It was a tradition in my Family to eat fish and seafood on Christmas Eve. Although my table looks quite different than what it did back then, I love upholding this tradition. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American celebration of fasting, or abstaining from eating meat until Christmas Day.
Of course, you do not have to limit yourself to just “seven” fishes. Go for nine or ten, or even twelve! I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have loved creating all of them. Most are fairly quick and easy. Just a few dishes will require a bit more preparation. In addition, these dishes can be served in courses, or just scattered on the table for all of your guests to enjoy as one big meal. Either way, I hope these recipes become a longstanding tradition in your family.
Click the link under each photo for full recipe!
If you are looking for ideas on what to serve for dinner on Christmas Day, click here! Please share your traditions with me! Have a very Merry Christmas!
APPETIZERS FOR THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
STEAMED MUSSELS WITH WHITE WINE AND GARLIC
Super quick, super easy. This dish is so incredibly tasty! Probably one of my favorite appetizers that will definitely be on my Feast of the Seven Fishes menu this year and for years to come!
FRIED SMELT FISH
One of my all-time favorites. I eat these like potato chips. Be sure to buy smelt that are already cleaned and dressed. Believe me, I have done the “clean myself” version. It is neither pleasant, nor fun. Takes way too much time.
CRISPY CALAMARI
Tender rings and tentacles of calamari fried to perfection. A winner all around. Certainly a must for your Feast of the Seven Fishes menu!
CLAMS OREGANATA
If you don’t know by now, I have an insatiable appetite for clams. I really could eat them every single day. This recipe is a must for any Christmas Eve table!
MUSSELS MARINARA
Give me all the shellfish. Mussels are another favorite of mine. Look for a few traditional ways to serve, like this one, and a few out-of-the-box preparations that I know you will love!
CRAB STUFFED SHRIMP
My mouth waters every single time I look at this photo. Easily, prepare a head of time and bake later. You cannot go wrong adding this dish to your Christmas Eve dinner menu.
BUTTER GARLIC STEAMED CLAMS
Can you ever have too many clams? I think not. This is one of my new favorite preparations.
CREAMY HOT CLAM DIP
This classic Creamy Hot Clam Dip will be devoured in no time. It’s super easy to prepare and incredibly delicious!
GRILLED OYSTERS
Grilled, raw, fried, or in a shooter. So many ways to enjoy these briny gifts from the sea. This is one of my favs!
CLAMS CASINO
Just leave out the bacon, or not! Either way, you are good to go!
STEAMED CLAMS OR MUSSELS IN A SAMBUCA CREAM SAUCE WITH BASIL
Another amazing way to enjoy clams and mussels. The Sambuca and basil pair so very nicely. You will want to “drink” this sauce. See what I did there? Haha!
CHILLED SEAFOOD TOWER
Everything all in one place. Love this idea of creating my own Seafood Tower to celebrate The Feast of the Seven Fishes. It will be the perfect centerpiece for your table. So many options. So many choices. Click here to grab one of these towers and get creating!
FRITTO MISTO
What can be better than fried calamari and fried vegetables married on a plate together with an amazing dipping sauce? Nothing in my opinion. Better yet, this is one of those appetizers that should be enjoyed hot out of the fryer, right in the kitchen with your Family and Friends!
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER
One of my most favored dishes around the country. Hope this will become a favorite of yours too! Definitely a must must anytime of the year and super special for the holiday season!
HOT CRAB DIP
Satisfy an army with this fabulous recipe for Hot Crab Dip. Super easy to prepare. Serve with bread cubes, crostini, or even vegetables.
THE BEST LOBSTER ROLL
You can never have enough lobster! Make mini-versions of my Lobster Roll using buns or Hawaiian rolls. My lobster roll has been named one of the best you can get in Charlotte.
CONCH FRITTERS
Another recipe that may not be on a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes menu, but should be. I fell in love with these recently on a trip to the Bahamas. Hope you enjoy my recipe.
SOUTHERN FRIED OYSTERS
Southern Fried Oysters may not be typical for a Feast of the Seven Fishes menu, but neither am I. So here ya go. I was lucky enough to showcase this recipe on QC at 3!
HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP OR SCALLOPS IN BROWN BUTTER
Here’s another “two for the price of one” recipe. Again, this recipe may not be traditional for The Feast of the Seven Fishes menu, but they are super tasty and so easy to prepare!
SOUPS (YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET ALL SEVEN FISHES IN HERE)
CIOPPINO
I’m not sure that any Feast of the Seven Fishes meal is complete without a Seafood Stew. Let me tell you, this one is amazing. As far as stews go, this one is fairly simple to prepare. MAKE THIS!!!
CREAMY LOBSTER BISQUE
Add a bit of elegance to your Christmas Eve Dinner with this fabulous recipe for Creamy Lobster Bisque. Your guests will think you are a rockstar! Just a small tasting will do!
