If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to Christmas menu planning, take a look at our 30 best ever festive recipes. Our ideas will see you through the season’s dinner parties, get-togethers and the big day itself, as we’ve included canapés, mains, puds and everything in-between.
Serve starters like our luxurious chutney and pâté; fill up turkey, ham or a special vegan main, and finish your meal with our sweet treats, like yule logs and Christmas cakes.
For more inspiration, explore our Christmas dinner recipes for the ultimate festive spread. You’ll also find menu ideas to suit different diets, including a vegetarian Christmas menu and a vegan Christmas menu, as well as options for every guest list size, from our Christmas menu for 6 to a Christmas menu for two if you’re keeping things simple but still want something special. Discover all our Christmas menu ideas here.
Starters
1. Baked camembert with brioche bun wreath
Start your Christmas dinner in style with this baked camembert and brioche bun wreath. Created by Tom Kerridge, this impressive tear-and-share centrepiece features a gooey, melted camembert at its heart for dipping, surrounded by soft, buttery brioche rolls that are just the right size for guests to enjoy. Finish with a few bay leaves for a festive touch and serve with cranberry sauce or chilli jam for extra flavour.
See our tear-and-share recipes for more ideas.
2. Caramelised onion & thyme sausage rolls
These flavourful caramelised onion & thyme sausage rolls are the perfect canapé to kick off a festive party. Loaded with pork sausagemeat, caramelised onion chutney, wholegrain mustard and fresh thyme and encased in shop-bought puff pastry, they’re a flavourful bite. Sprinkle over some poppy seeds for a gorgeous finish.
For more bite-sized snacks, see our sausage roll recipes.
3. Broccoli quiche
Thinly slice this broccoli quiche to serve as an elegant Christmas starter alongside a fresh salad, or cut into generous pieces for a Boxing Day buffet. It serves eight as part of a buffet or 12 as a starter, so it’s a great way of feeding a crowd of veggies and meat-eaters without the hassle.
See our Christmas canapé recipes for more party nibbles.
4. Apple & cranberry chutney
This apple & cranberry chutney is a top-rated festive classic, and has hints of spice from fresh ginger and peppercorns. Make to give as an edible gift, or serve as part of your Boxing Day lunch – it pairs well with cold meats and cheeses.
For more chutneys and edible gift ideas, see our Christmas chutney recipes.
5. Celeriac, hazelnut & truffle soup
This luxurious celeriac, hazelnut & truffle soup is a healthy vegan starter for Christmas Day. Simmer celeriac, onions and potatoes with vegetarian stock, then stir in soya cream and blitz until completely smooth. Top with hazelnuts and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Try more decadent starters with our Christmas soup recipes.
Mains
6. Brown sugar & spice-glazed turkey with candied carrots
For an impressive centrepiece, make our brown sugar & spice-glazed turkey. Full of festive flavours, this turkey is seasoned with star anise, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and black pepper, then basted in a mixture of muscovado sugar, maple syrup, butter and cider vinegar. Season as far ahead as possible to make sure the spices sink deep into the meat, and don’t just flavour the surface.
For more classic roasts, see our turkey collection.
7. Cola ham with maple & mustard glaze
Our five-star cola ham with maple & mustard glaze is an easy Christmas main that uses storecupboard ingredients. Cook a boneless gammon joint in stock spiced with cinnamon, peppercorns and bay leaves, then glaze with a sticky maple syrup mixture. Make the ham on the day or up to two days ahead so you can prepare in advance.
See our Christmas ham recipes for more inspiration.
8. Beetroot & red onion tarte tatin
Cater to vegan diets with this showstopping beetroot & red onion tarte tatin. Fill shop-bought puff pastry with festive flavours for an easy, elegant main. Don’t stress if the tart sticks to the pan and won’t turn out – just leave the pastry on the plate, use a spoon to scrape out the filling and arrange on top.
See our vegan Christmas collection for more recipes.
9. Wild mushroom, port & thyme turkey wellington
This lavish wild mushroom, port & thyme turkey wellington makes for a dramatic centrepiece but is not too difficult to put together. Keep Christmas Day stress-free by assembling a day or two in advance, then simply brush with egg and bake on the day. Serve in thick slices with turkey gravy.
For more glorious ways with pastry, see our wellington recipes.
10. Roast turkey breast
Whip up this roast turkey breast if you’re entertaining a smaller crowd. Cooking a large single turkey breast is easier than roasting a whole turkey, and this version uses just four ingredients. Use up the excess veg and juices from carving in this make-ahead gravy.
For more easy mains, see our turkey breast collection.
11. Squash & chestnut crackers
Vegetarians will love these these squash & chestnut crackers. Filled with butternut squash, mushrooms, chestnuts and melty cheddar, they’re a fun, festive way to serve up a delicious main course. To make them vegan, omit the butter and cheese, use dairy-free pastry and brush with a dairy-free milk alternative.
See our vegetarian Christmas recipes for more veggie mains.
12. Baked salmon fillet with pickled cranberries, parsley & pistachios
Brighten up oily fish such as salmon with a spoonful of homemade pickled cranberries. They bring a tangy contrast and add a festive pop of colour to your plate. This vibrant seafood centrepiece looks impressive yet takes just 45 minutes from start to finish and serves up to eight.
See our Christmas salmon recipes for more festive fish inspiration.
13. Turkey crown kyiv
Try this buttery turkey crown kyiv, a twist on a classic dish, for Christmas. Prepare the filling in advance to get ahead, then pipe under the skin on the day to keep the meat moist and flavourful. Whizz some ciabatta, baguette or sourdough in a food processor and roast to create a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
For more fuss-free dinners, see our turkey crown recipes.
