If you want to create the atmosphere of an authentic Puerto Rican Navidad, then these 15 recipes are a must for your dinner table.
Did you know that Puerto Rico’s holiday season is the longest in the world? According to DiscoverPuertoRico.com, Puerto Rico takes pride in having the longest holiday season in the world. On the Island, la Navidad lasts around 45 days, starting right after Thanksgiving Day in November, extending through mid-January, and culminating with the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also known as la SanSe. If you’ve never been to Puerto Rico during the Christmas season, you must put this on your bucket list. It’s a truly magical experience!
If you want to create the atmosphere of an authentic Puerto Rican Navidad, then these 15 recipes are a must for your dinner table.
Puerto Rican Pernil (Roast Pork Shoulder)
The star of any Puerto Rican gathering is and must be the pernil. This easy-to-follow recipe yields tender, flavorful meat and deliciously crispy skin, also known as cuerito. GET THE RECIPE HERE
Arroz Con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas)
There’s nothing more quintessentially Puerto Rican than arroz con gandules. For holidays, birthdays, baby showers, and more, if there’s a party, this dish will be there. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Asopao De Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken & Rice Stew)
Asopao is Puerto Rico’s national soup and one of the most important gastronomic recipes in Puerto Rico. This version features chicken, the most classic version of this one pot wonder. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Guava Thumbprint Cookies)
Puerto Rican Guava Thumbprint Cookies AKA Mantecaditos are buttery, crisp, sweet and oh so festive! These tender shortbread style cookies feature a guava paste center, and are especially popular for Christmas! GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Rum Drink, Egg-Free & Vegan Versions)
Coquito means “Little Coconut” in Spanish, and is a traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico. If you like coconut and rum, you’ll love Puerto Rican Coquito!
Puerto Rican Potato Salad (Ensalada De Papa)
A staple at every party, celebration, and holiday, Puerto Rican Ensalada De Papa is a must-have dish at your fiesta. What makes it a Puerto Rican potato salad? Keep reading to find out. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Coconut Cream Cheese Flan (Flan De Coco)
This is a classic coconut flan recipe that your friends and family will beg for over and over again. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Pasteles De Masa (Puerto Rican Pasteles)
For Puerto Ricans, it isn’t officially the holidays unless there are pasteles on the table. These lovely banana-leaf wrapped treats are one of 3 must-have dishes on the menu during the holiday season, along with arroz con gandules and pernil. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Ensalada De Coditos (Puerto Rican Macaroni Salad)
Puerto Rican Macaroni Salad (Ensalada De Coditos) is a delicious side dish that’s typically served at parties and other gatherings. It’s a great make ahead recipe that’s even better on day 2! GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Budin (Puerto Rican Bread Pudding)
Budin, or Puerto Rican Bread Pudding is a bread dessert that’s very popular in Puerto Rico, especially during the holidays. Unlike American bread pudding, Puerto Rican budin is served at room temperature or preferably cold. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Guineos En Escabeche (Green Banana Salad)
Guineos en escabeche is a pickled green banana side dish that is very popular in Puerto Rico. This dish is often served for special occasions around the holidays. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Ensalada de Pulpo (Octopus Salad)
A traditional Puerto Rican delicacy, Ensalada de pulpo (octopus salad) is a vibrant, fresh seafood salad that is perfect for holiday celebrations. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Puerto Rican Chicken Empanadas (Empanadillas de Pollo)
Loaded with tender chicken breast and lots of Latin spices, these mouth-watering Puerto Rican style chicken empanadas are crispy on on the outside, juicy on the inside and absolutely packed with flavor! GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Salami, Guava & Cheese Appetizer (Entremeses Tipicos)
This typical Puerto Rican appetizer features salami, guava paste and sharp Cheddar cheese, stacked onto buttery crackers. These simple treats are a staple at many Puerto Rican parties, and a perfect mixture of salty and sweet flavors. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Arroz Con Dulce (Puerto Rican Coconut Rice Pudding)
This coconut-based Puerto Rican rice pudding that’s deliciously sweet and scented with lots of holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Arroz con dulce is one of those dishes that takes me right back to the holiday season. GET THE RECIPE HERE.
Enjoy these Puerto Rican holiday recipes for your Christmas feast! Feliz Navidad!
