Alternative Christmas dinner ideas to fit all dietary requirements

Feel like spicing up some Christmas traditions? Then we have dishes that will wow the whole family and suit vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free.

Christmas dinner alternatives

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Are you thinking of mixing things up a bit this Christmas? Thinking about the smell of a roast cooking in the kitchen makes our mouth water and there's nothing better than a Christmas dinner ... when you are not the one cooking it.

If you are dealt with the enormous task of cooking this Christmas and need some inspiration; or maybe you are fed up with a traditional roast and feel like spicing things up, then we have got some alternative Christmas dinner recipes and products that will blow everyone's socks off. They won't even miss the turkey.

Plus, we have included a section on Christmas classic alternatives for gluten-free and vegan family members and friends, from meat-free turkey to gluten-free Yorkshire puddings. No one needs to miss out during the festive season.

And with Christmas party season around the corner, we have also added some ideas for the most delicious appetisers and sides because honestly - calorie counting shouldn't be a thing over the holidays.

Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections

SHOP: The best Christmas dinner food alternatives

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Christmas dinner for dietary requirements: Gluten-free and vegan ideas

vegan turkey1 of 14

M&S Plant Kitchen Vegan Turkey Roast 800g

This juicy and succulent pea-based vegan roast meat alternative is made with mushroom, cranberry and sage stuffing to make up the most delicious roast joint. It serves four very happy vegans.

gravy2 of 14

Tesco Free From Chicken Gravy Granules 170G

Of all the gravy flavours from the Tesco free-from range, this is by far the best one. Not only is it gluten-free but it is also vegan. The flavour doesn't taste much like chicken and is more herby in taste. Just add a little of the juice from your roast, and your gravy will taste like any Sunday dinner gravy.

stuffing3 of 14

Tesco Free From Sage & Onion Stuffing 170G

Stuffing is such a key component of a Christmas roast, and you don't want anyone to be left out. This simple to make mixture is gluten-free and vegan. Just add hot water to the mix, and you're away.

cheese sauce4 of 14

Tesco Free From Cheese Flavour Sauce Mix 36G

Now, dairy-free and vegans can take part in cauliflower cheese. If British people know how to do something, it is to take a vegetable and turn it into something cheesy and indulgent.

yorkshire5 of 14

Tesco Free From 8 Yorkshire Puddings 124G

There are so many delicious glutenous filled treats on the table at Christmas, and Yorkshire puddings are the crowning glory of them all. No worries, though– gluten-free people can now enjoy a Yorkshire just the same as everyone else.

gluten-free pastry6 of 14

Jus-Rol Gluten Free Puff Pastry Ready Rolled 280G

This gluten-free and vegan puff pastry is perfect for making appetisers or a beef (or no beef) wellington. Think sausage rolls or apple tarts. No one will be excluded from your party.

xmas pudding7 of 14

Tesco Free From Christmas Pudding 400G

No one gets to skip dessert this year with this vegan and gluten-free Christmas pudding.

bramley pies8 of 14

Tesco Free From Bramley Apple Pies 4 Pack

These Bramley apple-filled pies are baked in crumbly gluten-free shortcrust pastry. They are gluten and dairy-free but not egg-free.

nut roast9 of 14

M&S Plant Kitchen Butternut, Almond & Pecan Nut Roast

This seriosuly impressive butternut squash, almond and pecan nut roast is perfect for veggies and vegans on Christmas day who aren't a fan of vegan alternative 'meat' products.

plant roast potatoes10 of 14

M&S Plant Kitchen Triple Cooked Roast Potatoes 315g

It would be a sin to miss out on roasties at Christmas. These roasties are crispy on the outside with a soft centre cooked three times for that well-awaited crunch.

gluten-free flour11 of 14

Doves Farm Gluten Free Self Raising 1Kg

If you want to do some baking and need to cater to someone gluten-free, then this wheat-free blend is an alternative to self-raising flour. You will barely notice the difference. We highly recommend making American style pancakes with this.

turkey crown12 of 14

Tesco Wicked Kitchen No-Turkey Roast Crown

If you will be catering to a few veggies or vegans this Christmas, then this no-meat turkey serves four people. Made with wheat protein, this will be the next best thing to a roasted centrepiece. This product is not yet available but will be released soon for the Christmas season.

cheesecake13 of 14

Vegan English Cheesecake Vanilla Cheesecake with Lotus Biscoff

Created with a vegan favourite - lotus biscoff biscuits this plant-based cheesecake is topped with delicious biscoff spread and crumb on a crunchy biscuit base.

cake14 of 14

OGGS Chocolate Fudge Cakes4x46g

OGGS make the most delicious and indulgent vegan cakes, and these chocolate fudge cupcakes are to die for. Try not to eat them all at once.

