From appetizers to desserts, these Christmas Eve dinner ideas include our top picks for a festive, delicious, stress-free holiday meal.
1/50
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
My family was growing tired of traditional red sauce lasagna, so I created this fun twist using a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Store-bought rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple and fast. —Caitlin MacNeilly, Uncasville, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 421 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
This Alfredo lasagna is a fantastic way to ease kids into loving Christmas ham. With ham, prosciutto and rotisserie chicken, this dish has it all—including the option to swap in bacon or veggies.
2/50
Roast Turkey
From the Recipe Creator:
Rubbing the skin with melted butter keeps this simply seasoned turkey moist and tender. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
9 ounces cooked turkey: 488 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 221mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 63g protein.
The bigger the turkey, the longer it will take to roast. If you’ve decided on a 13- to 15-pound turkey for Christmas Eve dinner, plan on roasting it for around three hours. You can use our chart to know exactly how long to cook a turkey (and have a meat thermometer handy).
3/50
Party Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 207 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
For this side dish, prepare mashed potatoes fresh or use leftovers from another holiday gathering to speed up the prep time.
4/50
Candy Cane Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
This fabulous dessert has the magical flavor of candy canes plus the bonus of an Oreo cookie crust. And it looks like a winter wonderland. —Dawn Kreuser, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 251 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This simple treat features layers of Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake and fluffy whipped topping topped with crushed candy canes.
5/50
Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side.—Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/4 cup topping: 387 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
Treat yourself to steak on Christmas Eve! The sauce is very rich and easy to assemble. And the whole dish can be made in 20 minutes.
6/50
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 95 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Toss in some red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste to kick up the heat in this recipe!
7/50
Corn Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 435 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
This triple-corn pudding is made with canned corn, creamed corn and cornbread mix.
8/50
Butter Pecan Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Pecans and butter give this cake the same irresistible flavor as the ever-popular butter pecan ice cream. —Becky Miller, Tallahassee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 814 calories, 42g fat (19g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (86g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
The best part of this cake is the topper: a thick layer of crunchy homemade toasted pecans.
9/50
Healthy Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
This recipe consists of five kinds of cheese, two kinds of meat and a partridge in a pear tree. OK, maybe not the last part! But this unique spin on a classic dish offers a low-fat option to the traditionally heavy meal.
10/50
German Red Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
In our house, red cabbage is a Christmas Eve staple, along with mashed potatoes, turkey and a slice of hearty bread with butter.
11/50
Spinach and Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for the wonderful Christmas season, but it is also amazing all year round. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely. —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
What better way to prepare for a loaded Christmas than with a light, flavor-rich salad? Pair this easy-to-assemble salad with other vegan Christmas dinner recipes to satisfy sweet and savory cravings.
12/50
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup spinach mixture : 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
This well-rounded salmon dish combines simple but strong flavors. The salmon is served with spinach and cannellini beans, which require little preparation and provide a big payout.
13/50
Easy Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 384 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
Tiramisu is quick to make, but it can’t be made in a flash. This recipe requires a few hours of chill time to help the ladyfingers soak up the flavor of the pudding, liqueur and coffee.
14/50
Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow-cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 201 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
Chicken, turkey and ham are usually the stars of Christmas, so why not spice up your Christmas Eve dinner by making Christmas mains that aren’t ham, like lamb? These melt-in-your-mouth lamb chops can simmer in the slow cooker while you wrap any last-minute presents.
15/50
Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
16/50
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
What do you get when you combine classic apple pie and cozy cinnamon rolls? Layers of buttery pie crust, sweet-tart and tender apples, and fluffy iced cinnamon rolls in one delectable creation. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 523 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 87g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
This recipe has two secret timesaving ingredients: store-bought pie crust and refrigerated cinnamon rolls.
17/50
Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
I rarely invite friends for dinner without someone requesting this easy pasta casserole. The sweet squash complements the spicy sausage, and the creamy goat cheese makes it all just melt in your mouth! You can substitute manicotti or even rolled lasagna noodles for the shells. The stuffed shells and sauce can be prepared a day ahead and assembled just before baking. —Taylor Hale, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 379 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.
This easy pasta casserole is a great way to sneak in some veggies around the holidays. With tomatoes, kale and butternut squash, your loved ones will be head over heels for this customizable Christmas Eve dinner. If you enjoyed this, then you must check out our collection of Italian Christmas dinner ideas.
18/50
Cioppino
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
This recipe contains so much seafood that it’s almost a Feast of the Seven Fishes in a bowl. Make it part of a traditional Italian Christmas Eve menu, or have it on its own with a hunk of crispy bread.
