Classic Colombian Christmas Food 

Colombian christmas recipes
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Let’s take a walk through the classic, traditional Colombian Christmas menu! I must say, there are some dishes that require a lot of time, so it’s no wonder they are holiday staples – making them once a year is enough job whatsoever. But one thing is for sure: it is time when the kitchen comes alive with aromas of rich spices, sizzling treats, and the unmistakable scent of tradition. Here is a little list of traditional and most common Christmas recipes from Colombian cuisine!

Natilla – Cinnamony Heaven

Starting strong with an all-time Colombian Christmas staple – custard-like dessert, aka natilla. This silky smooth dessert spiced up with cinnamon has one secret ingredient you will see in many recipes of Colombian cuisine – panela (delicious unrefined cane sugar.) This recipe is super easy to follow, and I’m definitely adding it to the list of dishes to make this holiday season!

Colombian Christmas Custard
Natilla is like a cross between flan and dulce de leche. It is thick enough to be cut into squares, but it has a pudding-like texture.
Check out this recipe
Colombian Christmas Custard

Buñuelos – Cheese Fritters

Buñuelos is Natillas best friend, and for a good reason. These are fried cheese balls, and they have a rather specific flavor, which pairs flawlessly with rich natillas. The texture is the star here, though, as buñuelos are super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, so save this recipe!

Colombian Buñuelos (Cheese Fritters)
Colombian buñuelos or cheese fritters, are a mouthful of textures and flavors. They have a soft crumb and a crispy crust with a hint of sweetness.
Check out this recipe
Colombian Buñuelos (Cheese Fritters)

Lechona – Stuffed Pig

Lechona is a star dish of Colombian festive feasts! It requires quite a skill in the kitchen, so it is no wonder that this savory goodness steals a spotlight each time. It is a pig stuffed with rice, veggies, and spices and roasted to golden-brown perfection. I would love to try it!

Lechona Tolimense (Colombian-Style Stuffed Pork)
Lechona is a traditional Colombian dish made with pork, vegetables and spices. This amazing meal is very popular during the holidays. Lechona Tolimense
Check out this recipe
Lechona Tolimense (Colombian-Style Stuffed Pork)

Ajiaco Bogotano – Colombian Soup

There is no better time for comfort foods than Christmas time, right? This chicken soup calls for three different kinds of potatoes that give the perfect texture, creaminess, and depth to the dish. However, the signature ingredient here is actually a herb – guasca- that offers a special flavor that is unique to Colombian cuisine.

Ajiaco Bogotano (Colombia) Recipe
Recipe for ajiaco Bogotano, a chicken and potato soup from Colombia. A delicious and comforting celebration dish, naturally gluten free.
Check out this recipe
Ajiaco Bogotano (Colombia) Recipe

Hojuelas – Crunchy Pastry

I’m only waiting for this heatwave to pass to make these crispy pastries! I’m so eager to try them out that I can’t wait for Christmas to make them. They call for a few ingredients only, making them one of those surprisingly delicious foods our grandmothers made. You know it is a fine traditional recipe when it can be whipped up from a few pantry staples in 20 minutes!

Hojuelas o Hojaldras Colombianas (Colombian Hojuelas)
These Colombian Hojuelas are also known as Hojaldras in some regions of the country. These pastries are a must to serve during the Christmas season. I
Check out this recipe
Hojuelas o Hojaldras Colombianas (Colombian Hojuelas)

Canelazo – Christmas in a Cup

I feel like every country has its own signature holiday drink. In Colombia, that is most definitely canelazo – a warm alcoholic beverage that smells like a Christmas in a cup. It is a warm-flavored fusion based on aguardiente (sugar cane liquor) and induced with cinnamon, which is definitely a must-have of the season.

Canelazo (Sugar Cane and Cinnamon Hot Drink)
Canelazo is a traditional Colombian hot drink made with sugar cane and cinnamon. It’s very comforting and perfect for a cold day.
Check out this recipe
Canelazo (Sugar Cane and Cinnamon Hot Drink)

Pandebono – Mini Cheese Bread

This savory cheese bread is not only famous for the holiday season but also all year round. These small, chewy balls are pretty simple to make but definitely call for some special ingredients. To make them, you’ll need cassava starch, masarepa, and Columbian quesito. Plus, the thing is – they pair flawlessly with other staple Christmas dishes!

Pandebono (Colombian Cheese bread)
Pandebono is a bread made with masarepa, yuca flour, cheese and egg. This Colombian cheese bread is very popular, easy to make and delicious.
Check out this recipe
Pandebono (Colombian Cheese bread)

Tamales – Colombian Bundles of Joy

Tamales recipe in Colombia varies from region to region, but one thing always stays the same – they are a symbol of togetherness and tradition. The preparation process is a true labor of love, as it takes a long time. The base is always masa (corn dough), which is then loaded with other ingredients like pork, chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots… check it out!

Colombian Tamales Tolimenses
Last year I shared with you the Colombian tamales recipe that we make most at home during the holidays and many of you requested the recipe to make another version called “tamales tolimenses” (from the department of Tolima), which are also very popular in Colombia.
Check out this recipe
Colombian Tamales Tolimenses

Manjar Blanco – Milky Dessert

This is one more “labor of love” recipe, and I wouldn’t dare to make it alone for the first time. It takes a while to achieve the right consistency, sometimes even hours of constant stirring, because rice flour and milk are very prone to burning, especially in pairs. But, this makes an activity for the whole family – you get to mix together and then reward yourselves with a creamy heaven.

Colombian Manjar Blanco
Colombian manjar blanco (dulce de leche) is a delicious treat that is usually made during the holidays. All you need is rice, milk and sugar.
Check out this recipe
Colombian Manjar Blanco

Sancocho – Chicken and Veggie Stew

This hearty dish is a crossover between soup and stew, perfect for wintery days. The base is chicken broth (and chicken, of course), plus some amazing vegetables like cassava, potatoes, plantains, and an absolute staple of Colombian cooking – corn on the cob. I read that every region has its own recipe and ingredient pairing, so I would love to know about them, too!

Colombian Chicken Sancocho
Sancocho is a hearty soup, almost like a stew and is a traditional dish in the region of Antioquia, Colombia that combines potatoes, yuca, corn, plantains and meat. For me and my family this is the ultimate comfort food and is absolutely delicious.
Check out this recipe
Colombian Chicken Sancocho

Torta Negra – The Black Cake

As you can see, Colombians go all out on desserts, so it is only logical to finish this list with the queen of sweets – the black cake. This is a rich, flavorful, and dense cake loaded with nuts dried, and candied fruits. If you’re wondering why it is called torta negra, it is because of burnt panela, which gives it a signature black shade. P.S. Don’t forget the rum!

Torta Negra Colombiana (Colombian Black Cake)
Torta Negra Colombiana or Colombian Black cake is a rich, moist, spiced caked made with nuts, dried fruit, spices, and spiked with rum and wine.
Check out this recipe
Torta Negra Colombiana (Colombian Black Cake)

Dear chefs, thank you for sharing your amazing recipes with us! But more importantly, thank you for the pieces of beautiful Colombian tradition and hospitality!

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