It’s nearly Christmas Day, your turkey is defrosting and suddenly someone mentions that your cousin’s new partner is vegan.
Panic sets in, what on earth can you serve them? Don’t worry! Hosting a vegan guest at Christmas doesn’t have to be a culinary crisis.
With a little planning, you can serve a feast so delicious that everyone at the table will want a bite.
Start with a Showstopping Main Course
Gone are the days when a vegan main course meant a token nut roast. Today’s plant-based centrepieces are every bit as festive and flavourful as the traditional turkey.
Vegan Wellington: Filled with mushrooms, lentils, chestnuts and herbs, wrapped in golden puff pastry — it’s rich, hearty, and wonderfully Christmassy.
Stuffed Squash or Aubergine: A roasted butternut squash stuffed with spiced couscous, cranberries, and toasted nuts looks stunning on the table.
Vegan “Turkey” Roasts: Supermarkets now stock a variety of pre-made vegan roasts from brands like Plant Chef, Linda McCartney and No Meat Company, just pop them in the oven and add gravy.
Sides That Everyone Can Enjoy
Most traditional trimmings can be made vegan-friendly with just a few tweaks.
Roast Potatoes: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of goose fat. They’ll still be gloriously crisp.
Vegetables: Honey-roasted carrots? Swap honey for maple syrup. Creamy mash? Use plant-based milk and a dab of vegan spread.
Stuffing: Make it with vegetable stock and oil rather than butter or sausage meat. Add chestnuts or cranberries for a festive twist.
Gravy: Use a rich vegetable stock base with soy sauce, herbs, and a splash of red wine for depth.
Don’t Forget the Pudding!
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without something indulgent to finish. Fortunately, there are plenty of vegan options that even the most traditional guests will love.
Vegan Christmas Pudding: Many supermarket versions (such as those from Co-op or Waitrose) are already vegan by accident! Just check the label.
Chocolate Yule Log: Bake (or buy) a dairy-free chocolate sponge and roll it with vegan buttercream.
Festive Trifle: Layers of vegan sponge, plant-based custard, jelly made with agar-agar, and a topping of whipped coconut cream make a light, colourful dessert.
Cheese Board Alternatives
If you usually end your meal with a cheese board, why not offer a vegan version? Many vegan cheeses now have convincing textures and flavours, from tangy cheddars to creamy camemberts. Pair them with oatcakes, chutney, grapes and a glass of port or vegan-friendly wine.
Festive Drinks to Toast With
It’s easy to overlook drinks, but some wines, beers and liqueurs are not vegan due to animal-based fining agents. Thankfully, most UK supermarkets label vegan-friendly options clearly. Popular brands like Echo Falls, Blossom Hill, and Baileys Almande are great safe bets.
Catering for a vegan guest at Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the joy of festive food. It’s a chance to try something new, impress your guests, and maybe even discover your new favourite dish. The key is to focus on flavour, colour, and creativity, just as with any Christmas feast.
So don’t panic, your vegan guest will leave your table happy, full, and feeling just as festive as everyone else!
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