Christmas dinner doesn’t always need to stick to tradition. If you’re looking to add variety to your holiday spread or break free from the same old turkey and ham, these 15 alternative Christmas dinner recipes offer unique twists. Whether you’re craving international flavors, vegetarian options, or just want something new, these recipes promise to make your holiday feast unforgettable. From hearty main courses to delicate seafood dishes, there’s something for every taste.
1. Roast Duck with Orange Glaze
Tags: Roast duck, festive main course, orange glaze
For a refined and flavorful alternative, try roast duck glazed with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The rich, tender meat of the duck pairs perfectly with the citrus notes of the glaze, creating an impressive main course that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients:
- Whole duck
- Orange juice and zest
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic and thyme
Directions:
Roast the duck slowly, basting it with an orange glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. Garnish with thyme and serve with roasted vegetables.
2. Beef Wellington
Tags: Beef Wellington, gourmet Christmas meal, puff pastry
Beef Wellington is a show-stopping dish perfect for Christmas dinner. A tender beef filet wrapped in puff pastry with a layer of savory mushroom duxelles adds a gourmet touch to your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- Beef tenderloin
- Puff pastry
- Mushrooms
- Dijon mustard
- Prosciutto
Directions:
Sear the beef and coat it with mustard. Spread mushroom duxelles over the beef, wrap in prosciutto, and then encase it in puff pastry. Bake until golden brown and serve with a rich red wine sauce.
3. Vegan Nut Roast
Tags: Vegan Christmas dinner, nut roast, plant-based main course
For plant-based eaters, a nut roast provides a hearty, satisfying alternative to meat-based mains. Packed with mixed nuts, mushrooms, and herbs, this dish is full of festive flavors.
Ingredients:
- Mixed nuts
- Mushrooms
- Carrots and celery
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Bread crumbs
Directions:
Combine finely chopped nuts, sautéed mushrooms, and vegetables with herbs and breadcrumbs. Bake in a loaf pan and serve with vegan gravy.
4. Seafood Paella
Tags: Spanish cuisine, seafood paella, festive alternative
Bring a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to your Christmas table with a seafood paella. This colorful rice dish is packed with prawns, mussels, and calamari, cooked with saffron for an aromatic twist.
Ingredients:
- Arborio rice
- Prawns, mussels, calamari
- Saffron threads
- Paprika and garlic
- Bell peppers
Directions:
Cook the rice with saffron and paprika in a large pan, adding the seafood in stages. Serve directly from the pan with fresh lemon wedges.
5. Lamb Shoulder with Pomegranate Molasses
Tags: Lamb shoulder, pomegranate molasses, Christmas lamb
A slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated in pomegranate molasses delivers sweet and tangy flavors that complement the rich meat. This alternative roast is ideal for those seeking something different.
Ingredients:
- Lamb shoulder
- Pomegranate molasses
- Garlic and rosemary
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Directions:
Marinate the lamb in pomegranate molasses, garlic, and rosemary. Slow roast until tender and juicy, then garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
6. Butternut Squash Risotto
Tags: Vegetarian risotto, butternut squash, festive comfort food
Butternut squash risotto makes for a comforting and colorful vegetarian main course. The creamy rice dish is rich in flavor, with the sweetness of roasted squash balancing the savory parmesan.
Ingredients:
- Arborio rice
- Butternut squash
- White wine
- Vegetable broth
- Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Roast the butternut squash, then stir into risotto made with vegetable broth and white wine. Finish with grated parmesan and fresh herbs.
7. Chestnut and Mushroom Pie
Tags: Vegetarian Christmas, chestnut pie, savory pie
A savory chestnut and mushroom pie encased in golden pastry makes a hearty vegetarian centerpiece. Earthy mushrooms and rich chestnuts create a flavorful filling.
Ingredients:
- Chestnuts
- Mushrooms
- Puff pastry
- Onions and garlic
- Thyme and rosemary
Directions:
Cook the chestnuts and mushrooms with onions and garlic, adding fresh herbs. Wrap the mixture in puff pastry and bake until golden and flaky.
