These alternatives to roast turkey are delicious on a festive table
Who says a Christmas day spread has to involve turkey? While it's a traditional, turkey can be tricky to prepare, take hours to cook and quickly become dry if roasted for a few minutes too long. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to the big bird, and we've got the recipes to make creating your turkey-less feast easy.
If you'd still like to serve all the classic trimmings, switching to a quick-cook spatchcock chicken or roast pork belly is a smart move. Both these lean white meats go well with bread sauce, roast potatoes, parsnips and other vegetables, retain their moisture easily and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
For something a little different, do away with meat all together and serve a vegetarian feast of harissa hasselback squash or a super savoury nut roast galette. More adventurous cooks might create an Indian-inspired festive feast featuring our recipe for venison curry, or a luxe-feeling lobster pasta for a romantic festive meal for two. Essentially, the Christmas-dinner world is your oyster.
Keep reading for a selection of our favourite alternative Christmas dinner recipes that are bound to impress your family and friends on the big day.
Looking for more festive food ideas? Try these chic Christmas starter recipes.
Best alternative Christmas dinner recipes
Persian-style spatchcock chicken
Swap cumbersome turkey for a fresh and fragrant Persian-style chicken. This one's cooked spatchcock, which means it takes a fraction of the time of a classic roast in the oven.
Venison curry
Do away with the classic roast dinner and create a wintry Indian-inspired feast with this venison curry as the star of the show. Make the curry the day before you intend to eat; the flavours will be so much punchier.
Roast pork belly
Roast pork belly with crackling is a total crowd-pleaser and tastes great with all your favourite Christmas side dishes.
Harissa hasselback squash
For a meat-free alternative Christmas dinner, try this sweet, spicy and tangy harissa hasselback squash recipe. The sprinkle of pomegranate seeds adds a festive touch, so be sure not to miss them off.
Rosé, lobster, chilli pappardelle
Planning a bijou Christmas? Make it luxe with a lobster pappardelle in a lightly spiced rosé sauce. Pair with a glass (or two) of bubbles for total bliss.
Pork stroganoff
If you're feeding a large crowd of mixed-age guests, a simmering pot of pork stroganoff is hard to beat. It's great with roast potatoes and vegetables as well as more casual sides like mash.
Moussaka
Go Greek with a classic moussaka. While this may not be traditional, the rich flavours pair surprisingly well with sides like braised red cabbage, bread sauce and sweet roasted parsnips.
Salmon en croûte
If you're looking for lighter fare this festive season, salmon en croûte is a great choice. For alternative sides, try buttered winter greens or a bitter leaf salad with clementines.
Nut roast galette
This nut roast galette is anything but dry. Combining mushroom, chestnuts and toasted nuts, it's savoury, festive and perfect with a vegetarian gravy and cranberry sauce.
Shepherd's pie with cheesy hasselback topping
Keep things simple with a comfort food classic: shepherd's pie. For something a little special, we've added a cheesy hasselback potato topping that's crispy, golden and looks great on the Christmas table.
Turkey and butternut squash cannelloni
Go Italian with this simple yet delicious turkey and butternut squash cannelloni. This recipe uses easy-to-come-by turkey mince and roasted seasonal squash to create a flavoursome filling for pasta tubes. Serve with a winter leaf salad and follow up with our chocolate orange Christmas pudding tiramisu.
Spatchcock chicken
For an easy, speedy alternative to turkey, try our spatchcock chicken. Served with a simple herby butter, it's great with traditional sides or as a vehicle for less classic flavours.
Pork and mushroom meatballs
Create a festive spread with a Scandinavian feel with this recipe for creamy pork and mushroom meatballs. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and roast ham for the ultimate Nordic Christmas feast.
Turkey, mushroom and sage galette
This easy galette uses ready-cooked turkey for ultimate fuss-free cooking. It's got enough flavour to serve alone but also tastes great with roasted vegetables on the side.
Porchetta
Give your Christmas meal an Italian flair that doesn't stray too far from tradition with this succulent porchetta recipe. Serve with a salsa verde for a fresh, zingy feel, or cranberry sauce for a more classic effect.
Beef shin ragu
Eschew tradition and create a winter Italian feast with this beef shin ragu as the star of the show. It's best served with a bottle of Primitivo and followed by our mince pie tiramisu.
One-pot roast chicken and sweetcorn risotto
If the idea of the Christmas dinner clear-up sends you into a spin, this one-pot roast chicken dish is the answer to your payers. It's served with a sweet and nutty risotto base but is still great with all the usual trimmings.
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