Christmas recipes and ideas

Discover delicious. inspiration for Christmas recipes and festive menus to make this year. Take some stress out of the big day with our make-ahead recipes for starters and desserts, plus a make-ahead menu that can be prepared almost entirely in advance. We have all of the traditional dishes covered too, from turkey to trifles and mince pies, while our classic menu delivers best-of-the-best versions of the all-time favourites.

Ready to party? Discover our favourite canapés and cocktails. We’ve also rounded up our best-ever festive baking recipes, including cinnamon buns, a gingerbread tree and Christmas cookies. You’ll find expert tips on everything from decorating your Christmas cake to how to make perfect roast potatoes and assemble a cheeseboard, too. Finally, come back for all the Boxing Day recipes and festive leftover ideas you need…

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The ultimate Swiss cheese fondue

Sharing recipes to feed a crowd

Party pani puri

Christmas cocktails

Pornstar martini

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The complete New Year's Eve menu

Christmas air fryer recipes

Air fryer potato and smoked salmon canapés

New Year's Eve celebrations

Bring in the New Year with party nibbles, festive drinks and show-stopping dinner party recipes. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration with top-notch food or going all-out with a bang, we’ve got plenty of New Year’s Eve recipes that are worth celebrating.

The complete New Year’s Eve menu

Hosting a New Year’s Eve gathering this year? Put on a meal to remember with our dinner party menu that’s...

Cornish fruits de mer

Push the boat out this Christmas and serve your guests an extravagant fruits de mer platter, piled high with the...

Dairy-free Gluten-free

Arun Tilak’s murgh musallam (whole stuffed chicken)

Chef Arun Tilak’s epic murgh musallam (whole stuffed chicken) makes a fabulous festive alternative to turkey. Or serve as the...

Gluten-free

Best of the best: How to make the ultimate beef wellington

Learn how to make the ultimate beef wellington with the latest in our expert guides. No shortcuts. No cheat ingredients....

Fragrant roast monkfish with green curry beurre blanc and crispy noodles

Ravinder Bhogal’s roast monkfish, served with a silky green-curry beurre blanc and topped with crispy noodles, is a dinner party...

Gluten-free

Thai basil gimlets

Ravinder Bhogal’s Thai basil gimlets are the perfect pre-dinner cocktail for New Year’s Eve or another special occasion. Ravinder says:...

Dairy-free Gluten-free Vegan

Large espresso martini for a crowd

What a way to start an evening! This easy espresso martini recipe makes a batch, meaning you can just whizz...

José Pizarro’s huevos rellenos (Spanish-style devilled eggs)

Chef José Pizarro shares his recipe for huevos rellenos, Spanish-style devilled eggs. The creamy, garlicky centres are each topped with...

Dairy-free Gluten-free

New Year's Eve recipes

Bring in the New Year with party nibbles, festive drinks and show-stopping dinner party recipes. Whether you're planning an intimate...

94 Recipes

Celebratory recipes for New Year's Eve

Buffet brilliance

Put on a sensational spread with our buffet ideas, from a crowdpleasing sausage roll wreath and Nigella’s marmalade ham hocks to quick-to-assemble desserts (including air fryer brownies). We’ve got a full guide to putting together an epic buffet, too…

Pandoro tiramisu tree cake

A bit of simple slicing turns this pandoro into a Christmas tree cake. Douse it in coffee liqueur, mascarpone cream...

Vegetarian

Sausage roll wreath

Pair a sausage roll wreath with tangy tomato chutney for an irresistible Christmas buffet dish. The filling includes cranberries, red...

Nigella Lawson’s ham hocks with mustard and marmalade

Queen of Christmas Nigella Lawson shares an exclusive recipe for a perfectly petite pair of ham hocks with a rich...

Dairy-free Gluten-free

How to create the ultimate Christmas buffet

A Christmas buffet is a serious affair. There’s more to it than canapés and crisps (although they definitely play a...

Air fryer marzipan chocolate brownies

Brownies with a molten marzipan core and nutty top – ideal for entertaining or snacking on every time you pass...

