Sitting down to a festive meal on the joyous occasion of Christmas is like receiving an additional gift. And with the help of our creative and easy recipes for a full-course festive feast, we ensure that the food items are going to be a people pleaser and party starter. Planning and organising a festive dinner or lunch party may be taxing on everything from the food to the décor. Nestasia has compiled Christmas dishes for those unsure what to serve this holiday season.
Add delectable side dishes or delicious entrees along with some mouthwatering mains to complete your feast, and don't forget to add some flavoursome beverages! With Nestasia, get working on a full-course holiday feast that may be simple but will surely turn heads. Make the Christmas party stress-free for you with the easy-to-cook recipes so that you get to spend more time with your loved and cherished ones.
1. Cauliflower Christmas Soup
Winters and soups is a match made in heaven. When the weather is chilly and your hands are cold, a festive special creamy soup can be the perfect start to your merry holiday dinner. The Cauliflower soup is healthy and low in calories and is definitely a unique style of soup that’s going to be a head-turner.
Ingredients:
- Oil
- Chopped garlic
- Chopped ginger
- Chopped onion
- Pepper powder
- Jeera powder
- Salt
- Diced cauliflower
- Diced potato cubes
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Crushed peanuts
Method:
- Pour oil into a cooking pot and wait for it to heat up.
- One by one, add chopped garlic, chopped ginger, and chopped onions into the ceramic pot. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula.
- Add a tablespoon of pepper powder, jeera powder and salt to taste into the pot and mix the components well.
- Add freshly diced cauliflower and potato cubes into the pot.
- Pour vegetable broth and coconut milk into the mixture and stir the components.
- Cover the pot with its lid and cook the soup for 20 minutes.
- Serve the piping hot soup in our stunning glass soup bowls for a beautiful presentation.
- Add some flavourful finishing touches with sprinkles of pepper powder, crushed peanuts and coriander leaves.
2. Spicy & Christmassy Gochujang Pasta
The simple and fast recipe for gochujang pasta is ideal for the main course. It is prepared with freshly cooked pasta and a delicious, creamy gochujang sauce. This dish is not a classic Korean dish; rather, it is a unique blend of cuisines to be a unique addition to the Christmas feast. The gochujang pasta blends our love of Korean flavours, great pasta, and a meal with a quick prep time.
The Gochujang Pasta has a splash of umami flavour and is tangy, creamy, peppery, and packed with mouth-watering flavours. The best thing about this dish is how simple it is to prepare—it only needs just a few ingredients from your cupboard! Your appetites for pasta will be promptly sated by this creamy and ‘spicily’ prepared Korean dish, and you and your guests will keep going back for more servings!
Ingredients:
- Water
- Salt
- Oil
- Spaghetti
- Butter
- Chopped garlic
- Chilli flakes
- Tomato puree
- Gochujang paste
- Cheese
Method:
- Pour water into the cooking pot followed by 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add spaghetti to the water and boil it for 10-12 minutes till the spaghetti is perfectly cooked.
- Strain the spaghetti pasta and keep it in a separate bowl. Keep the strained water from the pasta in a different container.
- Add a cube or 2 of butter into a skillet and put chopped garlic and chili flakes in it.
- Stir and saute the garlic until light brown and pour tomato puree into it. Mix the components well with a spatula.
- Now, for the most flavorsome part, add a tablespoon of gochujang paste into the mixture and mix the ingredients together. Feel free to add more of the paste to increase the level of spiciness to the dish.
- Pour some of the strained pasta water into the mixture and stir the components for a semi-thick consistency.
- Add in some grated cheese to the tangy paste and stir well for the perfect creamy sauce.
- Put the cooked pasta into the skillet and the mix the pasta well with the sauce.
- Now, garnish the gochujang pasta with chili flakes and oregano for a beautiful serving on our pasta plate.
3. Festive Orange Salad
A colourful salad that is definitely appropriate for a celebration! Even better, you can serve it as a stunning Christmas wreath for an impressive delicious centrepiece! Pretty greens are dotted with tart oranges, sour and sweet pomegranate seeds, finished with a drizzle of light tangy dressing and a sprinkle of creamy cottage cheese. This salad is the ideal side dish because the flavours blend so beautifully together and comprise all the colours of Christmas.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Chopped shallots
- Mustard paste
- Honey
- Chopped baby spinach
- Pomegranate seeds
- Orange slices
- Cottage cheese
Method:
- Start with a delicious homemade dressing from scratch. Take an airtight jar and pour olive oil, 1 tbsp salt,1 tbsp black pepper and a dash of lemon juice. Add chopped shallots followed by 1 tbsp mustard paste and some honey. Put the lid of the jar on and shake the mixture well.
- Take a large serving bowl and add freshly chopped baby spinach, pomegranate seeds and sweet orange slices.
- Pour the previously concocted dressing over the ingredients and the toss them all properly.
- Sprinkle the salad with grated cottage cheese and serve your guests a fresh and healthy festive side salad.
