8 Delicious Brazilian Christmas Food Ideas

Brazil is located South of the Equator, so a Brazilian Christmas is celebrated in Summer. This is reflected in the type of dishes that make up traditional Brazilian Christmas food. Side dishes often take the form of salads. To create a more tropical and Summery feeling, roast meats are often cooked with fruit or served with fruit-based sauces. Fruit is a big part of Brazilian Christmas food, fresh seasonal fruit or dried fruits. Nuts, such as almonds and hazelnuts, are also often added to Christmas dishes.

Brazilian Christmas dinner recipe ideas

Most Brazilian households will serve a roast Chester (chicken with more meat than a standard chicken) or turkey. The roast is made simply; with spices, garlic, and onion. It can also be stuffed with terrine, farofa (cassava flour), or seasonal fruits. Pork roasts are also a popular choice, either a ham or a pork loin or shoulder (pernil). Picanha is a popular cut of beef rump in Brazil often enjoyed at Christmas time.

1. Roast turkey (Chester)

While the Chester is a poultry unique to Brazil, you can use a normal turkey or large chicken if needed. The success secret with a whole turkey recipe is to leave it in a brine solution overnight. A handy tip for roasting turkey at any time of the year!

2. Pork roast (Pernil)

Lean meat tends to dry out a bit during roasting. Place apples, brown sugar, apple juice, lemon juice, and dry mustard around your pork loin roast before putting it in the oven. This will ensure your roast stays juicy and tender and give you flavorful pan juices to make a delicious gravy.

3. Christmas ham (Tender natalino)

A Brazilian Christmas ham (tender Natalino) is often garnished with fruit like pineapple and grapes or cherries. A glaze made with ginger ale, honey,  crystallized ginger, cloves, and rosemary will pair beautifully with the Christmas ham recipe.

Brazilian Christmas dinner side dishes

The side dishes that traditionally accompany a Brazilian Christmas dinner are roasted potatoes or cassava, flavored rice, and salads. Popular salads include potato salad, Caesar salad, and salpicão (a Brazilian chicken salad similar to coleslaw). Here are a few more recipe ideas for your Brazilian Christmas dinner.

4. Potato salad (Salada de maionese)

Potato salad is another classic side that commonly includes carrots, mayonnaise, eggs, green beans, pea, garlic, and onion. 

5. Chicken salad (Salpicão)

Raisins, a Brazilian holiday staple, give this chicken salad a nice festive twist. You should also include mayo, potatoes, and of course, chicken. 

6. Rice

Brazilian rice is traditionally white rice cooked with garlic, onion, and salt. You can also add other favorite seasonings. 

7. Roasted potatoes

If you are not used to eating cassava, swap it out for potatoes roasted with garlic. Potatoes are also a staple in Brazil. 

Brazilian Christmas desserts

No Christmas feast is complete without the sweet treats. Brazilian dessert recipes enjoyed during the festive season include rabanada (a type of French toast), pave (a no-bake, layered cake), pudim de leite, brigadeirão (chocolate flan), and a type of meringue flan (pudim de claras).

8. French toast (Brazilian rabanada)

A true dessert classic. Use bread soaked in milk, eggs, and sugar to make this Christmassy French toast for breakfast or dessert. Coat in sugar and nutmeg!

Shop for Brazilian Christmas food near you

Whether you are going to make everything from scratch or order in some quick fixes, ordering online saves you so much time. Shop for all the ingredients that you need for your Brazilian Christmas dinner with Instacart. A dedicated Instacart shopper will put together your order. Choose safe, contactless delivery or pick-up within two hours of placing your order.

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