The Best Soul Food Dinner Ideas for Christmas Eve

All of our favorite soul food recipes for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner!

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Prime Rib

Indulge in this holiday centerpiece with our reverse sear prime rib recipe—slow-cooked, seasoned to perfection, and finished with mouthwatering compound butter!

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Candied Yams

This baked candied yams recipe (candy yams) is sweet and buttery and features brown sugar and warm spices. It’s a traditional Southern soul food recipe passed down from generation to generation.

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Smoked Ham

A show-stopping double smoked ham with a rich and flavorful brown sugar bourbon glaze is the perfect centerpiece for Christmas. It’s the perfect meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Smoked Turkey

Our pellet grill smoked turkey (Traeger smoked turkey) is a favorite for the holidays. It’s made with a smoked turkey brine and homemade dry rub so it comes out perfect every time, with crispy skin and delicious flavor!

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Chicken & Dressing

A classic African American chicken and cornbread dressing made with shredded chicken and homemade buttermilk cornbread. 

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Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is a cherished family soul food recipe that brings crispy, golden goodness to our table. It has a delightful crunch on the outside, juicy tenderness within.

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Cajun Turkey

This spatchcocked smoked turkey is made with Cajun seasonings and a Creole butter injection recipe. Perfect for a Southern Christmas!

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Gouda Mac and Cheese

Our baked Gouda Mac and Cheese boasts a velvety, creamy sauce made with a flour roux and a blend of Gouda, sharp cheddar, and Colby Jack cheese. 

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Crawfish Etouffee

This crawfish etouffee recipe features meaty crawfish tails that are smothered in a flavorful, rich gravy made with a roux, the"holy trinity", herbs, and spices. 

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Turkey Breast

Worried about having a bunch of leftover turkey? Instead of smoking the whole bird, this pellet grill turkey breast recipe offers a delicious meal for a small family or party of one. 

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Sweet Potato Casserole

Our old fashioned sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a family favorite recipe that’s been passed down. It’s a classic holiday side dish for Christmas!

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Oxtails

This oxtail recipe is a cooked to tender perfection, smothered in rich, velvety gravy with bell pepper and onion and served over rice. It’s perfect for a Southern soul food Christmas dinner.

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Collard Greens

This is the best collard greens recipe, featuring smoked turkey legs and a blend of savory spices. Simmered to perfection, these soul food style collard greens are tender, full of flavor.

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Seafood Boil

A Louisiana seafood boil recipe with Cajun butter sauce, crab, shrimp, andouille sausage, red potatoes, sweet corn, and boiled eggs.

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Cream of Crab Soup

Cream of Crab Soup, a classic from the Chesapeake Bay, is a rich and delicious dish made with succulent crab meat and seasoned with the iconic flavors of Old Bay. 

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Black Eyed Peas

Our Black Eyed Peas features smoked neck bones, onion, bell pepper, and celery. Serve it with a side of rice and enjoy!

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Red Beans and Rice

Indulge in the flavors of the authentic Creole culture with this Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe.

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Green Beans

Fresh green beans and red potatoes are simmered on the stove top in a rich and flavorful broth with smoked turkey, onion, garlic, and seasonings. It’s the perfect side dish to pair with holiday recipes.

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Dressing 

This African American cornbread dressing recipe is a standout addition to your soul food Christmas menu and a true Southern comfort that’s as rich in tradition as it is in taste! 

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Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage is a comfort food side dish elevated by the combination of crispy bacon, smoked sausage, and a medley of seasonings. Serve it alongside your Christmas dinner.

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Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this baked Southern mac and cheese recipe featuring cheddar, Monterey jack, and mozzarella. This simple recipe is made with eggs and evaporated milk.

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Collard Greens

This soul food collard greens and ham hocks recipe is the best! Greens are simmered in a smoky, seasoned broth with onions and a dash of red pepper flakes.

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Boiled Cabbage

This Southern cabbage recipe features cabbage that is simmered in a flavorful broth with smoked turkey and soul food seasonings. 

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Get the recipes!

Check out these soul food Christmas soul food dinner ideas, desserts, and more!

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