Creative Christmas Cuisine: 12 Must-Try Dishes for Chefs

The festive season is a time of joy, merriment, and of course, delicious food. As a chef, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity and culinary prowess. Here are twelve unique Christmas dishes that you can introduce to your menu this festive season.

1. SMOKED SALMON, CITRUS SOURED CREAM, PRAWNS & DILL

Start your Christmas menu with this Smoked Salmon, Citrus Soured Cream, Prawns & Dill dish. An exquisite combination of smoky salmon, zesty citrus-soured cream, succulent prawns, and fresh dill. A perfect starter that captures the essence of the holiday season.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: SMOKED SALMON, CITRUS SOURED CREAM, PRAWNS & DILL

2. PORTOBELLO WELLINGTON

A modern twist to the traditional Beef Wellington, this vegetarian-friendly dish is packed with rich flavours. The earthiness of the chestnuts and mushrooms pairs perfectly with the flaky puff pastry, creating a satisfying main course that will delight both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: PORTOBELLO WELLINGTON

3. SPICED ORANGE AND GINGER GLAZED HAM

Swap the classic turkey for a spiced orange and ginger glazed ham. The combination of sweet, tangy orange and the kick of ginger adds a festive flair to the traditional Christmas ham. This dish is not only succulent and flavourful but also provides a stunning centrepiece for any Christmas feast.

4. TURKEY SCHNITZEL

Try these delicious Turkey Schnitzels, crafted to perfection with tender turkey cutlets coated in a crispy golden breadcrumb crust, delivering a delightful combination of textures. Served with a zesty cranberry compote and a side of buttery mashed potatoes, this dish embodies the essence of festive comfort food.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: TURKEY SCHNITZEL

5. BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA

Turn the often-maligned Brussels sprout into a crowd-pleaser with a creamy, cheesy gratin. Topped with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs, this dish elevates the humble Brussels sprout to new culinary heights. It’s a side dish that pairs brilliantly with your festive mains.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA

6. CRANBERRY AND ORANGE GLAZED PIGS IN BLANKETS

For a mouthwatering addition to your Christmas menu, consider our Cranberry and Orange Glazed Pigs in Blankets. These succulent sausages wrapped in crispy bacon are taken to the next level with a delightful cranberry and orange glaze. A festive twist on a classic favourite, perfect for satisfying those holiday cravings.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: CRANBERRY & ORANGE GLAZED PIGS IN BLANKETS

7. COFFEE PANNA COTTA WITH WARM RUM & RAISINS

Introducing our Coffee Panna Cotta with Warm Rum & Raisins—a delightful addition to your Christmas menu. This velvety panna cotta boasts a rich coffee flavour and is served warm with a generous drizzle of rum and raisin sauce. A perfect choice for a comforting and festive dessert.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: COFFEE PANNA COTTA WITH WARM RUM & RAISINS

8. RED WINE HOT CHOCOLATE

Change up your beverage menu this Christmas with a decadent red wine hot chocolate. This indulgent drink combines the richness of dark chocolate with the robust flavours of red wine, creating a warming beverage that’s perfect for cold Christmas nights.

9. BAKED FRUIT WITH CHRISTMAS PUDDING CRUMBLE

Elevate your Christmas menu with our Baked Fruit with Christmas Pudding Crumble. This warm dessert combines seasonal fruits with a classic Christmas pudding crumble topping for a comforting and festive treat.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: BAKED FRUIT WITH CHRISTMAS PUDDING CRUMBLE

10. MINCED MEAT FILO PARCELS

Minced Meat Filo Parcels are a delightful and savoury treat that features a delicate, crispy filo pastry shell, filled with a hearty and flavourful mix of minced meat, seasoned with herbs and spices for added depth. The parcels are then baked to golden perfection, resulting in a combination of textures and flavours that are incredibly satisfying. Ideal as a party appetiser, a snack, or even a main dish, these Minced Meat Filo Parcels are a culinary delight that truly showcases the versatility of simple ingredients.

See the Fairway Assured Recipe: MINCED MEAT FILO PARCELS

11. PANETTONE BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING

Here’s a creative way to repurpose the Italian Christmas classic, Panettone. This bread and butter pudding combines the fruity, sweet Panettone with a rich, creamy custard for a dessert that’s the epitome of festive comfort food.

12. PARSNIP AND MAPLE SYRUP CAKE

Move over Christmas pudding, there’s a new dessert in town. The parsnip and maple syrup cake is a delightful combination of sweet and earthy flavours. Topped with a cream cheese frosting, this cake is a unique twist on traditional festive sweets.

Christmas is a time for culinary creativity. By adding these innovative dishes to your menu, you’re not only offering your diners a unique gastronomic experience but also setting your restaurant apart this festive season. Remember, the key to a successful Christmas menu lies in balancing the traditional with the new, the savoury with the sweet, and the comforting with the adventurous. Happy cooking!