Freezable Vegetarian

A sausage roll wreath with tomato dip in the centre

Buffets rule! A love letter to the big party spread

Take a paper plate and form an orderly queue, says food writer Sue Quinn. Christmas is here, so it’s time...

Turkey and cranberry sausage rolls

A mini sausage roll is a good idea no matter the time of year, but they’re practically a necessity come...

Freezable

12 wonderful wreaths you’ll want to eat this Christmas

Hanging a wreath on the front door is a true sign that the Christmas season has begun. But wreaths don’t...

Christmas buffet

Who doesn't love a Christmas buffet? We have all the recipes you need, from canapés and pâtés to dips and...

93 Recipes

Gammon

Gammon is a wonderfully succulent joint of pork: whether you're cooking gammon steaks for one or glazing a big gammon...

29 Recipes

Betwixtmas recipes

Betwixmas: that baffling time between Christmas and New Years when time stands still and food is the main focus. We've...

34 Recipes

Everything you need for your buffet

Christmas leftovers

Be wise to wastage and use these recipes to turn your leftover turkey, potatoes and ham into truly delicious post-Christmas dinners. Try our festive sprout and harissa hash for brunch, use up leftover bread sauce in pillowy rolls, turn panettone into cheesy French toast or treat yourself to something sweet with mince pie ice cream sandwiches. Our Christmas leftovers toastie is a must-try…

Turkey bruschetta with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and basil

Bruschetta is given a Christmas twist in this leftover turkey recipe, dressed up with melted mozzarella, sun-dried cherry tomatoes and...

Christmas leftovers gochujang rice bowl

The vegetables left over from your Christmas dinner are treated in different ways to build a rainbow bowl of post-Christmas...

Dairy-free Gluten-free Vegetarian

Stuffing and sage ravioli

Stuffing and sage ravioli is a clever way to use up any stuffing from your Christmas dinner. This festive dish...

Freezable Vegetarian

Christmas leftovers turkey toastie

Treat your Boxing Day sandwich to an air-fryer upgrade in this easy recipe. When making toasties in the air fryer,...

apricot-cranberry-and-almond-whipped-cream-scones

What to do with leftover dried cranberries

Discover new ways to use up the leftovers of this sweet and chewy dried fruit. From turkey salads, to fruity...

What to do with leftover turkey

How can I use up my leftover turkey? It’s a question that plagues us too – we want the best...

Leftover turkey tikka masala

Create a turkey curry buffet even Bridget Jones would love. This fragrant turkey tikka masala makes the perfect dish for...

Gluten-free

Bang bang turkey coleslaw

Marcus Wareing’s family turkey coleslaw recipe – made up of Christmas leftovers – is perfect for Boxing Day entertaining.

12 no-waste Christmas cooking tips

Did you know it’s estimated that 14 million turkey legs go to waste each year? Or that you can use...

A cast iron past of brussels sprout hash with two eggs

Sprout and harissa hash with tahini yogurt

This seasonal brunch celebrates sprouts with the help of Middle Eastern pantry staples such as fiery harissa, creamy tahini and...

Gluten-free Vegetarian

Golden bread rolls on a tray with a pot of butter

Bread sauce rolls

Use up leftover bread sauce from Christmas dinner or your Sunday roast to make these rolls. The butter-enriched dough incorporates...

Freezable Vegetarian

Cheesy panettone French toast

Sweet, citrus-studded panettone and cheese? Trust us, it’s a match made in heaven. Giving the bread the french toast treatment...

Mince pie ice cream sandwiches

Looking for an easy but impressive Christmas dessert? Mince pie ice cream sandwiches, served in golden brioche, tick all the...

Freezable Vegetarian

Christmas leftovers

Be wise to wastage and use these recipes to turn your leftover turkey, potatoes and ham into truly delicious post-Christmas...

81 Recipes

New ideas for Christmas leftovers

It's party time!

One of the joys of Christmas is gathering with friends and family… Get the party started with our cocktails and canapé ideas or put on a full buffet spread with our exciting sharing ideas. Non-drinkers won’t be forgotten with our mocktail options – and let our budget party food ideas help keep the cost down, too. Pop the bubbly, turn up the music and let the good times roll!

