For many of us, Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year. It’s when we spend time with our loved ones and make the holiday season even more special with delicious food. You don’t have to think any further about what to serve this year. If you keep scrolling, you’ll find a selection of traditional and new, exciting Christmas recipes that will make your holiday table truly special.
Gingerbread – The Christmas classic
Gingerbread is an essential part of Christmas. Small star, Christmas tree, angel, and other shaped cookies should be on every Christmas table. The sweet scent of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and honey can instantly put everyone in a festive mood.
Ingredients:
- 250 g honey
- 120 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- 1 egg
- 500 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- A pinch of salt
Preparation:
- Melt the honey, sugar, and butter in a pot over low heat, then let it cool.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add the egg to the melted honey mixture, then gradually add the dry ingredients. Knead the dough well.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut out the gingerbread cookies using cookie cutters.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Once cooled, decorate with icing and colorful candies.
Christmas turkey with stuffed potatoes
Turkey is the king of Christmas dinners, and if you want to add a little extra flavor, try this version with stuffed potatoes!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (3-4 kg)
- 500 g potatoes
- 200 g mushrooms
- 1 large onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, pepper, rosemary
Preparation:
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and rosemary, and place it in a large roasting pan.
- Peel and dice the potatoes, then cook them in lightly salted water.
- While the potatoes cook, chop the onion and garlic, and dice the mushrooms.
- Melt the butter and sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Mash the cooked potatoes and mix them with the mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the turkey with the potato mixture and cover with aluminum foil. Roast at 180°C (350°F) for about 2-2.5 hours, until the turkey is tender.
- Serve the turkey with the stuffed potatoes, accompanied by your favorite holiday salad.
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
If you’re craving a truly special dessert, try hot chocolate with marshmallows! It’s the perfect drink for the Christmas atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Marshmallows for topping
Preparation:
- Heat the milk until it’s nearly boiling, then add the chopped chocolate and melt over low heat.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and stir well.
- Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the Christmas mood!
Caramel apple pie
This pie is a real winter treat, with spiced apples and smooth caramel making the perfect combination.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 apples
- 250 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 package of pie dough
Preparation:
- Peel and chop the apples, then sauté them in butter in a pan.
- Add the sugar and cinnamon, and cook until the sugar caramelizes and thickens.
- Roll out the pie dough and place it in a pie pan.
- Spoon the apple-caramel filling into the crust, then cover with another layer of dough.
- Brush the top with egg wash, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Spiced punch
Hot drinks are a must during the Christmas season, and spiced punch is the perfect choice for winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter orange juice
- 200 ml rum
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1-2 slices of lemon
Preparation:
- Heat the orange juice in a pot, then add the honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Slice the lemon and add it to the punch.
- Once the punch is hot (but not boiling), add the rum.
- Serve hot and enjoy the warmth!
Christmas side dishes
Side dishes are one of the most important parts of the Christmas main course. Sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complete the holiday dinner perfectly. Below, I suggest two easy yet special side dishes.
Creamy mashed potatoes:
- Ingredients: 1 kg potatoes, 200 ml cream, 50 g butter, salt, pepper.
- Preparation: Peel and chop the potatoes, then cook in salted water. Drain and mash with butter and cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. This creamy mash pairs perfectly with any roast.
Honeyed vegetables:
- Ingredients: 2 carrots, 1 beetroot, 1 sweet potato, 2 tablespoons honey, salt, pepper, rosemary.
- Preparation: Peel and chop the vegetables. Sauté in olive oil, then drizzle with honey and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Sauté for a few minutes until caramelized. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary before serving.
Serving the perfect christmas dinner
When it comes to Christmas meals, the presentation is just as important as the food itself. A well-planned table enhances the dining experience.
- Colors and Decoration: Choose colors that reflect the Christmas spirit. Red, gold, green, and white are traditional Christmas shades. Adding a table runner, candles, small decorations, and sprigs of pine will help create a festive atmosphere.
- Serving Style: Make sure all the dishes are easily accessible and there’s enough space for the main course and sides. Desserts and drinks can be served in special containers, such as elegant glasses or pitchers.
Christmas meals aren’t just about the food; they’re also about spending time together and showing love. The recipes shared here can help you create a truly special holiday table that your family and friends will surely love. Remember, the best moments of the holiday season aren’t just around the food but also in the warmth and closeness shared with loved ones. Merry Christmas and enjoy your meal!
