40 Best Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for a Cozy Holiday Evening

If beef is on the menu for Christmas day, switch up your Christmas Eve to pork for something a little different. The over-the-top glaze is all things sweet, tangy, smoky, and lightly spicy all at the same time.

Get Ree's Chipotle-Orange Pork Roast recipe.

This red-and-green side dish isn’t just festive—it’s absolutely delicious. Sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, sautéed shallots, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios give it a uniquely bright and flavorful twist.

Get Ree's Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. It starts with the mac and cheese you loved as a kid, then elevates it with succulent lobster and crunchy, buttery breadcrumbs.

Get the Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe.

Take those mashed potatoes to the next level with this over-the-top casserole packed with irresistible mix-ins. It begins with prepared onion dip, then piles bacon, cheese, fried onions, and even crunchy potato chips on top.

Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.

Why choose between steak and seafood when you can have both? This restaurant-worthy meal is surprisingly easy to make. Just follow the instructions to get the timing just right.

Get the Surf and Turf recipe.

This stunning rolled turkey breast makes a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table. Its flavorful filling—made with cornbread, bacon, and apples—adds just the right touch of salty sweetness.

Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.

Nothing says family dinner like baked pasta—especially when it’s cheese-stuffed manicotti smothered in a hearty meat sauce. It's equal parts impressive and cozy. Serve with garlic bread to send it over the top!

Get the Manicotti recipe.

If you want your home to smell like pure heaven, make this comforting beef stew. It’s rich and hearty, with plenty of red wine and bacon to give it that special occasion feel.

Get the Beef Burgundy recipe.

This elevated take on baked pasta pairs pillowy gnocchi with a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce for the ultimate sophisticated casserole. It’s also a perfect main dish for any vegetarians at your gathering.

Get the Baked Gnocchi Alfredo recipe.

A perfectly seared steak is already a treat, but paired with a creamy, savory sauce, it transforms into a truly special dish. The sauce is flambéed with brandy for extra holiday flair.

Get the Steak Diane recipe.

These mashed potatoes are creamy and buttery so it's no surprise they're a family favorite. What's more? They can even be made a day or two in advance.

Get Ree's Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.

A creamy, elegant bisque will warm your guests right up. This one is made with lobster tails and Creole seasoning so it has plenty of flavor.

Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.

For a holiday starter that’s sure to spark conversation, serve these homemade thumbprint crackers made with pimento cheese. Each savory bite is filled with pepper jelly for a delightfully spicy kick

Get the Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers recipe.

Ree likes to serve up this easy appetizer whenever out-of-town guests arrive. It's made with refrigerated pizza dough so it couldn't be easier.

Get Ree's Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread recipe.

Christmas Eve dinner doesn't need to be complicated and this baked pasta recipe is proof. The comforting cheesy dish will be on the table in an hour flat.

Get Ree's Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs recipe.

This baked pasta dish is comfort food at its finest. It's loaded with rich caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a hearty beef broth. Plus, there's a layer of cheesy bread slices just like with a French onion soup.

Get the One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.

As far as party appetizers go, it doesn't get easier than this finger food made with frozen puff pastry. The melty brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and toasted pistachios make it the perfect bite.

Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.

This impressive side dish will wow all your guests. The artichokes are filled to the brim with a cheesy, crunchy breadcrumb stuffing made with garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.