CLAM CHOWDER
Whether you enjoy New England or Manhattan Style, I got you covered. See, I told you I love clams!
CONCH CHOWDER
Leftover conch from making fritters? Make this. So very tasty!
SALADS FOR THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
GRILLED OCTOPUS SALAD
I still cannot believe that I cooked a whole octopus, from beginning to end. It was so cool! Be sure to buy one that is already cleaned. So very glad I did not have to mess with that. I love this super fresh and light version I created. Hope you do too!
ITALIAN SEAFOOD SALAD
This Italian Seafood Salad is so refreshing. Perfect for adding a light touch to your Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. Through in a few pieces of steamed crab legs and you have five of the seven fishes covered!
ORZO WITH PESTO GRILLED SHRIMP
I am in love with this salad. It is a bit more time consuming to prepare, but so worth every second!
PASTA FOR THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS
A traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes is never complete without a beautiful bowl of Spaghetti with Clams.
LINGUINE WITH RED CLAM SAUCE
White, or red sauce? It’s totally up to you. This is a fabulous recipe for Linguine with Red Clam Sauce.
GRILLED LOBSTER TAIL PASTA
Make this! Not much else I can say!
SPICY CALAMARI PASTA
Total winner in my book. Honestly, I cannot wait to make this pasta again and again! Another great choice for your Feast of the Seven Fishes meal.
SHRIMP SCAMPI
Old school, and in keeping with tradition. Serve with pasta or without!
SEAFOOD FRA DIAVOLO
You may just be able to get all of your “seven” fishes in one amazing bowl of this pasta. Looks super fancy, and I guess it is, but oh so easy to prepare. A little spicy and so very flavorful!
PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES AND WALNUT BREADCRUMBS
This is a winner for sure! Give yourself just about 15 minutes and this dish is done! One of my favorite new dishes and a must for your Feast of the Seven Fishes.
SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CREAMY PARMESAN RISOTTO
Elevate my Creamy Parmesan Risotto recipe by adding these perfectly seared scallops. Leftovers? Make Arancini the next day!
PASTA PRIMAVERA WITH SHRIMP
Jumbo Shrimp combined with pasta and vegetables! Oh my!
LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE
Seafood comfort food at its finest. Definitely a whole new spin on your Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner!
CRAB RAVIOLI
Rich, creamy and decadent! Yes, you can do this and it’s easier than you think!
LINGUINE WITH SEARED SCALLOPS
Who doesn’t love a great seared scallop? I’ll show you how. So much easier than you think!
CRAB ALFREDO PASTA
Everyone at your Christmas Eve table will enjoy this one. Even, the kiddos!
SCALLOPS FLORENTINE
What a treat this dish is to make, and eat. Thanks to my Brother for naming it!
MAIN COURSE FOR THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
SALMON WITH LOBSTER CREAM SAUCE
Elevate your salmon with this super elegant lobster cream sauce. The perfect, “I love you” dish for your Family and Friends on Christmas Eve!
CREAMY GARLIC SCALLOPS
Serve as part of your main course, or as an appetizer. You will not go wrong adding this recipe to your Feast of the Seven Fishes menu! Five-star all the way!
COD WITH CHERRY TOMATOES
My non-traditional way to enjoy cod. Perfect if you want to substitute for baccala, an Italian favorite on Christmas Eve! Keep scrolling, because I do have the traditional recipe below!
PAN SEARED HALIBUT IN A SPICY TOMATO BROTH
Such a beautiful preparation. The flavor and flakiness of the halibut will make all of your guests so very happy!
BROILED LOBSTER TAILS
Do not leave Broiled Lobster Tails off of your Feast of the Seven Fishes menu. Serve them again for New Year’s Eve. My simple recipe will elevate you to Master Chef!
BAKED CORVINA WITH TOMATOES
As an alternative to halibut, try this amazing recipe for Baked Corvina. One of my new favs!
CRAB CAKES
Crab, crab, and more crab! You can serve these as a main course, or prepare mini versions as an appetizer!
BAKED FISH IN PARCHMENT
Now this could not be easier. Wrap up everything nicely with parchment paper. Steam in the oven and serve! Use any white fish, or even salmon!
SALMON PATTIES
My Momma has been making these ever since I can remember. You can use fresh salmon, or canned! Serve as part of the main course, or make minis and serve as an appetizer!
ROASTED, CEDAR PLANK OR OLIVE OIL SALMON
Go on and grab yourself a whole side of Faroe Island Salmon. Preparing any one of these three methods, will be a definite winner!
BACCALA
You can’t be traditional for your Feast of the Seven Fishes without a recipe for baccala. So, here it is. The sauce is OMG AMAZING! Check out my little shortcut for soaking the salt cod!
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Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe forPet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
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