The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Dinner

The classic Christmas dinner is a much-loved tradition across the UK, with families gathering around the table to enjoy a festive feast filled with all their favourite dishes.

Over time, this meal has evolved, with households adding unique twists and flavours, showing that there’s no such thing as a perfect Christmas dinner.

This year, we surveyed 2,000 UK adults to discover what the nation sees as the ultimate Christmas dinner. We set out to uncover which items they favour the most—and the least—on their Christmas plates. From traditional staples like crispy roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts to modern takes on dishes like cauliflower cheese, we’ve explored how the modern Christmas dinner is shaping up across the UK.

What are the UK’s Most and Least Favourite Parts of a Christmas Dinner?

We asked Brits to share their favourite items on a Christmas dinner, from the meat and vegetables to all the trimmings. It’s clear that the UK has some strong opinions when it comes to what makes a truly festive feast.

The UK’s Favourite Items on a Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner Item	% That Chose As Favourite
Roast potatoes	51%
Turkey	47%
Pigs in blankets	23%
Yorkshire puddings	19%
Stuffing	17%

Crowned the UK’s favourite part of a traditional Christmas dinner is the much-loved roast potato. For many Brits, no festive feast feels complete without a serving of perfectly crispy, golden roast potatoes. The secret to getting them just right is choosing the ideal spud, with Maris Piper or King Edward being our top recommendations.

And of course, no festive dinner would be complete without the star of the show – a succulent Christmas turkey, accompanied by plenty of pigs in blankets, stuffing, and topped with a Yorkshire pudding. While turkey remains the firm favourite for many, it’s clear that adding personal touches and preferences is what makes each Christmas dinner special. Whether it’s a different choice of meat or extra trimmings, it’s all about making the meal your own.

The UK’s Least Favourite Items on a Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner Item	% That Chose As Favourite
Nut Roast	30%
Goose	19%
Brussel Sprouts	19%
Duck	18%
Parsnips	13%

When it comes to the least favourite items on a Christmas dinner, much of the UK is in agreement that a nut roast, goose, and Brussels sprouts don’t make the cut.

Nearly a third of those surveyed revealed they skip the nut roast altogether, while almost one in five also said goose and duck aren’t their preferred meats for the festive feast.

As for vegetable accompaniments, it seems Brits are not looking forward to seeing Brussels sprouts and parsnips on their plates this Christmas. Despite being traditional, these controversial veggies appear less popular among many on a festive spread.

Choosing the Perfect Meat for Your Christmas Dinner

We know that everyone sitting at your table this Christmas will have their favourite flavours and preferences for meat, vegetables, and all the trimmings. To keep the whole family happy, why not try different meats at Christmas to cater to everyone’s tastes?

Turkey

The biggest challenge with turkey is keeping it juicy. It can often turn out dry. To uphold tradition and ensure a moist, flavourful turkey, we recommend brining it first. Add festive flavours of cranberry and orange while roasting to complement the natural flavour of turkey.

Lamb

For a tender, luxurious alternative to turkey, lamb is one of our top picks at Christmas. To make it extra festive, pair it with homemade mint and cranberry chutney by mixing mint leaves, cranberries, sugar and balsamic vinegar to serve alongside the roast lamb.

Goose

Why not give an old tradition a try with goose? It’s an overlooked bird that’s actually more forgiving than turkey. We recommend elevating it with a red wine and berry reduction and drizzling over the sliced goose to give it a festive, sweet-savoury touch.

Beef

If you’re after a festive, flavourful meat, roast beef is always a winning choice. For a Christmas-inspired twist, try making a cranberry port wine reduction to add a slightly sweet sauce to enhance the beef flavours.

Chicken

For a festive option that’s similar to turkey but offers something a bit different, roast chicken makes a fantastic choice. It captures the essence of Christmas and can be beautifully paired with many of the same flavours.

Perfecting Brussels Sprouts

While almost one in five Brits admitted that Brussels sprouts are their least favourite item on a Christmas dinner, we believe this often-underrated vegetable could easily become a favourite with a few clever cooking adjustments. With the right seasoning or preparation, Brussels sprouts can transform into a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish.

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

1. Blanch and roast: Blanch sprouts briefly by boiling them before roasting them in olive oil and a drizzle of honey to create a sweet caramelised flavour. Alternatively, you can steam and sauté your Brussels sprouts with butter, salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious flavour.
2. Roast with pancetta and chestnuts: Add diced pancetta and chestnuts to your roasting dish for a smoky, savoury-sweet twist perfect for Christmas. The salty taste of pancetta complements the naturally earthy taste of Brussels sprouts.
3. Add a grated cheese topping: After roasting the sprouts, sprinkle with Italian hard cheese, like Parmesan, for a savoury, crispy finish.

Use our Christmas Dinner Timing Chart

Our Christmas Dinner Timing Chart is designed to help you perfect your Christmas dinner, without the last-minute panic. Simply select your ingredients and a sit-down time and it’ll give you a step-by-step guide!

Data Methodology

We surveyed 2,000 UK residents and asked them to select their top three favourite and least favourite items on a Christmas dinner, including meat, vegetables and traditional side dishes.