1. Start With a Well-Planned Menu

A typical Ghanaian Christmas feast includes a mix of rice dishes, proteins, sides, salads, drinks, and sometimes pastries or desserts. Plan your menu at least a week before Christmas to avoid stress.

Core Dishes to Include:

• Jollof Rice – the star of almost every celebration

• Fried Rice – for guests who enjoy milder flavour

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey – marinated and oven-grilled

• Goat or Beef Stew – rich, spicy, and aromatic

• Fried Plantain – sweet and golden

• Salad – Ghanaian salad with eggs and baked beans

• Yam Chips or French Fries – a kid-friendly addition

• Shito – the essential Ghanaian pepper sauce

Optional Add-Ons:

• Banku with grilled tilapia

• Waakye bowl with sides

• Spring rolls or samosas

• Puff-puff/boffrot or meat pies

Creating a balanced menu ensures there’s something for every family member.

2. Master the Ghanaian Christmas Staples

Jollof Rice

No Ghanaian Christmas table is complete without perfectly cooked jollof. To master it:

• Make a well-spiced tomato stew base using fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, onions, and ginger.

• Use long-grain rice and cook it in the stew with seasoned stock.

• Add bay leaves for extra aroma.

• Steam on low heat to avoid burning or soggy texture.

Christmas jollof is often richer, spicier, and more flavourful than everyday jollof.

Grilled Chicken or Turkey

Protein is the heart of the feast. Marinate your chicken or turkey at least 24 hours before Christmas for deeper flavour.

Essential Ghanaian Marinade Ingredients:

• Fresh ginger and garlic

• Blended onions

• Paprika, curry powder, and thyme

• Lemon juice

• Salt and seasoning cubes

• A touch of soy sauce for richness

Grill slowly in the oven or over charcoal for a smoky festive taste.

Ghanaian Salad

This colourful layered salad is a Christmas favourite.

Typical Ingredients:

• Lettuce

• Carrots

• Cucumber

• Potatoes (boiled and cubed)

• Eggs

• Baked beans

• Corned beef

• Salad cream

Arrange in beautiful layers or mix lightly before serving.

3. Organise Your Kitchen Like a Pro

Avoid Christmas Day stress by preparing early.

Two Days Before:

• Buy all ingredients

• Clean and season meat or poultry

• Blend spices and store in airtight containers

One Day Before:

• Prepare stew base for jollof

• Make shito (it tastes better a day after!)

• Boil eggs and potatoes for salad

• Season and marinate chicken or turkey

Christmas Morning:

• Start with jollof since it takes time

• Grill chicken or turkey

• Fry plantain last so it stays fresh

• Assemble salads closer to eating time

• Warm stews, plate pastries, chill drinks

A well-organized kitchen is the secret to a calm, enjoyable Christmas.

4. Add Signature Festive Touches

Make your feast extra special with thoughtful details:

Homemade Drinks:

• Sobolo (hibiscus drink)

• Ginger pineapple juice

• Fresh fruit punch

Table Presentation:

• Use colourful plates, bowls, and trays

• Add a bit of green and red décor

• Serve dishes buffet-style for easy access

Aroma & Warmth:

• Use nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon in pastries

• Light a mild Christmas-scented candle (away from food)

5. Create a Warm, Family-Centered Atmosphere

A Ghanaian Christmas feast is about more than the food. It’s about the spirit in the room.

To Make It Memorable:

• Play Ghanaian Christmas songs (e.g., Bessa Simons, Tagoe Sisters)

• Pray or give thanks before eating

• Let everyone serve themselves or share dishes

• Encourage storytelling and laughter

• Take family pictures around the feast

The magic comes not only from the flavours but from the togetherness.

Conclusion

Mastering a Ghanaian Christmas feast is a blend of planning, cooking skill, cultural tradition, and heartfelt hospitality. With the right menu, well-prepared dishes, and a warm atmosphere, you can create a Christmas meal your family will remember for years. From smoky grilled chicken to rich jollof, sweet fried plantain, and refreshing homemade drinks, every element of the feast reflects the love and joy of the season.

Christmas in Ghana is not complete without food — and when the feast is prepared with care, it becomes a celebration of family, gratitude, and unforgettable flavour.