Christmas Dinner Ideas for Two

Why Make This Recipe

Making a special dinner for two during the Christmas season is a delightful way to celebrate. Whether you want to create a cozy atmosphere or enjoy a fancy meal, these recipes are perfect for intimate dinners. They are delicious and designed to be simple, so you can focus on enjoying the time together rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of pasta (your choice)
• 2 cups of your favorite sauce (tomato, Alfredo, etc.)
• 1 cup of grated cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, etc.)

Directions:

1. Boil water in a large pot and add the pasta.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4. Add the sauce and cheese to the pasta and mix well.
5. Heat everything together until warm and the cheese melts.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

Serve the pasta warm in bowls. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top and add a side of garlic bread or a light salad.

How to Store 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to help it regain its consistency.

Tips to Make 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

• Choose a sauce that complements your favorite cheese.
• Feel free to add in some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
• Adjust the amount of cheese based on how cheesy you want your pasta.

Variation

You can easily switch this recipe by using different types of pasta or sauces. For a creamy version, try using a white sauce instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works great in this recipe!

2. What if I don’t have grated cheese?
You can use shredded cheese or even leave it out completely for a lighter dish.

3. How long does this take to make?
This recipe takes about 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option.

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How to Make The Best Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon of seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Directions:

1. Soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and seasoning.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, then coat it in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.

How to Serve The Best Southern Fried Chicken

Serve hot with some mashed potatoes and your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Store The Best Southern Fried Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven to keep it crispy.

Tips to Make The Best Southern Fried Chicken

• Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Variation

You can make spicy fried chicken by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, you can bake it for a healthier option, but the texture will be different.

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How to Make Beef Wellington for Two

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tenderloin (about 1 pound)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 cup of mushrooms (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and sear in a hot pan until browned.
2. Chop the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture.
3. Roll out the puff pastry and spread Dijon mustard over it.
4. Place the cooked beef and mushroom mix in the center of the pastry.
5. Fold the pastry around the beef and seal it closed.
6. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

How to Serve Beef Wellington for Two

Slice into thick pieces and serve with a red wine sauce or gravy.

How to Store Beef Wellington for Two

Store any leftovers in the fridge wrapped in foil for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Tips to Make Beef Wellington for Two

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure ideal doneness.
• Allow the beef to rest before serving for better juices.

Variation

Consider adding herbed seasonings to your mushroom mix for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. How can I tell when the beef is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; medium-rare should read 135°F.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and mushroom filling ahead but assemble and bake close to serving time.

3. What can I serve with Beef Wellington?
Roasted vegetables or a simple salad pair wonderfully.

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How to Make Christmas Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-cooked ham (about 2-3 pounds)
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Mix the brown sugar, honey, and cloves in a bowl.
3. Score the ham and spread the mixture all over the surface.
4. Bake the ham for 1.5 to 2 hours, glazing every 30 minutes.

How to Serve Christmas Ham Recipe

Slice the ham and serve warm with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

How to Store Christmas Ham Recipe

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips to Make Christmas Ham Recipe

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is heated to 140°F.
• Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the glaze.

Variation

Try adding orange juice or ginger to the glaze for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a spiral cut ham?
Yes, spiral cut ham is a great choice for easy slicing.

2. How do I know when the ham is done?
Heat to an internal temperature of 140°F for pre-cooked ham.

3. Can I freeze leftover ham?
Yes, you can freeze ham for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

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How to Make Best Prime Rib

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (3-4 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Rub the prime rib with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook for 30 minutes.
4. Reduce the temperature to 325°F and continue roasting for 1-1.5 hours until desired doneness.

How to Serve Best Prime Rib

Slice the roast and serve with horseradish sauce and sides like roasted potatoes.

How to Store Best Prime Rib

Leftover prime rib can be kept in the fridge for about 3 days.

Tips to Make Best Prime Rib

• Let the meat rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
• Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Variation

Try a seasoning rub with rosemary and thyme for added flavor.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the prime rib is done?
Use a meat thermometer; medium-rare should be about 130°F.

