Puerto Rican Christmas Food Recipes to Level Up Your Menu

Puerto Rican Christmas Food
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Puerto Rico is home to some truly tasty classic delicacies that are hidden gems in the world of holiday cuisine. If you haven’t tried them yet, this Christmas season might be the perfect time! 

To help you prepare your Puerto Rican menu, I’ve curated this list of the best Puerto Rican Christmas food recipes. You won’t have to worry about a thing—this list has everything from appetizers and main dishes to side dishes and desserts!

Empanadas (Empanadillas)

Let’s start this list strong with the classic empanada recipe! Empanadas are such a great choice for appetizers, with their crunchy exterior and savory, well-seasoned filling that I absolutely love. They’re perfect for any gathering and always a hit with everyone – especially me!

Shortcut Puerto Rican-Style Picadillo Empanadas Recipe (Empanadillas)
Puerto Rican empanadas recipe! These picadillo empanadas are filled with a beef/potato hash. Never had empanadas Puerto Rican style? You’re in for a treat!
Check out this recipe
Shortcut Puerto Rican-Style Picadillo Empanadas Recipe (Empanadillas)

Octopus Salad (Ensalada de Pulpo)

It’s impossible not to include a salad in any menu list, and this octopus salad is a fantastic choice for your Puerto Rican Christmas menu! I seriously can’t get enough of this vibrant and fresh seafood salad. It’s perfect for adding a refreshing touch to your holiday spread!

Ensalada de Pulpo (Octopus Salad)
A traditional Puerto Rican delicacy, ensalada de pulpo (octopus salad) is a vibrant, fresh seafood salad that is perfect for Lent or Easter celebrations.
Check out this recipe
Ensalada de Pulpo (Octopus Salad)

Puerto Rican Baked Pasta Recipe

If you’re hosting a large party, this baked pasta recipe is a great choice for a starter meal or even a side dish! Not only does it serve a big batch, but it also tastes absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and adding a comforting touch to your menu!

Large Family Puerto Rican Baked Pasta Recipe
Enjoy the Latin flavors in this Puerto Rican baked pasta recipe!
Check out this recipe
Large Family Puerto Rican Baked Pasta Recipe

Puerto Rican Plantain Lasagna (Pastelón)

Who doesn’t love lasagna? This plantain lasagna will definitely be a crowd favorite at your party—just look at how creamy and irresistible it is (so yummy!). It’s a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish that everyone will enjoy.

Puerto Rican Pastelón is Layers of Cozy Comfort
Pastelón is a classic Puerto Rican dish made with layers of thinly-sliced plantains, ground beef, and cheese. It’s a great casserole to make for a potluck or larger family gathering.
Check out this recipe
Puerto Rican Pastelón is Layers of Cozy Comfort

Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers (Pinchos de Pollo)

Looking for a great finger food idea? These chicken skewers are an absolute must-try! They’re simple, easy to make, and packed with flavor that everyone will love—juicy chicken marinated in island spices and grilled to perfection – so delicious!!

Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Pinchos de Pollo are perfectly marinated grilled chicken skewers that are a hugely popular Puerto Rican street food.
Check out this recipe
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)

Plantain Fritters with Stewed Shrimp (Tostones con Camarones Guisados)

Starting off Puerto Rican main dishes (can be a side dish too!) with plantain fritters and stewed shrimp is a winner! You can’t go wrong with shrimp, and I love how this dish offers a unique twist compared to the usual beef, chicken, or pork. The crispy plantains paired with a flavorful shrimp and tomato sauce are simply irresistible!

Plantain Fritters with Stewed Shrimp (Tostones con Camarones Guisados)
In this recipe, simple fried plantains are topped with a bright shrimp and tomato sauce.
Check out this recipe
Plantain Fritters with Stewed Shrimp (Tostones con Camarones Guisados)

Puerto Rican Roast Pork (Roasted Pernil)

When it comes to classic Puerto Rican meals, roasted pork pernil is an absolute standout! I totally get why it’s so famous—the flavors are incredible, and that crispy skin is just unbeatable. It’s a must-have for any festive table, bringing both amazing taste and a touch of tradition!

Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)
Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish served during Christmas. It’s tender juicy meat and crispy skin is sure to please a crowd.
Check out this recipe
Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)

Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas (Arroz con Gandules)

Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas is not just a heavenly dish but also perfect for feeding a crowd! It’s a staple at big gatherings – I love how its generous serving size and mouthwatering flavors. With its blend of sofrito and tender peas, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!

Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas) Recipe
Arroz con Gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is served usually around Christmas season or special occasions.
Check out this recipe
Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas) Recipe

Puerto Rican Turkey (Pavochon)

We can’t forget about turkey, so here’s a classic Puerto Rican twist with a delicious recipe that’s sure to hit everyone! This turkey, with its zesty seasoning and divine crunchy crust, is a standout choice for any festive occasion. I swear, you’ll love the flavor and texture of this classic pavochon!

Pavochon Recipe
Pavochon is a juicy Puerto Rican turkey recipe that tastes just like pork!
Check out this recipe
Pavochon Recipe

Puerto Rican Picadillo 

Here comes the classic Puerto Rican ground beef recipe that’s a true staple! This picadillo is incredibly versatile, perfect for filling empanadas, pastelillos, or even just served over rice. It’s one of those dishes that never gets old and always hits the spot!

Puerto Rican Picadillo
Puerto Rican picadillo is a savory ground beef mixture that is used as a filling for empanadas, pastelillos or served over rice.
Check out this recipe
Puerto Rican Picadillo

Arroz con Leche 

Let’s go into desserts now (my absolute fave!) with this arroz con leche! From its creamy texture to the warm spices, it’s just perfect for adding that comforting touch to your Christmas. I can already tell it’s going to be a hit with its simple ingredients and delicious flavor!

Arroz con Leche
This Puerto Rican style Arroz con Leche is a comforting dessert made with long grain rice, whole milk, butter, brown sugar and spices.
Check out this recipe
Arroz con Leche

Puerto Rican Flancocho/Chocoflan

To be honest, I’m a huge fan of every type of flan, so when I stumbled upon this chocoflan, I knew I had to try it! Combining chocolate cake with creamy flan, this dessert is a match made in heaven. This cake is as amazing as it sounds—totally worth making for any special occasion!

Puerto Rican Flancocho / Chocoflan
This amazing cake has many names: flancocho, chocoflan or torta imposible. This cake is the best of two of my favorites desserts, chocolate cake and flan.
Check out this recipe
Puerto Rican Flancocho / Chocoflan

Creamy Coquito Cheesecake

One thing’s for sure—cheesecakes are always a win, and this creamy coquito cheesecake is no exception! It’s a blend of the beloved holiday drink turned into a dessert that will make you speechless. I’m so excited to enjoy this during the festive season—it’s truly the best way to end any meal!

Coquito (Coconut Rum) Cheesecake
Eat Puerto Rico’s favorite holiday drink. Coquito cocktails morph into a creamy cheesecake and top it, too!
Check out this recipe
Coquito (Coconut Rum) Cheesecake

Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies (Mantecaditos)

I absolutely adore these light shortbread cookies for desserts! They’re not just delicious but also look so Christmas-sy, adding that extra festive touch to your party. I can’t wait to have these at the holiday table—they’re sure to bring a special Christmas spirit!

Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Cookies)
Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies) are crisp, yummy buttery cookies that are great with coffee or hot chocolate! Made with just a few ingredients and easily shaped, these cookies are no fuss to make. They’re also very popular around the holidays!
Check out this recipe
Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Cookies)

Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding (Tembleque)

Oh my, the perfect way to wrap up this list is with this Puerto Rican coconut pudding! Just look at that festive presentation—it’s not only incredibly tasty but also vegan-friendly. I’m so excited to try this one this holiday; I know it’s going to be heavenly!

Puerto Rican Tembleque – Coconut Pudding
Puerto Rican Tembleque – Coconut Pudding is a coconut dessert pudding from Puerto Rico. This creamy dessert is one of the most popular desserts in Puerto Rican cuisine.
Check out this recipe
Puerto Rican Tembleque - Coconut Pudding

Thank you very much to the amazing and talented creators of these delicious recipes!

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