Christmas is a time of tradition, family, and, of course, food and flavour. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classic roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing or you’re looking to break free from the conventional holiday dinner, there’s plenty of room to get creative with your Christmas meal. If you’re hoping to try something a little different this year, we’ve compiled a list of alternative Christmas dinner ideas that will spice up your holiday table and bring fresh flavours to the season.
In this post, we’ll explore unique main dishes, sides, and desserts that go beyond the traditional, offering options for different dietary preferences, cultures, and taste profiles. From plant-based feasts to international influences and comfort-food twists, you’ll find something to suit everyone at your Christmas table.
1. Plant-Based Christmas Dinner
For many people, whether due to dietary preferences, ethical reasons, or environmental concerns, plant-based eating is becoming more common—and that includes during the holiday season. Thankfully, there are tons of delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional Christmas dishes.
Main Course: Vegan Wellington
Instead of a beef Wellington, why not opt for a plant-based version? A Vegan Wellington is made with a savory filling of mushrooms, lentils, and spinach wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The rich flavours of mushrooms and the texture of lentils create a hearty and satisfying dish that will leave everyone at the table impressed. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables and a delicious vegan gravy for a perfect holiday centerpiece.
For a more rustic and simple option, a roasted stuffed butternut squash is an eye-catching and flavourful main course. Stuff the squash with a mixture of quinoa, cranberries, nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), and herbs. Roast it until tender and golden, then drizzle with a tangy balsamic glaze. This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with seasonal flavours.
Side Dish: Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Traditional mashed potatoes are easy to veganize by simply swapping butter and cream for plant-based alternatives. Use olive oil, vegan butter, or even coconut milk for a creamy texture, and add roasted garlic for extra flavour. These mashed potatoes will be just as comforting as their dairy-filled counterparts, but much lighter on the stomach.
Side Dish: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts are a Christmas classic, and they’re easy to make vegan by tossing them in olive oil and roasting them until crispy. For a flavourful twist, finish them off with a balsamic reduction or glaze. The tartness of the vinegar contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized Brussels sprouts.
Dessert: Vegan Christmas Pudding
You can still indulge in the iconic Christmas pudding without the dairy and eggs. A plant-based version can be made with dried fruits, spices, and plant-based butter. Served with a dairy-free brandy butter or vegan custard, this dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth while adhering to your dietary choices.
2. A Seafood Feast
If you’re looking for a lighter, coastal-inspired alternative to the heavy traditional Christmas dinner, a seafood feast is a fantastic option. Many cultures around the world incorporate fish and seafood into their holiday meals, so why not bring a touch of the sea to your own Christmas table?
Main Course: Lobster Tail
For an elegant and indulgent main dish, serve lobster tails. These delicacies can be baked with garlic butter and herbs for a flavour-packed treat that feels both festive and luxurious. Pair with a simple side salad and roasted potatoes for a minimalist yet indulgent Christmas dinner.
Main Course: Fish Chowder
A creamy, comforting fish chowder can be a wonderful alternative to the traditional roast. Made with fresh white fish, potatoes, leeks, and a rich broth, this dish is perfect for cozying up on a cold winter’s night. Serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
Side Dish: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy side dish that brings bold flavours to the table. Sautéed shrimp in garlic, lemon, and butter will complement any seafood-centric Christmas meal and provide a touch of luxury without too much fuss.
Side Dish: Roasted Vegetables with Lemon and Herbs
For a simple but flavourful side, roast root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, lemon, and rosemary. The natural sweetness of the vegetables pairs wonderfully with the salty, briny flavours of seafood.
Dessert: Lemon Meringue Pie
Finish off your seafood feast with a light and refreshing lemon meringue pie. The tangy lemon curd balances out the richness of the seafood, and the crispy, golden meringue provides the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.
3. International Flavours: A Christmas Around the World
If you’re seeking something that celebrates a global holiday spirit, why not incorporate international flavours into your Christmas dinner? Many countries have unique holiday foods that offer different takes on festive dining.
Main Course: Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes
The Italian tradition of the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” consists of various seafood dishes enjoyed on Christmas Eve. You could include a variety of appetizers such as fried calamari, marinated anchovies, linguine with clam sauce, and baked cod. It’s a fun, communal meal that allows your guests to sample a little bit of everything, and the variety of flavours ensures there’s something for everyone.
