Alternative Main Features to Turkey for Christmas Dinner

For many, Christmas dinner conjures up images of a perfectly roasted turkey, with all the trimmings. 

However, as delicious as it can be, turkey isn’t to everyone’s taste or it may simply be time to try something new. 

If you’re thinking of shaking up your festive feast this year, there are a variety of alternative main features that can be just as special, flavourful, and festive. Here are some fantastic substitutes to consider for your Christmas table.

1. Roast Beef

A classic choice for any special occasion, roast beef can bring a hearty and rich flavour to your Christmas dinner. Opt for a prime rib or a tender fillet, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a truly luxurious dish. The robust flavours pair perfectly with traditional sides like roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and a rich red wine gravy. Beef offers a comforting yet indulgent alternative that will certainly impress your guests.

2. Glazed Ham

A succulent glazed ham is another fantastic substitute for turkey. Ham is easy to prepare, and the sweet glaze – often made with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup – provides a delightful contrast to the salty, savoury meat. You can serve it hot or cold, making it a versatile option for both formal and casual gatherings. The leftovers are ideal for sandwiches or adding to a Boxing Day buffet!

3. Goose

Historically, goose was a popular choice for Christmas before turkey took over as the dominant bird on the table. With its rich, full flavour and crisp, golden skin, roast goose is an indulgent centrepiece that feels celebratory. While it’s fattier than turkey, this makes it incredibly moist and flavourful. Goose fat can also be saved and used to make the most amazing roast potatoes!

4. Lamb

For those who prefer a more tender and succulent meat, roast lamb could be the perfect choice. The rich, earthy flavours of lamb, especially when paired with herbs like rosemary and mint, provide a delicious contrast to the lighter taste of turkey. A leg of lamb or a slow-roasted shoulder can be the star of the table, served with roasted vegetables, mint sauce, and perhaps a Mediterranean twist like roasted garlic and lemon.

5. Vegetarian Wellington

For vegetarians, or those looking to reduce their meat intake, a vegetarian Wellington makes a stunning and satisfying centrepiece. This dish typically involves a flaky puff pastry encasing a filling of mushrooms, nuts, lentils, or even butternut squash, seasoned with festive herbs. It’s a showstopper of a dish, with layers of texture and flavour, and pairs beautifully with all the usual Christmas sides like Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and roast potatoes.

6. Salmon en Croute

For a lighter but still luxurious alternative, salmon en croute is an elegant dish to serve at Christmas. The salmon, wrapped in buttery puff pastry along with spinach or a creamy dill sauce, makes for a sophisticated and delicious main. It's a particularly good option for those who may prefer seafood, and it offers a lovely contrast to the heavier, meatier choices. Pair it with new potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a crisp white wine for a refreshing festive meal.

7. Nut Roast

For a truly plant-based option, the nut roast has long been a staple of vegetarian and vegan Christmas dinners. Far from being bland or dry, modern recipes for nut roasts incorporate a wide variety of flavours and textures, including chestnuts, walnuts, mushrooms, lentils, and herbs. 

With the right seasoning, it can be an incredibly tasty alternative to a meat dish. Serve with vegan gravy, cranberry sauce, and all the usual Christmas trimmings.

8. Duck

Duck is another richly flavoured bird that can serve as a delightful alternative to turkey. Its dark, tender meat, combined with crispy skin, offers a more intense and luxurious taste. Whether you opt for a whole roast duck or duck breasts, it pairs beautifully with festive sauces like orange or cherry, and can be served with sides such as red cabbage, roasted carrots, and creamy mash.

9. Stuffed Squash

For those seeking a more unique vegetarian option, roasted stuffed squash makes for a visually striking and hearty main course. You can fill the squash with a mixture of grains, nuts, dried fruits, and herbs, then roast it until tender and caramelised. The combination of the naturally sweet squash and savoury stuffing creates a delicious balance of flavours that even meat-eaters will love.

10. Pork Loin

A roast pork loin, especially when stuffed with herbs, garlic, or even apples, can be a fantastic option for Christmas dinner. The crackling adds a delightful crunch, while the tender meat offers a satisfying alternative to turkey. Serve it with roasted root vegetables, apple sauce, and perhaps a sage and onion stuffing to keep the meal festive.

Choosing an alternative to turkey doesn’t mean compromising on tradition or flavour. Whether you opt for a rich roast beef, a succulent ham, or a creative vegetarian Wellington, there’s an abundance of options to suit every taste and preference. 

