Christmas dinner is the highlight of the holiday for many people every year. Some people love turkey, others ham. Some people even love brussels sprouts. However, there are many alternatives to traditional Christmas dishes that are just as delicious.
Perhaps you’re thinking of having a vegetarian Christmas, or maybe you just want to change things up from the usual potatoes and carrots. For those looking to switch up the vegetable side of their dinner, there are many delicious meat-free alternatives.
Truffled parsnip and brioche pudding with crunchy hazelnuts and thyme butter is a delicious twist on a classic pudding. It’s bready, rich and absolutely indulgent. Another option is parsnip gnocchi. This take on the Italian dish is crisp and crunchy, with a walnut coating to add additional texture.
For a truly festive dish, a parsnip, mushroom and barley wreath is an excellent choice. The winter veg shaped like a wreath will not only look amazing on the table but will taste great too.
If you’re looking to switch up the usual meat dishes you serve on December 25th, there are many tasty alternatives.
Roast lamb stuffed with apricot and mint will look impressive on your table before you enjoy the fruity and flavourful tastes. It’s a new and exciting way to serve lamb, but with the traditional herbs such as rosemary and mint. Many people may associate lamb with Easter, but it’s the perfect dish to serve on Christmas with chopped apricots and plenty of garlic.
What may seem like an unusual choice due to the sweet and savoury tastes, the stuffed saddle of venison with prunes and brioche is a delicious meat dish to serve on Christmas Day. Make sure to serve with red cabbage and roast potatoes and to take in the rich flavours of the meat and fruity filling.
For something similar to turkey, a roast duck is the way to go. Glaze it with marmalade and sticky Seville oranges for a delicious taste of Christmas.
There are many options for desserts if you don’t want to go down the traditional route.
Instead of Christmas pudding, you can bake brownies, cakes, cheesecakes and serve ice creams in its place. Christmas pudding trifle, pudding cheesecake or Christmas pudding ice cream all integrate the flavours of the traditional dessert but with a twist.
For those who want to switch up their Christmas cake, there are many festive and tasty desserts to try. A gingerbread cake with caramel biscuit icing topped off with coconut as snow on top nails all of the tastes of the holiday and is incredibly delicious. A pineapple and rum cake will transport you to sunny weather as you toast to merriment.
Mince pies and yule logs are traditionally tasty and a staple around the Christmas period. There are many ways to shake these treats up like mince pie baklava. Also, a rainbow yule log is a great way to add some colour to the table. Change up flavours with a salted caramel yule log and end your Christmas dining with a bang.
Check out the dishes here!
