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!

Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes for Christmas: A Healthy Festive Treat for Everyone

Image courtesy Belinda Cave of Pixabay

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and desserts are undoubtedly the highlight of festive meals. 

However, for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, traditional puddings, cakes, and bakes can pose a challenge. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives that are just as delicious. Here, I’m sharing some tried-and-tested gluten-free dessert recipes that are perfect for Christmas.

1. Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding

No Christmas would be complete without a rich, fruity Christmas pudding. This gluten-free version retains all the traditional flavours but skips the gluten, making it suitable for everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

175g gluten-free self-raising flour

100g gluten-free breadcrumbs

250g suet (ensure it's gluten-free)

200g dark brown sugar

250g sultanas

250g currants

50g mixed peel

Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

2 teaspoons ground mixed spice

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 large eggs

200ml brandy (or another spirit of choice)

100ml milk

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, suet, sugar, dried fruit, mixed peel, and spices.

Add the eggs, brandy, milk, and citrus zest. Stir until everything is well combined.

Grease a pudding basin and pour the mixture in, covering it with greaseproof paper and a layer of foil.

Steam the pudding for around 5 hours, topping up the water as necessary.

Once cooked, allow it to cool, then store in a cool place until Christmas Day. When ready to serve, steam it again for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter.

2. Gluten-Free Mince Pies

These delightful gluten-free mince pies are buttery, crumbly, and filled with festive spiced mincemeat. A staple at any Christmas gathering!

Ingredients:

200g gluten-free plain flour

100g unsalted butter (chilled)

50g caster sugar

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons cold water

250g gluten-free mincemeat (ensure the brand you use is gluten-free)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Stir in the sugar, then add the egg yolk and water to bring the dough together. Knead lightly, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a pastry cutter.

Line a muffin tray with the pastry rounds, fill each with a spoonful of mincemeat, and top with smaller pastry lids.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Serve dusted with icing sugar.

3. Gluten-Free Chocolate Yule Log

A Yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert, and this gluten-free version ensures no one misses out. It's rich, chocolatey, and the perfect centrepiece for any Christmas table.

Ingredients:

4 large eggs

100g caster sugar

75g gluten-free plain flour

25g cocoa powder

1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder

300ml double cream

200g dark chocolate (ensure it's gluten-free)

Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a Swiss roll tin.

Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, then fold gently until combined.

Pour the mixture into the tin and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy.

While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a sheet of baking paper dusted with icing sugar. Roll it up with the paper inside and allow it to cool.

Whip the double cream and melt the dark chocolate.

Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, spread the cream inside, and roll it up again. Cover the outside with melted chocolate and dust with icing sugar to finish.

4. Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding

This sticky toffee pudding is a rich, gooey delight and perfect for a festive dessert that the whole family will love, gluten-free or not!

Ingredients:

175g gluten-free self-raising flour

200g pitted dates

300ml boiling water

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

100g unsalted butter

150g dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

150g dark brown sugar

100g butter

150ml double cream

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a baking dish.

Soak the dates in boiling water for 10 minutes, then blend to a smooth purée and stir in the bicarbonate of soda.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then fold in the flour and date mixture.

Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce by gently heating the sugar, butter, and cream until smooth.

Pour the warm toffee sauce over the pudding and serve with cream or ice cream.

5. Gluten-Free Pavlova with Winter Berries

For something a little lighter but equally festive, a gluten-free pavlova with winter berries is a great alternative. Crisp on the outside, soft and marshmallowy on the inside, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites

250g caster sugar

1 teaspoon cornflour

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

300ml double cream

200g mixed winter berries (e.g., cranberries, redcurrants, and raspberries)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, then gradually add the sugar, beating until glossy.

Fold in the cornflour and vinegar, then spoon the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet in a large circle.

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely.

Whip the cream and spread it over the cooled meringue. Top with fresh winter berries and a dusting of icing sugar.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is all about enjoying time with loved ones and sharing delicious food, and with these gluten-free dessert recipes, no one needs to feel left out. Whether you’re serving a traditional Christmas pudding or a decadent Yule log, these recipes are sure to impress, ensuring a festive celebration that’s inclusive and full of flavour.

Want the perfect Christmas pudding? The Experts at DukesHill Share their secrets!

DukesHill's award-winning Christmas pudding is weighed, steamed and matured in-house, with an immense amount of passion and pride by the team.

For over four decades, DukesHill has remained committed to making Christmas puddings by hand to their traditional family recipe, with no commercial shortcuts in sight. 

Bursting with plump, vine-ripened fruits, cherries and free-range eggs, the team generously steep the puddings in the finest of French Brandy before allowing it to mature properly. This process allows the pudding to slowly absorb the rich aromas and develop a deeper taste profile.

And DukesHill's Christmas puddings uses butter in their recipe rather than of suet, which not only makes the puddings vegetarian, but also gives the pudding a much cleaner finish on the palate. The puddings are mixed in small batches to keep the texture light and prevent the fruit being crushed. 

Nicky Biddulph, Master Pudding Maker says, “A proper Christmas pudding is at the heart and soul of a Christmas feast, it's important to end the celebratory meal on a high note. Our team enjoys the cathartic process of making these puddings and we can't get enough of the rich, festive aromas in the air when it's Christmas pudding time. 

"Our recipe is time consuming to make and we only source the finest ingredients, but we know in our hearts that it's the closest way you can enjoy a genuine, traditional pudding, made in exactly the same way as you would at home.”

DukesHill Christmas Pudding weighs 454g and costs £14.50 available at www.dukeshill.co.uk/products/family-christmas-pudding