7 Classic Dishes For A Traditional Italian Christmas Dinner

Italy is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, and Christmas is no exception. A traditional Italian Christmas dinner, also known as "Il Cenone di Natale," is a feast that brings families and friends together to share in the joy and spirit of the season. The classic dishes that make up this special meal are steeped in history and regional variations, but there are some staple recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of traditional Italian Christmas cuisine, exploring seven classic dishes that are sure to make your holiday dinner unforgettable.

1. Antipasto: Caponata

A traditional Italian Christmas dinner begins with an antipasto course, and one of the most beloved dishes is caponata. This Sicilian eggplant relish is a sweet and sour delight, made with eggplant, celery, capers, olives, and tomatoes. The ingredients are slowly cooked together in olive oil to create a rich, velvety texture that's both refreshing and savory.

How to Make Caponata:

• 2 large eggplants, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/4 cup capers, chopped
• 1/4 cup green olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the eggplant is tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.

2. Primo: Lasagna Bolognese

For the primo course, a traditional Italian Christmas dinner often features a hearty pasta dish, such as lasagna bolognese. This iconic recipe from Emilia-Romagna consists of layers of tender pasta, rich ragù, and a blend of cheeses, including Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta.

How to Make Lasagna Bolognese:

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the tomatoes, wine, broth, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Combine the Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese in a bowl. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Secondo: Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes

For the secondo course, a traditional Italian Christmas dinner often features a seafood dish, such as baked cod with cherry tomatoes. This light and flavorful recipe is perfect for the holiday season, with the delicate flavor of cod paired with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.

How to Make Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the cod, then sprinkle the garlic and parsley on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the cod fillets. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the fish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

4. Contorno: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

For the contorno course, a traditional Italian Christmas dinner often features a side dish, such as roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta. This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season, with the bitterness of Brussels sprouts balanced by the saltiness of pancetta.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
• 6 slices pancetta, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the sprouts, then sprinkle the pancetta on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sprouts are tender and caramelized. Sprinkle the parsley on top and serve.

5. Dolce: Panettone

For the dolce course, a traditional Italian Christmas dinner often features a sweet bread, such as panettone. This iconic recipe from Milan is a classic holiday treat, with the sweetness of raisins and candied fruit balanced by the richness of butter and eggs.

How to Make Panettone:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup candied fruit, chopped

Combine the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then let sit for 5 minutes or until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Dolce: Tiramisù

For the dolce course, a traditional Italian Christmas dinner often features a creamy dessert, such as tiramisù. This iconic recipe from Venice is a classic holiday treat, with the bitterness of espresso balanced by the sweetness of mascarpone cheese.

How to Make Tiramisù:

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup espresso
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts

Dip the ladyfingers in the espresso for 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and egg yolks. Beat until smooth and creamy. To assemble the tiramisù, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x13-inch serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mascarpone on top. Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

7. Digestivo: Limoncello

Finally, a traditional Italian Christmas dinner often ends with a digestivo, such as limoncello. This classic Italian liqueur is a refreshing way to end the meal, with the brightness of lemon balanced by the sweetness of sugar.

How to Make Limoncello:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup water

Combine the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Combine the lemon mixture and vodka in a large glass bottle. Add the water and stir to combine. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks or until chilled.

We hope this article has inspired you to create a traditional Italian Christmas dinner that will be remembered for years to come. From the antipasto course to the digestivo, each dish is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Buon Natale!