Christmas main courses that aren't turkey
Turkey isn’t the only star of the Christmas table. If you’re looking for something different for your festive main, 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.
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Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Roast guinea fowl with fennel, shallot and white wine sauce
This guinea fowl roast with thyme butter, bacon and a rich white wine sauce serves four, making it a special...
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Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Pernil (Puerto Rican slow-roasted pork)
Keshia Sakarah shares her recipe for pernil. This Puerto Rican slow-roasted pork (usually leg or shoulder) is often served at...
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Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Brioche and thyme butter-stuffed chicken crown
A top-quality chicken makes a great alternative to turkey for a small Christmas gathering. It’s cheaper and less prone to...
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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...
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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....
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Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Marmalade porchetta with salsa verde
Cherie Denham puts a British spin on Italian porchetta (slow-roasted pork). The citrussy sweetness in the marmalade works wonders with...
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Easy vegan recipes
Nut roast balls, onion gravy and greens
Clodagh McKenna’s nut roast balls with rich onion gravy and greens makes a fantastic vegan alternative to roast dinner or...
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Duck recipes
Michel Roux Jr’s roast duck with spiced pears
Michel Roux Jr’s Christmas roast duck makes a decadent festive dinner for two. The meat is tender and the crisp...
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Vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes
Porcini mushroom and vegetable nut roast
Forget those uninspiring veggie offerings of Christmases past – this updated porcini mushroom and vegetable nut roast is rich, savoury and...
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Christmas dinner recipes
Beef wellington with spinach and chestnut mushrooms
Beef wellington is a dinner party classic – perhaps because it’s a make-ahead marvel, or maybe because, once you’ve tasted...
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Pie recipes
Venison, onion and red wine pie
A winter pie with real body; Gill Meller cooks the onions slowly until they collapse into a thick jam before...
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Roast chicken recipes
Roast stuffed chicken with mustard fruits and green sauce
A main-event showstopper, follow this recipe for a roast stuffed chicken full of vibrant festive flavours. The sweet-spicy accompaniment of...
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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...
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Alternative Christmas roast recipes
Roast goose with black pudding apple and sage
River Cottage chef Gill Meller shares his recipe for roast goose, which makes a great alternative centrepiece for Christmas Day...
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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. It requires...
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Vegan Christmas recipes
Vegan miso mushroom, squash and chestnut wellington
This vegan wellington makes a standout centrepiece whatever the occasion. A mixture of miso mushrooms, sweet butternut and chestnuts are...
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