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!


A gold glitter roundel, with the words GLOW UP! in the centre

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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Roast guinea fowl with fennel, shallot and white wine sauce

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. 

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Pernil (Puerto Rican slow-roasted pork)

Alternative Christmas roast recipes

Pernil (Puerto Rican slow-roasted pork)

Pernil is Puerto Rican slow-roasted pork with tender meat and crispy crackling, often served at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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Brioche and thyme butter-stuffed chicken crown

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?

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Roast turbot with leeks, tarragon and riesling

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.

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Venison wellington

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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Marmalade porchetta with salsa verde

Alternative Christmas roast recipes

Marmalade porchetta with salsa verde

Cherie Denhamputs a British spin on slow-roast porchetta. The citrussy sweetness in the marmalade works wonders with the punchy salsa verde.

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Nut roast balls, onion gravy and greens

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.

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Michel Roux Jr’s roast duck with spiced pears

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.

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Porcini mushroom and vegetable nut roast

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.

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Beef wellington with spinach and chestnut mushrooms

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.

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Venison, onion and red wine pie

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.

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Roast stuffed chicken with mustard fruits and green sauce

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.

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Raymond Blanc’s whole roast salmon

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?

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Roast goose with black pudding apple and sage

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.

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Roast rib of beef with a golden crust

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.

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Vegan miso mushroom, squash and chestnut wellington

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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