Christmas

32 Christmas dinners that aren’t Christmas ham

Sick of Christmas ham, or just fancy something a little different this year? From turkey, veal, duck, chicken and deliciously fresh fish, there's plenty of alternatives on offer.
easy whole turkey recipeAustralian Women's Weekly

Let’s face it, there’s no meal that quite measures up the delicious standards of Christmas dinner.

But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to a Christmas ham, year in year out; whether you fancy changing things up this December 25th or you’re just looking for a second something special to serve alongside your usual fare, we have the festively appropriate options you didn’t know you needed.

From roast turkey and chicken to duck, veal, beef, even roast goose, there’s certainly plenty to choose from.

And if you can’t quite make your mind up? Pick two.

It is Christmas after all.

Looking for more Christmas turkeys or side dishes to serve with them?

dukkah prawn skewers

01

Dukkah prawn skewers with labne and minty tomato salad

Dukkah prawn skewers with labne and minty tomato salad

A Middle Eastern twist to grilled prawns with a nutty pistachio topping and creamy labne on the side.

Prawn cocktail platter

02

Prawn cocktail platter

Prawn cocktail platter

Why limit the classic prawn cocktail to a tiny glass when you can have an entire platter. It’s just like the original, only bigger and better.

Crispy crackling pork with sweet onions and plums

03

Crispy crackling pork with sweet onions and plums

Crispy crackling pork with sweet onions and plums

04

Soft shell crab with green onion aioli

Soft shell crab with green onion aioli

Crunchy, succulent soft shell crab pairs brilliantly with this flavoursome green onion aioli. Enjoy it as finger food with a glass of wine, or as a starter to a big dinner party.

05

Perfect barbecue prawns

Perfect barbecue prawns

Doesn’t get more quintessentially Aussie than chucking a shrimp on the barbie. Prawns cook quickly and stay succulent – serve with a squeeze of lemon

06

Roasted cauliflower with miso glaze

Roasted cauliflower with miso glaze

Whether you’re following a meat-free diet or are just looking for creative ways to up your vegie intake, try this delicious whole roasted cauliflower.

Roast vegetable terrine

07

Roast vegetable terrine

Roast vegetable terrine

This vegetarian terrine is as tasty as it is colourful, packed full with char-grilled vegies and hints of garlic throughout.

barbecue pork cutlets

08

Barbecued lamb leg with lemon thyme salsa verde

Barbecued lamb leg with lemon thyme salsa verde

Deliciously tender lamb garnished with a fresh and zesty lemon thyme salsa verde – does it get much better? Serve up with homemade thick-cut kumara wedges for an even bigger flavour kick!

09

Turkey with apricot & hazelnut stuffing

Turkey with apricot & hazelnut stuffing

Don’t wan’t to take on a whole turkey? Try this turkey breast dish stuffed with apricot and hazelnut stuffing.

Roast pork with apple sauce

10

Roast pork with apple sauce

Roast pork with apple sauce

Salmon with herb & walnut salsa

11

Baked salmon with herb and walnut salsa

Baked salmon with herb and walnut salsa

12

Roast pork wreath with stone fruit

Roast pork wreath with stone fruit

A special touch for your Christmas table with this charming roasted pork and stone fruit arrangement.

13

Herb-brined turkey breast in pancetta

Herb-brined turkey breast in pancetta

Herb-brined overnight, stuffed with olive and wrapped in pancetta – this turkey breast is full of flavour and stays beautifully moist when cooked.

Tian of vegetables

14

Tian of vegetables with herbs and parmesan

Tian of vegetables with herbs and parmesan

Vegetable tian is a delicious side dish year-round. It’s healthy, easy to make, and so pretty to look at.

15

Salmon pastrami with yoghurt tartare

Salmon pastrami with yoghurt tartare

16

Julie Goodwin’s roast beetroot and goat’s cheese terrine

Julie Goodwin’s roast beetroot and goat’s cheese terrine

easy whole turkey recipe

17

Roast turkey with bacon, onion and sage dressing

Roast turkey with bacon, onion and sage dressing

eggplant recipes

18

Roasted eggplant with spiced lamb

Roasted eggplant with spiced lamb

Roast beef rump with red wine gravy

19

Roast beef rump with red wine gravy

Roast beef rump with red wine gravy

Roast Chicken with Red Onion, Garlic and Cherries

20

Roast chicken with red onion, garlic and cherries

Roast chicken with red onion, garlic and cherries

21

Roasted marmalade duck with sherry vinegar

Roasted marmalade duck with sherry vinegar

22

Roast fillet of beef with herb and anchovy stuffing

Roast fillet of beef with herb and anchovy stuffing

vegan roast

23

Vegan roast

Vegan roast

Beef Wellington

24

Beef wellington

Beef wellington

Whole fish with green onion mayo

25

Whole fish with green onion mayo

Whole fish with green onion mayo

26

low-roasted lamb shoulder

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder

roasted goose with spiced apples and onions

27

Roasted goose with spiced apples and onions

Roasted goose with spiced apples and onions

barbecued port-smoked beef

28

Barbecued port-smoked beef

Barbecued port-smoked beef

asian-spiced barbecued turkey

29

Asian-spiced barbecued turkey

Asian-spiced barbecued turkey

Poached salmon

30

Poached salmon

Poached salmon

barbecued veal fillet with    salsa verde stuffing

31

Barbecued veal fillet with salsa verde stuffing

Barbecued veal fillet with salsa verde stuffing

grilled prawns recipe

32

Grilled prawns with avocado cream and slaw

Grilled prawns with avocado cream and slaw

Fresh, flavoursome, and so delicious – these juicy grilled prawns with zesty avocado cream and slaw will please the entire family!

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prawn and salad greens on a plate to form a prawn caesar salad
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Plate the salad with all the elements separated on a large platter. This way  guests can build their own and add as much or as little dressing as they like.