Recipes for 2024 Christmas Eve Dinner

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone. We here would like to share easy recipes for fulfilling a lovely Christmas Eve family dinner. 

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Soups are always a great beginning for family dinner. They can spread warmth, and taste into your soul. 

Ingredients:

4 large ripe tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

Add tomatoes and broth. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Blend the mixture until smooth using a hand blender.

Stir in heavy cream and basil. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

This side dish would be a great addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Boil green beans in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Toss in green beans and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are traditional features of Christmas tables. They can be treated as dessert, snack, or a side with your tea or coffee. 

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool and decorate as desired.

Roast Chicken with Herbs

There is no doubt that this roasted chicken could be a great main course for your dinner.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Rub the chicken with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken and place them inside the cavity.

Roast in a baking dish for 1.5-2 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides.

Mini Pizza Bites for Kids

These mini Pizza bites could be great for kids. Kids are more into playing and watching movies, so this could be a great way to keep them well-fed. 

Ingredients:

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough

1/2 cup pizza sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or other toppings of choice)

Optional: chopped vegetables (like bell peppers or olives)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.

Flatten each biscuit and press into the muffin tin to form a cup.

Spoon a little pizza sauce into each cup and top with cheese, pepperoni, and other toppings.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted.

Let cool slightly before serving. Perfect for little hands!

Chocolate Yule Log

This could be a nice and easy dessert for your dinner.

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla.

Spread the batter evenly onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake with the towel and let it cool.

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Unroll the cake, spread the cream, and roll it back up.

Cover with chocolate ganache and decorate as desired. Chill before serving.