There’s a Christmas Menu, just for you
Everyone does Christmas dinner in their own way. We eat at different times, some of us prefer mashed potatoes while others go for roast spuds (or both?); post-lunch walks are traditional for some while others prefer a sneaky snooze. Well, whether you’re team turkey or a beetroot wellington believer, we’ve got plenty of easy Christmas menu ideas to take your dinner (or lunch, or tea) to the next level.
Starters
Prawn Cocktail
Prawn cocktail is a classic British starter that’s a real crowd-pleaser and light enough to give your guests plenty of room for the main event. This Prawn Cocktail with Gran Luchito Chipotle Mayo recipe has a smoky chilli flavour that gives the dish a Mexican twist. For a less spicy version, just use regular mayonnaise instead.
Celery Soup with Stilton Cheese
For a bowl of warmth on a chilly Christmas Day, we recommend this Celery Soup with Stilton Cheese recipe. The strong flavours of celery, celeriac, leeks and garlic work in perfect harmony with creamy stilton. A handful of homemade cheesy croutons over each bowl will make this even more popular on your festive menu.
Smoked Salmon with Sherry Mousse
For a festive starter with a touch of warming booze, try this Smoked Salmon and Sherry Mousse recipe. It’s ready in just half an hour and can be prepared ahead of time to leave you more time to unwrap presents on the big day. Serve with sourdough toast and a little watercress.
Mains
Best Ever Turkey
Traditional roast turkey lovers, have we got the recipe for you. This Best Ever Turkey will bring all the flavour and technique to your Christmas dinner table. In fact, we think it’s so delicious that you may not have any leftovers for turkey sandwiches. Top tip: you can get ahead and make stuffing on Christmas Eve.
Shoulder of Lamb with Garlic, Lemon and Rosemary
Love lamb as your main meat on Christmas Day? This slow-roasted Shoulder of Lamb with Garlic, Lemon and Rosemary could be just the ticket. Unlike a traditional British roast lamb main, this recipe uses Mediterranean flavours like lemon, capers and anchovies to bring a little sunshine to your winter spread.
Sides
Chestnut Pancetta Sprouts
Is it even Christmas dinner without sprouts? Whether you’re a sprout lover or still not convinced, try this Chestnut Pancetta Sprouts recipe and you won’t be disappointed. The juices from the crispy, pan-fried pancetta melts over the sprouts adding an amazing porky flavour.If you’re not a fan of chestnuts, this dish works just as well withthe nutty flavour of lightly toasted almonds or pecans.
Ultimate Crispy Roast Potatoes
Our Ultimate Crispy Roast Potatoes are at their best when you use a floury variety of spud. We’ve chosen Maris Piper, but Desiree or King Edwards also work well. What’s the trick to getting those unbeatable crispy corners? Simply remember to cut the potatoes at sharp angles. And if you need to go gluten-free, simply swap the plain flour for fine polenta, and use sunflower oil instead of duck fat if cooking for vegetarians.
Baby Carrots Wrapped in Prosciutto
It’s not just your sausages that can wear blankets to your Christmas dinner, your carrots can arrive in style as well. Try our Baby Carrots Wrapped in Prosciutto recipe for a sweet and salty side dish. Taking just 15 minutes to prepare and half an hour to cook, they’re a doddle to make.
Chorizo Stuffed Apples
If you’re planning roast pork for the main event, these Chorizo Stuffed Apples make the perfect side dish. Baking the apples gets them soft and caramelised, while filling them with rich, spicy chorizo brings extra colour and flavour to the mix. Red apples like Braeburns work perfectly.
Desserts
Christmas Pudding
This Stir Up Sunday (21st November), why not get cracking on your Christmas dinner finale? This Christmas Pudding is a classic recipe with a twist. Serve a helping of rich and fruity pud with a spoonful of brandy butter. Delicious.
Christmas Bombe
If you want to break away from the traditional, try this Christmas Bombe recipe as a show-stopping twist on a classic figgy pudding. Just imagine a fruit-packed frozen custard centre, enveloped in decadent chocolate ice cream – makes your mouth water, right? Just wait for the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from your dinner guests as you slice into it, but don’t blame us if there are no leftovers.
Clementine and Marmalade Brioche Swirl Pudding
You can’t go wrong with a warm and fruity bread and butter pudding. That said, This orange-spiked take on the classic is just the sort of comforting dessert that your Christmas dinner menu is crying out for. Make your own Clementine and Marmalade Brioche Swirl Pudding for a sweet and zesty finish to your fest. Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of warm custard.
Drinks
Rosemary Gingle Bell
However you do drinks for Christmas lunch, it’s always fun to make festive cocktails. This Rosemary Gingle Bell recipe pairs the classic, refreshing flavours of a gin and tonic with aromatic rosemary. Make your own rosemary syrup ahead of time so you can relax in your favourite Christmas socks on the day.
Blackberry Prosecco
For a fruity and seasonal number, look no further than this Blackberry Prosecco cocktail. It uses fresh, juicy blackberries and a dash of Chambord (black raspberry liqueur) to make your usual festive glass of prosecco extra special. Add a sprig of rosemary to each glass for a glorious aromatic scent.
Christmas Pudding Martini
Get into the Christmas spirit with this Christmas Pudding Martini cocktail recipe. Simply combine warming Scotch whisky, sweet honey, hazelnut liqueur and Grand Marnier. Then top your glass with a little whisked single cream. This festive tipple is ready in the time it takes to locate the right Advent calendar window and scoff the chocolate within.
Alcohol-Free Marmalade and Honey Fizz
Are you looking for alcohol-free cocktail ideas for the festive season? Try this sweet and citrusy Alcohol-free Marmalade and Honey Fizz. You can make the marmalade, honey and star anise syrup in just five minutes, so it’s a great one to have up your Christmas jumper sleeve for those last-minute guests.
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