Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas

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Want to usher in Christmas day with a bang? Or just have a quiet evening in, with the family? There are so many ways to do this, but one thing we can all come together around is food!

What is the Most Popular Dish Eaten on Christmas Eve?

Over on our Christmas Lovers Facebook Group I asked our fans to let us know what foods they eat on Christmas Eve and the clear winners were a Takeaway or a Buffet.

Both are easy and associated with family time, so it’s certainly not surprising they are the meal of choice for a chilled Christmas night before a busy day of festivities and cooking.

What should I make for Dinner on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is a special day in its own right and bringing in the Christmas cheer by sharing food with family and friends is a perfect way.

So if you can’t make up your mind about what to do for dinner on Christmas Eve, Don’t let Christmas Day take the ‘food spotlight’ These 10 easy but tasty Christmas Eve dinner ideas won’t disappoint…

1 – Christmas Buffet

You can’t go wrong with a buffet, there’s something to please everyone.

Get the family together, and brainstorm some snacks and tidbits to have as a buffet! It can be low effort, especially if you’re going all out in the kitchen on Christmas day.

Tip: There is a great range of frozen platters and party food, perfect for buffets in Iceland. Check it out

2 – Charcuterie Board

Often called a smorgasbord, antipasti, or plain old cheese board, a charcuterie board is an indulgent, sharing meal that is always welcomed.

Here are a few ideas to start you off:

A Variety Of Cheeses
Pate
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A Selection of Cured Meats
Warm Crusty Bread Rolls
Crackers
Jams & Chutneys
Olives, dates and piquanté peppers.
Grapes
Pickles

Tip: Check out Aldi for some amazing, affordable festive flavours and baking cheeses. Try Them

3 – Seafood Platter (Feast of the Seven Fishes)

To celebrate Christmas Eve in Italy, they have the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It features seven different dishes of fish and other seafood.

You can use any type of fish to try out the tradition, cooked, raw, sushi…heck even fish fingers for the kids!

Tip: M&S do an absolutely stunning pre-made seafood platter here

4 – Roast Pork & Stuffing Rolls

This is actually my personal Christmas Eve Dinner tradition. It started because I like to have a variety of meats at Christmas and they always went to waste. So now we have the pork on Christmas Eve.

I roast a large pork shoulder and serve it with a variety of soft and warm home-baked rolls, apple sauce, Sage & Onion Stuffing and a pot of dipping gravy.

Tip: Use Part Baked Rolls for that home-cooked bread smell and taste.

5 – Honey Glazed Ham

Another firm Christmas Eve favourite amongst us Brits is the Christmas ham. I love mine glazed with honey and baked in the oven.

It can be served with potatoes and parsley sauce for more of a substantial meal, or with bread, pickles, coleslaw and salads for a lighter, sharing-type meal – whatever takes your fancy.

Tip – Most Supermarkets now sell readymade Hams and out of all I have tasted, Asda is the best one. Try It

6 – Salmon En Croûte

This is another indulgent meal, and is there a better way to enjoy your favourite food than to encase it in golden and crispy pastry? Maybe not.

There are many alternatives out there for those who don’t like salmon. Aldi has Chicken, Meatball and delicious vegan En Croûte alternatives.

Tip: You can get an AMAZING ‘Specially Selected Salmon, Leek & Cheese Wellington’ From Aldi and it’s absolutely delicious. Try Them

7 – Christmas Soup

Pictured is a Traditional Polish Christmas soup – red borscht soup with dumplings. This might be a little too traditional for your taste but there’s no denying a home made soup always goes down a storm.

There are so many traditional Christmas flavours you could incorporate, you could even try a chestnut soup?

Tip: Soup can be cooked a few days in advance (or even shop-bought) and then heated on the day. You can also get part baked crusty bread or rolls at any UK supermarket.

8 – Roast Goose

For those who like old traditions, or even just trying new things, why not roast a delicious whole goose for Christmas.

Goose tastes a lot like duck, it really is delicious, but they aren’t very meaty. It’s definitely an indulgent treat.

Tip: Goose can be very expensive, but Aldi does a 4/5kg Specially Selected Whole Goose for about £20 every Christmas – Try it

9 – Nachos

Anything that can be shared or considered ‘Picky Food’ seems to be a big hit for Christmas Eve. And what better to share than Nachos?

I lay it all out on the table in separate pots and let my lot tuck in, it always goes down well. Here are some topping ideas for your Nachos sharer…

Chips / Nachos
Minced Beef, Cubed Steak, Shredded Chicken, Pulled pork, or Crumbled Tofu.
Nacho Cheese
Guacamole
Sour Cream
Salsa
Jalapenos
Pinto Beans

Tip: Tesco or Asda own brand nachos are less than 50p per bag and taste just as good when you have all your toppings added – Try them

10 – Takeaway

So over on our Christmas Lovers Facebook Group most people voted for takeaway, which is completely understandable.

With the hustle and bustle of the season and a big day of cooking ahead for most, it’s no wonder so many people opt for their Christmas Eve meal to be delivered!

Tip: If you can’t afford a takeaway, why not try your hand at making a ‘Fakeaway’.

Check Out These Christmas Dessert Ideas

Is Christmas Eve Dinner a Thing?

Yes, absolutely. In some countries around the world, Christmas eve is when they actually celebrate Christmas. There are many different foods eaten around the world and us brits have certainly adopted some.

Christmas Eve is another special day, that we still love to indulge ourselves with food. From party food to fish dishes, Christmas Dinner doesn’t have to take all the glory

We hope this list has given you some tasty inspiration for your Christmas Eve meal, if you have any questions let us know in the comments below…