When the holidays come around, school is out for the week, and Christmas is just around the corner, it comes time to think about Christmas dinner. But what should you be having for Christmas dinner? Is it the same as Thanksgiving and switching the turkey out for baked ham? Or something entirely different? Well, debate no more, for here’s a top ten of what should be on the menu for your Christmas dinner.
Number 10: Pigs In a Blanket. First appearing in cookbooks across the United States around 1940-1950, this small appetizer of some sort of sausage wrapped in either bacon or croissant dough, this finger food is a sure way to keep the kiddos quiet while the authentic dinner is being made, and they are always a crowd favorite.
Number 9: Deviled Eggs. First appearing in medieval European cuisine and going by many different names such as “dressed eggs” and “stuffed eggs,” deviled eggs will never not be a popular dish for all kinds of gatherings and get-togethers. Boiled eggs that are peeled, cut, and stuffed with a mix of mayo, mustard, topped with paprika, and whatever else you might like, deviled eggs are a must-have.
Number 8: Sweet Potato Pie. It’s a sweet, warm dish to serve at Christmas dinner. Originating in the southern United States, it is an open-shell pie baked with sweet potatoes, spices, sugar, and evaporated milk. It is a great dish to serve your guests in place of pumpkin pie. But don’t hold back; serve any of the pies your heart desires!
Number 7: Bread Rolls. A classic side piece to serve with your dinners all year round, you can always go right with it. A warm loaf with some butter; if you want to get fancy with some jelly or peanut butter, you’ll wish to have extras!
Number 6: Cranberry Sauce. Being put on top of turkey or ham, also known as “cranberry jam,” it will undoubtedly be popular at Christmas dinners, all big and small. It’s been around since 1796, and having been served at the first Thanksgiving dinner, it has been giving Christmas (and Thanksgiving) dinner a sweet taste ever since.
Number 5: Mashed Potatoes. Skinning, boiling, and mashing mashed potatoes will not be a must-have on your Christmas dinner menu. They have been around for as long as we have eaten vegetables and will not be a crowd-pleaser.
Number 4: Baked Ham. While turkey is mainly reserved for Thanksgiving, ham is the staple at Christmas dinner, and there are so many ways to prepare it; there will most definitely be one that suits your family’s tastes! It was introduced to cookbooks in the 1930s and has been used in Christmas dinners ever since.
Number 3: Salad. Now, hear me out- with all the filling and starchy dishes in Christmas dinner, you must have some vegetables on your plate. Also with the endless ways and ingredients you can put into a salad, it will never stop being a staple in Christmas dinner.
Number 2: Gravy. A warm, thick topping that you can put on top of anything, gravy will forever be on the shopping list with Christmas dinner. With all the different types of gravy that can be made, there will no doubt be one that will fit your family’s needs.
Number 1: Spaghetti. Last but certainly not least, Spaghetti. I know you’re thinking, “Who would ever eat spaghetti for Christmas dinner?” I say plenty of people. Spaghetti is a warm, tangy, and forever delicious dish that should always be on your Christmas dinner list. The thick tomato sauce, the meatballs, and the sausages will never fail to disappoint.
Christmas dinner is one of the most essential aspects of enjoying Christmas. After unwrapping presents, watching holiday movies, and hanging out with friends and family, you will want to end the day on a high note. Don’t forget to keep your family’s allergies, tastes, and wants in mind when hosting, and remember, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
