Cuban Christmas Recipes: Congrí, Flan, Natilla & Turrón

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Cuban Christmas Recipes

Cuba's fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions comes through in its holiday dishes, seen in dishes like Congrí (or Moros y Cristianos) and Plátanos Maduros.

10 holiday dishes, each with a recipe ↓

📖 See the Full Roundup: Cuban Christmas Dinner: A Guide to Holiday Foods and Drinks →

Cuba's fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions comes through in its holiday dishes, seen in dishes like Congrí (or Moros y Cristianos) and Plátanos Maduros.

Cuba's Top Pick

Congrí (or Moros y Cristianos)

This beloved rice and black bean dish is a staple on Cuban tables year-round but becomes even more special during the holidays.

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More Cuba Holiday Dishes to Try

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Plátanos Maduros

Plátanos maduros, or sweet fried plantains, add a delightful touch of sweetness to the meal.

Tostones

For those who prefer a less sweet option, tostones—twice-fried green plantains—are another classic side.

Natilla

Natilla is a creamy custard dessert that’s a staple in Cuban households during the holidays.

Turrón

Imported from Spain, turrones (nougat) have become a cherished part of Cuban Christmas celebrations.

Arroz con Leche

A classic Cuban rice pudding, arroz con leche is made by simmering rice in milk, sugar, and cinnamon until it becomes rich and creamy.

Flan Cubano

A quintessential Cuban dessert, flan Cubano is a rich caramel custard made with condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla.

Lechón Asado

The Nochebuena roast pig, marinated in mojo and roasted until the skin crackles.

Yuca con Mojo

Boiled yuca drenched in garlic mojo, always beside the lechón.

Pudín de Pan

Bread pudding with raisins and rum for the holiday table.

A Guide to Cuban Christmas Food

Cuban Nochebuena centers on a whole roast pig, and everything else on the table is built around it: congrí (rice cooked with black beans), plátanos maduros, tostones and yuca con mojo. Dessert leans Spanish, with turrón and natilla next to Cuban standards like flan cubano and arroz con leche.

Start with the recipes above, then see the full roundup of Cuban Christmas dinner, or explore all Cuban food and recipes from across Latin America and Spain.

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