19/50
Beer-Cheese Green Bean Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Being from Wisconsin, where beer, cheese and snap beans abound, I thought I'd try a local spin on a beloved casserole. My mom deemed this even better than the traditional recipe. One point to America's dairyland! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
20/50
Chicken Tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 tamales: 564 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
These tamales capture the warm feeling of Christmas. This is a commitment-based recipe, but the taste is worth the effort. Invite the whole family for a tamalada party to help you make them.
21/50
Chai Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll get a double dose of the spicy blend that's frequently used to flavor tea in these tender single-size cakes. Both the cupcake and frosting use the sweet blend of spices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 377 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
This recipe uses ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves to create a warm chai flavor in every bite.
22/50
Christmas Eve Confetti Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy Christmas dinner has become a holiday tradition in our home. All the prep is done before we attend Christmas Eve service. On returning, I just boil water and saute. It's so colorful with a tossed salad and garlic bread—and always gets raves! —Ellen Fiore, Ridgewood, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 418 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 176mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
The red and green peppers in this colorful pasta serve as the best (and tastiest) last-minute decoration. The pasta dish is so tasty that it may become a new tradition for your family!
23/50
Ricotta Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I reconstructed this dessert based on an old recipe that had been in the family for years but was never written down. The subtle cinnamon flavor of the zwieback crust and the dense texture of the ricotta cheese are reminiscent of the cheesecake I enjoyed as a child. —Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 260 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
The crust for this cheesecake recipe is made with zwieback crumbs, which have a delicate sweetness, plus a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon.
24/50
Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These low-fat hot rolls are flavored with garlic, dill and cheese—they’re yummy even without butter! Or stuff with your favorite fixings for mini sandwiches. —Nancy Boyd, Midlothian, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 119 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
These cheesy, herby and garlicky rolls are a great accompaniment to any of the recipes on this list. The holiday dinner rolls are the perfect bread for leftover turkey, ham or chicken sandwiches the next day.
25/50
Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips
From the Recipe Creator:
We once owned an organic greenhouse and produce business. Weekends were hectic, so I made no-fuss meals like yummy beef tips to fortify us at day’s end. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 290 calories, 15 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 74 mg cholesterol, 69 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate (2 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 24 g protein.
This slow-cooker meal will leave you and your loved ones with full bellies and fuller hearts. Save this beef tips recipe for a special occasion, and you’ll look forward to it all year.
26/50
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crabmeat
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender crab-stuffed mushrooms with their crispy golden topping are always popular at parties! The crab filling is a delicious special-occasion treat. Serve them while they're warm. —Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Wait! Don’t wash those mushrooms; that’s one of the most common mistakes we all make when cooking mushrooms. Instead, use a dry paper towel—or better yet, a mushroom brush—to clean off any dirt. Because mushrooms have a spongy texture, they will absorb extra moisture if they are submerged in water.
27/50
Wild Rice with Dried Blueberries
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of rice and fruit, so this is a go-to Thanksgiving side dish at my house. I toss in mushrooms and toasted almonds to enhance the flavor. You can also include dried cherries or cranberries if you'd like. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 199 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
This is an unlikely yet delicious combination. The rice dish is a perfect side, or turn it into Christmas Eve dinner by adding protein.
28/50
Sage Pork Chops with Cider Pan Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
A creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you'd like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles. —Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons gravy: 449 calories, 32g fat (13g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
Apple cider is the best winter drink, but have you ever thought about it in a sauce? These pork chops can be accompanied by sliced apples or onions.
29/50
Reindeer Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Gather 'round the tree on Christmas Eve and feast on these adorable reindeer cookies. If you listen closely, you might heard reindeer hooves on the roof! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 182 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
30/50
Green Beans with Pomegranate Seeds
From the Recipe Creator:
These green beans with pomegranate seeds are one of the simplest dishes to make. I made them for Rosh Hashanah this year and they were a hit. Nobody believed there were just five ingredients! —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 70 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
31/50
New England Lamb Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 356 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
Using potato slices as the crust is an ingenious way to present this lamb bake. You can also substitute beef for the lamb for a completely different dish within the same holiday season.
32/50
Spinach Dip with Pita Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
Warm and cheesy, this spread is absolutely scrumptious served on toasted pita wedges. Its colorful appearance makes a stunning addition to any buffet. —Teresa Emanuel, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup spread with 3 pita wedges: 231 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
33/50
Apple-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to make this apple-stuffed pork loin. To lighten my mom's recipe up a bit, I reduced the amount of croutons called for and used the fat-free variety. —Sandra Harrison, Viera, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 336 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
34/50
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
People say “Wow!” when they taste these flavorful, tangy horseradish deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied when I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed egg halves: 146 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
35/50
Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous
From the Recipe Creator:
Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in the slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, I whip up a spinach salad and crescent rolls to round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chicken mixture with 1/2 cup couscous: 351 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
This aromatic slow-cooker meal is handy on a busy day. The predominantly red dish is as festive as it is decorative.
