Christmas is fast approaching and, as every year, the question of the meal arises. The house and tree are ready, decorated to perfection and the clothes chosen accordingly. But you have no idea what you’re going to cook. You want to innovate, but at the same time, you don’t want to make any mistakes for fear of disappointing your guests. Especially since this year, there are so many guests. What’s more, there are countless recipes for Christmas. As a result, you’re having trouble making a decision that will satisfy all your guests. To help you out, in this article you’ll find 20 ideas for dishes to celebrate Christmas with a family of more than 20 people.
1. Turkey stuffed with chestnuts and porcini mushrooms
A true Christmas classic, turkey stuffed with chestnuts and porcini mushrooms is a nod to traditional celebrations. Renowned for its rich and savory flavor, its juicy taste pairs perfectly with the soft texture of chestnuts. Behind its meaty appearance lies a refined and flavorful dish.
2. Christmas Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is an original and delicious meat dish, which is simple to make but still requires several steps. This sophisticated dish consists of puff pastry and duxelles surrounding a succulent beef tenderloin. It is often served on special occasions such as Christmas.
3. Traditional cassoulet
This monument of French gastronomy takes time to prepare, but the result is incomparable! The secret to this comforting recipe lies in the choice of ingredients. Its exquisite beans, delicate golden crust, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make traditional cassoulet one of a kind.
4. Salmon en croûte
Salmon en croûte is the ideal dish for fish lovers. Wrapped in crispy puff pastry, the salmon remains tender. Salmon en croûte is an easily digestible dish often served during Christmas celebrations. You can accompany it with a sauce made from orange juice, shallots, butter, and white wine.
5. Guinea fowl with white sausage
This exquisite dish is perfect for a tastefully decorated Christmas table. Guinea fowl with white sausage is characterized by its delicate stuffing and tender meat. Quick to prepare, it does, however, require a fairly long cooking time. Feel free to add a touch of honey.
6. Duck breast with orange sauce
Duck breast with orange sauce is a classic recipe that perfectly symbolizes Christmas traditions. Duck breast with orange sauce offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Its delicate meat, enhanced by the bitterness of the orange sauce, adds to the festive and surprising nature of a Christmas meal.
7. Lightly pan-fried scallops
Scallops are an easy dish to prepare and extremely tasty. An iconic seafood, scallops are a must-have for Christmas celebrations. A melt-in-the-mouth mollusk appreciated for its freshness, it goes perfectly with a wide range of accompaniments and charms the taste buds of foodies and gourmets alike.
8. Roast capon with morel sauce
Roast capon with morel sauce is both a wise choice for a festive meal and a delicious alternative to the famous turkey. It is a flavorful dish with tender meat and a fragrant taste. This poultry goes wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as carrots or potatoes.
9. Duo of chicken and grilled lobster with cream sauce
This clever combination of land and sea is a French classic that is often cooked on special occasions such as Christmas. This succulent dish is similar to a pot-au-feu, consisting of pieces of chicken and lobster prepared in a fine reduction. The ingredients are brilliantly showcased.
10. Lobster with bacon
Lobster has many virtues: it is healthy, nutritious, tasty, rich in nutrients and protein, and low in calories. This popular and affordable crustacean is easy to prepare and offers a wide range of textures and flavors. Cooked with bacon, lobster melts in your mouth while leaving a smoky aftertaste.
11. Foie gras terrine
Whether poached, baked, or served in a terrine, there are a thousand and one ways to cook foie gras. The terrine version is mostly cooked during the holidays. Considered a luxury food, foie gras is one of the most popular and widely consumed foods. Foie gras terrine is a refined and divinely delicious dish.
12. Christmas raclette
Christmas raclette is renowned for its comforting and warm qualities. It encourages interaction between guests, as each person can compose their own dish according to their preferences. Consisting of potatoes, charcuterie, and melted cheese, Christmas raclette is a convivial option that everyone will enjoy.
13. Grilled seafood
Grilled seafood is an original, refined, and light option for Christmas dinner. The freshness of the seafood combined with a specific cooking method that preserves the flavors are the main qualities of this fresh and delicate dish. An interesting and appropriate choice for an elegant, festive, and authentic meal.
14. Lamb tagine with apricots
This essential dish of Moroccan cuisine will take your guests on a fabulous culinary journey. To make it a success, add dried apricots and spices to the pieces of boneless lamb shoulder. It will then caramelize and simmer for two hours with almonds and honey. A true oriental delight.
15. Roasted quail with foie gras
Roasted quail with foie gras delivers on its promise by creating a rich and unique gastronomic experience. This juicy and fragrant dish, thanks to its spices, is sure to surprise your guests. Add an extra touch of generosity to your quail by flambéing it with cognac halfway through cooking. A real treat!
16. Venison fillet with figs
The ultimate festive dish, venison fillet with figs boasts plenty of character. Once prepared, serve your dish with caramelized and pan-fried turnips, all drizzled with a generous gingerbread sauce. This subtle dish will appeal to young and old alike. Let the party begin!
17. Christmas paella
This dish, typical of southern regions, is generous and warm. It brings together the whole family and friends. Made with seafood, vegetables, and chicken, paella is the emblem of Mediterranean flavors. With or without shrimp, paella adapts to everyone’s tastes and satisfies everyone.
18. Winter ratatouille
Winter ratatouille is a colorful dish that is particularly suitable for vegetarians. Made with beautiful seasonal vegetables, ratatouille is distinguished by its diverse flavors and goes well with both white and red meats. Ratatouille is the ideal main course for a Christmas dinner.
19. Truffle risotto
You’re sure to fall in love with this truffle risotto recipe, a classic Italian dish that is very popular on special occasions such as Christmas. This dish is characterized by its creamy texture and distinctive aroma due to the presence of truffles. A festive and luxurious gastronomic journey.
20. Butternut squash soup with chestnuts
This creamy, comforting dish inspires tranquility and idleness. The secret to its success? Brown the chestnuts over low heat in a knob of butter. The aroma that emerges is a subtle blend of caramel and wood smoke. An irresistible dish to share with as many people as possible!