22 Christmas Food Traditions (and Recipes!) From Across Latin America
It’s pretty much impossible not to love Christmas. From the family get-togethers to the amazing songs to the sparkly everything, Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. But of course, the best part of December is the food. Whether you are the party planner amongst your group of friends or you are constantly going from one family member’s to another’s holiday party, Christmas food is what makes us all happy this month.
The thing that might surprise you to know about Christmas food across Latin America, though, is the fact that we all have different traditions. Growing up in a Cuban household, I ate different foods than my Dominican or Ecuadorean or Mexican friends. But the best part of growing up and learning about these different Latinx food traditions has been incorporating some of them into my own Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s creating a Puerto Rican Christmas or incorporating some new traditions into your Christmas dinner table, here are 22 traditional Christmas recipes from across Latin America.
1. Coquito
alwaysorderdessert.comCoquito, also known as Puerto Rican coconut eggnog, is a traditional holiday drink that everyone loves. It’s made with coconut and rum and a few other ingredients. But the best part? You can make a big batch of this and, in fact, you’ll need to because everyone will want to try some. Get the recipe.
2. Ensalada de Noche Buena
muybuenocookbook.comNoche Buena is, of course, Christmas Eve in Spanish and it’s when so many of our families actually did the big Christmas dinner. In Mexico, one of the dishes served is this healthy salad that includes plenty of fruits and a bit of greenery to make it look Christmas-y. Get the recipe.
3. Pork Tamales
mexicoinmykitchen.comIf you never learned how to make authentic tamales from your mami or you have never even seen them made, then this recipe is for you. Authentic Mexican tamales are a tradition around the holidays and you’ll want to know the step-by-step to make them at home. Get the recipe.
4. Christmas Rice with Balsamic Syrup
perudelights.comWhen you head to Peru, you can expect a Christmas table adorned with roast turkey or pork, sometimes even chicken or duck, but those tables also include plenty of colorful side dishes — which is where this Christmas rice comes in. It’s made with bacon and all kinds of other goodies. Get the recipe.
5. Buñuelos
mexicoinmykitchen.comIt wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one dessert on this list, and you’re lucky because the first one happens to be one of the best. Mexican buñuelos are a sweet treat this time of year and not as difficult to make as you’d imagine. This traditional recipe also includes instructions on how to make that oh-so-special syrup. Get the recipe.
6. Lechon Asado
thecuriouscoconut.comLechon Asado is the dish I grew up with over the Christmas holiday. It’s a Cuban classic that my family (and every other Cuban family I’ve ever met) whips up for big occasions. Why? Because it’s actually a bit difficult to make and takes a while… unless, of course, you use this slow cooker recipe that makes it super simple. Get the recipe.
7. Bacalao a la Vizcaína
food52.comIf you’re looking for a lighter dish for the holidays, then look no further than this Mexican dish that involves bacalao stewed in a tomato sauce. It takes quite a bit to make so don’t be surprised if you want to do it only once a year. It’s quite delicious, though, so definitely worth the trouble. Get the recipe.
8. Alfajores
cookingwithbooks.netArgentinian cookies alfajores are absolutely incredible and a delicious treat to make any time of year, but especially perfect around the holidays. This perfect little cookie is made with dulce de leche sandwiched between two crumbly, sugary bits that are as delicious as they are pretty. And yes, you absolutely need a scrumptious cup of cafecito to go along with these. Get the recipe.
9. Christmas Sangria
muybuenocookbook.comNational Sangria Day is December 20th, so you might want to make an extra large batch of this one for the holidays. Although sangria is perfect for any time of year, this Christmas sangria takes all of your favorite ingredients this time of year (like cranberries!) and incorporates them into this scrumptious drink. Get the recipe.
10. Panetón Filled with Ice Cream
perudelights.comSometimes, you need a dessert for the holidays that is sure to impress anyone and everyone — which is where this paneton filled with ice cream comes in. Originally hailed from Italy but changed and adapted by various Latin American countries (like Peru), this recipe is perfect to make and bring over to your favorite party and just watch the hostess fall in LOVE… and maybe beg you for the recipe. Get the recipe.
