Tesco unveils 2024 Christmas sandwich line-up, bringing festive cheer to lunchtime on the go

Tesco is sharing this year’s line-up of Christmas sandwiches and snacks that will be available as part of its iconic lunchtime Meal Deal, with the addition of 8 new seasonal mains and sides.

Available in stores and online from Monday 21 October, Tesco’s food on-the-go experts have worked to bring a variety of festive flavours and great quality ingredients together, to cater to all tastes and preferences and offer excellent value - with Clubcard members paying just £3.60 for a main, snack and drink.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty traditional turkey sandwich or keen on a gravy mayo dipper for a Christmas twist, there’s a seasonal sarnie, wrap or side for you, so you can enjoy a merry meal deal while on the go.

2024 Christmas Meal Deal Mains

Tesco is pulling out all the stops to ensure its Christmas lunch range is packed with delicious, festive flavours, with a lineup that promises to bring Christmas cheer ahead of the big day. Highlights include:

NEW Tesco Christmas Cracking Currywurst Sub: A hearty nod to German Christmas markets, this sub is filled with juicy pork sausage, smoky caramelised onions, and tangy curry ketchup, wrapped up in an egg-glazed sub roll.

Tesco Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich: Returning to the lineup, this is the ultimate festive sarnie, packed with tender turkey breast, sausage, sage and onion stuffing, and beechwood smoked bacon. Layered with mayo and cranberry sauce and served on malted bread.

NEW Tesco Ho-Ho-Hog Wrap: Slow-cooked pulled pork seasoned with fennel and garlic is paired with rosemary gravy mayo and a crunchy apple slaw for a fresh, festive bite. Wrapped in a tasty tortilla, this is a festive favourite with a modern twist.

NEW Tesco Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap: A plant based delight, this wrap is inspired by festive leftovers, featuring roasted carrots, sweet parsnips, and spiced red cabbage. The vibrant veggie filling is brought together with a savoury vegan gravy mayo, all tucked inside a spinach tortilla.

Tesco Gluten Free Festive Chicken & Trimmings: This Tesco gluten-free option brings the taste of Christmas through tender chicken breast, layered with pork, sage and onion stuffing mayo, and cranberry sauce, all sandwiched between two slices of seeded gluten-free bread.

Tesco Premium Meal Deal

For those looking to upgrade their festive meal deal, there are three new seasonal additions to the Premium meal deal. For just £5 with a Clubcard you can pick up a Premium main alongside a side and drink from the wider meal deal range. (Note to self: I really must find my Tesco Clubcard!)

NEW Tesco Finest Festive Chicken & Bacon Wrap with Gravy Mayonnaise Dip: This festive wrap offers a twist on the traditional Christmas dinner. Succulent chargrilled chicken breast and maple-cured bacon are paired with a tangy cranberry chilli chutney and wrapped in a soft, bar-marked tortilla. The star of the show - a rich sage and black pepper gravy mayonnaise served on the side, for dipping.

NEW Tesco Festive Chicken, Bacon & Stuffing Mayo Baguette: The ultimate Christmas feast packed into a baguette, it features seasoned chicken breast, beechwood smoked bacon, sage and onion stuffing mayo, and cranberry sauce, giving this crunchy lunchtime meal a hearty taste of the holiday season.

NEW Tesco Finest Turkey BLT: For a transatlantic take on a sandwich staple, this BLT is inspired by New York delis. It features pastrami-style turkey, maple-cured bacon, Emmental cheese, and tangy gherkin mayo, all served on rye and caraway bread.

2024 Christmas Meal Deal Snacks

After proving a hit last year, the festive Mini Pork Pies and Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls are returning, alongside some delicious new seasonal snack options.

NEW Tesco Mini Christmas Bangers with Gravy Mayo Dip: These cocktail sausages, made with pork, apple, and cranberry, bring the flavours of Christmas to your lunch. Perfectly sized for snacking, they’re served with a rich sage and black pepper mayo dip on the side for a herby, festive finish.

NEW Tesco Christmassy Chicken Bites with Festive Cranberry Dip: Tender chicken bites, seasoned with stuffing, are a great grab-and-go snack with a yuletide twist. Dunk them into the zesty cranberry dip for a true taste of Christmas.

Tesco Mini Pork Pies: These two mini pork pies are a festive take on a classic, featuring seasoned cured pork, sweetened dried cranberries, and cranberry sauce wrapped in a crisp hot water crust pastry.

Tesco Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls: Enjoy the iconic Christmas flavour of pigs in blankets in these sausage rolls. Succulent pork sausage meat is wrapped in dry cured smoked bacon and finished with flaky puff pastry and classic sage and onion seasoning.

