The Essential Sauces, Chutneys and Pickles for Your Christmastime Larder

Discover the essential sauces, chutneys and pickles to stock in your Christmastime larder, perfect for roasts, leftovers, cheese boards and festive buffets.

Christmastime brings together family, friends, and, let’s be honest, a lot of food. 

Whether you’re hosting the full feast, putting on a Boxing Day buffet, or simply trying to stay prepared for unexpected visitors, your festive larder is your secret weapon. 

Stocking it with the right sauces, chutneys, and pickles ensures that even the simplest leftovers or cold cuts can be transformed into something delicious.

Here’s a handy guide to what every Christmas kitchen should have at the ready.

1. Cranberry Sauce – the Christmas Classic

No festive table is complete without cranberry sauce. Whether you go for smooth, whole berry or a homemade spiced version, this is essential for turkey, nut roasts and Boxing Day sandwiches.

Tip: A jar of cranberry relish with orange or port adds extra luxury.

2. Bread Sauce – Comfort in a Bowl

A very British staple and often overlooked. Bread sauce pairs beautifully with poultry, gammon and even roasted vegetables.

Top up your larder: Pre-made sachets store well, but a homemade batch can be frozen ahead of time.

3. Horseradish – Not Just for Beef

Fiery, fragrant and incredibly versatile. Horseradish is a brilliant partner for roast beef, cold cuts and smoked fish. It also lifts leftover mash when stirred through.

4. English Mustard and Dijon Mustard

Two mustards, two purposes:

English mustard for heat and punch

Dijon mustard for creaminess and subtlety

Perfect for glazes, roast dinners, cheese boards and sauces.

5. Apple Sauce – For Pork, Turkey and Beyond

Usually associated with pork, apple sauce is also wonderful with turkey crown, savoury stuffing and many vegetarian centrepieces.

If you spot an apple and cider version, even better.

6. Redcurrant Jelly – A Roast Dinner Hero

Redcurrant jelly doesn’t get the attention cranberry sauce does, but it should. It cuts through richness, pairs brilliantly with lamb and beef, and adds gorgeous flavour to gravies.

7. Chutneys for the Boxing Day Feast

Boxing Day practically demands a chutney or three. Stock up on:

Caramelised onion chutney for cheese and pies

Ploughman’s chutney for cold meats

Tomato and chilli chutney for a little festive fire

A good chutney transforms leftovers into a full meal.

8. Pickled Onions – A Festive Favourite

Crisp, sharp and irresistible on any buffet table.

The strong ones are perfect with Cheddar and pork pie; milder sweet pickled onions are brilliant with pâté or sandwiches.

9. Cornichons and Gherkins

Small but mighty. These sharp little pickles cut through the richness of cheese boards, charcuterie, cold ham and terrines.

Keep one jar of classic gherkins and one jar of cornichons for variety.

10. Piccalilli – A British Treasure

That tangy, mustard-yellow mixture of cauliflower, onions and other vegetables is unbeatable with gammon, sausages, pork pies and cheese.

It’s one of the most useful jars in your Christmas cupboard.

11. Mint Sauce – Not Just for Spring Lamb

A light and refreshing counterbalance to heavier dishes.

Lovely with lamb, of course, but it also perks up leftover roast potatoes.

12. Gravy Granules and Stock Concentrates

Even if you plan to make gravy from scratch, always have a backup.

Christmas is hectic—and nothing ruins the mood like discovering you’re short on gravy during service.

13. Sweet Sauces and Pouring Treats

Keep a small sweet section ready for puddings and festive bakes:

Brandy butter

Vanilla custard

Salted caramel sauce

Chocolate sauce

Perfect for mince pies, Christmas pudding and impromptu desserts.

14. Chilli Jam – The Modern Must-Have

A dollop of chilli jam makes everything better: cheese boards, sausages, roasted veg, and even brie-topped crackers on Christmas Eve.

