How to put together the perfect vegan Christmas dinner

Creating a perfect vegan Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour or festivity. 

Whether you're catering for plant-based eaters or looking to try something different, there are plenty of ways to craft a delicious and indulgent meal that celebrates all the joy and tradition of the season. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a standout vegan Christmas dinner that’s sure to wow everyone around the table.

1. Starters: Savoury and Elegant

Begin with something light yet impressive. For vegan Christmas starters, you can’t go wrong with flavours like roasted beetroot, figs, chestnuts, and winter herbs.

Option 1: Mushroom and Chestnut Pâté

Rich, earthy, and full of flavour, a mushroom and chestnut pâté is both sophisticated and satisfying. Serve with toasted sourdough, a handful of microgreens, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a beautiful presentation.

Option 2: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Warm up with a velvety butternut squash soup topped with toasted seeds or pomegranate arils. Add a touch of nutmeg and fresh thyme to bring out that perfect winter taste.

The Centrepiece: Show-stopping Mains

A festive main course is the star of any Christmas meal, and for a vegan Christmas dinner, it’s all about rich, hearty flavours and a stunning presentation.

Option 1: Stuffed Butternut Squash Roast

Cut a butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and stuff it with a savoury filling of wild rice, cranberries, and sage. After baking, it has a lovely golden hue and a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. You can add chestnuts or walnuts for extra richness.

Option 2: Lentil and Nut Wellington

For something that feels quintessentially Christmas, a vegan Wellington can be a brilliant centrepiece. Make a filling of mushrooms, lentils, and nuts, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Wrap it in puff pastry and bake until golden and flaky. Slice into rounds to reveal the rich filling and serve with a rich red wine reduction.

3. Sides: Festive Flavours

No Christmas dinner is complete without an array of delicious sides. Go for classics that bring in seasonal tastes and colours.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Pecans

A perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and nutty, roasted Brussels sprouts are a Christmas staple. Toss with a little olive oil, maple syrup, and pecans for a delicious caramelised result.

Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips (with Maple Syrup)

For a vegan twist on honey-glazed vegetables, use maple syrup to achieve the same sweetness. Roast with rosemary and thyme for a fragrant and festive flavour.

Garlic and Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes

These stylish potatoes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Simply slice thinly without cutting all the way through, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and garlic, then bake until crisp.

Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

A Christmas favourite made vegan, this cauliflower cheese is creamy and satisfying. Use a plant-based milk and a vegan cheese sauce with nutritional yeast for a comforting, cheesy flavour.

4. Desserts: Decadent and Dairy-Free

After a satisfying Christmas feast, it’s time for a sweet ending. Go for indulgent desserts that feel luxurious and festive.

Option 1: Vegan Christmas Pudding

Rich, dense, and full of spices, a classic Christmas pudding is surprisingly easy to veganise. Use dried fruit, nuts, and warming spices, and serve with a vegan brandy sauce. You can even make this ahead of time to save yourself the trouble on the day.

Option 2: Chocolate Yule Log

For chocolate lovers, a vegan yule log is a perfect dessert. Make a light, vegan sponge filled with dairy-free chocolate ganache, then roll it up and frost with more ganache. Dust with powdered sugar and add a few festive decorations, like fresh rosemary or holly berries.

5. Drinks to Complete the Meal

No Christmas meal would be complete without the right beverages. Serve a mix of warming mulled wines, festive cocktails, and cosy non-alcoholic options.

Classic Mulled Wine

Simmer red wine with orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a bit of star anise for a deliciously aromatic drink that fills the house with the scent of Christmas.

Festive Cranberry Mocktail

For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, mix cranberry juice with a splash of soda, a bit of lime, and a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary. This makes a bright, festive drink that looks lovely alongside any Christmas meal.

Tips for a Smooth Vegan Christmas

Prep Ahead: Christmas is a busy day, so prep whatever you can in advance. You can make the pâté, soup, and even the Wellington filling a day or two beforehand.

Check Labels: Many ingredients, like puff pastry, can be vegan, but it’s always wise to double-check labels to ensure they’re free from animal products.

Keep It Festive: A vegan Christmas dinner can still be full of traditional colours, tastes, and aromas. Use herbs, spices, and garnishes to give each dish that cosy holiday feel.

Creating a vegan Christmas dinner that’s memorable and delicious is all about using bold flavours, rich textures, and vibrant colours. Whether you're serving seasoned vegans or adventurous eaters, this spread is sure to bring warmth and joy to the table. Wishing you a very merry, plant-based Christmas!

Impress Your Christmas Guests: Dinner Designed for you by Masterchef Winner Steven Wallis

With the Christmas countdown well underway, why not impress your friends and family with a Christmas dinner designed by Masterchef winner Steven Wallis in partnership with recipe box company Chefs For Foodies. 

With all the ingredients you will need to create a standout centrepiece with all the trimmings, the Ultimate Turkey Christmas Dinner recipe kit is £139 for six people, which works out at only £23.16 per head.

With zero waste and an easy-to-follow and fun cook-a-long video presented by Steven, the kit includes quality ingredients sourced from British suppliers and family-run butchers including a turkey breast joint with rosemary and Parma ham and pigs in blankets. 

The delicious side dishes feature roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt, Brussel sprouts with lemon pangritata and, of course, delicious turkey gravy.

Masterchef winner and judge Steven Wallis commented: “There can be a lot of pressure on preparing the perfect Christmas dinner, but just imagine how easy and impressive it would be to have everything measured out and pre-prepared?

