Non-traditional christmas dinner ideas

We’re all for breaking with convention and trying something new on special occasions, but sometimes only classic dishes will do on Christmas Day. We’ve put together a menu of our favourite traditional festive recipes for inspiration. This menu serves eight, but we’ve also included alternative options if you’re catering for less non-traditional christmas dinner ideas more guests.

For even more inspiration, see our Christmas dinner hub and more Christmas menu ideas. Bake this Middle Eastern-inspired loaf to serve for a festive brunch. Pâté, terrine or parfait are perfect make-ahead starters. Take them out the fridge just before serving and put on a serving platter with toasts or, for even less hassle, oatcakes or crackers. Our homemade fig chutney is also a sweet and sticky accompaniment. Breathe new life into prawn cocktail, a classic Christmas starter. With the addition of some Cajun spices, it’s a flavour-packed modern twist.

Keep things light before the onslaught of roast dinner with all the trimmings. Stocking smoked salmon in your fridge is a wise choice at Christmas. Serve a warming bowl of soup for a light yet satisfying Christmas starter. This creamy celeriac and hazelnut soup includes a drizzle of truffle oil for added luxury. Or, capture more seasonal flavours by blitzing chestnuts and parsnips into a silky-smooth blend and topping with crispy bacon pieces. For some, there will never be a centrepiece that can replace turkey. If you want to stay traditional, make our classic roast turkey recipe with a rich red wine gravy.