fmg 2021 christmas eve & christmas day dinner menus
This week is Christmas? Wild. Better start planning your eats and sips!
Lucky for you, I’m here to simplify that guesswork, much like I did on Thanksgiving. For some, Christmas can be as expansive a gathering as Thanksgiving, even more so for some who prioritize the holiday over its November cousin. It’s also typically more varied, though some stick to traditional fare like mashed potatoes and turkey.
These menus are fully pescatarian- and vegetarian-friendly and all delicious. Guaranteed. Except no money back because I am not taking your money anyway.
If you haven’t already, grab ahold of my gift guides For the Cook, For the Athlete, Stocking Stuffers, and Coffee & Tea Gifts for last minute inspiration. I know some of you are horrible and wait until the day or two prior to hit up the virtual or actual shopping malls. I’m here for you. Stop your procrastinating and get our ass shopping, fools.
Christmas Eve Menu
My family usually enjoys a lot of crudites on Christmas Eve: think hummus and veggie platters, cheeseboards, crostini, the like. I’ve included a bit of such if you like starting your night of holly jolly and ho ho ho and all that shit with nibbles! The nibbles are truly my favorite part.
Cocktails
Pitcher drinks are king once again. These are easily multiplied for large crowds.
The Jolly Sparkling Cranberry Paloma
Nightcap…Peppermint Stick White Russian
Appetizers
Roasted Pear and Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Apple Thyme Honey
Whiskey Brown Sugar and Caramelized Onion Baked Brie
Everything Caesar Baked Crackers
Dinner
As with Thanksgiving, I always recommend a vegetarian option for those who prefer not to eat meat, or even fish. Lucky for you, all of these are vegetarian friendly!
Cheesy French Onion and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Healthy Italian Pesto Gnocchi and White Bean Soup
Or…One Pot Creamy Potato Vegetable and Sage Dumpling Soup
Winter Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans
Salted Maple Butter Brioche Rolls
or…Soft Herb and Cheddar Breadstick Twists with Honey Butter
Dessert
Every goddamn cookie you can get your hands on from the 2021 Holiday Cookie Box and beyond.
Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Dulce de Leche Stuffed Mexican Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brown Butter White Chocolate Snickerdoodles
Slice and Bake Browned Butter Candied Pecan Cookies
Christmas Day
Breakfast
Straight up nothing cozier than snuggling up to a good brunch in your Christmas pajamas. Easy prep options and one you can set out and munch on while you mill about opening stockings and presents and sipping mimosas.
Baked Hot Chocolate French Toast with Pumpkin Whipped Cream
Fluffy Gingerbread Chai Brioche Rolls
Bagels and Eggs Brunch Board (add some prosciutto and seasonal fruit like persimmons, apples, and pears if melon and berries aren’t practical for you right now!)
Sausage and Cheddar Croissant Bake
Cocktails
Nightcap…Decadent Coconut Drinking Chocolate…just add some bourbon or rum to spike it
Appetizers
Oven Fried Lemon Garlic Pepper Popcorn Cauliflower with Dill Ranch Dip
Festive Holiday Cheeseboard…again. Usually we have leftovers so I just fill in with more goodies
Dinner
We almost always do salmon of some type for dinner, often on the grill if the weather cooperates.
Creamed Kale White Wine and Mustard Salmon
For vegetarians…Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Whipped Ricotta
Shaved Broccoli and Kale Salad with Dijon Cider Vinaigrette
Dessert
Cookies, of course, but here’s some other fun options!
Eggnog Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Frosted Gingerbread Loaf with Sugared Cranberries
What are you making for Christmas eve and day dinner? Let me know! I do hope this menu offered inspiration for your own holiday table.
As always, if you tried any of these recipes out, leave a comment with your thoughts, say hi on Instagram, and tag me in your eats!