SHOP: Christmas party appetisers and roast dinner sides to cater for everyone

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Christmas sides and appetisers ideas

cheese bites1 of 11

Cathedral City 15 (approx.) Mature Cheddar Cheese Bites 375g

Everyone is talking about these new Cathedral Cheese bites. Even Pretty Little Thing tweeted about them. Not only are they made with the UK's favourite cheddar but they are also gluten-free! Yes, you heard right, a gluten-free starter that isn't veggies or crisps.

dough balls2 of 11

Waitrose Garlic Butter Filled Doughballs

Indulgent, garlicky and buttery. What more could you want from a holiday starter.

Easibake Gluten Free Garlic Baguette 170G3 of 11

Easibake Gluten Free Garlic Baguette 170G

This part-baked gluten-free and vegan baguette is made with a garlic and parsley filling and will be an absolute crowd-pleaser among those with dietary requirements.

dim sum4 of 11

Dim Sum Chef Dim Sum BBQ Pork Bun 12 Pieces 600g

Mix up the regular Christmas apps and set out these delicious pork dim sum buns. Serve with soy sauce, and your guests will be super impressed.

sweet potato fries5 of 11

Waitrose Sweet Potato Fries

These sweet potato fries are tossed in tapioca batter making them gluten-free and super crispy. A perfect side for vegans and gluten-sensitive individuals.

roasted veg6 of 11

Waitrose Maple Roasted Winter Vegetables

This gorgeous roasted vegetable side dish is made up of carrots and parsnips, and maple syrup butter. So dreamy.

spring rolls7 of 11

Iceland 18 (Approx.) Duck Spring Rolls 324g

These crunchy duck spring rolls are a delicious appetiser. Don't forget to pair it with plum or sweet and sour sauce.

rustic garlic wheel8 of 11

Waitrose parmesan & garlic rustic wheel

This cheesy, garlic flatbread will go down a treat at Christmas parties.

teriyaki strips9 of 11

No Meat No Bull Teriyaki Strips 320g

These vegan teriyaki strips accompanied by some veg and soy sauce would make a perfect side so your plant-based friends won't feel left out.

Tesco Plant Chef Meat Free Sausage Rolls 600G10 of 11

Tesco Plant Chef Meat Free Sausage Rolls 600G

They may not be the famous Greggs vegan sausage roll, but they come very close. These vegan Lincolnshire sausage rolls from Tesco are made with soy protein wrapped in puff pastry. Even meat-eaters will love them.

Heck Chicks In Blankets11 of 11

Heck Chicks In Blankets

Chicks in blankets - just what you imagine. This a great alternative to the all pork dish - plus they are gluten-free.

Recipe ideas

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Alternative Christmas dinner centrepiece ideas

Butternut squash roast1 of 11

Stuffed roasted squash with pesto recipe

Wow your vegan guests with this stunning centrepiece on Christmas day. It may not be your traditional roast, but it will look impressive and isn't too tricky either. Stuff the squashwith layers ofchargrilled peppers, mushrooms, chestnuts, spinach and pesto,,and it will be a flavour explosion. Serves 6****Dietary requirements: Gluten free and veganRecipe from Tesco

salmon2 of 11

Roast salmon with hasselback potatoes and beurre blanc

Salmon is luxury food, and we are sure no one will challenge you on that. Mix up the Christmas centrepiece with this gorgeous roast salmon. This recipe is for a delicate, zesty salmon paired with crispy Hasselback potatoes. The best part is it is all done in an hour.Serves 6Recipe from TescoDietary requirements: Gluten-free and dairy-free (if using non-dairy butter)