2. Can I make a smaller roast?
Yes, adjust cooking time based on the size of the roast.

3. What’s the best way to reheat prime rib?
Reheat in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.

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How to Make Slow Roasted Pork

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. Rub the pork with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork in a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 3-4 hours until tender, basting occasionally.

How to Serve Slow Roasted Pork

Serve pulled pork on buns or with sides like coleslaw.

How to Store Slow Roasted Pork

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.

Tips to Make Slow Roasted Pork

• Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
• Use a slow cooker for an even easier version.

Variation

Consider adding BBQ sauce or spices like paprika for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork loin or tenderloin can also work, but cooking times may vary.

2. How do I know the pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 195°F for pull-apart tenderness.

3. Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

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How to Make Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breast

Ingredients:

• 2 turkey breasts
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• 1 apple (diced)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix the breadcrumbs, cranberries, and apple in a bowl.
3. Stuff turkey breasts with the mixture, securing with toothpicks.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breast

Slice and serve with a drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce.

How to Store Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breast

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Ensure they are in an airtight container.

Tips to Make Apple Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breast

• Be sure to not overstuff the turkey breasts.
• Add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.

Variation

Try adding nuts or other dried fruits for a unique stuffing mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in the same way.

2. How do I know when the turkey is done?
A meat thermometer should read 165°F.

3. Can I prepare this the day before?
Yes, assemble it the night before and bake it the next day for convenience.

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How to Make Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Chop the vegetables and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.

How to Serve Roasted Vegetables

Serve as a side dish with any of the main meals.

How to Store Roasted Vegetables

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Tips to Make Roasted Vegetables

• Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for even roasting.

Variation

You can use seasonal vegetables depending on what is available.

FAQs

1. Can I roast different types of vegetables together?
Yes, but ensure they have similar cooking times for even cooking.

2. What temperature should I roast at?
400°F is ideal for roasting vegetables to achieve tenderness and caramelization.

3. How can I make them crispy?
Make sure to cut them uniformly and give them space on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.

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How to Make Make Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of potatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 4 tablespoons of butter

Directions:

1. Boil the potatoes and garlic until soft.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes and garlic together.
3. Add milk and butter, mixing until creamy.
4. You can place in a dish and cover with foil until ready to heat.

How to Serve Make Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Serve creamy mash alongside your holiday meal.

How to Store Make Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Tips to Make Make Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• For richer flavor, use cream instead of milk.
• Add fresh herbs like chives for a pop of flavor.

Variation

You can swap in different kinds of potatoes for unique textures.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant potatoes?
While it’s possible, homemade mashed potatoes are much creamier and tastier!

2. How do I make them vegan?
Substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.

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How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 cup of grated cheese
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 tablespoon of flour

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the potatoes thinly and layer in a greased baking dish.
3. Mix milk, flour, and half the cheese in a bowl, then pour over the potatoes.
4. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 45 minutes.

How to Serve Scalloped Potatoes

Serve hot as a comforting side dish with your favorite entrée.

How to Store Scalloped Potatoes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Scalloped Potatoes

• Use different cheeses for varied flavor.
• Test for tenderness with a fork before final baking.

Variation

Try adding cooked ham or bacon bits for a heartier dish.

FAQs

1. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for scalloped dishes.

2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the day before and bake them just before serving.

3. How do I ensure my scalloped potatoes don’t dry out?
Keep them covered with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover to brown.

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How to Make Christmas Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of mixed greens
• 1 cup of pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup of walnuts
• 1/4 cup of feta cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the greens, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts together.
2. Toss the salad with your favorite dressing before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Salad

Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter as a refreshing side.

How to Store Christmas Salad

Store any leftover salad in the fridge for up to a day. Keep dressing separate to prevent wilting.

Tips to Make Christmas Salad

• Add sliced apples or pears for extra sweetness.
• Use a balsamic vinaigrette for a great flavor combination.

Variation

You can swap out the nuts or greens depending on your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or salmon would be great additions.

2. What dressing goes well with this salad?
A light vinaigrette pairs well with the flavors in this salad.

3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Prepare the components, but mix just before serving for the freshest taste.

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