Last-minute Christmas dinner menu

Christmas dinner spread of turkey crown and an array of sides

Christmas Day time plan

11am Peel and chop the potatoes and parsnips. Make the herb butter and rub over the turkey crown.
11:30am Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
11:35am Boil the potatoes for 3 mins, add the parsnips and boil for a further 3 mins. Drain and set aside. Peel and chop the veg, then set aside covered with a clean damp cloth.
12pm Put the turkey crown in the oven for 1 hr 30 mins, basting every 30 mins or so.
12:10pm Assemble the pigs-in-blankets Christmas stuffing balls.
12:30pm Heat the goose fat for the potatoes.
12:35pm Put the potatoes and parsnips in the oven for 1 hr.
12:55pm-1:00pm Roast the stuffing balls for 25-30 mins.
1:25pm Take the stuffing balls out of the oven and keep warm.
1:30pm Check the temperature of the turkey with a digital thermometer – it should reach 70C when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
1:30pm-1:35pm Take the turkey crown out of the oven and leave to rest for at least 20 minutes. Make the gravy, then boil the veg for 5 mins.
1:40pm Increase the oven temperature for the potatoes and parsnips to 220/200C fan/gas 8. Cook the vegetables in butter.
1:55pm Reheat the stuffing balls, if necessary.
2pm Start taking dishes to the table.

Quick and easy Christmas recipes

Mains

Thyme & garlic turkey crown

Turkey crown surrounded by lemon halves and stuffing pigs in blanket balls

Turkey crowns are less hassle to prepare and will cook more quickly than a whole bird. Seasoning your turkey the day before makes it more succulent but, if you don’t have the time the fragrant mixture of thyme and garlic will still pack a flavour punch. Cook and baste the turkey in the beautiful, buttery juices and you'll have a glorious golden centerpiece to adorn your Christmas table.

Air-fryer turkey crown

Turkey on a bed of vegetables with a slice cut from the top

Another great option is our air-fryer turkey crown as this frees up oven space – just make sure before you start that your air-fryer is large enough to hold a whole turkey crown!

Beetroot & red onion tarte tatin

Pastry topped with beetroot, red onion and green leaves

If you’d prefer a meat-free Christmas, why not try our beetroot & red onion tarte tatin? Using store-bought vegan shortcrust pastry saves you time, meaning that this showstopping main can be on your table in only an hour and a half, and the beetroot provides a festive red pop of colour to your dinner table.

Sides

Pigs-in-blankets Christmas stuffing balls

We've gone for a fun, festive mash-up of two Yuletide classics. Combine sausagemeat with herby stuffing, chopped chestnuts and cranberries for full-bodied Christmas flavour. Package these up into tasty little bundles with the bacon rashers.

Sweet chilli-glazed pigs in blankets

Plate of pigs in blankets next to a small ramekin of chilli sauce

Check out our three-ingredient and three-step chilli-glazed variation for another twist on the festive favourite. It’s perfect for giving your traditional meal a bit of a kick, but also makes for a great canapé before the main attraction.

3-in-1 brown-buttered winter vegetables

Cook your carrots, brussels sprouts and leeks together with butter and sage for a convenient and time-saving side dish. By using just two pans to boil and stir-fry the veggies, you'll also save on washing-up. Bonus!

Golden goose fat potatoes & parsnips

Platter of parsnips and potatoes next to a lemon half

Achieve perfect crispy potatoes and parsnips by roasting them in goose fat. This will give them a gorgeous golden colour and rich flavour that you can enhance by adding rosemary springs to the roasting tin.

No-stress gravy

Flavoured with redcurrant jelly and port, this simple yet delicious gravy can either be whipped up on the big day or made ahead and frozen. The name says it all!

Fried brussels sprouts

Enjoy your sprouts fried for caramelised, golden edges that give depth of flavour. Lemon and a sprinkling of fresh herbs add freshness and tanginess, too

Crumbled Yorkshire puddings with thyme

Elevate your yorkies by adding a sprinkling of breadcrumbs for an extra crunch and some fresh thyme for a boost of flavour.

Dessert

We haven’t factored into our time plan above the inevitability of people having room for dessert. But here are some speedy options to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth.

Frozen custard sundae

Three sundae glasses full of custard sundaes.

Create a showstopping dessert in just 20 minutes by repurposing leftover mince pies and panettone into a delectable sundae. This quick and easy recipe helps reduce food waste and adds a delightful twist to your festive celebrations.

Black forest Christmas fool

Two miniature trifle glasses filled with black forest trifle

Create an effortlessly luxurious dessert with this no-cook recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes. Reward your sweet tooth without turning on the stove, making it the perfect solution for a quick and delightful treat.

For more inspiration visit our Christmas dinner page or browse other Christmas menus...

Easiest ever Christmas menu
Classic Christmas menu
Vegetarian Christmas menu
Vegan Christmas menu
Gluten-free Christmas menu
Quick Christmas menu
2-hour Christmas menu
Christmas menu for a crowd
Christmas menu for two
All our Christmas menus