Best Ever Christmas Day Recipes!
If you need some inspiration for Christmas Day, look no further! Here’s a selection of 5 easy festive main courses and a selection of sides to accompany them…
Straightforward and delicious, these dishes are perfect for your Christmas Day menu. Our recipes feature turkey, gammon, beef, duck and a vegan lentil and nut roast, so not matter what you fancy on the big day, you’re covered!
If you are cooking, remember to delegate table setting, entertaining and drinks pouring to someone else, it’s a team effort to get ready for the festive feast!
Talking of drinks, why not serve up some special cocktails when your guests arrive? Our selection of Christmas cocktails, mocktails and seasonal drinks will go down a treat! Cheers!
Main course and side dish recipes for Christmas
Turkey with Herb & Pancetta Lattice
You can’t beat a traditional turkey main course on Christmas Day, and this one comes with stuffing and a lattice of Italian sliced pancetta to keep it moist and delicious. We show you how to cook it to perfection!
How to make Turkey with Herb & Pancetta Lattice
Gammon with Citrus Cavolo Nero Sauce
Serve gammon on its own as a main dish, or alongside a traditional turkey. Score a diamond shaped pattern on the outside then brush with honey, mixed spice and mustard. For a different take, make an accompaniment with cavolo nero, citrus zest and cranberry sauce to add a fresh and fruity flavour to the joint.
How to make Spiced Gammon with Citrus Cavolo Nero Sauce
Vegan Lentil and Pistachio Loaf
It’s always good to have a vegetarian and vegan alternative, and this one is so good it will become an annual addition to the festive dinner table! The cranberry and pistachio topping gives it the “wow” factor!
How to make Vegan Lentil and Pistachio Loaf
Christmas Beef
Beef is becoming a popular choice for many on Christmas Day. Serve this one medium rare with a breadcrumb and herb crust flavoured with Tracklements Horseradish and Original Wiltshire Mustard.
How to make Christmas Beef
Slow Cooked Duck Legs
This casserole pairs duck with festive fruits, star anise and cinnamon for something a little different. Looks and tastes impressive!
How to make Slow Cooked Duck Legs
Sweet and Spicy Sprouts
Sprouts are the must-have veg of the season, but it’s fair to say that not everyone loves them. Make them a firm family favourite once again by adding a sweet and spicy kick and a topping of walnuts.
How to make Sweet and Spicy Sprouts
Primula Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Cheesy, crispy and delicious, try this potato side dish instead of your usual roasties. A great choice to go with the Christmas beef recipe.
How to make Primula Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Firecracker Roast Potatoes, Middle Eastern Stuffing Balls and Stir Fried Sprouts
We bring you a trio of delicious sides from BBC MasterChef 2017 winner Saliha Mahmood Ahmed. All deliciously spiced, serve alongside your chosen main course for a meal to remember.
How to make Firecracker Roast Potatoes, Middle Eastern Stuffing Balls and Stir Fried Sprouts – all from BBC MasterChef winner Saliha Mahmood Ahmed!
Cranberry & Orange Relish
A homemade relish might seem like a lot of work, but this one can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to two months. All you have to do is defrost overnight on Christmas Eve! Serve with turkey and all the trimmings.
How to make Cranberry & Orange Relish
Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing Balls
Everyone likes a choice of stuffing with their Christmas turkey, and this one can be baked in only 15 minutes!
How to make Sausage, Apple & Sage Stuffing Balls
Freeze-Ahead Christmas Gravy
When you have so much to juggle on the day, why not have your gravy ready to heat and serve? This recipe from top chef John Burton-Race will give you a head start! See our Christmas Dinner Checklist for more time-saving ideas.
How to make Freeze-Ahead Christmas Gravy
Leftover Recipe For Boxing Day
Turkey, Gammon & Sprout Pot Pie
If you’ve overdone the portion quantities and have leftovers, store in the refrigerator overnight and make a super tasty pie the next day!
How to make Turkey, Gammon & Sprout Pot Pie
Allison Hay
I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
