Classic Christmas recipes
What makes a recipe a Christmas classic? These are the dishes that have stood the test of time, which we love to bring out each year as part of the rituals and nostalgia around a traditional Christmas dinner. Welcome to our one-stop shop of classics – and only classics.
Let’s be honest – the spuds are the star of the show, and perfecting them with our rosemary roast potato recipe will get that golden result you need. Go simple and try our easiest pigs in blankets, banish dry turkey with our wonderful roast turkey recipe and go all out on the other sides – fondant sprouts, spiced red cabbage, carrots and parsnips – you name it, we’ve got it.
As for the sweet stuff, try Michel Roux Jr’s yule log, Mary Berry’s rich fruit Christmas cake, deep-filled mince pies, and sherry trifle, to name a few.
Fancy a change this year? Then see our Christmas hub for 100s more ideas…
Want to jazz up your failsafe festive dishes? Discover our Glow Up mini recipes, including a luscious sage and nutmeg garlic butter to rub under the turkey’s skin or toss with veg.
Showing 1-16 of 52 recipes
Christmas trimmings, sides and sauces
The best homemade turkey gravy
Homemade turkey gravy makes all the difference to your Christmas dinner. Prepare a flavoursome stock in advance and the rest is easy.
Cranberries
Ultimate homemade cranberry sauce
Our ultimate homemade cranberry sauce is ready in 20 mins and can be made ahead. It's the perfect balance between tart and sweet.
Roast potatoes
Rosemary roast potatoes
Roast potatoes are everyone's favourite part of Christmas dinner. This rosemary roast potatoes recipe is both foolproof and flavourful.
Pigs in blankets
Marmalade pigs in blankets
Pigs in blankets are the first thing to disappear from the Christmas table. These easy marmalade-glazed piggies need just 10 minutes prep.
Christmas turkey
The best roast turkey
Roast turkey that’s richly flavoured and juicy – that’s what you want on Christmas Day. This is our best roast turkey recipe.
Brussels sprouts
Fondant sprouts with bacon and chestnuts
Fondant sprouts with bacon and chestnuts is our favourite festive side. A two-step cooking process gets the best out of every sprout.
Champagne cocktails
Classic mimosa
We always thought a classic mimosa was a fancy name for buck’s fizz, but there’s a difference. Discover our tips for making the best mimosas.
Christmas turkey
Roast turkey with a bacon lattice
You can never have too much bacon at Christmas, and dressing turkey with a bacon lattice imparts flavour and stops the breast drying out.
Brussels sprouts
Roast sprouts with bacon, chestnuts and cream
Roast sprouts with bacon and chestnuts until tender and nutty, then stir through cream for an unapologetically decadent Christmas side dish.
Festive desserts
Michel Roux Jr’s Yule log
Supremo chef Michel Roux Jr shows you how to create a classic bûche de Noël or Yule log, the traditional French Christmas dessert.
Trifles
Sherry trifle with praline and orange custard
Our stunning sherry trifle is topped with orange custard, a billowing layer of cream and praline shards. The perfect festive dessert.
Christmas cakes
Mary Berry’s rich fruit Christmas cake
Mary Berry's rich traditional Christmas cake recipe is filled with fruit, almonds, brandy and treacle. It's the perfect pudding for your festive feast.
Make-ahead Christmas starters
Individual smoked salmon terrines for Christmas
Looking for a salmon starter? Make this easy to prepare smoked salmon terrine recipe as a starter to serve at a dinner party, or Christmas lunch...
Mince pies
Deep-filled mince pies
These deep-filled mince pies are a special way to say thanks to friends and neighbours. Make a batch and store in a tin for a thoughtful gift.
Christmas baking
Demerara rough puff pastry mince pies
Mince pies made with flaky puff pastry are really special, but rather time-consuming. For a slightly quicker version, try this rough puff pastry recipe.
Christmas starters
Classic prawn cocktail
Whip up this retro dessert – classic prawn cocktail – in just 15 minutes and serve as a fun yet elegant starter to dinner party guests.
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