7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (2024)

Not sure about traditional roast turkey this year? Try something new with these alternative recipes for the big day – we’ve got meaty, veggie and vegan options to suit all guests.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (1)

1. Mulled wine glazed ham

Ham is a great choice to feed a crowd, and there’s usually plenty of leftovers – ideal for Boxing Day sandwiches. The mulled wine glaze in this recipe creates a beautiful sweet and crispy layer, which complements the tangy cranberry sauce. Serve with a dish of dauphinoise spuds.

Get the recipe for our mulled wine ham.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (2)

2. Jewelled-stuffed butternut squash

Having veggie guests over this year? This roasted squash makes an excellent meat-free centrepiece. Pomegranate matches the sweetness of the roasted squash flesh, and feta adds the perfect hint of saltiness. Enjoy as a main or serve a small portion on the side of a meaty roast.

Get the recipe for ourjewelled-stuffed butternut squash.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (3)

3. Cashew and pistachio stuffing nut roast

This twist on a classic nut roast makes for a filling plant-based Christmas dinner that all your guests can enjoy. Serve with vegetarian gravy and sweet potatoes for a main, or if you are still having a traditional turkey, it makes a great stuffing.

Get the recipe for our cashew and pistachio stuffing nut roast.

4. Sticky citrus roast duck with crispy potatoes

The combo of citrus and Chinese 5-spice with a classic roast duck in this recipe will create a flavour and aroma perfect for the holidays. Serve with duck fat potatoes for an ultimate indulgent meal for two.

Get the recipe for our sticky citrus duck with crispy potatoes.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (5)

5. Porcini, bacon and sage roast rib of beef with port gravy

A beautiful rib of beef looks great on the table, and this showstopper will tick all the ‘big day’ boxes. Sage adds a touch of bittersweet aroma to the tender rib of beef and nutty creamy porcini stuffing.

Get the recipe for our porcini, bacon and sage rib of beef.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (6)

6. Spiced pomegranate and clementine slow-roast lamb leg

A roast leg of lamb might not be the most obvious choice for Christmas, but with some classic festive spices and flavours, it makes a delicious choice for non-turkey fans. Serve this slow-cooked version with a mint and coriander sauce and scatter with the pomegranate seeds.

Get the recipe for our spiced pomegranate and clementine slow-roast lamb leg.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (7)

7. Japanese seven-spice pork belly

This slow-cooked pork belly has a wonderful juicy centre and the perfect crackling, which would make any meat-lover happy on Christmas Day. There’s a delicious spicy pepper and citrus hint running through this recipe – and it’s served with a side of homemade cranberry and orange ketchup.

Get the recipe for our Japanese seven-spicepork belly.

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas | Sainsbury`s Magazine (2024)

FAQs

What's a good Christmas dinner besides turkey? ›

Unique holiday dinner ideas
  • Beef Wellington: The Showstopper.
  • Christmas Roast Duck: The Twist on a Classic.
  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: The Surprise Favorite.
  • Roast Lamb: The Savory Star.
  • Stuffed Acorn Squash: The Festive & Flavorful.
  • Prime Rib Roast: The Hearty Hero.
Dec 12, 2022

What can I buy instead of a whole turkey? ›

Here are our best budget alternatives so you can still enjoy Thanksgiving, without the hefty price tag!
  • Swap your turkey for a rotisserie chicken. ...
  • The free turkey program. ...
  • Get fancy with Cornish game hens. ...
  • Opt for turkey cuts. ...
  • Butterball roast. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Whole roasted cauliflower.
Oct 11, 2023

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to roast turkey? ›

1. Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu) For an alternative to turkey that's mild in flavor and can be treated like any other protein, turn to Burmese tofu, which transforms chickpea flour, oil, and water into a sturdy tofu-like dish.

