dishes, representing the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.
Some popular dishes included in the feast are fried calamari, shrimp scampi, and linguine with clams. It's a delicious and unique way to celebrate the holiday and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
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Christmas Eve Guacamole
Main Ingredients: Haas Avocados, Lime Juice, Green Onion, Diced Green
No holiday gathering is complete without a bowl of guacamole. And this Christmas Eve guacamole takes things to the next level with the addition of pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts.
The pomegranate seeds add a festive touch of red and the pine nuts add a delicious crunch. This guacamole is sure to be a hit at any holiday party, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients during the indulgent holiday season.
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Christmas Eve Honey Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dry Active Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Oil
This Christmas Eve honey bread is a staple in many Eastern European households during the holiday season. It's a slightly sweet and soft bread that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter night.
The bread is made with honey, giving it a unique flavor and making it extra moist. It's also a great addition to a holiday brunch or served as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Christmas Eve Sweet Snack Mix
Main Ingredients: Shreddies Cereal, Milk Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter
Looking for a sweet and crunchy snack to munch on during your holiday movie marathon? This Christmas Eve sweet snack mix is just what you need. It's a delicious blend of popcorn, pretzels, M&M's, and more.
The best part about this snack mix is that it's customizable – you can add in your favorite holiday candies or switch up the flavors of the popcorn. It's a fun and easy treat to make with kids and is perfect for snacking on throughout the holiday season.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
After the chaos of Christmas morning, the last thing you want to worry about is making breakfast. That's where this Christmas morning wife saver comes in. It's a simple and delicious breakfast casserole that can be prepared the night before.
The casserole is made with layers of bread, ham, cheese, and an egg and milk mixture. Just pop it in the oven on Christmas morning and you'll have a hot and filling breakfast ready to go while you open presents.
If you're looking for a festive and fun drink to serve at your holiday party, look no further than this Christmas Grinch juice. It's a mix of lime sherbet, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda, and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
You can even add in a splash of vodka for an adult version of this green and tasty beverage. It's a great way to add some Christmas cheer to your drink menu.
This Polish Christmas Eve borscht is a traditional soup served on Christmas Eve in many Polish households. It's a hearty and flavorful soup made with beets, cabbage, and potatoes.
The soup is often served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of pierogies. It's a great way to incorporate some traditional Polish flavors into your holiday meal.
If you're tired of the same old salads at your holiday gatherings, why not spice things up with this Mexican Christmas Eve salad? It's a refreshing and flavorful mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado.
The salad is dressed with a zesty lime and cilantro dressing, adding a burst of flavor to every bite. It's a great side dish to serve with your Christmas ham or turkey.
This Christmas salad is a festive and colorful addition to any holiday meal. It's made with a mix of greens, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and walnuts, and is dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies during the indulgent holiday season.
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Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Water, Orange, Rum
These traditional Italian Christmas Eve doughnuts, also known as zeppole, are a must-try for any holiday celebration. They are light and fluffy and coated in a sweet glaze.
The doughnuts are often served as a dessert after the feast of the seven fishes, but they are delicious any time of day. And the best part? They can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and tasty treat.
Yes, we already mentioned Christmas crack, but this version is too good not to include. This Christmas crack is made with a base of graham crackers, topped with a layer of toffee, chocolate, and crushed candy canes.
The candy canes add a festive touch and a nice crunch to this already irresistible treat. It's a great option for a homemade gift or as a sweet treat to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movies.
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Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix
Main Ingredients: Shreddies Cereal, Mini Pretzels, Salted Mixed Nuts
If you prefer savory snacks over sweet, then this Christmas Eve savory snack mix is for you. It's a mix of pretzels, crackers, and spices that is perfect for munching on during holiday gatherings.
The mix is also great for packaging up as a homemade gift for friends and family. Just be sure to make a big batch, as it's sure to disappear quickly.
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Traditional Molisani Christmas Eve Fritters
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Lukewarm Water, All Purpose
These traditional Molisani Christmas Eve fritters, also known as pettole, are a popular dish in Southern Italy. They are small fried dough balls that are often served as an appetizer before the Christmas Eve meal.
The fritters can be served plain or topped with a variety of toppings, such as prosciutto, cheese, or even a sweet jam. They are a delicious and unique addition to any holiday spread.
This Christmas punch is a refreshing and festive drink that is perfect for any holiday gathering. It's made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale, and can be spiked with your choice of alcohol.
The punch is also great for kids – just leave out the alcohol and add in some festive garnishes, like cranberries and orange slices. It's a great way to keep everyone hydrated and in the holiday spirit.
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Chi-Chi's Christmas Eve Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Ground Sausage, Lasagna Noodles
This Chi-Chi's Christmas Eve lasagna is a twist on the classic Italian dish that is sure to wow your guests. It's made with layers of noodles, ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce.
But what sets this lasagna apart is the addition of a layer of mashed potatoes in the middle. It adds a unique and delicious twist to a traditional holiday dish.
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Traditional Polish Christmas Eve Compote
Main Ingredients: Prunes, Water, Cloves, Cinnamon Stick, Fresh Ginger
This traditional Polish Christmas Eve compote is a sweet and tangy drink that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. It's made with a variety of dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and apricots, and is flavored with cinnamon and cloves.
The compote is often served warm and can also be spiked with your choice of alcohol. It's a great way to warm up on a cold winter night and get into the holiday spirit.
Appetizers
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
No buffet is complete without a cheese and charcuterie board. Arrange an assortment of artisanal cheeses and cured meats on a large platter, along with crackers, bread, and fruit. Add some fig jam or honey for a touch of sweetness and olives for a savory bite. This is a great way to kick off your Christmas Eve buffet and keep your guests satisfied while they wait for the main course.
Cranberry Brie Bites
For a festive and easy appetizer, try these cranberry brie bites. Simply top squares of puff pastry with brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then bake until golden and bubbly. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with your guests and can be made ahead of time for easy serving.
Main Courses
Herb and Garlic Roasted Turkey
A traditional roasted turkey is a must-have for any Christmas Eve buffet. Rubbed with a blend of herbs and garlic, this turkey will fill your home with mouth-watering aromas and make the perfect centerpiece for your feast. Serve it with gravy, cranberry sauce, and stuffing for a classic holiday meal.
Maple Glazed Ham
If turkey isn't your thing, consider a maple glazed ham for your Christmas Eve buffet. This sweet and savory dish is easy to prepare and can be served hot or cold. The maple glaze adds a festive touch and pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Desserts
Peppermint Bark
For a simple and delicious dessert, try making your own peppermint bark. Melt white and dark chocolate and spread it onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top and let it set in the fridge. Once hardened, break it into pieces and serve for a festive and chocolatey treat that everyone will love.
Gingerbread Trifle
Put a twist on a classic holiday dessert with a gingerbread trifle. Layer gingerbread cake, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream in a trifle dish for a stunning and delicious dessert. Top it off with caramel sauce and crushed gingerbread cookies for an extra touch of sweetness. This dessert is sure to be a hit with your guests and is a great make-ahead option.
With these recipe ideas for your Christmas Eve buffet, you'll have a variety of dishes that are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. So gather your loved ones, put on some Christmas music, and enjoy a delicious and festive feast together. Merry Christmas!
