Guide to Alternative Christmas Dinner Ideas
Many people fancy a bit of variation when it comes to Christmas dinner. Go different this year with some of our alternative ideas for your Christmas meal.
1. Beef Wellington
A showstopping centrepiece of tender beef fillet, coated in a rich mushroom duxelles and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables and a red wine gravy. Our beef fillet from Kittows is perfect for this dish.
2. Roast Goose
A traditional Victorian alternative to turkey, goose offers rich, dark meat with a crispy skin. Serve it with braised red cabbage, roasted potatoes, and apple sauce.
3. Nut Roast
A classic for vegetarians, this hearty dish is made with a mix of nuts, vegetables, and herbs. Pair it with vegetarian gravy, roasted parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.
4. Seafood Feast
For something different, try a luxurious seafood spread featuring lobster, oysters, crab, and smoked salmon. Serve with lemon butter, crusty bread, and fresh salads. See our selection of fresh Cornish Fish & Seafood.
5. Lamb Shoulder or Leg
Slow-roasted lamb, seasoned with rosemary and garlic, makes a delicious alternative. Accompany it with dauphinoise potatoes, mint sauce, and honey-glazed carrots.
6. Monkfish En Croute
A whole monkfish fillet wrapped in puff pastry with a creamy spinach and herb filling. It's elegant and light, perfect for those who want to avoid heavier meats.
7. Vegetarian or Vegan Wellington
A mix of seasonal vegetables, chestnuts, and lentils, encased in pastry. It's an eye-catching and satisfying main dish for plant-based guests.
8. Gammon Ham with a Festive Glaze
A honey and mustard-glazed gammon joint offers a sweet and savory option. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, greens, and cranberry relish. Our gammons come are free-range and are available as bone in, boneless, smoked and unsmoked. To order one click here.
9. Duck
A roast duck, with its rich, tender meat and crispy skin, is a smaller but flavourful option. Pair with orange sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, and thyme-infused potatoes.
10. Pie Night
A hearty pie, such as Festive Game, Festive Meat, or a vegetarian blue cheese, lentil & plum pie, served with mashed potatoes and gravy, can create a cozy and casual atmosphere. Our pies are traditional hand raised hot water crust made by Penny's Pies. See all our Christmas pies.
11. Indian-Inspired Christmas
Spice things up with dishes like tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, or a festive vegetable curry. Accompany with naan bread, raita, and chutneys.
12. Chicken Feast
Chicken is the UK's favourite meat so why not enjoy at Christmas too? Either go traditional with a delicious roast - especially if there is too few of you to get through a turkey joint. Our free range chickens raised outdoors on a small farm in North Cornwall consistently get rave reviews for their flavour, succulence and tenderness. Click here to order one.
13. Game Meat
Consider venison, pheasant, or partridge for a rustic and seasonal option. Serve with juniper berry gravy, roasted chestnuts, and celeriac mash.
14. BBQ or Smoked Meats
For those with outdoor cooking facilities, a winter BBQ with smoked brisket, ribs, or even grilled vegetables can add a fun and unique twist.
15. Festive Vegan Roast
A meat-free roast made with jackfruit, seitan, or mushroom-based "meat" substitutes, often shaped and flavored to resemble turkey or ham.
16. All Day Buffet
Get rid of the roast altogether and put yourself together a fabulous buffet that you can browse on throughout the day and in to the evening. To make things easy go for options such as a cooked ham, Christmas pie, salads, pickles, cheese & charcuterie selection, smoked fish, and a selection of Christmas treats like mince pies, tunis cake, and panettone. We have everything you need for the best festive buffet. Choose from our wide selection of savoury treats and sweet bakes.
Whatever you choose for your Christmas meal, at The Cornish Food Box Company we have a fantastic selection of meats, fish, veg and Christmas treats for the festive period.
Our food is all free-range from fantastic local producers we know and trust to ensure you get good natural food that supports local farmers and food producers.
Not done your Christmas food shop yet? Choose a traditional Christmas Dinner Box or get the ingredients for one of our alternative Christmas Dinner ideas.
Turkey: Opt for one of our free-range Cornish turkeys for unbeatable flavour. You can choose different cuts including whole, crown, & breast joint - find out more from our Christmas Turkey Guide. What sized turkey do you need? Our guide to getting the right sized turkey.
Veggies: Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, red cabbage, savoy cabbage and cauliflowers are all included in our Christmas Veg Boxes. To find out more read our Christmas Veg Box blog.
Extras: Cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, and pigs in blankets.
Puddings: Traditional Christmas pudding, Tunis Cake, or a Sticky Toffee Sponge Pudding there are lots of options to suit everyone. Or go savoury with a cheeseboard to finish & graze on for supper.