11. Mushroom Cheese Empanadas
laylita.comEmpanadas are a great appetizer or snack to serve during the holidays, and this vegetarian-friendly version is perfect since you can bring it to any party with the guarantee that every guest will love it. If you’ve never made empanadas before, then you’re in luck because this recipe includes the full step-by-step instructions. Get the recipe.
12. Pernil
alwaysorderdessert.comPuerto Rican pernil is a classic Christmas recipe that you simply can’t not make. This recipe, which includes a crispy skin, is the perfect way to celebrate Noche Buena, Puerto Rican style. This dish is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas Eve celebration. Get the recipe.
13. Natilla
geniuskitchen.comIf you love custard desserts, then look no further than this Cuban recipe for natilla — a traditional Christmas dessert that is made with milk and cinnamon. Honestly, there’s just something about this dish that screams home for the holidays to me (since I’m Cuban) but that I’m betting you will love, too. Get the recipe.
14. Arroz con Leche
mycolombianrecipes.comAnother classic Latin American recipe that you simply must have around the holidays (as well as every other time of year) is arroz con leche. This sweet rice pudding is made in different cultures but this recipe hails from Colombia. It’s as classic as they get so don’t be surprised if you enjoy it a little too much. Get the recipe.
15. Relleno de Pavo
laylita.comI used to think that turkey stuffing (like this one) was a totally American thing but it turns out that I am dead wrong. In Ecuador, they make this delicious relleno de pavo every Christmas Eve to complement whatever other dishes that are on the table. The best part of this recipe is the sweet and salty mix of the raisins and chorizo. You’re welcome. Get the recipe.
16. Puerto Rican Pasteles
thecuriouscoconut.comIf you want a classic Puerto Rican dish that everyone can enjoy, then you simply must learn to make pasteles. Make sure that you equip your kitchen with two staples first, though: sofrito and aceite de achiote. After that, just follow these instructions and you will have plenty of pasteles to enjoy all month long. Get the recipe.
17. Baked Potato and Serrano Croquettes
dominicancooking.comI grew up eating croquetas in my Cuban household, but this Dominican version of croquettes made with baked potatoes and serrano ham are pretty much to die for. They’re simple yet elegant and make for an exquisite appetizer. Sure, they might take a bit of labor to make but it’s well worth it. Get the recipe.
18. Cuban-Style Beignets
brenherrera.comIf you’ve never heard of Cuban-style beignets (or buñuelos, just not the Mexican kind above), then get ready to be wowed. Now, I’ll admit that this is definitely not the easiest recipe. In fact, you will probably want to call mami to come over or invite your best girlfriend and tackle this recipe with a partner. But it will be well worth it when you taste these delicious “drunken” pastries. Get the recipe.
19. Pavo Navideño
laylita.comTurkey is a traditional dish that is made for Christmas in the United States of America but you can give this dish a Latin spin thanks to this Ecuadorean-style turkey recipe. Roasted turkey is definitely a favorite of mine for the holidays and a dish that makes the perfect centerpiece, so why not impress your amigas this year with a criollo style pavo? Get the recipe.
20. Ponche Navideño
muybuenocookbook.comFruit punch is delicious but you know what is even MORE delicious? This Mexican Christmas fruit punch, of course! The best part of this hot punch is that it can be served with or without alcohol, so you can make different batches depending on who is coming over for the holidays. Or, even better, make an adult batch and a kid-friendly one. Get the recipe.
21. Rosca de Reyes
mexicoinmykitchen.comIf there was ever a recipe that was THE recipe for the holidays, then it would most definitely be Rosca de Reyes (also known as Three Kings Bread). It’s traditionally made for January 6th, or the day that the three wise men made it to visit the baby Jesus… or at least that’s how the story goes. So if you want to continue your own holiday celebration, then make this. You won’t be sorry. Get the recipe.
22. Arroz con Gandules
alwaysorderdessert.comWe’ve focused a lot of on appetizers, main dishes and desserts here, but we must not forget the shining splendor of a truly amazing side dish like Puerto Rican arroz con gandules. This recipe is the traditional rice dish that’s made with pigeon peas and adorns pretty much every single traditional Puerto Rican table for the holidays. And now it can be on your table, too! Get the recipe.
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