13 Italian Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. When it comes to an Italian Christmas dinner, the options are endless. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a list of 13 mouth-watering Italian dishes perfect for the holiday season. From classic lasagna to decadent tiramisu, we’ll guide you through each recipe, making sure you have a stress-free and enjoyable meal prep experience.
Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, hearty portions, and love for family gatherings. Christmas is the perfect occasion to bring everyone together and share a meal around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress your loved ones and leave a lasting impression.
Classic Lasagna Bolognese
The quintessential Italian dish, classic lasagna bolognese is a staple for any Christmas dinner. This layered pasta dish features ground beef ragù, al dente lasagna noodles, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Cooking the ground beef in a tomato-based sauce takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Once the sauce is ready, layer it with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish. Top with parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown.
Equipment
* Large saucepan for the ragù
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls for ricotta cheese and meat sauce
* Colander for cooking lasagna noodles
* Wooden spoon or spatula for layering
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1 egg
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Servings
8-10 servings
Chicken Parmesan
This Italian-American classic is a crowd-pleaser. Breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese are a match made in heaven.
Start by making the breadcrumbs mixture, then dip the chicken breasts in beaten eggs and coat with breadcrumbs. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown, then top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Equipment
* Food processor for making breadcrumbs
* Cutting board for preparing chicken breasts
* Mixing bowls for beaten eggs and breadcrumbs
* Large skillet or frying pan for frying chicken
* Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
* 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
* 1 egg
* 1 cup marinara sauce
* Olive oil, for frying
Servings
4-6 servings
Seafood Linguine (Frutti di Mare)
This seafood pasta dish is a celebration of the sea’s bounty. Shrimp, mussels, and clams are cooked in a light and flavorful white wine sauce, served over linguine noodles.
Start by cooking the linguine noodles according to package instructions. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic and white wine until the liquid is almost completely reduced. Add the seafood and cook until it’s pink and juicy. Stir in chopped parsley and serve the seafood over linguine noodles.
Equipment
* Large skillet or frying pan for cooking seafood
* Colander for cooking linguine noodles
* Cutting board for preparing seafood
* Mixing bowls for parsley and white wine sauce
Ingredients
* 1 pound linguine noodles
* 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup white wine
* 1 cup fish stock
* 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
* Olive oil, for sautéing
Servings
4-6 servings
Baked Ziti with Ricotta
This creamy and cheesy baked ziti is a twist on the classic pasta dish. Ricotta cheese adds a rich and smooth texture to the ziti.
Start by cooking the ziti noodles according to package instructions. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and eggs. Mix well and set aside. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic and tomato sauce until the sauce is heated through. Combine the cooked ziti noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and tomato sauce in a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and baked until golden brown.
Equipment
* Large skillet or frying pan for cooking tomato sauce
* Mixing bowls for ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese
* Colander for cooking ziti noodles
* 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the baked ziti
Ingredients
* 1 pound ziti noodles
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 2 eggs
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup tomato sauce
* Olive oil, for sautéing
Servings
6-8 servings
Italian Wedding Soup
This traditional Italian soup is a comforting and flavorful dish. Ground beef and vegetables are simmered in a light broth, served with small meatballs and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Start by making the meatballs, then set them aside. In a large pot, sauté the garlic and onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the chicken broth and simmer until the soup is heated through. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and small meatballs.
Equipment
* Mixing bowls for meatballs
* Large pot for cooking the soup
* Cutting board for preparing meatballs
* Wooden spoon or spatula for serving
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups small meatballs
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Olive oil, for sautéing
Servings
6-8 servings
Garlic Herb Focaccia
This fluffy and flavorful focaccia is perfect for serving alongside your Christmas dinner. Garlic and herbs are infused into the dough, making it a delicious accompaniment to your holiday meal.
Start by making the dough, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle or circle. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic and chopped herbs. Bake in the oven until golden brown.
Equipment
* Mixing bowls for dough
* Kitchen counter for letting the dough rise
* Cutting board for shaping the dough
* Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup warm water
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme)
Servings
6-8 servings
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This colorful and flavorful salad is a celebration of the Italian countryside. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are dressed with a rich and tangy balsamic glaze.
