The Feast of the Seven Fishes: 7 Festive Seafood Recipes
In many parts of Italy, Christmas Eve is traditionally a partial fast, during which no meat should be served or consumed. But just like the Italians I have come to know and love, many Italians now know this day as one of feasting, not fasting. Feasting on seven different types of delicious seafood, to be exact.
What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes was recently depicted in the popular show The Bear, giving a fresh (albeit stressful) spotlight to this Italian tradition. For those who don’t know, The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a beloved Italian Christmas Eve tradition that features a sumptuous array of seafood dishes. The “seven” in the name refers to the variety of seafood served, though the actual number can vary. It’s believed that the seven different types of fish represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, or possibly the seven hills of Rome. The feast is a celebration of abundance, flavor, and family, with each dish symbolizing joy and the coming of Christ. While the tradition originated as part of a partial fast, it has evolved into a festive occasion filled with a wide range of delicious, often luxurious seafood offerings.
I married into an Italian family. Before that, I thought of a lasagna as a complete meal—my husband’s grandmother in Queens, New York serves it as a first course. Italians are known for many talents, not the least of which is cooking. Mario Batali has said that the Feast of the Seven Fishes is “What Italians do when they say they’re fasting.”
There are some traditional Italian dishes that frequent many Feast tables, but there are no hard-and-fast rules about what must be served or how. I took this opportunity to reimagine the Feast for a modern, beautiful cocktail party. I asked Nicole of Simply Catering to help me come up with an all-appetizer menu inspired by the tradition. She came through and then some! We decided on the delicious spread above.
All seven recipes are easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to eat while enjoying your favorite La Crema varietal. We are so excited to share them all with you over the next week!
We recommend serving all of these delicious seafood morsels with white wine. La Crema Monterey Chardonnay is always a good choice!
The Best Feast of the Seven Fishes Menu
Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
These Shrimp Cocktail Shooters are the perfect way to add some festive flair to your holiday party. The combination of tender shrimp and tangy cocktail sauce in a single shot makes for an appetizer that’s both fun and delicious. Served in shot glasses, they’re an easy, hands-off way for guests to enjoy a classic seafood favorite. Ready to impress your guests with this holiday showstopper?
Mini Lobster Pot Pies
These Mini Lobster Pot Pies are a bite-sized version of pure comfort and luxury, combining sweet lobster, creamy sauce, and a golden puff pastry crust. Perfect for making ahead and freezing, they’re an ideal choice for any holiday gathering or a special treat for seafood lovers. Plus, they’re a great way to bring a taste of New England to your celebration, no matter where you live.
Clams Casino with Pancetta
Clams Casino with Pancetta is an irresistibly flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests with minimal effort. The salty, crispy pancetta adds a savory richness, perfectly balancing the delicate sweetness of the clams. It’s a dish that brings a touch of luxury to your holiday spread, without taking hours in the kitchen.
Smoked Salmon and Dill Dip
This Smoked Salmon and Dill Dip is the perfect creamy, tangy appetizer to serve at your next holiday gathering. With the smoky richness of salmon and the fresh bite of dill, it pairs beautifully with both crackers and crisp veggies. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dip, this recipe is sure to make a lasting impression.
Parmesan Stuffed Scallops
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s easy to prepare but feels like a luxurious treat, these Parmesan Baked Scallops are the perfect choice. Tender scallops, rich fontina cheese, and a golden parmesan crust come together to create a dish that’s both decadent and simple to make. Perfect for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.
Crab Stuffed Artichokes
Crab Stuffed Artichokes are a showstopper at any holiday gathering. With a perfect blend of tender artichoke hearts and rich, flavorful crab stuffing, they’re sure to impress your guests. The golden-brown topping adds the ideal crunchy finish to this luxurious seafood appetizer. Ready to make a statement at your next cocktail party?
Classic Fried Calamari with a Garlic Aioli Sauce
Classic Fried Calamari with Garlic Aioli is the perfect way to end our Feast of the Seven Fishes cocktail party series. Crispy, golden calamari paired with a rich, garlicky aioli is a crowd-pleaser every time. This dish brings indulgence to the table with its crunchy texture and bold flavors.
Traditional Italian Feast meets holiday cocktail party. Seven amazing seafood appetizer recipes.
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