tacos3 of 11

Festive fiesta tacos

Spice up Christmas and have a festive taco feast. Here us out - tacos are fun, communal, packed with flavour, and as you build your own fussy eaters can make it to their liking. These pork tacos from Jamie Oliver is an excellent go-to. They are hot, crunchy, citrusy and spicy. However, you can cook your taco to your liking with softor crunchy shells, guacamoleand all the rest.Serves 6****Dietary requirements: Gluten-free (if using pure corn tortillas) and dairy-free. Recipe from Jamie Oliver

curry4 of 11

Turkey curry

You may have heard of the classic leftover turkey Boxing Day curry, but who says you can't have it for Christmas Day too. If you love a good curry, why not make it the festive centrepiece? This quick and simple tikka masala recipe can also be made with chicken, lamb or even vegan. Speed up the process using a jar bought Tikka Masala sauce or a Patak's paste pot.Serves 4****Dietary requirements: Gluten-free and dairy-free (if using coconut milk)Recipe from Easy Peasy

five-spice lamb5 of 11

Five-spice duck legs with squash and pomegranate

Christmas duckbut with a twist. This festive spiced duck makes a tasty alternative to a classic Christmas roast. You can serve it with sweet squash, earthy chestnutsand a sharp pomegranatesalsa to cut through the Asian five-spice seasoning. Of course, you could substitute the duck for other poultry such as turkeyor chicken.Serves 6****Dietary requirements: Gluten-free and dairy-free Recipe from Tesco

veg tart6 of 11

Roast squash tart

A vegetarian tart always goes down well. This shortcrustroast pumpkin tart with cream cheese and caramelised onions will be a treat cut-up as an appetiser or as a main dish.Serves 4****Dietary requirements: VegetarianRecipe from Waitrose

raclette7 of 11

Raclette

In many European countries, raclette is served as a Christmas meal. Who could possibly say no to oozy melted raclette cheese on potatoes, cured meats and crusty bread? It is the ultimate cheesy sharing platter and après-ski tradition.Serves 6 - 8****Dietary requirements: gluten-free (without bread) and vegetarian (without meat)Recipe from BBC Good Food

vegan curry8 of 11

Jamie’s Christmas curry

A Christmas vegan curry you won't forget. Filled with aromatic warming spices, this meal will taste like Christmas but not in the traditional way. This creamy cauliflower curry is made with coconut, Kashmiri chillisand other fragrant herbs.Serves 6****Dietary requirements: Gluten-free and dairy-free (if using coconut milk)Recipe from Jamie Oliver

mushroom hotpot9 of 11

Vegan mushroom hotpot recipe

Swap out a nut roast and serve up this vegan mushroom hotpot for an original Christmas main. Made with mushrooms, swede and lentilsin a delicious mushroom porcinigravy, topped with golden potatoes for a memorable vegan Christmas meal highlight. Serves 4****Dietary requirements: Gluten-free and veganRecipe from Tesco

Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread10 of 11

Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread

Not so much a centrepiece (however, it is so lovely looking it could definitely be - you make the rules), this Christmassy, cheese-stuffed, pull-apart bread is a delicious festive appetiser. Serve alongside some thyme and pomegranatefrom some beautiful decoration.Serves 10****Dietary requirements: Vegetarian Recipe from Simply Delicious Food

Sushi11 of 11

Sushi

Yes - that's right, you can totally have Sushi for Christmas dinner. It is communal, delicious, and a fun activity you can do with the family. Make your own sushi with a sushi-making kit and add sushi-grade salmon, avocados or make it festive with some turkey and cranberry. Servings unlimited****Dietary requirements: Gluten-free and can be made veganRecipe from Sous Chef

Read more:

Christmas dinner prep tips that will save time and impress your guests

30 gorgeous gift ideas for mum this Christmas

The very best non-chocolate advent calendars for 2021

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Where is the best place to shop for vegan, gluten-free and free-from food?

You can find food to cater to dietary requirements in many leading supermarkets these days, such as Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, Ocado, M&S'sPlant Kitchen and Made Withoutand Waitrose. Most supermarkets have their own free-from range making it more affordable than ever to shop for allergen-free food.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us