Christmas recipes and ideas

It’s never too early to start planning what Christmas recipes to make this year – and begin thinking about festive menus! Take some stress out of the big day with our make-ahead recipes for starters and desserts, plus a pick-your-own menu that can be made almost entirely in advance. We have all of the traditional dishes covered too, from the classic dinner and turkey to trifles and mince pies.

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…

Christmas recipes and ideas

Make-ahead Christmas recipes

However much we love to cook, most of us want to spend time celebrating with loved ones rather than sweating in the kitchen. Get a head start on your festive feast with our make-ahead Christmas recipes, including sumptuous starters, special sides and sparkling desserts; all can be prepped ahead. Now it the time to stir up that Christmas pudding and make your Christmas cake too…

best Christmas pudding

Best of the best: how to make the ultimate Christmas pudding

If you’re looking for the best Christmas pudding recipe, your search ends here. Our best of the best series takes...

Mary Berry's Christmas cake shown cooked on a tray

Mary Berry’s rich fruit Christmas cake

Mary Berry’s rich traditional Christmas cake recipe is filled to the brim with fruit, as well as almonds, brandy and...

Rhubarb and pink grapefruit possets with poppy seed and pistachio shortbread

Rhubarb and pink grapefruit possets with poppy seed and pistachio shortbread

These possets make the most of winter’s citrus and the pleasant tang of rhubarb. Meanwhile, the buttery shortbread on the...

Make ahead

Make-ahead Christmas menu

From freezable roast potatoes and stuffing balls to our get-ahead gravy, this pick-your-own make-ahead Christmas menu allows you to spend...

Christmas lunch menu and time plan

A Christmas Day lunch menu and time plan

Have a hassle-free Christmas Day with our lunch menu for 8 people. It comes with a shopping list for all...

20 ways to make Christmas easier

20 ways to make Christmas easier

We’ve asked a few of our favourite chefs and food experts to reveal their best tips for making Christmas easier,...

Beef wellington

How to make a beef wellington

Learn how to perfect this impressive classic with Nick Deverell-Smith’s step-by-step guide to succulent beef and flaky pastry. Find the...

Advent calendar chocolate truffles

12 delicious ways to have a greener Christmas

With a little creativity and planning, you can not only wow your guests this year but you can also have...

make-ahead Christmas recipes

Make-ahead Christmas

Get ready for the festivities with our make-ahead Christmas recipes - and see our menu ideas at the bottom of...

Make-ahead Christmas dessert recipes

Make-ahead Christmas desserts

No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen making pudding after a massive Christmas lunch – use one of...

Smoked salmon salad

Make-ahead Christmas starters

Need a festive head-start? Don't we all. Here's our round-up of the best make-ahead Christmas starters - from classic salmon...

Make-ahead Christmas sides

Make-ahead Christmas sides

Don't spend Christmas Day in the kitchen, use these recipes for make-ahead sides and keep festive stress to a minimum....

Close up image of stuffing balls on a serving platter

Make-ahead stuffing

Jump-start your Christmas cooking or Sunday roast with some make-ahead stuffing. All of these recipes can be made-ahead, either in...

Canape recipes

Canapés

Get your party off to a stylish start with our tempting canapé recipes. Try cheese and rosemary sablés, smoked salmon...

Christmas cake recipes

Christmas cakes

How early should you make your Christmas cake? It's a good question, and many of us love to celebrate each...

Christmas puddings

From the classics to the inventive, we've got Christmas pudding recipes guaranteed to please all your holiday guests. And you...

Make-ahead Christmas recipes

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

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...

Two platters of turkey and cranberry sausage rolls

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...

the ultimate Christmas buffet recipes

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

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...

Sausage and 'nduja wreath

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...

Air fryer sesame egg mayo vol-au-vents

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...

Trout cocktail boats

Trout cocktail boats

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

Halloumi in blankets

Halloumi in blankets

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

Christmas canapés

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

Snowball cocktail

Christmas cocktails

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

Christmas buffet

Stuck for ideas? If the kind of festive meal (and that could be Christmas, New Year or even between the...

Budget Christmas party food

Budget Christmas party food

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

Non-alcoholic drink 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...

Get the party started

Magical festive bakes & desserts

Capture the enchantment of Christmas with our imaginative creations, from a showstopper of a black forest trifle ‘forest’ to edible chocolate baubles… Or, prepare to step into the festive spirit with a seasonal baking session ­­– homemade mince pies and gingerbread, anyone? From showstopper desserts and tempting treats to chocolate or Baileys-inspired puds, bookmark these recipes now to make all your sweet dreams come true this Christmas!

Black forest trifle

Black forest ‘forest’ trifle

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

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...

Christmas cake with star design

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...

Chocolate baubles

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...

Mince pie biscotti

Mince pie biscotti

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

Bailey's cake

Chocolate Baileys cake

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

bundt

Christmas bundt cake

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

show stopping Christmas desserts

Show-stopping Christmas desserts

Make sure your Christmas guests save room for pudding. They won't want to miss out on one of these show-stopping...

Christmas baking recipes

Christmas baking

Warming spices, boozy sponges and plenty of sweet, dried fruit - plus some savoury baking ideas too, like our to-die-for...

Baileys and chocolate cheesecake

Baileys

We don't need to be told twice to add a splash of Baileys into a dessert, especially around Christmas time....

Christmas chocolate recipes

Christmas chocolate

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without chocolate – would it? So we've put together a collection of our very best Christmas...

Christmas biscuits

Christmas biscuits

There's nothing more festive than the aroma of Christmas baking wafting through your home. We can guarantee a full-on delight...

