Italian Christmas Food to Include in Your Holiday Table

Italian cuisine is truly one of the tastiest and most famous out there, and it’s easy to see why! I feel like there’s just something about Italian dishes that stands out – which makes them perfect for the Christmas holidays. They bring a warm and comforting holiday vibe to any celebration. 

So, with that in mind, I’ve put together a list of Italian Christmas foods to include on your holiday table. You’ll find everything from appetizers and side dishes to mains and, of course, desserts! 

Italian Arancini Balls

There’s no better way to kick off your menu than with a bite of these delightful appetizers! I love how the gooey and cheesy risotto is perfectly balanced by the golden and crunchy exterior—it’s the best  appetite starter!

Caprese Salad Wreath

Look how festive this looks! I’m a huge fan of this dish because it’s so easy to make and incredibly healthy – and that’s because of the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s the perfect way to balance your holiday menu while adding a pop of color to the table!

Bruschetta with Burrata, Seared Tomatoes & Roasted Garlic

Aside from the incredible flavors, what I love most about this bruschetta is the stunning presentation—I mean, just look at it! The combination of creamy burrata, seared cherry tomatoes, and roasted garlic is sure to be a crowd favorite. This is one appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress.

Big Italian Salad

You can never go wrong with salad, and this one is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re hosting a large party! With crisp lettuce, celery, olives, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect appetizer to start your meal. It’s fresh, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table!

Christmas Tree Focaccia

I was speechless when I saw this beautiful bread art shaped like a Christmas tree! It looks so good, and I’m 100% sure it’ll be a filling and festive appetizer for the holidays. Honestly, who could resist this delicious bread?

Creamy Beef Lasagna

Of course, nothing beats a classic creamy lasagna! It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves, with layers of tender pasta, rich beef, and gooey cheese that make it absolutely flavorful!  Perfect for a hearty and crowd-pleasing meal!

Festive Pumpkin Risotto with Pomegranate Seeds and Feta Crumbs

Wow, if you’re looking for a festive and vegetarian-friendly dish for Christmas, this risotto is your best friend! I’m absolutely in love with the presentation, and the feta crumbs add such a tasty touch. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, flavorful, and visually stunning—your guests will be amazed!

Ragù Bolognese Sauce

This is one of my absolute favorite pasta sauces! It’s so good that sometimes I find myself enjoying it on its own, no pasta needed. The rich and melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it heavenly and delicious!

Chicken and Spinach Manicotti

At first glance, I already knew how creamy this dish would be, and I absolutely love it! The combination of cheese, flavorful spices, and tender chicken is top-tier. This is one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is delicious!

Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for an appetizer or side dish that you can prepare ahead, you should definitely try this pasta bake! It’s loaded with a meaty marinara sauce and topped with a cheesy blend that’s simply irresistible – so yummy!!

Italian Seafood Soup

Are you looking for a warm and cozy soup this Christmas? I highly suggest this Italian seafood soup! It’s a unique and festive dish that’s perfect if you’re looking to try something new this holiday season.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Galette with Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese + Sage

Woah, just from the name alone, I know this is going to be a hit! You can never go wrong with the combination of caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese—so tasty! This dish is bound to amaze everyone and bring some serious tasty flavors to your holiday table.

Pesto Pasta

One of the most classic Italian dishes is this pesto pasta, and it could never go missing from your holiday spread! With its rich and flavorful pesto sauce, I know it’s going to be a crowd favorite at your Christmas dinner. I can already feel that this dish will be a hit!

Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Time for a filling main dish, and let’s start with this herb-crusted pork tenderloin, a classic Italian recipe! Just look at how tasty and juicy that pork looks—it’s got a delicious herb crunch that makes it stand out!

Italian Braised Short Ribs

Another personal favorite of mine is this Italian braised short ribs! Seriously, braised ribs are always a hit at dinner because they’re so delicious and tend to disappear quickly (lol!). The slow-cooked and bone tenderness combined with those rich Italian flavors make this dish a real crowd-pleaser!

Italian-Style Roast Turkey With Roasted Olive Caprese Salad

Another favorite of mine for Christmas main dishes is this Italian-style roast turkey paired with a roasted olive Caprese salad! It’s such a complete package, and just seeing it makes my mouth water. The combination of juicy turkey and fresh salad is a sure way to wow everyone at your holiday table!

Gingersnap Cranberry Lime Pie

Let’s talk about pies, starting with this gingersnap cranberry lime recipe! Wow, that cranberry really amps up the Christmas spirit and adds such a festive touch. The combination of tangy lime and the spicy-sweet gingersnap crust makes this pie absolutely delicious!

Christmas Baileys Tiramisu with Pandoro

How could I forget about tiramisus? This dessert is truly made in heaven! The espresso adds such a rich flavor, and layering it with creamy mascarpone and festive pandoro makes it an absolute must-try for Christmas – plus, look at its shape!

Italian Ricotta Cheesecake With Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Cheesecake and chocolate hazelnut spread? Count me in! The creamy ricotta cheesecake paired with rich and dark chocolate hazelnut spread is an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any holiday! The way the spread melts over the cheesecake, with its delicate cocoa taste and roasted hazelnut aroma, is simply divine!

Panettone

If you want to be traditional, your Italian holiday table must include panettone. This perfectly sweet Christmas bread brings lots of flavors to your Christmas home.

Gingerbread Amaretti Cookies

When it comes to classic Italian cookies, these gingerbread amaretti are probably the first to come to mind! I’m honestly in love with them—each bite is a delightful blend of soft and chewy texture with the warm spices of gingerbread. They’re ideal for your holiday cookie assortment!

Pecan Butter Ball Cookies

These pecan butter ball cookies look like you’ve brought a bit of winter and snow to your holiday table! They’re as tasty as they are adorable, with a buttery flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar that adds a sweet touch. I swear,  these treats will be a hit with everyone who tries them!

Anise Pizzelle Recipe (Classic Italian Wafer Cookies)

I can’t wait to try these classic wafer cookies—they look just like little snowflakes! With their delightful crunch and subtle anise flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying my love for crispy textures. They are such a must-try for any holiday spread!

Pignoli Cookies

As an almond fan, I’m absolutely in love with these pignoli cookies—they’re a classic Italian treat that really hits the spot! The combination of almond and pine nuts gives them such a comforting vibe. A must-have for any holiday spread or special occasion!

Walnut Crescent Cookies

Wow, these crescent-shaped cookies bring the perfect snowy winter vibes to your holiday spread! The blend of nutty and spicy flavors is absolutely heavenly, making each bite a cozy feeling. I can’t get enough of how these cookies capture the essence of winter in every crunchy bite!

Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)

Last but definitely not least are these Italian fig cookies! They look so festive with their bright citrus notes and sweet, spiced filling. I absolutely love how the combination of fig, orange, and lemon makes these cookies the best holiday treat.

I couldn’t thank the original creators of these recipes enough! All these recipes will be a tasty and flavorful addition to my Christmas holiday table – yay!