Christmas Lunch Ideas with Recipes

Christmas lunch is often the highlight of the festive season, filled with delicious flavors and festive cheer. Whether you prefer a traditional spread or want to try something new, these Christmas lunch ideas will suit all tastes. Here are some mouthwatering recipes that will make your holiday feast unforgettable.

1. Classic Roast Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (about 4-5 kg)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and thyme.
4. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
6. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.

2. Honey-Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (about 2-3 kg)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, score the surface in a diamond pattern, and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
4. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
5. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender (about 20 minutes).
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. In a separate pan, heat the butter, garlic, and cream until the butter is melted.
4. Mash the potatoes, then pour in the garlic cream mixture and mash until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

4. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
3. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
5. Top with crispy bacon and serve.

5. Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 400g fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.

6. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme

Ingredients:

• 500g carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
4. Serve warm.

7. Christmas Pudding

Ingredients:

• 200g dried mixed fruit
• 100g suet
• 100g flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg
• 150ml milk
• 50g brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine dried fruit, suet, flour, baking powder, spices, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together, then add to the dry ingredients.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased pudding basin, cover with foil, and steam for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve with brandy butter or cream.

8. Christmas Salad with Pomegranate and Pecans

Ingredients:

• Mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
• 1 pomegranate, seeds removed
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Toss the salad greens, pomegranate seeds, pecans, and goat cheese in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately.

9. Stuffing with Sausage and Sage

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
• 250g sausage meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a skillet, cook sausage meat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onion, celery, and sage in butter until softened.
4. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, sausage, and vegetable mixture. Add chicken broth and stir to combine.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.

10. Christmas Fruitcake

Ingredients:

• 500g dried mixed fruit
• 250g butter
• 200g brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 250g flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 100ml brandy

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. In a bowl, mix dried fruit, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
3. Stir in spices and baking powder, then pour into a greased cake tin.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until a skewer comes out clean.
5. Brush with brandy and let it cool before serving.

These Christmas lunch ideas are sure to bring warmth and festive cheer to your holiday table. From the traditional roast turkey and honey-glazed ham to indulgent sides and delicious desserts, these recipes will help you create a memorable Christmas feast.