Appetizers, main courses, and desserts to make your New Year’s Eve dinner magical: Create your menu for December 31st with our recipes.

Still unsure about what to prepare for New Year’s Eve dinner? We’ve got you covered with the best recipes to craft the perfect menu for this special occasion. A simple menu is just what you need to celebrate the last day of the year stress-free, whether you’re hosting guests or joining others for the countdown. With a festive menu full of color, you can make this night even more magical.

Essential Ingredients for a Great Start

Let’s start with the basics. While New Year’s Eve can be an opportunity to stray from traditional recipes, there are some ingredients that, according to superstition, are essential for starting the new year on the right foot.

Don’t forget lentils, long associated with good fortune and prosperity. They can be served in a variety of ways, from soups to main dishes, or even as fritters. Even if you don’t want to feature them prominently on your menu, be sure to have a small serving ready to enjoy at midnight for good luck. The same goes for pomegranate, a symbol of abundance, fertility, and wealth.

Simple and Creative Recipes

When cooking for a large group, it’s essential to choose recipes that are simple and quick while avoiding the risk of being too ordinary. Can you make elegant dishes for New Year’s Eve dinner in just 30 minutes or less? Absolutely! Consider options like risotto with sparkling wine for a sophisticated touch.

If your goal is to minimize time spent in the kitchen on December 31st, opt for dishes that can be prepared in advance and reheated, such as lasagna, baked pasta, or savory crepes.

Main Courses and Desserts

For the main course, classic options like veal or fish are always worth considering. To save time and maximize flavor, experiment with roasting or marinating.

We’ve selected some of the best fish recipes to inspire your menu. From appetizers to desserts, our curated Christmas Eve menu offers refined yet traditional options for a memorable dinner.

Why Do We Eat Fish on Christmas Eve?

Have you ever wondered why fish is traditionally served on Christmas Eve? While many believe this practice originates from the Gospels or sacred texts that encourage abstaining from meat to honor the birth of Jesus (as we abstain during Easter for his death), the reality is different.

Avoiding meat on Christmas Eve is more of a popular tradition. Historically, the Codex Iuris Canonici of 1917 required abstinence from meat and fasting on the eves of major feasts like Pentecost, All Saints, and Christmas. However, in 1966, Pope Paul VI’s Paenitemini constitution narrowed the fasting obligation to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with no specific abstinence required on Christmas Eve.

A Christmas Eve Menu: Recipes to Try

Here are a few recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts that bring tradition and refinement to your Christmas Eve table:

Margherita Cup with Cream Puffs and Pomegranate
This elevated version of the simple Margherita cake transforms it into an elegant Christmas dessert. The colorful and luxurious presentation mimics sparkling tree ornaments.

Ingredients include pomegranate seeds and syrup at the base, slices of Margherita cake around the edges, and a creamy filling of ricotta and orange blossom water. The topping includes pomegranate jelly cubes and a dusting of cream powder, making it a show-stopping dessert.

Chickpea Crepes with Cod and Lemon Béchamel
Why not try crepes for Christmas? This unique version uses chickpea flour for the crepes, a creamy cod filling, and a refreshing lemon béchamel sauce.

Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes + 2 hours resting time
Serves: 6

Ingredients for the Crepes:

  • 150 g chickpea flour
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

For the Cod:

  • 600 g cod fillet
  • 200 ml milk
  • 1 small potato
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Parsley
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt and white pepper

For the Lemon Béchamel:

  • 25 g flour
  • 20 g extra virgin olive oil
  • Half a lemon
  • Salt and white pepper

To Complete:

  • Grated Pecorino cheese

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Crepes: Combine chickpea flour, a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, 350 ml of water, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to form a smooth batter. Let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
  2. Lightly grease a pan (20 cm diameter) and cook the crepes one ladle at a time until set, flipping halfway through. Repeat until all batter is used, yielding about 8 crepes.
  3. Prepare the Cod Filling: Remove the cod skin and simmer the fish with milk, 100 ml water, diced potato, parsley, bay leaf, and garlic for 20 minutes. Remove aromatics and blend the cod with the potato until creamy. Season with parsley, salt, and white pepper.
  4. Make the Lemon Béchamel: Combine the juice of half a lemon with 250 ml water. Heat the olive oil, stir in the flour, and slowly add the lemon water, whisking to avoid lumps. Season with salt and white pepper, cooking for 20 minutes until smooth. Add lemon zest for flavor.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Fill the crepes with the cod cream, roll them up like cannoli, and place them in a greased baking dish. Top with a layer of béchamel and sprinkle with grated Pecorino cheese.
  6. Bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Enjoy these recipes for a delightful holiday feast!