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If you’re searching for the Best Christmas Eve Dinner, look no further than these Balsamic and Brown Sugar Short Ribs. This recipe combines tender, fall-off-the-bone beef with rich and tangy flavors, creating the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast. Slowly braised with seasonal winter vegetables, it’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike.
Why settle for ordinary when you can prepare the Best Christmas Eve Dinner that feels both elegant and homey? With its sweet and savory balance of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, this dish will turn your holiday meal into a memorable experience.
Why This Recipe Makes the Best Christmas Eve Dinner
If you’re searching for the Best Christmas Eve Dinner, look no further than these Balsamic and Brown Sugar Short Ribs. This recipe combines tender, fall-off-the-bone beef with rich and tangy flavors, creating the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast. Slowly braised with seasonal winter vegetables, it’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike.
Why settle for ordinary when you can prepare a Christmas Eve Dinner that feels both elegant and homey? With its sweet and savory balance of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, this dish will turn your holiday meal into a memorable experience.
Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate gathering or a larger family affair, this recipe checks all the boxes—delicious, impressive, and stress-free to prepare. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, wine pairings, make-ahead tips, and why this recipe is simply perfect for your holiday table.
Why This Recipe Makes the Best Christmas Eve Dinner
A great holiday recipe should deliver on flavor, simplicity, and presentation—and this dish does all three perfectly. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Tender and Juicy Beef
The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef lies in braising. Cooking the short ribs low and slow allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in meat that’s tender and full of flavor.
2. Rich and Balanced Flavors
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The brown sugar adds a subtle caramelized sweetness, while the balsamic vinegar brings a tangy depth that enhances the beef’s richness. Combined with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs, the flavors are nothing short of divine.
3. Perfect for Entertaining
When it comes to hosting, simplicity is key. This is a one-pot dish that requires minimal prep time and lets the oven do most of the work. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd, making it ideal for Christmas Eve entertaining.
4. Seasonal and Festive
The addition of winter vegetables like carrots and cipollini onions not only makes this dish comforting but also adds a pop of seasonal color to your table. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients for the Best Christmas Eve Dinner
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 beef short ribs (about 4 1/2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 12 cipollini onions, trimmed and peeled
- 1 medium celeriac, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Pro Tip:
For the best flavor, opt for bone-in short ribs. The bones release gelatin during cooking, which creates a rich and silky sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Christmas Eve Dinner
Follow this easy guide to create a showstopping Christmas Eve dinner:
1. Sear the Short Ribs
- Preheat your oven to 275°F.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the ribs in batches, browning them on all sides (about 10 minutes total). A golden-brown crust enhances the flavor.
- Remove the ribs and set aside on a plate.
2. Build the Flavor
- Pour off any excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and golden (about 6–8 minutes).
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Let the mixture reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
3. Prepare the Braising Liquid
- Add the beef broth, brown sugar, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid so they’re surrounded by flavor.
4. Add Vegetables and Braise
- Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Braise for 1 hour.
- After an hour, remove the lid and add the cipollini onions, celeriac, and carrots.
- Submerge the vegetables in the liquid and continue cooking uncovered for 1.5 hours or until the short ribs are tender and fall off the bone.
5. Finish and Serve
- Transfer the short ribs and vegetables to a large serving platter.
- Place the pot on the stove and simmer the remaining liquid over medium heat until slightly thickened. Skim off any excess fat for a cleaner sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Pour the sauce over the short ribs and garnish with fresh parsley for a festive touch.
Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Eve
One of the best parts of this recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time—perfect for a busy holiday evening. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Short Ribs Early: Cook the short ribs and vegetables up to 3 days in advance. Store them with the braising liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat and Serve: When ready to serve, place the short ribs and sauce in a Dutch oven or oven-safe dish. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 25–30 minutes until heated through.
This method allows you to spend less time in the kitchen on Christmas Eve and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
Pairing the Best Christmas Eve Dinner with Wine
Pairing the right wine can elevate this dish to a whole new level. The rich, tangy flavors of balsamic and brown sugar short ribs pair beautifully with bold red wines. Here are some top recommendations:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Its full body, dark fruit flavors, and tannins perfectly complement the richness of the short ribs.
- Old Vine Zinfandel: A slightly peppery, fruity wine that balances the dish’s sweet and savory notes.
- Malbec: Known for its velvety texture and dark fruit undertones, it enhances the depth of flavor in the beef.
Pro Tip:
If you’re serving a large crowd, consider offering two wine options—one bold (Cabernet Sauvignon) and one slightly lighter (like Pinot Noir).
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Best Christmas Eve Dinner
1. Simple Yet Impressive
Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish requires minimal effort. The oven does most of the work while you enjoy the festivities.
2. Family-Friendly
Short ribs are universally loved for their tender texture and rich flavor. Plus, the addition of vegetables makes this a complete meal in one dish.
3. Versatile and Scalable
Whether you’re hosting four people or twelve, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved without compromising flavor.
4. Festive and Flavorful
The combination of balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and slow-cooked beef creates a dish that feels both celebratory and comforting—perfect for the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
If you want to serve the Best Christmas Eve Dinner, these Balsamic and Brown Sugar Short Ribs are the perfect choice. With tender beef, rich flavors, and hearty vegetables, this dish will be the highlight of your holiday table.
It’s a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort—making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger family feasts. Plus, the make-ahead option means you can relax and enjoy the evening stress-free.
Discover More Delicious Dinner Ideas
Looking for more inspiration to plan the perfect holiday meal? Check out our collection of mouthwatering recipes:
- Classic Roasted Prime Rib
- Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
- Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
From showstopping main courses to creative sides and desserts, we have everything you need to make this Christmas unforgettable.
Make this Christmas Eve a night to remember with a dinner that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of holiday magic to your table