While we’d never say no to a traditional Christmas spread, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had by adding a few new recipes into the mix.
From juicy drumsticks taking the place of regular starters, to crispy, spicy noodle salads as a satisfying side, we’ve listed 10 Christmas Day-appropriate recipes that will surprise your guests, and provide a refreshing take on Christmas dining.

01
Hot chilli seafood skewers
Perfect for an Australian summer Christmas, this recipe works best with refreshing mango and cucumber, as well as Chang’s fried noodles and hot sauce. A party-starter no one will be able to resist.

02
Crispy noodle salad
Incorporating Chinese cabbage, onions and almonds for a zesty taste, this noodle salad recipe is a bona-fide crowd-pleaser, and can be served as vegetarian or with meat added. Be sure to add Chang’s Crispy Noodle Salad Dressing over the top as the perfect garnish before serving.

03
Butternut drumsticks
Crispy hot butternut drumsticks
This one is for those looking for an innovative way to add chicken to their Christmas spread. While the drumsticks in this recipe appear to be fried, they’re actually wrapped in crushed noodles, before being baked and seared. The buttermilk and chilli sauce serve to make the dish even more flavoursome.

04
Lemongrass and beef rice paper rolls
Lemongrass and beef rice paper rolls
You’d be hard-pressed to find a party guest who was immune to the refreshing taste of rice paper rolls, making them the perfect nibble/entrée option for any Christmas party. Of course, the best way to eat them is with a spicy dipping sauce.

05
Spiced sweet potatoes with whipped chive butter
Spiced sweet potatoes with whipped chive butter
Baked vegetables are a staple of many families’ meals on Christmas Day. But instead of opting for your classic recipe, why not mix it up a little with a new, tangier spin on baked potatoes? The whipped chive butter works wonders with the cinnamon kick.

06
Crab san choy bao
The perfect blend of savoury, sweet and occasionally spicy, crab san choy bao is another innovative way to incorporate seafood into your Christmas meal. In addition to fresh lettuce, Chang’s Fried Noodles provide the perfect crunch among myriad flavours.

07
Hot and spicy chicken curry
Curries are perfect for any occasion, especially at Christmas. For the spice-lovers in your family, this one works a treat – try combating the chilli kick with a fruit chutney of your choice.

08
Crispy noodle cake pops
A dessert recipe that’s perfect for young family members, who’ll want to be up from the table as soon as the meal is over, but definitely not without the sweet stuff. The crushed-up noodles inside the cake make for a crunchy surprise.

09
Salted caramel ganache truffles
Salted caramel ganache truffles
A dessert for the adults table, this recipe features an opulent, thick chocolate fudge taste and a delicious, crunchy coating. They can also be made dairy-free if dark chocolate is included, and Chang’s Original Fried Noodles can be substituted for the gluten-free option to suit all dietary requirements.

10
Spicy Christmas cakes
Christmas cakes are a dime a dozen during the festive season, so make sure yours stands out from the rest. The Australian Women’s Weekly‘s spicy Christmas cake recipe has stood the test of time – since 1975, to be exact.
Brought to you by Chang’s.