Fun facts about the traditional English Christmas dinner
Get ready to tuck into a mouth-watering Christmas dinner! Imagine golden roast turkey with all the trimmings, crispy roast potatoes and honey-glazed parsnips. Add some sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets and a generous splash of rich gravy for the ultimate festive feast.
Don’t forget the Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and a warming Christmas pudding drenched in brandy butter to finish. Christmas dinner is the ultimate spread fit for a joyful festive celebration – so let’s find out all about it!
Where does the Christmas dinner tradition come from?
The tradition of the Christmas dinner has roots that go way back! It all began after the Romans conquered England, bringing their own gods and celebrations with them. Feasting was a big part of their winter celebration - the Saturnalia.During the Middle Ages, Christmas began to look a little more familiar. For monks and nuns in the UK, in the week leading up to Christmas, their strict lifestyles were allowed to be a little more relaxed. They were able to add spices to their meals, while tables groaned under the weight of pies, fish and roast meat dishes.
The centrepiece wasn't always turkey. In fact, it was often a boar’s head or a goose, and sometimes even a peacock! Turkey is thought to have arrived in England in 1526. It was a popular but very expensive meat, so of course it was reserved only for the very rich to enjoy.
Over the years, Christmas dinner has changed, with each generation adding its own tasty twist, creating the festive feast we know and love today!
What's served in a traditional Christmas dinner?
A traditional Christmas dinner is a glorious spread of comforting, indulgent delights. It usually consists of a beautifully roasted main dish, accompanied by golden, fluffy roast potatoes, perfectly cooked veg and a variety of delicious sides.
You might find stuffing, rich, tasty gravy and perhaps some pigs in blankets nestled in there too. For a sweet finish, there’s usually a Christmas pudding with a warm, boozy sauce. It’s all about those hearty, yummy dishes that bring everyone together.
What's the most common Christmas dinner meat?
When it comes to our modern Christmas dinners, turkey is the star of the show. It’s the most popular choice today, thanks to its size, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Turkey is super juicy and tender when cooked right, and its milder taste pairs perfectly with all those flavoursome festive sides.
For the best results, roast your turkey with butter and herbs, and remember to let it rest before carving. This way, you’ll have a succulent, beautiful bird that’s sure to make your Christmas feast a huge hit.
What can I serve for Christmas dinner besides turkey?
If turkey’s not your thing, there are plenty of other delicious options for Christmas dinner. Why not try some succulent roast beef? Maybe a tender goose, or even a tasty ham.
If you prefer a meatless Christmas dinner, why not go for a festive nut roast, mushroom Wellington or a lovely, warming vegetable pie? Each of these choices will add a unique and inclusive twist to your celebrations and ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied and smiling.
What veggies do you have on a Christmas dinner?
Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant veggie selection. You’ve got scrummy roast potatoes, sweet carrots and parsnips – all perfectly seasoned, golden and delicious. Brussels sprouts are a festive must, whether you love them or hate them! Roasted or sautéed, they add a lovely crunch.And don’t forget the rich, buttery green beans or a medley of seasonal root vegetables. Each veggie brings its own festive flair, making your Christmas plate as colourful and tasty as it is traditional.
And what about the trimmings?
Of course, we couldn’t leave out the trimmings. This is where Christmas dinner truly shines! Think crisp, yet fluffy roasties, delicious herby stuffing and thick, indulgent gravy that brings everything together.
Pigs in blankets – juicy sausages wrapped in crispy bacon are always a hit. Don’t forget the creamy bread sauce and a zingy cranberry sauce to balance out the flavours. Each of these Christmas dinner trimmings adds a new, delicious flavour, making your festive meal a real treat to feast on together – before everyone inevitably gets snoozy on the sofa!
What are some different ideas for Christmas dinner?
If you're looking to shake up your Christmas dinner, try these exciting twists!
- Swap traditional stuffing for a zesty chorizo and apple version, or serve roasted sweet potatoes with a maple glaze.
- For a show-stopping side, consider a vibrant beetroot and orange salad, or go international with a spicy Moroccan tagine or an indulgent seafood paella.
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For dessert, why not try a rich chocolate yule log or a festive panna cotta?
These fun Christmas dinner ideas will no doubt give the traditional a run for its money!
Quick-fire Christmas dinner questions
Got burning questions about Christmas dinner? Let’s tackle the tasty trivia with a quick-fire round! From the classics to the quirky, we’ve got all the answers you need to make your festive feast a scrumptious success.Why do people eat turkey at Christmas?
During his reign, King Henry VIII swapped out his usual goose for turkey on Christmas Day. Afterwards, King Edward VII also enjoyed turkey, and he helped to further popularise the dish as a Christmas tradition, mainly for the very wealthy.Nowadays of course, the majority of us get to enjoy turkey. It’s perfect for feeding the whole family and is the perfect match for all those tasty trimmings.
What did Victorians eat at Christmas?
Rather than the large, extravagant parties of the Georgian era and ages before, the Victorians saw Christmas as more of a family occasion.The wealthy still enjoyed elaborate Christmas feasts, usually featuring dishes like roast beef, goose or venison. They also indulged in rich plum pudding, mince pies and game birds.
What should I eat for Christmas dinner?
The choice is yours! Go traditional with roast turkey and all the trimmings, or mix it up with alternatives like beef, goose or a hearty nut roast for a meatless Christmas dinner.Tailor your feast to your tastes and the time you have. Whether you prefer classic or contemporary, it’s sure to be much appreciated and incredibly tasty.
What time do you eat Christmas dinner?
Christmas dinner is typically served in the afternoon, often around 1 pm to 5 pm, but can be much later. Especially if there’s a problem in the kitchen!An earlier time allows for a slow, relaxed meal, and plenty of time for gifts and still leaves room for enjoying festive desserts and drinks later in the day. There’s no rush. Make the most of the holiday’s relaxed atmosphere and take your time!
How do you host a perfect Christmas dinner?
To host a wonderful Christmas dinner, why not gather with your family and friends at a warm and welcoming Hungry Horse pub near you? Take advantage of our EPIC Christmas deals while we handle all the cooking – and the washing up too! Enjoy Christmas with us and focus your time on your family and friends, making memories and spreading joy together!