Christmas main courses that aren't turkey
Turkey isn’t the only star of the festive table. If you’re looking for Christmas main courses that aren’t turkey, we’ve got you covered.
These Christmas main courses include alternative roasts like goose, budget-friendly Christmas chicken and classic roast beef. Slow-roast lamb and pork with golden crackling also make impressive Christmas mains. There’s festive favourites like beef wellington and salmon en croute, plus some vegetarian and vegan options. Merry Christmas!
Our Glow Up mini recipes, including a luscious sage and nutmeg garlic butter to rub under the turkey’s skin or toss with veg, are a great way to jazz up your festive feasting too.
Showing 1-16 of 29 recipes
Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Roast guinea fowl with fennel, shallot and white wine sauce
Guinea fowl with thyme butter, bacon and a rich white wine sauce to serve four: a special roast for a smaller gathering.Â
Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Brioche and thyme butter-stuffed chicken crown
Chicken crown, slathered in butter and whizzed up with thyme and brioche, makes an incredible Christmas main for four. Who needs turkey?
Easy whole fish recipes
Roast turbot with leeks, tarragon and riesling
Celebrate Christmas or a special family gathering with roast turbot. Mitch Tonk’s whole fish is incredibly quick to cook and has a firm, rich, meaty texture.
Christmas main courses that aren't turkey
Venison wellington
Venison wellington makes a fabulous alternative to Christmas turkey. Try this prep-ahead recipe from top chefs, Chris and Jeff Galvin.
Easy vegan recipes
Nut roast balls, onion gravy and greens
Clodagh McKenna's nut roast balls with onion gravy and greens makes a fantastic vegan alternative to roast dinner or a simple Christmas lunch.
Duck recipes
Michel Roux Jr’s roast duck with spiced pears
Michel Roux Jr's Christmas roast duck makes a decadent festive meal for two. The meat is tender and the crisp skin soaks up all the flavours.
Vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes
Porcini mushroom and vegetable nut roast
Forget those uninspiring veggie offerings of Christmases past – this updated porcini mushoom and vegetable nut roast is so satisfying.
Christmas dinner recipes
Beef wellington with spinach and chestnut mushrooms
Once you’ve tasted our beef wellington with spinach, with its melt-in-the-mouth meat and crisp, buttery pastry, you’re hooked.
Pie recipes
Venison, onion and red wine pie
A pie with real body; Gill Meller cooks the onions slowly until they collapse into a thick jam before adding the venison to achieve slow-cooked perfection.
Roast chicken recipes
Roast stuffed chicken with mustard fruits and green sauce
This roast stuffed chicken is full of vibrant festive flavours, with a sweet-spicy accompaniment of mustard-preserved fruit taking it to the next level.
Showstopping salmon recipes
Raymond Blanc’s whole roast salmon
Raymond Blanc's whole roast salmon makes a lovely change from meat in spring. Why not serve the whole fish at the table for Easter lunch?
Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Roast goose with black pudding apple and sage
River Cottage chef Gill Meller shares his recipe for roast goose. It can be enjoyed at anytime during the winter, when the bird is in season.
Roast recipes
Roast rib of beef with a golden crust
This stunning rib of beef is roasted in a golden crust of horseradish, mustard, ginger and brown sugar – a stunning Sunday roast centrepiece.
Vegan Christmas recipes
Vegan miso mushroom, squash and chestnut wellington
This vegan wellington recipe combines miso mushrooms, sweet butternut squash and chestnuts in vegan puff pastry. It's an absolute delight!
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