Puerto Rican Traditional Christmas Food
This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies hereChristmas is a time for celebration and spending with family and friends, but it's also a time for delicious food! Puerto Rican tradition calls for various dishes to be enjoyed during the holidays.
As a Puerto Rican tradition, the classic Lechon Asado is a must-have item on any Puerto Rican Christmas menu. This roasted pig dish is typically served with freshly-made Puerto Rican side dishes, such as white rice, pigeon peas (arroz con gandules), and green plantains.
Roasting a pig is a Puerto Rican tradition at Christmas and is an absolute must-have for Puerto Ricans. But if you live outside of Puerto Rico, roasting a pig in your home might not be an option.
Not to worry, Puerto Ricans also enjoy a variety of classic Puerto Rican dishes such as pasteles, arroz con dulce ( Puerto Rican sweet rice pudding), and tembleque (coconut flan).
Of course, if you want to learn more about Puerto Rican Christmas traditions, head to this post.
You might enjoy this post: Puerto Rican Easter Dinner
What is a traditional Christmas meal in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Ricans enjoy a variety of Puerto Rican dishes, including Lechon Asado, pasteles (traditional Puerto Rican tamales), arroz con dulce ( Puerto Rican sweet rice pudding), and tembleque (coconut flan).
Puerto Ricans also indulge in Puerto Rican specialties such as coquito (a Puerto Rican eggnog-like beverage) and sweet Puerto Rican bread. Others dishes enjoyed at Christmas include mofongo, bacalaitos, and alcapurrias. Puerto Ricans also enjoy Puerto Rican desserts such as flan, tres leches, and arroz con leche.
What do Puerto Ricans eat on Christmas Eve?
Puerto Ricans traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive feast compared to no other! The main Puerto Rican Christmas dinner includes an array of traditional dishes such as roasted pork, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pasteles, Ensalada de Coditos (macaroni salad), and tembleque (coconut custard).
Try this recipe:Sandwich de Mezcla Recipe
Why do Puerto Rican celebrate big on Christmas eve instead of Christmas?
Well, it goes back to Puerto Rican culture when Puerto Ricans would celebrate the holiday on Christmas Eve, leaving Christmas Day to attend mass at midnight.
Puerto Rican Traditional Christmas Food
If you're looking for a taste of Puerto Rican culture, look no further than the traditional Christmas food. From pernil to pasteles, there's sure to be something that will tantalize your taste buds. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to feast on some delicious Puerto Rican cuisine!
Pasteles Puertorriquenos (Root Vegetable Meat Patties)
If you're looking for a tasty and unique dish to add to your rotation, look no further than pasteles puertorriqueños.
These root vegetable meat patties are flavorful and will leave you wanting more.
Best of all, they're easy to make and can be tailored to fit your taste preferences. So what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe today!
Arroz con Gandules Instant Pot Recipe
If you're looking for a delicious and easy Puerto Rican dish to make in your Instant Pot, look no further than Arroz con Gandules! This dish is made with rice, pigeon peas, and pork, perfect for the holidays. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to cook.
Arroz Con Leche Recipe
Creamy and delicious Puerto Rican Arroz con Leche made with rice and milk you are going to love.
Arroz con leche is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is traditionally served during the holidays.
How to Make Flancocho
This recipe for Puerto Rican flancocho de queso is a traditional dessert made with two types of cake and flan. It's easy to make but tastes indulgent! Find out how to make this delicious, rich dish that'll impress your friends and family in minutes flat.
Simple Besitos de Coco / Coconut Macaroons
Looking for a light and tasty dessert? These simple besitos de coco, or coconut macaroons, are perfect! Made with just a few simple ingredients, they're easy to make and delicious. Give them a try today!
Coquito Recipe With No Eggs [Video]
Move over, eggnog! Coquito—a smooth and creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk, rum, and spices—is the perfect festive sipper. And bonus: it's egg-free for those with allergies or who are just avoiding them this season.
Coquito is a must-try whether you're celebrating Christmas or New Year's. Here's our easy recipe so you can make your batch. Salud!
Puerto Rican Style Coconut Pudding (Tembleque)
Move over, eggnog! Coquito—a smooth and creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk, rum, and spices—is the perfect festive sipper. And bonus: it's egg-free for those with allergies or who are just avoiding them this season.
Coquito is a must-try whether you're celebrating Christmas or New Year's. Here's our easy recipe so you can make your batch. Salud!
Coconut Rum (Coquito) Cream Pie
There is nothing quite like the taste of coconut and rum together. This delicious Coconut Rum (Coquito) Cream Pie Recipe combines those flavors in a sweet, creamy pie that is perfect for any occasion. So whether you are celebrating a special day or want something delicious to enjoy, this pie is sure to please!
Puerto Rican Pan Sobao
Puerto Rican Sobao is a delicious sweet bread famous throughout the island. This simple yet tasty treat can be either a snack or a dessert. Here is a recipe to make your own Puerto Rican Sobao at home!
Puerto Rican Pernil (Roast Pork)
Puerto Rican Pernil is a traditional roast pork dish from Puerto Rico. The succulent pork is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then slowly roasted until tender and juicy.
This dish is perfect for a special occasion or any time you're craving something comforting and delicious.
Serve it with rice and beans, plantains, and empanadas for an authentic Puerto Rican feast!
Instant Pot Yuca en Escabeche (Pickled Yuca Salad)
Looking for a new, tasty way to enjoy yuca? This Puerto Rican-inspired Instant Pot yuca en escabeche (pickled yuca salad) is sure to please! With a savory and slightly sweet dressing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it's easy to make in your Instant Pot! So give it a try this Christmas season!
Instant Pot Puerto Rican Potato Salad
Puerto Rican Potato Salad is another Christmas food you can add as a dish with your pernil and Arroz con Gandules.
Instant Pot Puerto Rican Flan Recipe
Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert? Look no further than this Instant Pot Puerto Rican Flan recipe!
This sweet and creamy treat is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it's easy to make in your Instant Pot.
So get ready to wow your friends and family with this amazing flan!
Jamon Glaseado (Glazed Ham)
Looking for a delicious and festive ham recipe to celebrate the holidays? This Puerto Rican Jamon Glaseado (Glazed Ham) is easy to make and sure to please!
The ham is glazed with a flavorful brown sugar and pineapple sauce, then baked until crispy and golden brown. Serve with rice and beans for a hearty and tasty meal that the whole family will love!
Mantecaditos Recipe (Puerto Rican Cookies)
Mantecaditos are a traditional Puerto Rican cookie made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. This recipe is easy to follow, and the cookies turn out delicious!
They are perfect for any occasion and make a great gift too. Be sure to give them a try!
