Would you like to surprise your guests on Christmas Eve with an unforgettable Feast of the Seven Fishes? These tried-and-true seafood recipes take the stress out of hosting a vacation while providing the kind of flavors that create lasting memories. Each dish comes with the little tricks and tips we’ve discovered through years of holiday cooking — the same ones that have our own family members claiming a seat at the table weeks in advance.
Start with Holiday Butter-Poched Lobster
Imagine serving lobster tails so tender, your guests will think you hired a private chef. This foolproof method will help you make the perfect butter poche every time, even if it’s your first attempt.
Get the recipe → Holiday Butter Poached Lobster
Crab stuffed flounder on Christmas Eve
Would you like to hear your guests gasp when you bring this to the table? This beautiful stuffed bot looks chic but is easy to put together, giving you more time to enjoy your company.
Get the recipe → Crab stuffed flounder on Christmas Eve
Classic Baltimore Crab Cakes
Missing those authentic Baltimore crab cakes? Your search ends here: these giant crab cakes will transport your guests straight to the East Coast.
Get the recipe → Classic Baltimore Crab Cakes
Family favorite pan-seared scallops
Ready to serve scallops with that perfect golden crust you thought only restaurants could achieve? Your guests will be impressed when you present these caramelized beauties at your banquet.
Get the recipe → Family favorite pan-seared scallops
Nonno’s Bacon Wrapped Holiday Shrimp
Do you need an appetizer that disappears in minutes? These juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon will keep your guests hanging around the appetizer table all evening.
Get the recipe → Grandpa’s Bacon Wrapped Christmas Shrimp
Holiday Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs
Want to know the secret to crab legs that taste better than your favorite seafood restaurant? This timing technique produces sweet, tender meat that makes your holiday table truly special.
Get the recipe → Holiday Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs
Nonna’s Secret Smoked Crab Imperial
Your guests won’t believe that this restaurant-worthy imperial crab comes from their own kitchen. The subtle smoky flavor adds that special touch that will make this your new holiday tradition.
Get the recipe → Nonna’s Secret Smoked Crab Imperial
Feast on stone crab with garlic butter
Ready to serve up the sweetest stone crab your family has ever tasted? This simple timing trick ensures perfectly cooked claws, while the garlic butter sauce will have everyone reaching for more bread to sop up every drop.
Get the recipe → Feast on stone crab with garlic butter
Light and beautiful parchment halibut
Looking for an elegant presentation that is secretly simple? With this parchment-wrapped halibut with pistachio-mint pesto, you can mingle with guests instead of busying yourself in the kitchen.
Get the recipe → Light and beautiful parchment halibut
Seven Fish Grilled Tilapia
Worried about grilling fish for a crowd? This foolproof method ensures that your tilapia stays intact while developing an incredible smoky flavor that your guests will love.
Get the recipe → Seven Fish Grilled Tilapia
Grilled salmon on Christmas Eve
Do you want to know the secret to perfectly grilled salmon every time? This technique produces that coveted medium-rare center that will make your main course unforgettable.
Get the recipe → Grilled salmon on Christmas Eve
Nonna’s Holiday Fish Cakes
Need a make-ahead dish that still packs a punch? These crispy, spicy fish cakes can be prepared early so you can enjoy Christmas Eve with your loved ones.
Get the recipe → Nonna’s Holiday Fish Cakes
Creole style holiday swordfish
Craving bold flavors for your holiday meal? This perfectly seasoned swordfish, combined with creamy maque choux, adds a special flair to your Christmas Eve table.
Get the recipe → Creole style holiday swordfish
Butter-soaked king crab legs
Do you want your kitchen to be the talk of the town this Christmas Eve? The chimichurri butter on these grilled crab legs provides flavors that people will remember long after the holidays.
Get the recipe → Butter-soaked king crab legs
Scallops, smoked in bacon wrapped for the holidays
Want the most photographed dish at your holiday gathering? These luxurious snacks with spicy horseradish sauce will make your guests take out their phones before they take their first bite.
Get the recipe → Scallops, smoked in bacon wrapped for the holidays
Ready for Christmas Day? Our Best Prime Rib Recipes
From seafood on Christmas Eve to prime rib on Christmas Day, some traditions make the holidays special. Get our most trusted prime rib recipes for your family’s main event.
Get the recipes → Best Prime Rib Recipes for Christmas
