I love Christmas, mainly for the food. But whilst many households are chowing down on turkey leftovers for the days that follow the festive period, I can’t stand turkey. It’s dry (although to be fair, my mum has never won an award for her cooking, just sayin’) and I kind of eat around the slices of meat on my place. I just don’t really dig it, y’know? And for some of us, as traditional as turkey is, we just want to eat something a little different this year. Whether you’re simply bored of turkey or you’re looking to surprise your guests with something new and exciting, then we have 8 delicious holiday main dishes to enjoy this Christmas, all of which are much better than turkey!
So, whether you’re looking for a fishy main, a meat main or you’re catering for those vegetarian or vegan guests, then we’ve got 8 recipes to bring to the table this year!
1. Salmon coulibiac
Ditching turkey this year? Why not bring something totally new to the table by dabbling with this salmon coulibiac. Warm, buttery pastry holds together a mix of salmon and rice with a fragrant blend of seasonings such as coriander, dill, and parsley, Serve this up to your guests straight from the oven to really enjoy the flaky pastry in its true glory. This is at the top of my list of lovely holiday main dishes to serve up if you have guests who aren’t meat eaters, or who prefer to eat fish; it makes Christmas a little more versatile.
Get the recipe here.
2. Sweet & Spicy Roast Chicken with Carrots, Dates & Pistachios
While not all share a love of turkey, many share a love of chicken, so why not create a dish that the masses will love? The chicken in this recipe is marinated in a honey, citrus and chili mixture, and then roasted alongside carrots and dates. Right before serving, herbs, scallions, and pistachio nuts are added to the dish for a pop of color and a little crunch. Everything in this dish can be assembled ahead of time, making it one of the best holiday main dishes you could choose. There’s typically a grand mad rush once your guests arrive, and with this dish, you can avoid that type of holiday stress, at least.
Get the recipe here.
3. Slow Roasted Duck A L’Orange with Lingonberry Port Gravy
If you still want to serve some type of poultry this Christmas why not try duck? The citrus fruits merge with the meat’s juice to create a rich sauce. Lingonberry jam and port are then added to give it even more depth. Forget dry turkey; the end result is duck that’s slow-roasted to succulent perfection.
Get the recipe here.
4. Fillet of Beef, Walnut Butter and Beetroot
If you’re looking to really impress your guests this Christmas then you may want to try this beef recipe. Tender fillet of beef is topped with a slice of walnut mustard butter, which melts on top of the meat enriching it with flavor. Serve it up alongside sweet and earthy beetroot cubes that are drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. It’s a simple dish oozing sophisticated festive style.
Get the recipe here.
5. Cranberry + Horseradish Pan-Fried Steak
Fancy a little sweet versus savory flavor? Then opt for this steak dish. The glaze for this steak is made using sweet and tart cranberry sauce mixed with spicy horseradish to give your guests a new infusion of flavors this Thanksgiving. Prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the steak to each of your guests’ specific needs.
Get the recipe here.
6. BOURBON AND COFFEE BRAISED BRISKET WITH CRANBERRY SAUCE
Swap turkey for a mouth-watering beef brisket! The beef is braised in a coffee and bourbon mix and is then topped with a cranberry bourbon sauce. Celery, carrots, onion, and garlic are sauteed until golden and added to the brisket until the juices simmer away and the meat is succulent and falls apart easily. Then it’s topped with a cranberry sauce and it’s ready to go. One of the most diverse and unusual holiday main dishes you could choose, so know your crowd’s taste well if you decide on this one.
Get the recipe here.
7. HARVEST STEAK SALAD WITH A HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE
Looking to bring a healthy dish to your Christmas celebrations? This warming winter salad is the perfect dish to satisfy those who like a little green with their meal. The harvest steak salad is loaded with autumn vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and sweet potato, and topped with pecans and cranberries. Honey crisp apple adds a wonderful bite, and the dish is then topped with slices of steak and a homemade apple cider vinaigrette.
Get the recipe here.
8. MAPLE, PARSNIP & CHESTNUT WELLINGTON
Whether you’re catering for those who don’t eat meat or you’re just looking to have a vegetable dish on the table as well, this maple, parsnip and chestnut wellington is a delicious option. Chopped parsnips, chestnuts, and red onion are all roasted together with a little maple syrup, and then wrapped in puff pastry and popped into the oven. The end result is a wonderfully flaky wellington full of vegetable deliciousness! Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. As holiday main dishes go, this is something everyone can eat and delight in.
Get the recipe here.
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