With a bit of creativity, your Christmas dinner can be just as special and memorable, giving you the perfect opportunity to try something new while still enjoying all the festive joy of a Christmas feast.

This year, why not break from tradition and surprise your guests with a new star of the show?

A Wholesome Christmas: Why You Should Eschew Shop-Bought Vegan Roasts for Home-Cooked Ones

As the festive season draws closer, many of us are already thinking about the Christmas feast, and for those of us committed to a vegan lifestyle, it’s all about finding that perfect centrepiece for the Christmas table. 

With the rise in demand for vegan products, shop-bought vegan Christmas roasts are more accessible than ever. 

However, there’s a lot to be said for skipping the pre-packaged, processed options and instead creating your own wholesome, home-cooked vegan roast. Here's why you should consider making the switch.

1. No Unwanted Additives or Preservatives

Many shop-bought vegan roasts, while convenient, often come with a host of ingredients that you might not necessarily want to consume. Additives, preservatives, and stabilisers, though they serve to prolong shelf life, can make a dish feel far from natural. The festive season is a time for indulgence, but wouldn't it be wonderful to do so without consuming unnecessary chemicals?

When you make your own vegan roast at home, you’re in complete control of what goes into it. You can use fresh, whole ingredients like vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts, and herbs, free from anything artificial. It’s a great way to ensure that the food on your Christmas table is as wholesome as it is delicious.

2. Tailored to Your Taste

Everyone’s taste buds are different, and store-bought roasts often try to appeal to a broad audience, which can leave them feeling bland or overly processed. When you make your own vegan Christmas roast, you can infuse it with the flavours you and your family love. Whether it’s a rich mushroom and walnut loaf, a hearty lentil and vegetable roast, or a chestnut and cranberry wellington, the possibilities are endless.

You can experiment with spices and herbs, creating a roast that’s bursting with festive flavour. Add rosemary, thyme, sage, or a hint of nutmeg to capture that Christmas spirit. Not only will your home smell incredible, but your roast will be a true reflection of your personal tastes.

3. Better for Your Health

A home-cooked vegan roast, packed with whole foods, is naturally healthier. Many shop-bought options are processed, meaning they can be high in sodium, fats, or sugars. By cooking your own, you can opt for nutrient-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and leafy greens. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre to keep you feeling nourished even while you indulge.

Whole ingredients, free from additives, are easier for the body to digest and help maintain energy levels throughout the day, leaving you feeling light and energised for post-dinner festivities, rather than sluggish.

4. Sustainability Matters

Sustainability is a key concern for many, especially during a season often associated with excess and waste. Pre-packaged foods, including vegan roasts, often come wrapped in layers of plastic and non-recyclable packaging. Additionally, mass-produced food items tend to have a larger carbon footprint, especially when ingredients are shipped from far-off places.

By making your own vegan Christmas roast at home, you can use locally-sourced ingredients, reducing food miles and supporting local farmers. Furthermore, by buying fresh, unpackaged ingredients, you can help cut down on plastic waste, making your Christmas dinner both delicious and eco-friendly.

5. The Joy of Cooking

One of the most rewarding aspects of the festive season is the act of preparing and sharing food with loved ones. There’s something special about creating a dish from scratch, knowing the love and care that went into it. By opting for a home-cooked roast, you’re not just making food—you’re creating memories.

Cooking a vegan roast doesn’t have to be intimidating. There are countless recipes that are simple to follow and require only basic ingredients. You can even make the process a communal one, involving family or friends to help with the preparation, making the day even more meaningful.

6. Cost-Effective

Shop-bought vegan roasts, especially during the holiday season, can be pricey. High demand for vegan products during Christmas often leads to inflated prices, and while convenience can sometimes justify the cost, making your own roast can be much more economical. Bulk buying fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes can result in hearty meals at a fraction of the price, leaving more room in the budget for gifts or treats.

Conclusion

This Christmas, why not break away from the pre-packaged vegan roasts and embrace the joy of cooking something homemade, wholesome, and chemical-free? Not only will it be better for your health and the environment, but it will also allow you to create something truly special that your family and friends will love.

With a little creativity, some fresh ingredients, and a sprinkle of festive spirit, you can make a vegan Christmas roast that’s far superior to anything you’ll find on supermarket shelves. So, don your apron, get your hands dirty, and enjoy a Christmas roast made with love.