Smoked trout with potato rösti and beetroot cream

Crunchy-yet-soft rösti are great for Christmas parties – make two large ones, then chop them up into bite-size pieces. Topped...

Gluten-free

Turkey and cranberry sausage rolls

A mini sausage roll is a good idea no matter the time of year, but they’re practically a necessity come...

Freezable

How to create the ultimate Christmas buffet

A Christmas buffet is a serious affair. There’s more to it than canapés and crisps (although they definitely play a...

Baked camembert with harissa honey

Who doesn’t love baked camembert? Here oozy, gooey cheese is drizzled with a fiery, sweet honey. This speedy recipe is...

Gluten-free Vegetarian

Sausage and cheese brioche wreath with ’nduja cranberry dip

Looking for an easy festive starter or nibble for a party? Hidden inside each of the dough balls in this...

Devilled eggs topped with spring onions and black sesame seeds

Gochujang devilled eggs

Is it really a party without devilled eggs? This timeless canapé gets an on-trend glow-up by way of the savoury...

Dairy-free Gluten-free Vegetarian

Air fryer sesame egg mayo vol-au-vents

Boiling an egg in an air fryer? Yep, it works! The shell protects the eggs from the heat, allowing them...

Dairy-free Vegetarian

Trout cocktail boats

Impress your guests with a twist on everyone’s favourite retro dish, the timeless prawn cocktail. Prawns are swapped with homemade...

Dairy-free

Halloumi in blankets

Firm halloumi gets wrapped up in a snug bacon blanket, with sweet honey and a little oregano as a nod...

Gluten-free

Christmas canapés

Impress this Christmas and New Year's Eve with our round-up of the best canapé recipes. Find ideas for sweet and...

79 Recipes

Christmas cocktails

We always push the boat out with Christmas food, but Christmas drinks are equally important! No matter how you're doing...

60 Recipes

Christmas buffet

Who doesn't love a Christmas buffet? We have all the recipes you need, from canapés and pâtés to dips and...

93 Recipes

Budget Christmas party food

Throw a fabulous Christmas party without breaking the bank. These Christmas party food recipes are perfect for entertaining on a...

62 Recipes

Non-alcoholic drinks

Whatever the reason you don't drink alcohol, these non-alcoholic drinks, juices, smoothies and mocktail recipes are delightful for you to...

45 Recipes

Mocktail recipes

Say cheers to a booze-free evening with our best-ever mocktail recipes. Classic mocktails: Enjoy a dirty sunrise cocktail or non-alcoholic...

21 Recipes

Get the party started

Christmas air fryer recipes

At Christmas, when oven space is at a premium, the air fryer really comes into its own. The festive dishes in this section are actually better air-fried than baked or roasted in a traditional oven – something that surprised (and delighted) us. From snacks and sweet treats to side dishes and complete meals, this is how to air-fry yourself a very merry festive season indeed. We’re talking air fryer eggnog cheesecake and air-fried cranberry chicken wings…

Air fryer cranberry-glazed chicken wings

These festive chicken wings are sweet, savoury and sticky. Perfect for a crowd served as a snack or as part...

Dairy-free Gluten-free

Every air fryer recipe you need for Christmas

These 12 Christmas air fryer recipes are actually better air-fried than baked or roasted in a traditional oven – something...

Air fryer eggnog cheesecake

Baked cheesecakes are guaranteed to please a crowd, and they’re brilliant cooked in the air fryer. The stable temperature and...

Air fryer marzipan chocolate brownies

Brownies with a molten marzipan core and nutty top – ideal for entertaining or snacking on every time you pass...

Freezable Vegetarian

Air fryer crispy ’nduja sprouts

Brussels sprouts crisp up beautifully in an air fryer – the outer leaves caramelising to golden shards. Tossing anything in...

Dairy-free Gluten-free

Air fryer sage-butter roast potatoes

Discover how to make perfect roast potatoes in the air fryer. Tossing spuds with earthy sage butter complements the naturally...

Gluten-free Vegetarian

How to cook five Christmas sides in an air fryer

If you’re concerned about having enough space in your oven this Christmas (who isn’t?), cooking some or all of your...