"With the recipe box I've created with Chefs For Foodies you're guaranteed to have a less stressful experience cooking the meal of the year, so you can spend more time entertaining your guests whilst wowing them with your skills at the same time.”

To ensure quality, fresh ingredients, the food boxes are delivered a few days before Christmas. Chefs For Foodies ensures minimum waste by supplying pre-portioned ingredients and recyclable packaging.

If turkey isn't your thing, don't despair, because Chefs For Foodies has some great alternative recipe boxes available, all of which are also designed by Steven. 

The Ultimate Festive Beef Wellington recipe kit is priced at £130 for four people. It includes a delectable chateaubriand fillet, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, braised red cabbage with cranberries, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt and rich beef gravy.

If you have any vegan guests, they're in for a treat too. The Portobello Mushroom Wellington recipe kit is £55 for two people and features a vegan alternative to the traditional Wellington, roast potatoes, butternut squash with vegan blue cheese and cranberries, Brussel sprouts with roasted grapes and pine nuts, plus, of course, lashings of delectable vegan gravy.

If you're looking for a delicious way to end your festive meal, or some great snacks and starters, Chefs Foodies also has you covered.

Priced at £35 and serving four to six people, the Festive Cheeseboard includes British Farmhouse Cheddar, Burts Blue Cheese, Brie de Meaux with salt and virgin olive oil crackers, as well as Tracklements caramelised onion chutney. You can also upgrade this box to include a beautiful bottle of 2019 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo.

Perfect for a pre or post Christmas soiree, the Indian Feast platter created by celebrity chef and James Martin show regular, Dipna Anand, is £68 and serves six. It features turkey malai tikka with cranberry sauce, lamb tikki pittas, onion, spinach and potato bhajis and prawn pakoras, all served with mint and mango chutney.

All of these recipe boxes are available to pre-order now and if ordering for Christmas Day, they will be delivered on December 22. You can also use the discount code Autumn10 to get 10% off for a limited time.

To place your order and to obtain your 10% discount please visit Chefs for Foodies at https://chefsforfoodies.com/pages/christmas

A Delicious Twist: Vegan Alternatives to the Traditional Christmas Dinner

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and feasting with our loved ones. For many, this often includes a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with succulent roast meats and rich, creamy sides. But what if you or your guests follow a vegan lifestyle, or you simply want to try something new this Christmas season? 

Fear not! There's a world of scrumptious vegan alternatives waiting to delight your taste buds. In this blog post, we'll explore some delectable options for a plant-based Christmas feast that can easily rival, if not surpass, the traditional spread.

Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the perfect candidate for a vegan main course. Roast it to perfection, then fill it with a flavourful stuffing made from quinoa, nuts, cranberries, and herbs. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and watch your guests' eyes light up at this hearty, visually stunning dish.

Portobello Mushroom Wellington

Mushrooms are a vegan's best friend when it comes to crafting a rich, meaty flavour. Try a Portobello mushroom Wellington as the centrepiece of your holiday meal. Wrap the savoury mushrooms in puff pastry, along with spinach, caramelized onions, and a touch of garlic. Bake until golden brown, and voila – you have an impressive, satisfying entrée.

Lentil and Nut Roast

A lentil and nut roast is a classic vegan choice for Christmas dinner. Packed with protein, this dish combines lentils, nuts, breadcrumbs, and an array of seasonings. The result is a mouth-watering roast that can easily replace meat. Serve it with a generous helping of vegan gravy and all the traditional trimmings.

Vegan Nut Roast

Alternatively, consider a vegan nut roast. This delightful dish features a mixture of chopped nuts, seeds, and vegetables, held together with flax or chia seeds. The nut roast can be personalised with various herbs and spices, creating a festive, flavourful centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table.

Stuffed Peppers

For a light yet satisfying main course, stuffed peppers are an excellent option. Fill colourful bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Roast until tender, and serve with a zesty tomato sauce. The vibrant presentation adds a splash of Christmas cheer to your meal.

Vegan Gravy

No Christmas dinner is complete without a tasty and hearty gravy. Swap the traditional meat-based gravy for a rich, flavoursome vegan version. You can make a delicious gravy using ingredients like vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, mushrooms, and various seasonings. Pour it generously over your vegan roast for a burst of flavour.

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a Christmas dinner essential. To create a vegan-friendly version, simply replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or soy milk. Add roasted garlic for a flavourful twist, and you'll have creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes that will please everyone at the table.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish for any holiday meal. Toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup, then roast until crispy and caramelised. Their unique, robust flavour is a delightful addition to your vegan Christmas feast. (As a fan of Brussel sprouts, I approve of this idea!)

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a Christmas dinner classic that's already vegan! Homemade cranberry sauce, sweetened with sugar or maple syrup, is a vibrant, tangy condiment that pairs wonderfully with your main dishes.

Vegan Desserts

For a sweet ending to your vegan Christmas dinner, indulge in vegan desserts like pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream, vegan chocolate yule log, or gingerbread cookies. These treats are just as decadent and delicious as their non-vegan counterparts.

This Christmas, embrace the spirit of inclusivity and try something new by exploring these delectable vegan alternatives to the traditional Christmas dinner. From savoury main courses to mouth-watering sides and scrumptious desserts, there are plenty of options to satisfy the palate and share a compassionate, eco-friendly meal with your loved ones. Make this Christmas season one to remember with a vegan feast that celebrates delicious food and the spirit of togetherness.

Supermarkets such as Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, the Co-Op, etc are offering an increasing range of vegetarian and vegan food so are well worth checking out.

(Image courtesy of Jana from Pixabay)