Start by slicing the mozzarella cheese and tomatoes, then arrange on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment
* Cutting board for slicing mozzarella cheese and tomatoes
* Mixing bowls for making balsamic glaze
* Platter or individual plates for serving
Ingredients
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
* 2 cups cherry tomatoes
* 1 cup basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cups balsamic glaze
Servings
4-6 servings
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This creamy and cheesy stuffed shells are a twist on the classic pasta dish. Ricotta cheese and spinach are mixed together and stuffed into cooked pasta shells.
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside. Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until golden brown.
Equipment
* Mixing bowls for ricotta cheese and spinach
* Colander for cooking jumbo pasta shells
* 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the stuffed shells
* Wooden spoon or spatula for serving
Ingredients
* 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 2 cups fresh spinach
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup marinara sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Olive oil, for sautéing
Servings
6-8 servings
Beef Braciole
This classic Italian dish is a hearty and flavorful beef roll. Beef is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, served with egg noodles and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Start by pounding the beef into thin slices, then season with salt and pepper. Roll up the beef and tie with kitchen twine. In a large pot, sauté the garlic and olive oil until softened. Add the beef and cook until browned, then add the tomato sauce and simmer until the beef is tender. Serve with egg noodles and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment
* Cutting board for pounding beef
* Large pot for cooking the beef
* Mixing bowls for making tomato sauce
* Wooden spoon or spatula for serving
Ingredients
* 1 pound beef brisket
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup tomato sauce
* 1 cup egg noodles
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Olive oil, for sautéing
Servings
4-6 servings
Tiramisu Dessert
This classic Italian dessert is a creamy and caffeinated treat. Ladyfingers are soaked in espresso and liqueur, layered with mascarpone cheese and chocolate.
Start by soaking the ladyfingers in espresso and liqueur, then layer in a serving dish with mascarpone cheese and chocolate shavings. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, then refrigerate until chilled. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Equipment
* Mixing bowls for mascarpone cheese
* Large serving dish for assembling the tiramisu
* Cutting board for slicing ladyfingers
* Refrigerator for chilling the tiramisu
Ingredients
* 12-16 ladyfingers
* 1 cup espresso
* 1 cup liqueur (Kahlúa or Baileys)
* 1 cup mascarpone cheese
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 cup chocolate shavings
Servings
8-10 servings
Italian Christmas Bread (Panettone)
This classic Italian bread is a sweet and festive treat. Panettone is a sweet bread filled with raisins and candied fruits, typically served during the Christmas holiday.
Start by mixing the yeast and warm water, then add the flour, sugar, and eggs. Mix well and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and add the raisins and candied fruits. Form into a ring and bake in the oven until golden brown.
Equipment
* Mixing bowls for dough
* Kitchen counter for letting the dough rise
* Cutting board for shaping the bread
* Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 cup warm water
* 2 cup raisins
* 1 cup candied fruits
Servings
8-10 servings
Risotto alla Milanese
This creamy and flavorful risotto is a classic Milanese dish. Saffron-infused risotto is served with ossobuco and gremolata, a traditional Milanese sauce.
Start by cooking the risotto in a large skillet, adding the saffron and wine until the liquid is almost completely reduced. Add the beef broth and simmer until the risotto is tender and creamy. Serve with ossobuco and gremolata.
Equipment
* Large skillet or frying pan for cooking the risotto
* Mixing bowls for gremolata
* Cutting board for preparing ossobuco
* Wooden spoon or spatula for serving
Ingredients
* 1 cup Arborio rice
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 cups white wine
* 1/4 cup saffron threads
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 pound ossobuco (veal shanks)
* 1 cup gremolata (parsley, lemon zest, garlic)
Servings
4-6 servings
Cannoli with Ricotta Filling
This classic Sicilian dessert is a sweet and creamy treat. Fried pastry shells are filled with a sweet ricotta cheese mixture, typically served during the Christmas holiday.
Start by making the dough, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Pipe into cannoli shapes and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Fill with the sweet ricotta cheese mixture and serve.
Equipment
* Mixing bowls for dough
* Kitchen counter for letting the dough rise
* Cutting board for shaping the dough
* Deep fryer or large skillet for frying
* Mixing bowls for ricotta cheese mixture
Ingredients
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 cup warm water
* 2 cup ricotta cheese
* 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
* 1 cup chopped pistachios
* 1 cup candied fruits
Servings
8-10 servings
The Italian Christmas dinner is a delicious and festive meal perfect for the holiday season. With these 13 recipes, you’ll have a stress-free and enjoyable meal prep experience that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Buon appetito!