14 Wonderful Ideas for a Christmas Eve Dinner for Two People That Feels Fancy

It's easy to order Chinese takeaway or chicken buckets with pizza packages on Christmas Eve dinner when you know you'll be spending Christmas Day with your other half. Cooking a lavish spread when you only need a dinner for two would be such a waste of time, especially if you have a million other things on your plate in addition to craving something delectable.

However, because Christmas Eve dinner isn't just another Friday night, your go-to recipes for fast weekday dinners won't compensate for this particular yuletide season.

So, get your notes and pans ready, as here are some Christmas Eve dinner ideas you can cook for your special loved one that will not take most of your time.

Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for Two

You can't go wrong with a festive dinner full of seasonal fare and warm Christmas recipes that a couple for two will surely enjoy. From main courses like a creamy pasta dish, butternut squash. And stuffed shells to side dishes like crusty bread and roasted veggies, this festive menu can bring the holiday feast to your table in about one hour or less.

1. Braised beef flavored with tomatoes and onions

A simple and hearty dish, this slow-cooking meal classic is a must-have to serve this yuletide season for your loved one as it will keep your relationship warm while enjoying this savory food.

2. Beef Wellington

When it comes to holiday dinner, there's no better option than Beef Wellington. This dish is a classic because of the airy puff pastry, buttery ingredients like prosciutto and zesty mustard, and the earthy flavors of mushrooms and delicate meat.

3. Brussel sprouts with maple bacon

This is one of the most underappreciated combos of all time: maple syrup and bacon. This recipe for amazing skillet Brussels sprouts will quickly become one of your partner's new favorite Christmas side dishes. A blend of maple syrup, apple juice, and tart dried cranberries is used to finish the veggies in this dish—a delicious combination of sweetness and smokiness, as well as a hint of saltiness. Try to put a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper if you prefer a little heat is also a great addition to this recipe.

4. Spinach salad with cheese and beets

Here's a simple salad that looks and tastes festive for the delightful Christmas season, but it's also great year-round. The greens are well dressed with a vinaigrette dressing.

5. Christmas dinner meatloaf

This Christmas dinner meatloaf is inspired by the film "A Christmas Story." Recreate that usual holiday meatloaf with your partner and top it up with simple but tasty mashed potatoes.

6. Jammy Upside Down Onion Tart

In most dishes, onions take a back seat, but they shine bright when allowed to shine. It's delicious, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to create, all at the same time. There's no better way to enjoy the onion taste than meat, but it may also be served as the main dish with greens on the side for those who prefer lighter fare.

7. Sausage and Fennel Pasta

There are just a few ingredients in this meal that the Italian sausage performs a commendable job in this recipe since it has plenty of built-in flavors. If you like, you may also use andouille sausage or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can also top it up with parmesan cheese to make it yummier.

8. Baked chicken with ginger and lemon

This is perfect for couples who prefer a slice of healthier meat like chicken for the holidays. This baked ginger and lemon chicken is done in about an hour for savory, spicy, and sweet chicken. For those lazy, quiet afternoons, you should always have a supply of sultry ginger, sour lemon, spicy chilies, and sticky honey in the kitchen to transform a basic chicken dish into something extraordinary for this yuletide season.

9. French 75 cocktail

If you're looking for some refreshments that you and your partner will surely love aside from the usual white wine, you can try this cocktail. Although it seems light and frothy on the surface, a French 75 is everything, but it delivers a powerful punch! Simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin form the foundation of this classic drink. Divide among your serving glasses after shaking vigorously with ice. For the finishing touch, crack open a bottle of bubbly and add a lemon twist to the drink.

10. Shrimp cocktail

Speaking of cocktails, you can bring your shrimp recipes to the next level through this great menu. Fresh lemon juice and garlic infuse this traditional shrimp beginning with a zesty fresh taste. Adding a spicy cocktail sauce to the cooled appetizers will amp up the heat.

11. Chicken and dumplings

The dumplings are made in a matter of minutes and simmer almost entirely on their own in this hearty twist on the classic chicken soup recipe. This dish is ideal with a bottle of wine and that cozy Christmas night dinner with your loved one.

12. Lemon mashed potatoes strip steak

Steak and potatoes are always a classic supper option that can be made in less than an hour without becoming too fussy or time-consuming.

13. Cashew chicken in a sheet pan

The sheet pan dinner is often said to be the ultimate in terms of convenience. First, prepare the veggies by roasting them. The result is a softer, caramelized texture. Add the chicken to the pan, let it cook, and mix everything. Cooking the chicken and veggies this way yields a delicious sauce. This dinner for two is best partnered with a cup of rice.

14. Eggnog cake

Eggnog cake is a joyful and decadent holiday dessert, so why not add it to your couple's holiday spread? Desserts like this one are great for Christmas dinners because of their richness and the fact that they don't taste like a glass of eggnog. Even if your partner has never tried eggnog before, I can assure you that anyone can fall in love with the flavor of a slice!

Having that easy-to-make and not time-consuming special Christmas dinner for two is a great way to keep you going through any last-minute gift-wrapping you may need. This can also give you much time to spend and enjoy the yuletide season with your special someone while enjoying a hearty Christmas meal. Who knows? You can even save up some money this holiday season with these cook-it-yourself recipes! Enjoy having an intimate dinner date at home!