Get ready to spice up your holiday season with New Mexican flavors! The 12 Days of Christmas Foods take on new meaning in the Land of Enchantment, where traditional dishes blend with local ingredients.
You’ll discover tasty treats that bring warmth and cheer to cold winter nights. From tamales to biscochitos, these foods showcase New Mexico’s unique culinary heritage. Let’s explore some festive favorites that make the holidays special in this Southwestern state.
1. Chicken Tamales
Chicken tamales are a beloved New Mexican Christmas treat. You’ll find these savory bundles at many holiday gatherings. Wrapped in corn husks, they contain shredded chicken and spicy green chile.
Making tamales is often a family affair. You might spend an afternoon with loved ones, assembling dozens for the festivities.
2. Green Chile Stew
Green chile stew is a beloved New Mexican dish. It’s perfect for cold winter days. This hearty stew combines pork or beef with potatoes and flavorful green chiles.
You can make it with Hatch green chiles for authentic flavor. The chiles are roasted and peeled before being added to the stew.
3. Biscochitos
Biscochitos are New Mexico’s official state cookie. These crisp, anise-flavored treats are a Christmas tradition. You’ll love their delicate texture and unique taste.
Biscochitos often feature star anise, cinnamon, and brandy. They’re usually cut into fleur-de-lis shapes. Try them with hot chocolate or coffee for a festive treat.
4. Posole
Posole is a beloved holiday dish in New Mexico. This hearty stew features hominy, pork, and red chile.
You’ll find posole at many winter gatherings across the state. Its warm, spicy flavors are perfect for cold nights.
5. Sopapillas
Delight in the flavors of New Mexico with Sopapillas! This easy recipe combines crispy sopapillas, savory beans, and rich red and green chile sauces.
Perfect for using leftovers, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings classic Southwestern ingredients together for a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
6. Christmas Enchiladas
Christmas enchiladas are a festive New Mexican dish. You’ll love the colorful red and green chile sauces that top these enchiladas. They represent the holiday colors and flavors of New Mexico. The filling is usually shredded chicken or cheese.
7. Blue Corn Pancakes
Blue corn pancakes are a tasty New Mexican breakfast treat. You’ll find them in many Santa Fe restaurants. They’re made with blue cornmeal, giving them a unique color and nutty flavor.
These pancakes often come with piñon nuts and blueberry syrup. They’re hearty and filling, perfect for starting your day in the Southwest.
8. Capirotada
Capirotada is a tasty Mexican bread pudding often enjoyed during Christmas and Lent. You’ll love this sweet treat made with toasted bread, cheese, and fruit.
The bread is layered with raisins, nuts, and sometimes apricots. A syrup of piloncillo (raw sugar) and cinnamon adds rich flavor.
9. Flan (Caramel Custard)
Flan is a sweet treat you’ll love during the holidays. This Mexican dessert has a smooth custard base topped with caramel sauce.
To make flan, you mix eggs, milk, and sugar. Then you bake it in a water bath. Once it’s chilled, flip it onto a plate to serve.
10. Buñuelos (Crispy Fritters With Cinnamon Sugar)
Buñuelos are a sweet treat you’ll love during the holidays. These thin, crispy fritters are made from fried dough. They’re dusted with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
You can enjoy buñuelos plain or dip them in syrup. They’re light, airy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
11. Yule Log Cake
Yule Log Cake is a festive dessert for Christmas. You can make it with chocolate sponge cake and buttercream filling.
Roll the cake into a log shape and cover it with chocolate frosting. Add decorations to make it look like tree bark.
This treat brings holiday cheer to your table.
12. Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a beloved dessert in New Mexico and throughout Latin America. This sweet treat features a light sponge cake soaked in three types of milk.
The cake gets its name from the milk mixture used: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. It’s often topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
