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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.
Spiral Vegetable Tart

WOW, this will definitely turn heads, this spiral vegetable tart is a visual showstopper that is gluten free and vegan! It’s drizzled with oils and herbs and tastes delicious. I’ve never seen vegetables made in this way; this is definitely a unique Christmas dinner side idea.
Creamy Coleslaw

This creamy coleslaw literally comes together in minutes! It provides a colourful mix of vegetables, a light tangy taste and is packed with colour!
Roasted Delicata Squash With Hazelnuts

Don’t feel for roasted potatoes this year or want a Christmas dinner filled with many alternatives? This roasted squash recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick roast. Plus, you don’t have to peel any skin!
Unusual Christmas Dessert Recipes
Next on the Christmas menu is desserts! No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen making pudding. I’ve listed delicious make-ahead desserts you can make the night before that will be ready to eat on Christmas day.
Meringue Nests Filled With Chocolate Ganache & Strawberries

Nothings better than eating a crisp, light and melt-in-the-mouth dessert and this meringue nests recipe does just that! The filling is smooth, sweet and compliments the crisp meringue nests really well. Make the night before to serve the next day.
Chocolate Tiffin

I love making chocolate tiffin, it’s one of the easiest recipes ever! It’s a no bake recipe, so there’s no baking involved at all. It’s super tasty and perfect served with ice-cream. Check out the video on the recipe to see how I made the easy marble design.
Blueberry Ganache Tart

Look how delicious this looks! Blueberry ganache tarts are unique, vibrant and a must-try combination! These mouth-watering tarts are not hard to make and is inspired by a Korean bakery called Pan Honesta.
Gluten And Dairy Free Caramel Mousse Cakes

Doesn’t this look great! You may be surprised to know that this caramel mouse cake is gluten and diary free! Despite how amazing this looks, it’s actually really easy to make and would make a good swap with the usual Christmas pudding.
Mince Pie Filo Cigars

Mince pies but with a twist, these yummy mince pie filo cigars will give you the traditional flavours of Christmas but with a unique texture. It’s a vegan recipe which provides a lighter way to enjoy mince pies and is very easy to make.
Kinder Bueno Cheesecake

No bake Kinder Bueno cheesecake that takes only 15 minutes to put together and can chill in the fridge overnight ready for Christmas. It’s a smooth, light and an indulgent dessert that will please anyone! Filled with so much Kinder chocolate and Kinder Bueno goodness, this dessert is just irresistible!
Puff Pastry Mince Pies

Delicious mince pies made with ready-made puff pastry. They taste delicious and are very easy to make too. These will go down a treat at your next Christmas party!
Unique Christmas Drinks
Cheers; it’s drinks time! Go all out this Christmas by making your own drink alternatives to go with dinner, below are a few Christmas themed drinks but with a twist!
Salted Caramel Eggnog

So there’s eggnog but have you ever tried a salted caramel eggnog? You can rustle up this Christmas favourite with a twist in under 15 minutes. Celebrate the festive season this year with this comforting, warm and flavoursome drink.
The Grinch Punch

Are you having a Christmas themed party? Why not match it with this Christmas themed Grinch punch. It’s cool, refreshing and non-alcoholic; perfect for both kids and adults!
Hot Chocolate Stirrers

Fancy a homemade hot chocolate to relax with at Christmas? These hot chocolate stirrers are both fun and easy to make, they’re melted chocolate with toppings of your choice chilled into moulds. Simply stir in hot milk and you’ve got yourself a hot chocolate!
What Is A Good Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner?
Still in search for unique Christmas dinner ideas? Why not go all out with a Chinese fakeaway feast! Check out these tasty recipes below:
- Honey Chilli Chicken
- Chicken Chow Mein
- King Prawn Chow Mein
- Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls
- Sweet And Sour Prawns
And that’s 25 alternatives to a standard Christmas dinner, which recipes are you going to try? Let me know in the comments below.
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