What no Turkey?

Delicious alternative Christmas Dinners

Are you looking for an alternative to turkey this Christmas but still want to have something special. Perhaps there is just one or two of you, or it is a small gathering, and a turkey is too much. Or maybe you don't really like turkey or are simply wanting a change.

Whatever the reason there are plenty of delicious alternatives and I have a selection right here for you to choose from.

From alternative classic roast or something a little different or rich meat casseroles to meat-free bakes, there is something for everyone.

Classic Roasts

Roast Topside

Roast beef is always a popular alternative. While a roast rib on the bone is impressive it is a costly joint. Topside has a good flavour and is a more economical cut. Don't forget the Yorkshire Puds!

Roast Topside Recipe

Roast Lamb with Boulangere Potatoes

Roast Lamb with Boulangère Potatoes consists of garlicky lamb cooked on top of sliced potatoes and has been adapted from an old French recipe when the dish would be taken to the local bakery for cooking.

Roast Lamb Recipe

Roast Pork

It's hard to beat a good roast pork with crispy crackling. Give it a festive twist by serving it with cranberry sauce instead of apple. Sage and onion stuffing is also great with roast pork.

Roast Pork Recipe

Roast Goose

Goose is a delicious and classic alternative to turkey at Christmas. In this post, Sisley White from Sew White answers your questions and gives you an easy guide to cook goose.

Recipe: Sew White

Roast Goose Recipe

Small Roasts

Easy Roast Chicken

There's always roast chicken of course, ideal if there are just 4 to 6 of you. Serve with plenty of pigs in blankets and all the other usual festive sides chances are you won't notice it's not turkey!

Easy Roast Chicken Recipe

Festive Roast Poussin

The perfect Christmas dinner for two, festive roast poussin with a cranberry, bacon and pistachio stuffing. But if theres more of you the recipe can easily be doubled or multiplied up to serve more.

Festive Roast Poussin Recipe

Something a bit Different

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Roll

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Roll is delicious served hot or cold and looks spectacular.  Don't be put off by the number of steps it really is a recipe that is easy to make. With a filling of flavoured pork sausage meat and a crispy bacon coating, it makes a special meal with very little effort and it can be prepared ahead of time.

Stuffed Pork Roll Recipe

Pork and Chestnut Wellington

Pork tenderloin with a mushroom and chestnut stuffing encased in puff pastry. Pork and Chestnut Wellington is an economical and delicious festive twist on a classic Beef wellington.

Pork Wellington Recipe

Beef Stifado

As casseroles go this is one of my all time favourites. Slow cooked until meltingly tender this Mediterranean dish is rich and full of flavour. Served with seasonal vegetables it would make a delicious alternative to turkey.

Beef Stifado Recipe

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Onions and Peppers

These slow cooked lamb shanks are cooked in a slow cooker to make an easy and really delicious tasting meal. After just about 20 minutes prep time, sit back and let the slow cooker (or oven if you do not have a slow cooker) do the job.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shank Recipe

Festive Vegetarian Mains

Roasted Spiced Carrot and Feta Strudel

Crisp flaky filo wrapped around roasted carrots flavoured with fennel, cumin, coriander and a hint of chilli and topped with feta cheese. These savoury pastries are really delicious.

Roasted Carrot Strudel Recipe

Vegetarian Christmas Plait

These Vegetarian Christmas Plaits consist of delicious buttery, puff pastry which houses a mixture of beans, two kinds of cheese, chestnuts, caramelised onions and cranberries.

Recipe: Only Crumbs Remain

Vegetarian Christmas Plait Recipe

Roasted Vegetable Tartlets

These pretty colourful Roasted Vegetable Tartlets have crisp flaky filo pastry cases and are filled with roasted vegetables, which can be served as they are or with the addition of goat's cheese or a dollop of crème fraîche.

Recipe: Only Crumbs Remain

Roasted Vegetable Tartlet Recipe

Beetroot Walnut and Rosemary Tarte Tatin

Beetroot with a sweet-sour glaze on a deliciously crumbly walnut flavoured pastry. This Beetroot Tarte Tatin with Walnuts and Rosemary would make an excellent Christmas vegetarian main course or serve more as a starter.

Recipe: Only Crumbs Remain

Beetroot Tarte Tatin Recipes

Roast Aubergine with Saffron Rice

Roasted aubergines are delicious. For Christmas, you could serve them in place of meat with seasonal vegetables. Ideal if you are doing a roast but have vegetarian guests to cater for too or as in the original with a saffron rice.

Roast Aubergine Recipe

Nut Roast

And of course, you could always opt for a classic nut roast. This one from Fab Food 4 All is Vegan and gluten-free.

Nut Roast Recipe

Fish

Salmon and Crab Wellington

This seafood Wellington is filled with salmon and Dungeness crab meat. Wrapped in a blanket of puff pastry and baked to perfection, this elevated seafood dinner is surprisingly easy to assemble.

Recipe: Savor The Best

Salmon Wellington Recipe

On the side

Once you have chosen your main dish, you will find plenty of side dishes on Recipes Made Easy to complete your meal. Including how to make perfect roast potatoes , a good selection of seasonal vegetables, stuffings and sides, and sauces.

For Dessert

If you are looking for some alternative Festive desserts check out my Alternative Christmas Desserts recipe collection on Only Crumbs Remain.