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What Can I Make Instead Of Turkey? 25 Unusual Christmas Dinner Alternatives That’s Easy, Fun & Tasty
Want to try something new this Christmas? Why not create an easy Christmas menu with these non-traditional, unusual and unique ideas. Mains, sides, desserts and drinks; we’ve got you covered!
Christmas dinner is one of the most highly anticipated events on Christmas day. But when you keep eating the same food year after year the Christmas cheer might slowly start to wear off! If you’re tired of turkey or want to bring something new to your festive feast, then you should definitely bring some excitement with these unique Christmas dinner ideas. I’ve rounded up the best unusual ideas for you to create an easy and fuss-free Christmas menu that’s full of flavour.
I’m all about unusual ideas! Each year my family and I get so excited about what we’ll be bringing to the dinner table. The most unique idea the better: from Christmas mains, desserts, vegetables and drinks we like to create a festive twist and you can too! I’ve put together 25 Christmas dinner alternatives for you to try.
Must-Have Goodies For The Christmas Table
- Christmas Crackers (Table Favours)
- Miniature Christmas Trees
- Napkins
- Candle Centrepiece
- Garland Centrepiece
Christmas Mains Alternatives
The main course is usually the star of the show, so let’s start off with alternative Christmas dinner ideas other than turkey, that will equally be a tasty show-stopping centrepiece.
Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter SpatchCock Chicken
Tired of turkey but still want roasted poultry? Try this amazing lemon and garlic butter spatchcock chicken. It’s crispy yet juicy and takes a lot quicker to cook as it’s flattened, you’ll have more time to enjoy your day! Having chicken instead of turkey is also an easy way to cut costs this Christmas.
Grilled Stuffed Sea Bass With Garlic Mushrooms
How does roast sea bass sound to you? Bring flavour to your dinner table this Christmas with this fresh and lightly spiced grilled or oven-baked sea bass. Not only is this Christmas dinner main idea really tasty but it’s also low in fat too!
Honey & Chilli Chinese Crispy Beef
An easy 30-minute Chinese crispy beef recipe that’s so tasty and delicious. Made with flavours such as garlic, honey, soy sauce and chilli; this unusual recipe will definitely stand out this Christmas.
Italian Flank Steak Pinwheels
Want to show of your cooking skills and impress your family and friends? This fancy Italian flank steak pinwheels will leave everyone speechless! Despite what it looks like, you may be surprised to know that it’s actually a super easy dinner recipe.
Oven Baked Chinese BBQ Pork
Brings some oriental flavour to your Christmas dinner this year with this Asian inspired sweet and salt flavoured BBQ pork. This unconventional Christmas dinner idea will certainly bring excitement.
Kerala-Style Fish
Isn’t this a unique Christmas dinner idea! This South Indian fish recipe is filled with fragrant spices and is packed with a punch.
Brussels Sprout Soup
For many Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without brussels sprouts! If you’re looking to try something new this year, then this is a great alternative. You can have this light, creamy and delicious brussels sprout soup as a light starter or bigger portions as an alternative Christmas dinner.
Christmas Dinner Alternative Sides And Vegetables
Below we have a list of tasty Christmas dinner sides that will match perfectly with the mains listed above. Christmas cooking can be so stressful, so I’ve stuck with simple yet effective sides that are easy to make and look great.
Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli
Delicious and easy tenderstem broccoli, roasted with olive oil and garlic. This idea is so delicious and takes only 15 minutes to cook. You can put this side in the oven 15 minutes before your main is finished, so they’ll be cooked and ready to eat at the same time.
Parmesan Rosemary Potato Stacks
Doesn’t this look amazing! This Christmas dinner side provides a pretty, delicious and tasty way to enjoy potatoes. With the addition of parmesan and rosemary, these potato stacks are delicious.
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A smooth and delicious side that will be a tasty addition to your Christmas dinner. Sweet potatoes are so tasty, I love them. Plus, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Garlic Mushroom Cauliflower Skillet
A nutritious and quick garlic mushroom cauliflower skillet that requires very minimal ingredients to make. It’s yummy and it cooks in no time! If you’re mushroom lover, then you’re really going to love this recipe.
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
Adding these roasted carrots to your Christmas dinner plate will certainly add a lot of colour! These carrots are not your standard roasted carrots, they’re made with a blend of flavours making a tasteful caramelised glaze.