What can I cook instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  1. Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  2. Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  3. Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  4. Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  5. Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  6. Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  7. Lasagna. Image. ...
  8. Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What is the most popular alternative to having a turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What is the most popular Christmas dinner around the world? ›

Traditional Christmas foods from around the world
  1. United States: Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings. ...
  2. Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes. ...
  3. England: Christmas Pudding. ...
  4. Japan: KFC Christmas Bucket. ...
  5. Mexico: Tamales and Bacalao. ...
  6. Sweden: Smörgåsbord Extravaganza. ...
  7. Ethiopia: Doro Wat.
Dec 12, 2023

What do most people cook for Christmas dinner? ›

Here they are, the holiday classics! These are the top-rated main dish and side dish recipes you need for a perfect traditional Christmas dinner. They cover the savory side of Christmas dinner, from prime rib, baked ham, and roast turkey to scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

What is the closest meat to turkey? ›

There are many alternatives to the Christmas turkey, and we have 10 ideas for you to consider this year.
  • Ham. With a whopping 318 million pounds consumed on Christmas, ham is just about as popular as turkey when it comes to a festive holiday meal. ...
  • Roast Chicken. ...
  • Meatloaf. ...
  • Pot Roast. ...
  • Pork Loin. ...
  • Goose. ...
  • Lamb. ...
  • Duck.

What is better than a turkey? ›

Other poultry candidates include rich and fatty duck or roasted chicken, both of which will stand in seamlessly and pair perfectly with classic Thanksgiving sides. There are also cuts of beef to consider such as prime rib, beef tenderloin, brisket or pot roast.

What to eat if you don't like turkey? ›

20 Thanksgiving Dinner Alternatives
  • Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes. ...
  • French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups. ...
  • My Mom's Chicken Marsala with Almond Green Beans. ...
  • Cacio e Pepe Pie. ...
  • Espresso Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Risotto. ...
  • Cider Braised Pot Roast with Butternut Squash.
Nov 19, 2020

What to have instead of turkey for Christmas? ›

A delicious cut of pork is the perfect Christmas turkey alternative, so keep a look out when you go to your local butchers. If you need more turkey alternatives and enjoy a traditional Christmas then goose is the only way to go.

What is the most common meat substitute? ›

Pea protein, tofu, jackfruit, legumes, and grains are also common ingredients found in vegan meat. If you have allergies to gluten or soy, vegan meats made from pea protein may be worth exploring.

What do vegetarians miss from meat? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to a turkey dinner at Christmas? ›

Nut Roast. The most popular Christmas meal for vegetarians and vegans is the nut roast. This typically describes a mixture of nuts, breadcrumbs, leeks, onions, broth and either oil or butter. However, this recipe is malleable and offers the opportunity for many alterations according to personal preference.

What is a good meat for Christmas dinner? ›

Types and Cuts of Meat for Your Holiday Celebration
  • Prime or Premium Angus Bone-In Prime Rib Roast. ...
  • Dry Aged American Bone-In or Boneless Leg of Lamb Roast. ...
  • Dry Aged Prime or Premium Angus: Filet Mignon Roast. ...
  • Dry Aged Prime Sirloin Roast Beef. ...
  • All Natural Smoked Spiral Ham. ...
  • All Natural Bone-In Pork Roast.
Dec 18, 2023

What is a healthier alternative to turkey? ›

While people may joke about Tofurky, many vegans and vegetarians vouch for it. “Tofurky is a soy-based turkey substitute that can be a healthy alternative on your holiday table,” says Palumbo. Some say it has a mouthfeel similar to meat, and the tofu it is made of packs a protein punch almost as big as turkey's.

What is a good alternative to frozen turkey? ›

Choose an applewood-smoked Berkshire ham or a brined and smoked turkey seasoned with onion, garlic, and the butcher shop's house rub. Order your main course meat only or supplement your protein with garlic mashed potatoes, chestnut cornbread stuffing, green beans almondine, and pie for a full holiday meal package.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5601

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.