If you’ve never tried it, Christmas is the ideal excuse.

A well-stocked Christmastime larder gives you flexibility, creativity and peace of mind. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in quiet leftover meals between festivities, the right condiments elevate every plate.

Prepare now, and you’ll glide through the season with flavour and flair.

Baking Special Breads for Christmas Week: A Festive Tradition

As the chill of December fills the air and the festive season begins, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread to warm up your home. 

Christmas week is a time for family, celebration, and indulgence, and what better way to mark the occasion than by baking a selection of special breads that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday?

Here are some delightful breads to add a festive touch to your Christmas week.

1. Stollen: A German Classic

Stollen is a rich, fruit-filled bread that’s synonymous with Christmas. Originating in Germany, this bread is traditionally packed with dried fruits, nuts, marzipan, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Dusted with icing sugar, Stollen resembles a snowy winter landscape, making it a perfect centrepiece for your Christmas table.

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

100g caster sugar

10g salt

150ml warm milk

1 egg

100g unsalted butter

200g dried mixed fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)

100g marzipan

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

Icing sugar for dusting

Method:

Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, and butter until well combined.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the flour mixture to form a dough.

Knead for about 10 minutes, then add in the dried fruits, zest, and spices.

Let the dough rise for an hour in a warm place.

Once risen, shape the dough and place the marzipan in the centre, folding it over to seal.

Bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

Once cooled, dust generously with icing sugar and serve with mulled wine or hot chocolate.

2. Panettone: The Italian Sweet Bread

Panettone is an Italian Christmas classic that has become beloved worldwide. This tall, sweet bread is light, airy, and studded with candied fruits, citrus peel, and sometimes chocolate. It’s perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

600g strong white bread flour

100g caster sugar

10g salt

250ml warm milk

3 eggs

150g unsalted butter

200g mixed candied fruits

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp yeast

Method:

Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk and setting it aside for 5 minutes until frothy.

Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, vanilla, and zest into the dry ingredients, forming a sticky dough.

Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.

Incorporate the candied fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Allow the dough to rise for at least two hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the dough and place it in a high-sided tin or panettone mould, then bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes, until golden and risen.

Once cooled, dust with icing sugar or glaze with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

3. Cranberry and Orange Spiced Loaf

This fruity, spiced loaf is a delightful addition to any Christmas spread. The tartness of cranberries combined with the zestiness of oranges creates a harmonious flavour, while the addition of cinnamon and cloves adds that warming, Christmassy vibe.

Ingredients:

500g plain flour

100g light brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

10g salt

100g dried cranberries

Zest of 2 oranges

300ml warm milk

100g unsalted butter

1 egg

Method:

Combine the flour, sugar, spices, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Mix in the milk, butter, and egg to form a dough.

Fold in the cranberries and orange zest.

Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Allow the dough to rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a tin, and bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes.

Brush the top with melted butter once out of the oven, then allow it to cool.

Serve warm with butter or a tangy orange marmalade.

4. Irish Barmbrack: A Taste of Tradition

Though traditionally baked around Halloween, Barmbrack is a wonderful spiced fruit loaf that also fits perfectly into the Christmas week celebrations. It’s light, sweet, and best enjoyed with lashings of butter and a strong cup of tea.

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

75g sugar

10g salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

200ml warm milk

1 egg

100g dried fruits

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp yeast

Method:

Mix the flour, sugar, spices, and yeast in a bowl.

Add the warm milk and egg, forming a dough.

Knead for 8 minutes, then fold in the dried fruits and lemon zest.

Let the dough rise for an hour, then shape into a round loaf.

Bake at 190°C for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

Once cooled, serve with butter and perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

Christmas week is the perfect time to bake something truly special. These festive breads add a personal and traditional touch to your celebrations, filling your home with warmth, wonderful aromas, and delicious flavours. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet day by the fire, these breads are sure to bring joy to your tabl

Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!