8. Spiced Moroccan Tagine
Tags: Moroccan tagine, Christmas alternative, festive flavors
A Moroccan tagine offers a warm, spiced alternative to traditional Christmas fare. Made with lamb or chicken, it’s simmered with dried apricots, almonds, and spices like cinnamon and cumin.
Ingredients:
- Lamb or chicken
- Dried apricots
- Almonds
- Cinnamon and cumin
- Chickpeas
Directions:
Cook the meat slowly with spices, dried fruit, and chickpeas until tender. Serve with couscous for a complete meal.
9. Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Cranberries
Tags: Pork tenderloin, apple stuffing, holiday main course
For a festive pork dish, try a tenderloin stuffed with a mixture of apples, cranberries, and breadcrumbs. The sweet and savory stuffing adds a delightful contrast to the succulent meat.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Apples
- Dried cranberries
- Bread crumbs
- Sage
Directions:
Stuff the pork tenderloin with a mixture of apples, cranberries, and breadcrumbs, then roast until tender and juicy. Serve with a cranberry glaze.
10. Vegetarian Moussaka
Tags: Greek moussaka, vegetarian Christmas, eggplant dish
This vegetarian moussaka replaces traditional meat with layers of eggplant, lentils, and béchamel sauce, making it a lighter, plant-based option that’s still packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant
- Lentils
- Tomatoes
- Béchamel sauce
- Olive oil
Directions:
Layer roasted eggplant with a lentil-tomato sauce, then top with béchamel. Bake until golden and bubbly.
11. Salmon en Croute
Tags: Salmon en croute, seafood Christmas, puff pastry dish
For seafood lovers, salmon en croute is a flaky, buttery delight. A whole fillet of salmon is wrapped in puff pastry along with a layer of spinach and herbs, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillet
- Puff pastry
- Spinach
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill
Directions:
Wrap the salmon and spinach mixture in puff pastry, brushing with egg wash before baking. Serve with a side of lemon butter sauce.
12. Goose with Red Cabbage and Apples
Tags: Christmas goose, festive main, red cabbage
Goose offers a rich, flavorful alternative to turkey, and it pairs beautifully with braised red cabbage and apples. This dish is perfect for those looking for a traditional, yet different, centerpiece.
Ingredients:
- Whole goose
- Red cabbage
- Apples
- Cloves and cinnamon
- Red wine
Directions:
Roast the goose while braising red cabbage and apples with red wine and spices. Serve the goose alongside the sweet, spiced cabbage.
13. Vegetable Tarte Tatin
Tags: Vegetable tarte, Christmas vegetarian, puff pastry
This savory tarte tatin flips the script on the traditional sweet version. Caramelized vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and zucchini are baked under puff pastry for a delicious vegetarian dish.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Onions
- Puff pastry
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Directions:
Caramelize the vegetables in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then cover with puff pastry and bake until golden. Invert before serving for a stunning presentation.
14. Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa
Tags: Roasted cauliflower, vegetarian roast, harissa glaze
A whole roasted cauliflower glazed with harissa makes for a dramatic and delicious vegetarian option. The spicy glaze pairs perfectly with the tender roasted vegetable.
Ingredients:
- Whole cauliflower
- Harissa paste
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
Directions:
Coat the cauliflower in harissa, olive oil, and lemon juice, then roast until tender and slightly charred. Garnish with fresh parsley.
15. Pasta with Lobster and Champagne Sauce
Tags: Lobster pasta, Christmas seafood, festive pasta
For a luxurious seafood option, serve lobster with a rich Champagne cream sauce over pasta. This indulgent dish adds a touch of elegance to your Christmas table.
Ingredients:
- Lobster tails
- Fresh pasta
- Champagne
- Heavy cream
- Garlic and shallots
Directions:
Cook the lobster tails and remove the meat. Make a cream sauce with Champagne, garlic, and shallots, and toss with fresh pasta and lobster meat.