4. Classic Christmas Eggnog
Gift-giving, office parties, light adorned streets, Christmas trees and, of course, eggnog are all part of the holiday season. You heard me right—eggnog. There's nothing better than an icy glass of whipped cream topped eggnog during this season. What is Christmas without it, after all? The songs we sing at this time of year are as traditional as eggnog. The sweet dessert-like beverage perfectly pairs with the spicy Gochujang pasta and ends the festive feast on a sweet note.
Ingredients:
- 3 egg yolks
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh cream
- Cinnamon powder
- Cloves
Method:
- Add 3 egg yolks in a bowl along with powdered sugar, cloves and cinnamon powder. Whisk and blend the ingredients to create a smooth mixture.
- Add 1.5 cups of whole milk and fresh cream into the mixture and keep whisking the ingredients to ensure that it’s smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 2 days.
- The eggnog is ready for serving! Pour the festive beverage in a stylish glass mug and top it off with whipped cream and cinnamon powder.
5. Gingerbread Cookie Cutouts
Gingerbread cookie cutouts are a classic holiday treat that brings festive cheer to any Christmas celebration. Here’s a delicious recipe to whip up these Christmas delicacies.
Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Icing for decorating (optional)
Method:
- Prepare the dough in a medium bowl by whisking together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl, and beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and continue to beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it's firm enough to roll out.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough at a time to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favourite cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread people.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, you can decorate your gingerbread cookies with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
6. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Hot chocolate bombs are a fun and festive treat that can easily become a star attraction at any Christmas feast. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make these indulgent treats.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
- 1 cup of hot cocoa mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy (optional for a minty twist)
- Silicone mould for hot chocolate bombs
Method:
- Start by melting your chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. You can do this in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, or use a double boiler to melt the chocolate until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon a little melted chocolate into each cavity of the silicone mould, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the sides. Make sure to coat the entire mould evenly.
- Place the mould in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. Once set, repeat the process to create a thicker layer of chocolate. Freeze again for 5-10 minutes.
- Once the chocolate shells are fully set and hardened, gently pop them out of the mould.
- In one half of each bomb shell, add a tablespoon of hot cocoa mix, a few mini marshmallows, and any other optional ingredients like crushed peppermint or a drizzle of caramel.
- Warm a plate in the microwave for a few seconds, then place the open side of the chocolate shell onto the plate to melt the edges slightly. This will help seal the two halves of the bomb together.
- Press the two halves together gently, sealing the hot chocolate bomb.
- You can drizzle extra melted chocolate over the bombs, and sprinkle with festive toppings like sprinkles, crushed candies, or edible glitter to make them extra special for the holiday season.
- To serve, place the hot chocolate bomb in a mug and pour over hot milk (or your preferred milk alternative). Watch as the bomb melts, releasing the hot cocoa mix and marshmallows into the milk, creating a deliciously rich hot chocolate drink.
7. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a delicious and festive side dish perfect for a Christmas feast. Here's a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
- 450 grams of carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Method:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the cooked carrots to the skillet with the honey glaze. Toss them gently to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and the carrots to caramelise slightly.
- Season the honey-glazed carrots with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of colour.
8. Apple Pie
An apple pie is a classic and comforting dessert that makes an excellent choice for a Christmas feast. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- For the crust: 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup butter (cold), 6-8 tbsp ice water
- For the filling: 6-8 apples (mixed tart and sweet), 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp cornstarch, a pinch of salt
- For the topping: 1 egg (beaten), 1 tbsp sugar
Method:
- Crust: Mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water and form dough. Chill for 1 hour, then divide into 2 discs.
- Filling: Toss sliced apples with sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 220°C. Roll out one dough disc and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Add the apple filling. Roll out the second disc, cover the apples, trim, and crimp the edges. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Place pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden. If the crust browns too fast, cover the edges with foil.
- Serve: Cool for 1 hour, then serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
9. Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding is a beloved dessert that adds a rich and festive touch to any holiday meal. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a traditional Christmas pudding:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried mixed fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1/2 cup candied peel
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup suet (or butter as a substitute)
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brandy (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp golden syrup (or treacle)
- A pinch of salt
Method:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried fruit, candied peel, and brandy (or orange juice). Allow it to soak for a few hours or overnight for the flavours to develop.
- Sift together the flour, spices, and salt into a separate bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and suet (or butter), then stir in the sugar and zest of the orange and lemon.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and golden syrup (or treacle) until smooth. Add this mixture to the soaked fruit and stir until fully combined.
- Grease a 1.5-litre (about 6-cup) pudding basin, and spoon the mixture into it. Use a spoon to press the mixture down gently. Cover the top of the basin with a layer of parchment paper and foil, securing it with string around the edges.
- Place the basin in a large pot or steamer with boiling water that comes halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for 6 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there is always enough water in the pot.
- Allow the pudding to cool completely before storing it in a cool, dry place. For best results, let it sit for at least a week to develop its flavours. On Christmas Day, re-steam the pudding for 2 hours before serving.
- Turn the pudding out onto a serving plate and garnish with holly leaves. Serve with brandy butter, custard, or cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Conclusion
The holidays are all about family, friends and…..food! So get ready to serve these delicious and simply mouthwatering treats during a Christmas dinner and share fond memories with your cherished ones. Do you have a particular Christmas food tradition? Let us know!
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