14. Vegan butternut & pecan spiral pies
Create a festive meat-free centrepiece with this easy filo pastry pie, perfect for simplifying your Christmas cooking. The squash filling is rich with umami flavour from miso paste and soy sauce, balanced by a hint of maple sweetness. You can assemble and freeze the pie ahead of time before baking, so all that’s left to do on the day is cook it straight from frozen for a stress-free vegetarian Christmas meal.
For more veggie dishes, see our vegetarian dinner recipes.
Sides
15. Pigs-in-blankets Christmas stuffing balls
Combine two festive favourites, pigs in blankets and stuffing, with these clever stuffing balls made from sausagemeat wrapped in bacon. A handful of dried cranberries adds a touch of sweetness that balances the rich, savoury flavours perfectly.
See our pigs in blankets recipes for more ideas.
16. Sage & onion yorkshire puddings
Take your yorkies to the next level with these sage & onion Yorkshire puddings. They’ve got extra savoury flavour, and can be made up to a day ahead to lighten your workload on Christmas Day.
Try our Yorkshire pudding collection for more recipes.
17. Apricot & pistachio stuffing
Try something a little different with this apricot & pistachio stuffing. Add onions, pistachios and apricots to a crusty sourdough base and bake until golden and crunchy. Drizzle with melted butter and top with fried sage leaves for added flavour.
See our Christmas stuffing recipes for more scrumptious sides.
18. Miso-glazed carrots with whipped ricotta dip
Give roasted carrots a flavour boost with a glossy garlic, miso, chilli and honey glaze. Serve them on a bed of whipped ricotta mixed with lemon and olive oil, then finish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for extra colour and crunch.
19. Lemon, garlic & bay roast potatoes
These lemon, garlic & bay roast potatoes are a Christmas dinner essential. Roast the potatoes in hot oil, then zest lemon directly over the top for a bright twist. These crowd-pleasing potatoes are also vegan and gluten-free.
For more festive roasties, see our Christmas roast potato recipes.
20. Make-ahead madeira gravy
Serve this rich vegetarian gravy as it is, or use it as a flavour-packed base for turkey gravy. If you don’t have madeira, swap it for the same amount of dry sherry. Once cooled, the gravy can be frozen for up to three months, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time for a Sunday roast or Christmas. Make a large batch and freeze it in portions, ready to defrost and reheat whenever needed.
See our Christmas gravy recipes for more rich sauces.
21. Sloe gin cranberry sauce
What could be more festive than this sloe gin cranberry sauce? This twist on a classic sauce is made with just four ingredients and ready in 10 minutes.
Top off your dinner with our festive cranberry sauce recipes.
22. Cauliflower cheese crumble
Make cauliflower cheese a star of your Christmas spread with this rich, umami-packed version from Brin Pirathapan. Anchovies bring a gentle savoury depth, while mustard and a pinch of cayenne add just enough heat to balance the creamy sauce.
Discover more cauliflower cheese recipes.
23. Sizzled sprouts with pistachios & pomegranate
These sizzled sprouts with pistachios & pomegranate are a deliciously different side dish. Brussels sprouts are fried until blistered, then tossed with toasted pistachios, juicy pomegranate seeds and pomegranate molasses to taste. They’re also gluten-free and vegan, making them great for crowds with dietary restrictions.
Add some more green to your table with these Christmas sprouts recipes.
Sweets
24. Cinnamon swirl mince pies
These cinnamon swirl mince pies are a glorious mash-up of Christmas flavours. Sprinkle cinnamon and golden caster sugar on puff pastry, then roll and slice into thin rounds to use as a pastry case. Fill with mincemeat, then top with another cinnamon swirl and bake until golden.
For more festive treats, see our mince pies collection.
25. Make & mature Christmas cake
Our five-star make & mature Christmas cake is a true festive classic. Bake in advance and feed regularly with rum, brandy or whisky. Use a mix of raisins, sultanas, currants, cherries, cranberries, prunes or figs. Just remember to stop feeding the cake for the final week before Christmas to give the surface a chance to dry before icing.
See our Christmas cake recipes for more yuletide bakes.
26. Next level yule log
This next level yule log is a decadent dessert. The sponge is flourless, so if you use a natural cocoa powder without additives, it’s also gluten-free. Filled with brandy butter and covered in a chocolate truffle coating, it’s full of Christmas flavours.
See our yule log recipes for more chocolatety showstoppers.
27. Christmas trees cake
Get kids into the Christmas spirit with a fun family baking session. This clever recipe yields two cakes, making it a perfect opportunity for a friendly competition to see who can decorate their Christmas tree cake the best.
Find more stunning dessert inspiration with our Christmas baking recipes.
28. Mince pie brownies
These mash-up mince pie brownies will go down a storm at a Christmas party or festive event. Combine whole mince pies with brownie batter and bake. These treats will keep in an airtight container for a week and in the freezer for up to a month.
Find more squidgy bakes in our Christmas chocolate collection.
29. Gingerbread pancakes
Make these American-style gingerbread pancakes on Christmas morning for a special breakfast the whole family will love. The fluffy pancakes are spiced with warming cinnamon and ginger, then topped with dates, a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of crème fraîche.
Start the day with our Christmas breakfast recipes.
30. Brown butter & cardamom lebkuchen
Make a twist on the classic lebkuchen over Christmas. Spiced with fragrant cardamom, brown butter gives these chewy cookies a nutty edge. These cookies keep in an airtight container for up to five days so they make a great homemade Christmas gift that you could bring with you to any celebration.
From spices like ginger and cinnamon and fruits and nuts, bake up a storm this festive season, with our Christmas biscuit recipes.
Enjoyed these Christmas treats? See more festive recipes
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Easy Christmas desserts
What are your favourite Christmas recipes? Leave a comment below…
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