36/50
No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms
From the Recipe Creator:
Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 93 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/50
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
From the Recipe Creator:
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means “baked pasta with beans.” But my busy family translates it as “super satisfying dinner.” —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
This baked pasta is perfect for the nights before Christmas. It can be easily stored and frozen, making it both comforting and quick.
38/50
Broccoli Parmesan Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I began making this creamy side dish years ago as a way to get my kids to eat broccoli. They have since grown up but still request this satisfying casserole. It's truly a family favorite. —Barbara Uhl, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
39/50
Rosemary-Lemon Chicken Thighs
From the Recipe Creator:
A cooking show inspired me to create this lemony chicken. Ask your butcher to remove the bones from chicken thighs but leave the skin intact. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 tablespoon sauce and 2 teaspoons cooked bacon: 286 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
This simple recipe uses spices already in your pantry. To complete the meal, serve it with a potato side and a salad.
40/50
Bacon Cheese Wreath
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother makes this smoky bacon and Parmesan spread for parties and holiday get-togethers. For a pretty Yuletide presentation, decorate the cream cheese wreath with green parsley and red pimientos. —Lisa Carter, Warren, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 87 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
41/50
Tomato-Poached Halibut
From the Recipe Creator:
My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup sauce: 224 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Christmas Eve dinner will be ready and on the table in about half an hour, thanks to this lightning-quick halibut dish. Served on a bed of poblano peppers, tomatoes and olives, it still feels elevated and special.
42/50
Apple and Goat Cheese Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This goat cheese salad is a light and delicious side dish for almost any meal. The sweetness of the apples, raisins and grapes combines well with the tart goat cheese and dressing. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
43/50
Standing Rib Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with about 3 tablespoons jus: 323 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
For the best flavor in a standing rib roast (aka prime rib), look for a cut of meat with good marbling. You’ll also want to check that the rib roast has a fat cap, which will continue to baste the beef as it cooks. When in doubt, ask your butcher.
44/50
Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
A batch of bread pudding is the most delicious way to use up that loaf of day-old bread. Homemade rum sauce turns this classic recipe into something worth bragging about. —Becky Friedman, Hammond, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving with 4-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 607 calories, 27g fat (17g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
45/50
Chorizo Pumpkin Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 471 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 847mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
This creamy pasta showcases the savory potential of pumpkin, proving that it isn’t just for Halloween. A fresh take on macaroni and cheese, the already memorable dish adds yet another unique element with chicken sausage.
46/50
Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasted red peppers take the place of tomatoes in this twist on traditional bruschetta. If your bakery doesn't offer baguettes, buy regular French bread instead and then cut the slices in half to create the crunchy snacks. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 slice: 161 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
47/50
Best Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
Putting “best” on a recipe is a bold claim, but it’s easy to back with this lasagna. One of the best presents you’ll receive this Christmas are these leftovers.
48/50
Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
If you and your family like foods with a little kick, try dressing your sweet potatoes in hot honey this Thanksgiving. This recipe is sweet, spicy and savory, thanks to the hot honey, garlic and goat cheese. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 158 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
49/50
Lemon Chicken and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
This one-dish bake is great for just popping in the oven. The light flavor balances the typically heavy tastes of Christmas.
50/50
French Canadian Tourtieres
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe comes from my big sister. Each fall, we get together and make about 20 of these pies to use at Christmas, give as gifts or freeze for unexpected company. —Pat Menee, Carberry, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 469 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
This Christmas Eve dinner is easy to assemble in advance and freeze for when the time is right. Yielding four pies, the recipe is perfect for a small get-together.
Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas FAQ
What are the best traditional Christmas Eve dishes?
Christmas Eve is anything but a one-size-fits-all affair. Different regions and families boast proud traditions, like the Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes. Lots of folks gather around a hearty pan of lasagna or other baked pasta, while other traditions include lamb chops or roasted chicken. For something simple but comforting, one of Grandma’s best homemade soups and a warm slice of apple pie can start a new memorable tradition.
Are there Christmas Eve dinner recipes I can make ahead?
‘Tis the season to be busy, so streamlining your holiday is simple with make-ahead recipes like 13×9 freezer casseroles and creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes. You can also do a lot of prep in advance for Christmas salads and prepare the dough ahead for homemade roll recipes. Don’t forget to plan a few make-ahead appetizers too!
What family-style holiday meals can I make for Christmas Eve?
If you are hosting a large gathering or heading to a potluck, family-style meals are the way to go. For holiday potluck ideas, slow-cooked cocktail meatballs or a beef tenderloin are easy to make into a meal with rice, potatoes and a salad. Baked pasta recipes, including mac and cheese, are always a popular choice and travel well, or you can make a big dish of enchiladas for something different. For dessert, a sheet cake recipe is easy, serves a crowd and can include your favorite holiday flavors.
