Italian Christmas Food to Include in Your Holiday Table

Italian Christmas Food
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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!

Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls
Classic Italian Arancini Rice Balls in bite size form! Make risotto in the oven to make these with ease, or use leftover risotto. Shallow fried OR baked!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls

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!

Caprese Salad Wreath
If you are looking for an EASY holiday recipe, you have to try this Caprese Salad Wreath. You only need 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to make this Christmas salad.
Check out this recipe
Caprese Salad Wreath

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.

Bruschetta with Mozzarella, Seared Tomatoes & Roasted Garlic
This bruschetta recipe with seared cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic and burrata will be the most decadent antipasto at your dinner party!
Check out this recipe
Bruschetta with Mozzarella, Seared Tomatoes & Roasted Garlic

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!

Big Italian Salad Recipe
This classic Italian salad recipe typically contains lettuce, cherry tomatoes, celery, olives, onion, and peperoncini. Our Big Italian Salad recipe adds a basic Italian vinaigrette and employs three types of lettuce. Nutty Parmesan is shaved on top.
Check out this recipe
Big Italian Salad Recipe

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?

Christmas Tree Focaccia
Christmas Tree Focaccia – bread art for your holiday table!
Check out this recipe
Christmas Tree Focaccia

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!

Creamy Beef Lasagna
This creamy beef lasagna has a signature filling reminiscent of Stroganoff, which is why it’s one of contributor Jane Frawley’s absolute favorites.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Beef Lasagna

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!

Festive Pumpkin Risotto with Pomegranate Seeds and Feta Crumbs
This is a festive christmas dinner recipe idea for a creamy pumpkin risotto with pomegranate seeds.
Check out this recipe
Festive Pumpkin Risotto with Pomegranate Seeds and Feta Crumbs

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!

Ragù Bolognese Sauce
The secret to this authentic Ragù Bolognese sauce recipe is cooking the meat in milk first before adding white wine and tomato paste. The texture will melt in your mouth!
Check out this recipe
Ragù Bolognese Sauce

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!

Chicken and Spinach Manicotti
Oven baked Chicken and Spinach Manicotti is a delicious pasta dish where stuffed manicotti is topped with Alfredo sauce and baked in oven.
Check out this recipe
Chicken and Spinach Manicotti

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!!

Pasta Bake Recipe
This Pasta Bake recipe is an easy make-ahead meal that can be made with ziti, rigatoni, or penne. It’s filled with a meaty marinara sauce and topped with a cheesy ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese.
Check out this recipe
Pasta Bake Recipe

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.

Cioppino: A Special Occasion Italian Seafood Soup for Christmas Eve
Cioppino, an Italian Seafood Soup, is an experience to savor and enjoy with loved ones. It is festive, and an amazing, fine-dining meal for special occasions. My recipe for Cioppino includes seven types of seafood as a perfect showcase dish for an Italian Christmas Eve tradition called Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Check out this recipe
Cioppino: A Special Occasion Italian Seafood Soup for Christmas Eve

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.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Galette with Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese + Sage
Brown butter pumpkin galette topped with caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese. This savory pumpkin galette makes a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer!
Check out this recipe
Brown Butter Pumpkin Galette with Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese + Sage

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!

Pesto Pasta
This is how to make a great pesto pasta that’s slick with pesto sauce and not at all dry and gluey, without adding tons and tons of oil!
Check out this recipe
Pesto Pasta

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!

Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Make this easy Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin for a juicy, flavorful meal. Ideal for a quick, impressive dinner!
Check out this recipe
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

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 Short Ribs (Braised Beef Ribs)
Italian Short Ribs are juicy and tender. Braised to lock in moisture then added to a vegetable, wine sauce they are simply delicious!
Check out this recipe
Italian Short Ribs (Braised Beef Ribs)

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!

Italian-Style Roast Turkey With Roasted Olive Caprese Salad
Italian-Style Roast turkey along with caprese salad for your Christmas menu.
Check out this recipe
1811 italian style roast turkey with roasted olive caprese salad Desktop 1300x658 1

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!

Gingersnap Cranberry Lime Pie + Video
This Cranberry Lime Pie has a gingersnap cookie and walnut crust, a cranberry lime curd that is out of this world and topped with candied cranberries. Wow!
Check out this recipe
Gingersnap Cranberry Lime Pie square 276x276 1

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!

Christmas Baileys Tiramisu with Pandoro (Super QUICK!)
The perfect Christmas twist to the original Italian tiramisu. Dust some mini pandoro slices with espresso, layer them with some creamy mascarpone cream flavored with Baileys.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Baileys Tiramisu with Pandoro (Super QUICK!)

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!

Italian ricotta cheesecake with dark chocolate hazelnut spread
A ricotta cheesecake with an Italian twist, with lemon and orange zest, and a dark chocolate spread, inspired by Via Carota ricotta cake.
Check out this recipe
Italian ricotta cheesecake with dark chocolate hazelnut spread

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.

Panettone Recipe
A relatively easy recipe for Panettone – the traditional Italian Christmas bread.
Check out this recipe
Panettone Recipe

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!

Gingerbread Amaretti Cookies
My favorite soft amaretti cookies with a festive holiday twist! These easy and impressive almond-flavored cookies are a fan-favorite for a reason, and this gingerbread version is sure to be a new holiday favorite.
Check out this recipe
Gingerbread Amaretti Cookies

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!

Pecan Butter Balls
Pecan Butter Balls are shortbread cookies filled with pecans and dusted with powdered sugar; an all time favorite!
Check out this recipe
Pecan Butter Balls

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!

Anise Pizzelle Recipe (Classic Italian Wafer Cookies)
This Anise Pizzelle recipe makes lightly-sweet, golden, thin and crispy traditional Italian wafer cookies in a beautiful snowflake design.
Check out this recipe
Anise Pizzelle Recipe (Classic Italian Wafer Cookies)

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!

Pignoli cookies {Italian Pine Nut Cookies}
Pignoli cookies are delicious Italian pine nut cookies and very popular at Christmas. These cookies are really easy to make and have a full almond flavor.
Check out this recipe
Pignoli cookies {Italian Pine Nut Cookies}

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!

Walnut Crescent Cookies
Full of nutty and spicy flavors, these crescent-shaped cookies are a snowy delight.
Check out this recipe
Walnut Crescent Cookies

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.

Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)
Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati), Sicilian Fig Cookies, or Christmas Fig Cookies – all names for these tender & sweet, fruit filled cookie.
Check out this recipe
Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)

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! 

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