Compare the best UK air fryers, tested & reviewed by the delicious. team

Looking to buy an air fryer? We compare the best air fryers available in the UK right now, with insights...

Air fryer mini mince pie turnovers

Even the simplest mince pie tastes better than anything shop-bought when it’s freshly baked – or in this case, air-fried....

Freezable

Air fryer festive traybake with gravy mayo

Air fryer roast dinner traybake with gravy mayo

Everything you love about a Christmas dinner in a single dish, all cooked in the air fryer – perfect if...

Freezable

Air fryer mini stilton-rarebit scones with onion chutney

These mini cheese scones are a brilliant festive bake to make in your air fryer. Because the hot air gets...

Vegetarian

Air fryer mushroom and chestnut stuffing balls

These umami bombs are the ultimate addition to any Christmas spread, the classic stuffing combo of mushrooms and chestnuts amped...

Dairy-free Freezable Vegan

Air fryer potato and smoked salmon canapés

The best canapés are the ones that look classy yet require minimal prep. These salmon-topped bites use tinned potatoes, a...

Gluten-free

Air fryer sesame egg mayo vol-au-vents

Boiling an egg in an air fryer? Yep, it works! The shell protects the eggs from the heat, allowing them...

Dairy-free Vegetarian

Christmas air fryer recipes

There are so many Christmas recipes that can be made in an air fryer – with incredible results. Crispy sprouts...

13 Recipes

Air fryer

Air fryers are a versatile addition to your kitchen, delivering the crispiest chips, tender meat and so much more. The...

56 Recipes

Festive air fryer recipes & know-how

Magical festive bakes & desserts

Capture the enchantment of the season with our imaginative creations, including a hugely popular black forest trifle ‘forest’ and edible chocolate baubles… From showstopper desserts and tempting treats to chocolate and Baileys-inspired puds, these recipes will make all your sweet dreams come true!

Tipsy snowman choux buns

These adorable bite-size snowmen are filled with a Baileys-spiked cream – which may explain why they’re so merry. And for...

Vegetarian

7 of the best Baileys recipes to make this Christmas

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Baileys. But why just sip your Irish cream liqueur when you could be adding it...

Pandoro tiramisu tree cake

A bit of simple slicing turns this pandoro into a Christmas tree cake. Douse it in coffee liqueur, mascarpone cream...

Vegetarian

Black forest ‘forest’ trifle

This dramatic dessert embraces the elements of a black forest gateau – cherries, chocolate and kirsch – using layers similar...

Vegetarian

Lily Vanilli Christmas cake decorating tips

Five magical Christmas cake decoration ideas by Lily Vanilli

For a Christmas showstopper, you need a cake that looks as good as it tastes. Iced-but-undecorated cakes are all the...

How to create a Christmas afternoon tea

Afternoon tea at Christmas? Why not! Gather friends and family and give your tea party a festive spin with our...

Mulled fig and apple Christmas cake

This lighter take on Christmas cake is packed with fruit, adding dried figs and apples to the classic raisins, sultanas...

Triple chocolate baubles

Decoration or dessert? These beautiful baubles require patience but they’re fairly easy to make. With a triple-threat of white chocolate...

Vegetarian

Mince pie biscotti

These mince pie biscotti by The Hebridean Baker (Coinneach MacLeod) are studded with pistachios and cranberries and perfect for dunking...

Dairy-free Vegetarian

Chocolate Baileys cake

Meet the ultimate bake for Baileys lovers. Our chocolate Baileys cake is layered with white choc sponge, Baileys ganache and...

Vegetarian

Christmas bundt cake

Create a festive showstopper with our Christmas bundt cake. Master the base recipe, but feel free to adapt the recipe...

Vegetarian

Mulled wine snowdrift meringue pie

Now here’s how you create some drama at the Christmas table! This mulled wine snowdrift meringue pie dessert is a...

Vegetarian

Show-stopping Christmas desserts

Make sure your Christmas guests save room for pudding – they won't want to miss out on one of these...

47 Recipes

Festive desserts

Don't like Christmas pudding? Try these festive dessert recipes instead. We've got everything from easy desserts to impressive Christmas showstoppers....

114 Recipes