Cupcakes with a reindeer decoration shown on a festive table

Christmas cupcakes and small bakes

Love the idea of small festive bakes instead of one large cake? These decorated cupcakes and small bakes would be...

Gingerbread houses

Christmas gingerbread

Fancy learning how to make a gingerbread house? Or DIY gingerbread biscuits? They're a must-make at Christmas... Discover the very...

Bundt cake recipes

Bundt cakes

These stunning Bundt cakes will steal the show at any party.  We've got... banana and caramel, lemon drizzle and a...

Trifles

A spectacular, retro-style Christmas trifle is a must on any festive table. Have a browse through our tremendous trifle recipes,...

Black forest trifle

Festive desserts

Don't like Christmas pudding? Try these festive dessert alternatives, including recipes for a salted caramel Yule log and a clementine...

Mince pie recipes

Mince pies

There's nothing quite like a homemade mince pie. We've got plenty of recipes to pick from including gluten-free mince pies,...

100+ Christmas Bakes

Delicious homemade gifts

Presents are great – but presents you can eat are even better. Our collection of edible gifts, from savoury chilli chutney to sweet cinnamon-spiced peanut butter, are sure to put a smile on their face – and many can be made in advance too.

Bejewelled festive torrone (Italian nougat)

Bejewelled festive torrone (Italian nougat)

Torrone (Italian nougat) has a pleasantly yielding bite. It’s essentially a honey meringue mixture filled with nuts and cooked to...

Gingercake bites

Gingercake bites

Sticky gingercake gets better with age. After a week or two it will taste richer and more syrupy because treacle...

Wicker hamper containing components to make a gingerbread house

How to create a Christmas hamper

A hamper stuffed with edible goodies is always a hit at Christmas. Why not have a go at creating your...

Hot honey smoked nuts

Hot honey smoked nuts

Sweet, spicy and salty – the coating makes these hot honey smoked nuts a winner. Put the nuts in pretty...

edible gifts for Christmas

6 edible gifts that make lovely Christmas presents

It can be a challenge finding Christmas presents you know the recipients will love, so why not have a go...

Three jars of wine jelly, with some spooned onto a cracker with goat's cheese in the foreground

Wine jelly

Debora Robertson’s wine jelly is a versatile condiment to have on hand at Christmas and can be made and stored...

Advent calendar chocolate truffles

Advent calendar chocolate truffles

There’s nothing better than a chocolate truffle a day for the month of December. Customise the recipe by coating the...

Dark chocolate bark

Dark chocolate bark with sea salt, rosemary, pistachios and candied citrus

Close your eyes and feel the Mediterranean sun beating down on you as you take a bite out of vegan...

White truffles

Passion fruit snowball truffles

Just four ingredients are needed to create these pretty snowball truffles, boasting the tang of passion fruit and the rich...

Homemade Christmas gifts

Christmas gifts

Who doesn't love an edible homemade Christmas gift? Find all the inspiration you need here – sweet and savoury. We've...

budget Christmas gifts

Budget Christmas food gifts

Give a thoughtful present without breaking the bank this Christmas. Our collection of budget-friendly food gift ideas has something for...

Inspired edible gifts

The big Christmas dinner

It’s time to plan the feast of the year! Whether you plan to go traditional with turkey and all the trimmings or fancy an alternative roast, we have inspiration for a truly special Christmas Day dinner. Plus: vegetarians and vegans will be well taken care of with our festive plant-based ideas.

Roast turkey

Roast turkey

Roast turkey that’s beautifully presented, richly flavoured, tender and juicy – that’s what you want on Christmas Day. Best of...

Fondant sprouts with bacon and chestnuts

Fondant sprouts with bacon and chestnuts

Crisp, buttery sprouts strewn with chestnuts and bacon will become your favourite festive side dish. This best-ever recipe uses a...

Vegetarian filo Christmas wreath

Vegetarian filo Christmas wreath

These days, vegetarians at the Christmas table are accustomed to main courses that look and taste extraordinary. Food writer Elly...

Rosemary roast potatoes

Rosemary roast potatoes

Roast potatoes are secretly everyone’s favourite part of Christmas dinner. Regardless of how tender your turkey is or how many...

Marmalade pigs in blankets

Marmalade pigs in blankets

Always the first thing to disappear from the Christmas table, pigs in blankets are truly great if you make them...

Slow-cooked shoulder of pork in a roasting tray topped with crackling

Slow-cooked pork shoulder stuffed with orange and prunes

This roast pork shoulder boasts meltingly rich and tender meat, cut through with apple, orange and sweet prunes. The perfect...

Platter of roast goose

Christmas roast goose

Make roast goose the star of Christmas dinner. Roasting the legs separately ensures everything is perfectly cooked, while the long...

Vegan Christmas

Vegan Christmas dinner menu

If you’re going plant-based for your festive feast this year, make it bigger and better than ever with this complete...

Christmas dinner recipes

Christmas dinners

Consider yourself truly spoilt for choice this year with our essential Christmas dinner recipes. We've got every Christmas main and...

Vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes

Vegetarian Christmas dinners

Make the most of the season's fabulous winter ingredients such as squash, chestnuts, Jerusalem artichokes and parsnips to create these...

Vegan wellington

Vegan Christmas

For vegan Christmas recipes, you're in the right place. Find a stunning caramelised onion tart for a vegan main, winter...

Subscribe to our magazine

Food stories, skills and tested recipes, straight to your door... Enjoy 5 issues for just £5 with our special introductory offer.

Subscribe

Unleash your inner chef

Looking for inspiration? Receive the latest recipes with our newsletter

We treat your data with care. See our privacy policy. By signing up, you are agreeing to delicious.’ terms and conditions. Unsubscribe at any time.