40 Italian Christmas Dinner Ideas for a Big Family Feast

It really doesn't matter what you're making for the main course, because some sort of garlicky bread will go with it. Try making knots this year! They're so pretty, and more importantly, they're slathered in a lot of garlicky butter.

Get the Garlic Knots recipe.

SHOP BAKING SHEETS

Make your charcuterie board easier to guests to handle―literally! Place their favorites like salami, cheese, and pickle veggies on skewers so they can grab and mingle.

Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.

Why choose between lasagna and chicken parmesan when you can make both in one dish? To save prep time, you can use both jarred marinara sauce and pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Get Ree's Chicken Parm Lasagna recipe.

These colorful almond cookies will win any cookie swap for sure! Sandwiched in between the moist layers, you'll find raspberry jam and then there's a coating of chocolate on top.

Get the Rainbow Cookies recipe.

If you want a starter course to warm everyone right up, then serve them a soup that's just hearty enough. Little meatballs and a sneaky amount of veggies will get everyone in the mood for even more.

Get Ree's Italian Meatball Soup recipe.

SHOP SOUP BOWLS

While this dish has layers bursting with flavor, it actually comes together in less than an hour. That's because you can use a jar of pesto and store-bought ravioli to save a lot of time.

Get Ree's Baked Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Cream Sauce recipe.

Christmas cheesecake, but make it Italian! Ricotta results in a lighter and fluffier version than an American-style cheesecake. Top with pistachios and chocolate shavings for a contrast in texture.

Get the Ricotta Cheesecake recipe.

Give those store-bought gnocchi a glow up! Adding spicy sausage and making a creamy sauce is just the start, too. The best part may be at the end: topping it with garlicky, buttery breadcrumbs.

Get the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi recipe.

If you want to serve coffee and dessert all in one, look no further! Affogato is a simply a scoop or two of gelato with freshly brewed hot espresso poured over top, so you can put it together in just a few minutes.

Get the Affogato recipe.

This baked casserole is one of Ree's favorites! It's also an easy recipe to make and store in your freezer ahead. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for a cheesy, saucy holiday dish.

Get Ree's Eggplant Rollatini recipe.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

Sometimes, simple is best! Case in point: This easy yet impressive classic dish. You'll find a lot of the ingredients in your fridge or pantry. And you can even swap out for canned clams if you can't find fresh.

Get the Spaghetti With Clams recipe.

This chicken recipe is a great way to brighten up your holiday meal. The creamy sauce is a luscious combination of white wine, butter, and lemon juice.

Get Ree's Chicken Piccata recipe.

These artichokes are filled with golden breadcrumbs, garlic, anchovies, and parmesan. It's a flavor-packed bite that's best served with melted butter for dipping.

Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.

This traditional dessert is visually stunning with its festive Christmas sprinkles and charming wreath shape. But it's more than just that. It's also deliciously tasty thanks to the mini fried dough balls tossed in honey.

Get the Struffoli recipe.

These tube-shape noodles are filled with a four-cheese mixture then covered with a hearty homemade meat sauce. For extra cheesiness, they're covered in a layer of melted mozzarella.

Get the Manicotti recipe.

SHOP COOKWARE

A classic meaty red sauce is easy to make when you let your slow cooker do the work. Pair it with fettuccine or any pasta shape you choose.

Get the Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.

This Sicilian pastry looks just like the kind that lines the shelves of your favorite Italian bakery! They have crisp shells, a smooth ricotta filling, and fun decorations, like mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.

Get the Cannoli recipe.

This seasonal twist on risotto incorporates real pumpkin puree to make the dish creamier than ever. The hint of sweetness is perfect for pairing with salty bacon, crispy sage, and pumpkin seeds.

Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.

Maybe it's the flavorful crab meat, the crunchy panko breadcrumbs, or the melty cheese, but whatever it is, this elegant seafood starter is always a hit.

Get the Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.

This family-friendly dish all comes together in a big dutch oven, including the crispy chicken thighs, veggies, and white wine sauce. Serve it over noodles for the ultimate Italian feast.

Get the Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE