The Perfect

Christmas Dinner

For Two: Scaled-Down Recipes For Small Households.

Shrimp Cocktail

This is a classic party appetiser where jumbo shrimp are poached in a broth infused with lemon, garlic, bay leaves, and more, then chilled and served with a homemade cocktail sauce. Your shrimps should be barely pink and tender (not overcooked and rubbery). The sauce is a simple mixture of ketchup, horseradish, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

Pigs In Blankets

There are two ways to go about these finger foods – using the oven or an air fryer. For a small crowd of two, even an air fryer can do the trick. Here, succulent cocktail sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon (British-style) to create the perfect combination that's impossible to resist. You can prepare them ahead of time and simply bake them when your guests (even if it's just one) arrive. 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

Roasted Brussels sprouts might not appeal to some, but they have earned their place as a beloved holiday starter, especially when prepared with butter, garlic, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper. Roasting transforms these often disliked vegetables into caramelised, crispy morsels of deliciousness. For a Christmas-worthy version, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

The Mains

The star of any Christmas dinner is undoubtedly the main course. These three options offer variety while maintaining that special-occasion feel, and each one is perfectly portioned for two people without leaving you with mountains of leftovers.

Chicken And Mushroom Wellington

If you want to impress without the intimidation of preparing traditional beef Wellington, this chicken is perfect for dinner for two. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and wrapped with a rich mushroom duxelles (a finely chopped mushroom mixture sautéed with shallots, garlic, and herbs), then encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. To ensure a succulent and flavourful dish, the chicken should be properly seared before wrapping.

One Pan Roasted Fish

For this, choose a firm white fish like rawas, pomfret or king fish. The fish is seasoned generously with herbs, lemon, and olive oil, and roasted alongside cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and baby potatoes. This method not only delivers perfectly cooked, flaky fish with minimal effort, but it also means fewer dishes to clean – always a win during the holidays.

Air Fried Pork Chops

For this dish, thick-cut pork chops get a rub of herbs and spices before being cooked in the air fryer for about 15 minutes. The meat develops a beautiful crust while keeping the interior tender and moist. For a festive batch, stuff the pork chops with an apple and sage mixture, or serve with a cranberry-orange glaze.

The Sides

No Christmas dinner is complete without an array of delicious sides. These classics have been perfectly portioned for two people.

Yorkshire Pudding

These are quintessential British sides, made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk. Yorkshire puddings puff up just like soufflé in the oven, creating a dish that's perfect for soaking up gravy. The secret to towering Yorkshire puddings is a hot oven and hot oil or fat in your muffin tin before adding the batter.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are an absolute must-have for Christmas dinner. It begins with choosing the right potato – pick winter special Chandramukhi or russet.  Your desi ‘aloo bharta’ should not be overworked, so be generous with the butter and cream. For a ‘hatke’ (novel) version, add roasted garlic, cream cheese, or a handful of grated cheddar. You can also add a bit of sour cream for a tangy batch.

Roasted Vegetables

If there is meat and mashed potatoes, there should be roasted vegetables too. Go for a combination of carrots, green beans, and bell peppers. Chop them and coat with olive oil, fresh herbs, and balsamic vinegar, then roast until the edges brown but the vegetables are tender. To keep it festive, add dried cranberries or pecans in the final few minutes of roasting.

The Desserts

There is always time and space for dessert, and these desserts below are perfect for a Christmas dinner of two. The options range from rich to light, ensuring there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Despite their fancy restaurant appearance, lava cakes are simple to make at home and are perfectly portioned for two. What seems so fancy is just an underbaked chocolate cake, which leaves the centre molten while the edges are set. It’s made with chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, and flour, baked in ramekins in about 12-15 minutes.

Eggnog Ice Cream

If you have an ice cream maker, this eggnog-based dessert is a breeze. Simply blend cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar, and the signature eggnog spices, churn, and freeze. Without an ice cream maker, you should freeze the mixture in a shallow pan and scrape it with a fork every 30 minutes until you achieve a fluffy, crystalline texture. 

Chocolate Souffle

For the ultimate showstopper dessert, nothing compares to a chocolate soufflé rising majestically above its ramekin. Soufflés have a reputation for being finicky, but with the right technique, they will leave your dining partner thoroughly impressed. The secret to a successful soufflé is properly beaten egg whites and a careful folding technique to preserve those precious air bubbles.

The Drinks

The right beverages can elevate your Christmas dinner from good to extraordinary. These festive cocktails are designed to complement your meal while adding that extra special holiday touch.

Peppermint Martini

Made with vodka, white crème de menthe (mint cream), and cream, it's like drinking a liquid candy cane – but for adults. Rim your martini glasses with crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch, and garnish with a small candy cane. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice, strain into your prepared glasses and serve immediately.

White Hot Chocolate

A great non-alcoholic option, white hot chocolate is pure comfort in a mug. Made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, this hot chocolate is richer and more decadent than the traditional version. For more indulgence, top with whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cinnamon powder.

Cranberry Margarita

Combine tequila, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice (festive favourite), and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into salt-rimmed glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime disc for a cocktail that tastes as good as it looks. The bright red colour looks stunning in a glass, and the sweet-tart flavour profile pairs well with rich Christmas foods.

A Curated Christmas For Two

Whether you’re cooking for your special someone, a close friend, or just treating yourself, a Christmas dinner for two can be every bit as memorable as a full banquet. By scaling classic starters, mains, sides, desserts, and drinks down to intimate portions – as seen in this curated small-batch menus and festive recipe round-ups – you enjoy all the flavour and cheer without the stress of managing leftovers.