Salad: Italian Bread Salad

For the salad course, head to Tuscany, where chunks of crusty Italian bread get equal play with fresh vegetables. Can you say “bravo”? The salad gets a smoky twist when you add roasted red peppers. You can buy them roasted and jarred, or go the DIY route. To roast your own red peppers: Get the recipe: Italian Bread Salad

Soup: Danish Gronkaal Soup

The secret to making ham and potato soup even cozier is a handful of rolled oats. That’s right, your go-to breakfast food adds a nutty wholesomeness to this traditional Danish soup. Hands-Off Hint: Prepare this soup in your slow cooker so you save more time (and oven space) for the other European Christmas recipes. Get the recipe: Danish Gronkaal Soup

Bread: Greek Flatbreads

Serve these Greek flatbreads as a side dish or as an entree for your vegetarian guests. With heaps of fresh, savory toppings, including artichoke tapenade and gooey fontina cheese, they showcase what Mediterranean cooking is known for. Holiday Recipe Tip: If time isn’t on your side, use store-bought dough. You can still dust the crust with cornmeal for a homemade feel. Get the recipe: Greek Flatbreads

Entree: German Roast Duck with Blackberry Orange Sauce

The star of your European Christmas menu is no secret. Simple roasted duck gains annual tradition potential thanks to a mouthwatering glaze of orange, blackberry, and ginger. A splash of orange liqueur, molasses, and ginger infuse this rustic yet regal duck dinner with even more holiday flavors. Get the recipe: German Roast Duck with Blackberry Orange Sauce

Cheese Course: French Baked Brie en Croute

Stuffed with jam and surrounded with flaky pastry, this soft-baked Brie recipe is sweet enough to be served as dessert. Pop it in the oven when you’re about to start your entree for a perfectly timed post-dinner treat to serve alongside a big tray of cookies. Get the recipe: Baked Brie en Croute

These traditional French treats were made to top off your European Christmas menu, with their creamy almond filling and tender almond cookie. Make them up to three days before you plan to serve. Get the recipe: French Macarons