Christmas dinner! This roast with the most is the highlight of the year for many, and getting it right can be a daunting prospect. If the thought of cooking Christmas dinner for the first time is getting your festive stockings in a twist, we have your back with our fail-safe, easy Christmas dinner recipes for beginners.
From ways to get ahead before Christmas Day and using the right kitchen kit, to step-by-step guides on how to cook and carve a roast turkey, simply follow Jamie’s Christmas tips and tricks below and you’ll pull off the Big Day with expert-level success. Here’s how to throw a feast without having a Nightmare Before Christmas.
IT’S ALL IN THE PLANNING
You know the phrase – ’if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail’. And actually, the secret to a successful Christmas dinner is all in the organisation. Follow these top tips, get your turkeys in a row, and take the stress out of Christmas.
CHRISTMAS EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Want to make prepping for the Big Day a breeze? Then make sure you have the right tools for the job. Also, having everything to hand makes things so much easier.
GET AHEAD GRAVY
Jamie’s secret Christmas dinner weapon – his famous gravy recipe. He swears that good gravy has the power to transform, or even save, a meal, so make this and it can hide a multitude of cooking sins. You’re welcome!
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
Start off proceedings with a drink to get people in the festive mood. Whatever your poison, we have a drink for you. Plus, after a couple of these, everyone might not notice things aren’t quite on time!
TIPS & TIMINGS FOR THE PERFECT TURKEY
Follow our checklist on how best to prepare your turkey before roasting and, more importantly, for how long, we’ll make sure you serve up a perfectly golden turkey without a dry slice in sight.
HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY
You’ve cooked the turkey, it looks amazing, now here’s how to carve it like a pro. It’s probably the first time you’ve ever been faced with a turkey, and it can be daunting – but not when you have our expert tips.
PIGS IN BLANKETS
Christmas isn’t Christmas without these little porky treats. Follow Jamie’s simple method to ensure you get super-sticky, caramelised pigs in blankets in just five easy steps.
HOW TO MAKE ROAST POTATOES
Almost a rival for the big bird, crunchy-on-the-outside/fluffy-on-the-inside roast potatoes are the king of Christmas dinners. Our step-by-step guide to roasties – flavoured with sage and orange – is all you need to succeed.
HOW TO MAKE ROAST PARSNIPS
Follow our step-by-step guide to roast parsnips and take them to the next level with honey and thyme. A sweet and nutty side that’s the perfect partner to your perfectly roasted turkey.
HOW TO MAKE BREAD SAUCE
Bring everything together with a dollop of soft and creamy bread sauce. Follow our step-by-step guide to make bread sauce for something really special. Got a gluten-free guest? Try our gluten-free bread sauce recipe.
BRAISED CABBAGE
Christmas dinner isn’t complete without vibrant and comforting braised red cabbage. This festive veggie side can be prepared in advance, too, saving you precious time on the big day.
HOW TO MAKE POACHED PEARS
For a ridiculously easy pud, these saffron poached pears are an absolute dream for beginners. Simply poach pears with sugar and spices, boil the liquor into a sweet and sticky glaze, then pour over the poached pears and serve with cream.
JAMIE’S CHRISTMAS CHEESE BOARD
If a sweet pudding isn’t your thing, a Christmas cheese board is super-easy to put together. And this is Jamie’s best of British selection.
And if things get sticky, don’t forget Jamie’s mantra: as long as you keep laughing, it will be alright. Good luck!
For more festive ideas and inspiration head to our Christmas hub.
