Main Dishes: The Heart of the Christmas Feast
Roast Turkey: The centerpiece of most Canadian Christmas dinners, roast turkey is typically stuffed with a bread-based mixture (often including herbs like sage and thyme, onions, and celery) and roasted to golden perfection. It’s usually accompanied by a rich gravy made from the pan drippings.
Tourtière (Quebecois Meat Pie): A quintessential Quebec tradition, this savory meat pie features a flaky crust filled with ground pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s slow-cooked to develop deep flavor and is a staple of Quebec’s Christmas Eve meal.
Roast Beef or Ham: For families seeking an alternative to turkey, roast beef (often a prime rib with a flavorful gravy) or a glazed ham (bone-in or boneless) are popular choices. The ham is typically coated with a sweet glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, or pineapple juice.
Stuffing/Dressing: A must-have sidekick to the main course, stuffing is made from cubed bread, sautéed onions, celery, herbs (sage, thyme), and sometimes sausage or bacon. It’s baked until crispy on top and soft inside, complementing the richness of the meat.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes—made with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt—are a comforting staple. They’re often doused in gravy and served alongside the main dish.
Gravy: Made from the pan drippings of the roasted meat (turkey, beef, or ham), gravy is a savory sauce that ties the meal together. It’s thickened with flour or cornstarch and seasoned to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meal, cranberry sauce—whether homemade (cooked with sugar and orange zest) or store-bought—is a classic accompaniment. It adds a bright, fruity note to the plate.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are common sides. Brussels sprouts are often tossed with bacon or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor, while carrots may be glazed with honey or brown sugar.
Sweets u0026 Desserts: Sweet Endings to the Feast
Christmas Pudding (Plum Pudding): A rich, dense dessert made with dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes), suet, eggs, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). It’s often soaked in brandy, whiskey, or rum and aged for weeks to develop a deep, complex flavor. Traditionally, a coin or charm is hidden inside—finding it brings good luck.
Fruitcake: A dense, moist cake packed with dried fruits (citrus peel, cherries, raisins) and nuts (walnuts, pecans), fruitcake is a holiday classic. It’s often soaked in alcohol (brandy, rum) to preserve it and enhance its flavor. While polarizing, it remains a staple in many Canadian households.
Butter Tarts: Originating in Ontario, these bite-sized pastries feature a flaky pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and sometimes raisins or pecans. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and buttery, making them a beloved holiday treat.
Nanaimo Bars: Named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, these no-bake layered bars consist of a crumbly chocolate base (made with graham crumbs, cocoa, and butter), a custard-flavored middle layer (custard powder, sugar, butter), and a glossy chocolate top. They’re rich, decadent, and uniquely Canadian.
Mince Pie: A sweet pie filled with mincemeat—a mixture of chopped dried fruits (raisins, apples, apricots), suet (beef or vegetable), spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), and distilled spirits (rum, brandy). The crust is typically shortcrust pastry, and the filling is sweet and spiced, making it a festive favorite.
Gingerbread: Gingerbread cookies, houses, or men are a holiday tradition. Made with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweetened with honey or molasses, they’re often decorated with icing and sprinkles. Gingerbread houses are a fun activity for families, encouraging creativity and togetherness.
Maple Fudge: Canada’s iconic maple syrup takes center stage in this melt-in-your-mouth fudge. Made with maple syrup, cream, butter, and sugar, it’s cooked to the soft-ball stage, cooled, and beaten until creamy. Its smooth texture and rich maple flavor make it a must-have during the holidays.
Pouding Ch?meur (Poor Man’s Pudding): Originating during the Great Depression in Quebec, this simple yet comforting dessert features a sponge cake-like batter poured over a sweet maple syrup sauce. As it bakes, the cake absorbs the sauce, creating a moist, flavorful treat. It’s a testament to Canadian resourcefulness and love for maple syrup.
Beverages: Warm and Festive Drinks
Eggnog: A creamy, spiced beverage made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and flavored with nutmeg and vanilla. It’s often spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon for a grown-up twist. Eggnog is a quintessential Christmas drink, enjoyed warm by the fire or chilled for a refreshing sip.
Hot Chocolate: A favorite for both kids and adults, hot chocolate is made with rich, dark chocolate, milk (or cream), and sugar. It’s often topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. On cold winter nights, it’s the perfect way to warm up and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Mulled Wine or Cider: Warm, spiced beverages perfect for sipping by the fireplace. Mulled wine is made with red wine, sugar, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise), while mulled cider uses apple cider, sugar, and the same spices. Both are infused with citrus slices (orange, lemon) for added brightness.
Apple Cider (Hot or Cold): Made from pressed apples, hot apple cider is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, while cold apple cider is often carbonated and served over ice. It’s a refreshing and seasonal drink that pairs well with holiday treats.
Wine and Spirits: Red and white wines are popular pairings for the Christmas meal, with reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complementing the richness of the meat and whites like Chardonnay or Riesling pairing well with lighter dishes. Spirits like whiskey or rum are often used to spike eggnog or enjoyed as a digestif after the meal.