Main Course: Mexican Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish often made during the holiday season, and they make an excellent alternative to a roast dinner. Tamales are dough-based, filled with either meats or vegetables, and wrapped in corn husks before being steamed. You can make a variety of tamales—filled with spicy pork, beans, or even sweet fillings like cinnamon and fruit.
Side Dish: Spanish Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas are crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and a dollop of aioli. They make a fantastic side dish to accompany your Christmas meal, and their bold flavours will add a fun twist to your dinner spread.
Side Dish: Greek Spanakopita
For a savory, Mediterranean side dish, spanakopita (spinach pie) offers a delicious vegetarian option. The flaky filo pastry is stuffed with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, creating a rich and savory accompaniment to your festive spread.
Dessert: Italian Panettone
An iconic Italian Christmas dessert, panettone is a sweet, airy bread filled with candied fruits, raisins, and a hint of citrus zest. It’s often served sliced and toasted, perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate. For a more decadent twist, serve it with a dollop of mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Comfort Food Christmas
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate Christmas is with familiar, comforting foods. If your family isn’t keen on the traditional turkey dinner, but you want something that feels just as warm and indulgent, comfort food is the way to go. Here are some creative ideas for a comforting Christmas feast.
Main Course: Roast Chicken with Herb Butter
If turkey is too big of an undertaking, consider roasting a succulent chicken instead. A herb butter roast chicken can be made simply by stuffing the bird with lemon and herbs and slathering it with a rich butter mixture. The result is a crispy-skinned, juicy roast that pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides.
Main Course: Beef Brisket
For a hearty and flavourful main dish, a slow-roasted beef brisket is an excellent alternative to turkey or ham. It’s perfect for low and slow cooking, which makes it ideal for a stress-free Christmas dinner. Serve it with a rich gravy and sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
Side Dish: Mac and Cheese
What’s more comforting than a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese? You can dress up this classic with additions like bacon, truffle oil, or breadcrumbs for a more festive twist. Mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who prefer a cozy, indulgent meal over more traditional fare.
Side Dish: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Sweet potatoes are a holiday favourite, and when topped with melted marshmallows, they become the ultimate comfort food. For added flavour, consider roasting the sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.
Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding
End your Christmas meal on a sweet note with sticky toffee pudding. This British classic is made from a rich sponge cake soaked in a toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream or custard. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for cozying up after a satisfying meal and full of flavour.
5. A Modern Take: Fusion Christmas Dinner
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and want to try something that blends the traditional flavour with the contemporary, fusion cuisine is a great option. This could mean adding Asian-inspired flavours to classic Christmas dishes or reimagining your meal with modern cooking techniques.
Main Course: Tandoori-Spiced Flavour Roast Turkey
Why not add an Indian twist to your roast turkey by marinating it in tandoori spices before roasting? The result is a beautifully spiced bird with a rich, smoky flavour. Serve with a cool raita and naan bread for a deliciously unconventional holiday meal.
Main Course: Korean BBQ Pork Belly
For a more interactive and exciting dinner, consider serving Korean BBQ pork belly. Guests can grill the pork slices themselves at the table (if you have the setup for it), then wrap the cooked meat in lettuce leaves with rice, kimchi, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). It’s a fun and flavourful way to bring people together around the table.
Side Dish: Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts
Give your Brussels sprouts a flavour kick with a glaze made from sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. The combination of sweet and savory flavours adds a deliciously modern touch to this Christmas staple.
Dessert: Matcha Yule Log
For dessert, try a matcha-flavoured yule log cake. The earthy flavour of matcha green tea pairs wonderfully with the rich, spongy texture of the traditional yule log. This modern twist on a Christmas classic will delight guests who are looking for something a little different.
Christmas dinner is a time for family, friends, and food—and it doesn’t have to be limited to turkey and mashed potatoes. Whether you’re choosing a plant-based feast, an international-inspired spread, or modern fusion dishes, there are endless possibilities to make your Christmas dinner unique and memorable. By thinking outside the box, you can create a holiday meal that reflects your tastes, your traditions, and your creativity.
So this year, shake things up, experiment with new flavours, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in a whole new way. Merry Christmas!
