Looking for a great Christmas Eve dinner idea? We’ve got a gorgeous selection of recipes for you to try.
Although the menu for Christmas Day is pretty well mapped out, Christmas Eve can be a good time to experiment with something a little different. Why not try a beautifully flaky vegan m’hanncha pie, or an epic porchetta with herby stuffing and the crispiest crackling? Go on, give it a go – it’s Christmas!
Moroccan m’hanncha (meaning ‘snake’) is a wonderful way to wrap up colourful smashed veg and grains to make an impressive-looking dinner, while also adding amazing texture. This m’hanncha recipes uses dried apricots and dates for sweetness, but feel free to swap in your favourite dried fruits – chewy sour cherries would work a treat.
JAMON-WRAPPED COD WITH BORLOTTI BEAN STEW
Christmas Eve dinner ideas don’t come classier than this – a gorgeous seafood supper that’s perfect before the meatfest of Christmas Day. If you can't get dried borlotti beans, just use the equivalent amount of tinned, drained beans.
TURMERIC-SPICED PORK LOIN & RIBS
This spiced and punchy roast pork adds a bit of vibrance to the table. Going heavy with garlic and ginger makes for a heady, fragrant pork loin, while the turmeric gives everything an amazing pop of colour.
A stunning veggie showstopper that feels like a proper feast, this is a Christmas Eve dinner idea with a twist. If you’re making this for veggies or vegans, feel free to skip the anchovies – just add extra olives, or go a little heavier on the seasoning instead.
Nothing says party like porchetta! This is, without a doubt, the ultimate Christmas Eve dinner idea. It’s a thing of complete joy – you can cook this as the epic centrepiece of a big feast, or serve it up on a board with a carving knife at a party with buns, condiments, salad and gravy for dunking. Just wow.