Other returning favourites include:

Tesco Christmas Wrapped Up

Tesco Yuletide Half & Half Sandwich

Tesco Jingle Brie Sandwich

Tesco Festive Chicken & Trimmings Sub

The Tesco Christmas Meal Deal range is available now online and in stores.

www.tesco.com

Why You Should Buy Your Christmas Goodies from Fitzbillies of Cambridge

Cambridge Gingerbread (c) Fitzbillies

As the festive season approaches, few places in the UK capture the cosy spirit of Christmas quite like Fitzbillies in Cambridge. 

Known for its iconic Chelsea buns and mouth-watering treats, Fitzbillies has been delighting locals and visitors since 1920. 

This family-owned bakery offers not just baked goods but a real taste of tradition, history, and craftsmanship. Here’s why Fitzbillies should be your go-to for Christmas goodies this year.

1. A Century of Tradition and Quality

Fitzbillies is no ordinary bakery. For over a century, it has mastered the art of baking, using recipes and techniques that have been passed down through generations. 

This heritage ensures that each cake, bun, and biscuit is crafted with care, offering you a truly special Christmas treat. When you buy from Fitzbillies, you're not just getting baked goods; you're enjoying the legacy of an iconic British institution.

2. Exquisite Christmas Range

The festive offerings at Fitzbillies are second to none. Their Christmas cakes, adorned with delicate icing and a rich, spiced fruit centre, are perfect for adding that extra touch of elegance to your table. The bakery also creates beautifully decorated mince pies with a buttery crust, packed with juicy, flavourful mincemeat that simply melts in your mouth. For those looking for something a bit different, their handmade stollen and seasonal biscuits make delightful gifts or treats to share with loved ones.

3. The Unmistakable Chelsea Bun

No mention of Fitzbillies would be complete without talking about their legendary Chelsea buns. Sticky, sweet, and generously filled with currants and a hint of cinnamon, these buns are unlike any other. For Christmas, why not pick up a batch to enjoy with family and friends? Finish baking them in your own oven, serve with mulled wine, and experience one of Cambridge’s finest traditions from the comfort of your home.

4. Handcrafted Gift Hampers

Fitzbillies also offers beautifully curated Christmas hampers, which make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, and colleagues. These hampers include a range of bakery favourites, such as their renowned Chelsea buns, seasonal cakes, preserves, and more. Each hamper is wrapped with a sense of care and attention to detail that reflects the spirit of Fitzbillies, allowing you to share the joy of a true Cambridge Christmas with those you cherish.

5. Sustainability and Supporting Local Business

Choosing Fitzbillies means supporting a local, family-run business that sources ingredients responsibly. Fitzbillies places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. By purchasing your Christmas goodies here, you’re contributing to the local economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of mass-produced treats.

6. A Delightful Experience

The Fitzbillies experience isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about stepping into a piece of Cambridge history. Visiting the bakery during the Christmas season feels like stepping into a festive wonderland, with the scent of fresh-baked goods and seasonal spices filling the air. Whether you visit in person or order online, Fitzbillies ensures that every customer feels a part of their family.

In Summary

If you’re looking to make this Christmas truly memorable, Fitzbillies in Cambridge is the perfect place to start. With a century of baking expertise, an array of festive treats, and a commitment to quality and sustainability, Fitzbillies offers something truly special. 

From their classic Chelsea buns to their elegant Christmas cakes and hampers, each item is made with care, tradition, and a touch of Cambridge magic. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the best of British baking this festive season – and make Fitzbillies a cherished part of your Christmas tradition.

And they offer a rapid nationwide delivery service, too!

https://www.fitzbillies.com

A Homemade Christmas: The Benefits

Learning to make your own bread, biscuits, and cakes for Christmas is not only a rewarding way to embrace the season, but it also offers several benefits:

Personal Touch: Homemade gifts and treats are far more personal and meaningful. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something from scratch.

Customisation: When you bake at home, you can tailor your recipes to suit personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether it’s adding more spices, less sugar, or creating gluten-free options, homemade baking gives you complete control.

Cost-Effective: Buying baked goods can add up, especially around Christmas. By making your own, you can save money and make larger batches for sharing.

Creating Traditions: There’s something special about making the same recipes year after year. These baking moments can become cherished family traditions that make Christmas even more meaningful.

Conclusion

This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own breads, biscuits, and cakes? Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious, homemade treats that add a personal touch to your festivities. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of baking, and the magic of sharing your homemade creations with those you love. Happy baking!

Incidentally jazz pianist, accordion player and baker of retro treats, B. Dylan Hollis has written a book called Baking Yesteryear which is available from Amazon and all good book retailers. Here's a link to our coverage of his book:- https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2024/06/baking-adventures-with-b-dylan-hollis.html