How to Make the Perfect British Christmas Dinner: Recipes and Tips for the Ultimate Christmas Feast

The British Christmas dinner is a truly grand affair, steeped in tradition and overflowing with flavour. 

From a perfectly roasted turkey and crispy roast potatoes to the rich and indulgent Christmas pudding, each dish holds a special place in our festive celebrations. 

If you're looking to create the ultimate British Christmas feast, here's a guide with recipes and tips to help you bring some holiday magic to the table.

1. The Centrepiece: Roast Turkey

The turkey is the star of the show, and preparing it well will ensure a delicious and juicy centrepiece for your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (approx. 4-5kg for 6-8 people)

100g butter, softened

2 lemons, quartered

Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage work well)

Salt and pepper

1 onion, halved

4-5 cloves of garlic, peeled

Method:

Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) or 200°C. Rinse and pat dry the turkey. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff it with lemon quarters, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Butter the Skin: Gently lift the skin over the breast and spread half the butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter over the skin, ensuring the turkey is evenly coated. This will give it that golden, crispy finish.

Season and Cover: Generously season with salt and pepper. Cover the turkey loosely with foil to prevent it from over-browning.

Roast: Roast the turkey for around 2.5-3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with its own juices. Remove the foil for the last 45 minutes to achieve a beautifully crisp skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C at the thickest part.

Rest: Once cooked, let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to settle, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

2. Perfect Roast Potatoes

Roast potatoes are an essential side dish. They should be fluffy on the inside with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.

Ingredients:

1kg Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, peeled and quartered

3-4 tbsp goose fat or duck fat (vegetable oil as a substitute)

Salt

Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Method:

Parboil: Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until slightly softened but not fully cooked. Drain and let them steam dry in the colander for a few minutes.

Rough Them Up: Shake the colander gently to roughen the edges. This step is key for extra crispy potatoes.

Preheat Fat: Place the goose fat in a roasting tin and heat it in the oven at 200°C until sizzling hot.

Roast: Carefully add the potatoes to the hot fat, turning them to coat evenly. Roast for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through. Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for extra flavour in the last 10 minutes.

Serve: Season generously with salt and serve immediately for maximum crunch!

3. Classic Christmas Vegetables

Traditional Christmas vegetables like Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and carrots add colour and variety to the meal. Here’s a quick way to prepare them.

Ingredients:

500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into batons

4 parsnips, peeled and quartered

Olive oil, for roasting

Salt and pepper

Honey (optional)

Method:

Prepare Vegetables: Toss the parsnips and carrots in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until tender. For a festive touch, drizzle with honey for the final 10 minutes.

Sauté Brussels Sprouts: Steam or blanch the Brussels sprouts until slightly tender. Then sauté them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil. Add chopped chestnuts or a sprinkle of crispy bacon for extra flavour.

4. Rich and Fruity Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is the traditional British dessert, and it’s worth making it ahead of time to allow the flavours to develop fully.

Ingredients:

100g raisins

100g sultanas

100g currants

50g chopped dried figs

75g dark brown sugar

100g breadcrumbs

100g suet (vegetable suet for vegetarians)

1 apple, grated

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

1 tsp mixed spice

2 large eggs

100ml stout or dark ale

2 tbsp brandy

Method:

Mix Ingredients: Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the grated apple, citrus zest, eggs, stout, and brandy. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Let It Rest: Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave it to sit overnight for the flavours to meld.

Steam: Grease a pudding basin, spoon in the mixture, and cover with a layer of baking parchment and foil. Steam for 5-6 hours, checking the water level occasionally.

Store: Once cooled, store the pudding in a cool, dark place. On Christmas Day, reheat by steaming for 2 hours before serving.

Serving Tip:

Serve with brandy butter, custard, or a dollop of double cream. For a show-stopping finish, warm a few tablespoons of brandy, pour it over the pudding, and light it just before serving. Or serve with Christmas ice cream, if available.

Extra Tips for the Ultimate Christmas Dinner

Plan Ahead: Make your Christmas pudding a few weeks ahead of time and prepare your vegetables the day before. This will reduce stress on the big day.

Brine the Turkey: If you have the time, brining the turkey overnight can enhance its flavour and juiciness.

Serve Family-Style: Present all the dishes on the table for a cosy, communal atmosphere.

Don’t Forget the Crackers: Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without a festive cracker for each guest!

A British Christmas dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition and togetherness. With these recipes and tips, you’re all set to make your Christmas dinner a memorable feast filled with flavour and joy. Happy cooking, and Merry Christmas!

We'll look at catering for a vegan Christmas in a subsequent post, so please do keep an eye out for that.