Three Christmas Menus for Every Taste: Vegan, Vegetarian, and Meat Lovers

Alright, my friends, Christmas is just around the corner, and we all know what that means—loads of food, good times with family, and a chance to show off your cooking skills! Whether you’ve got vegan guests, veggie lovers, or proper meat enthusiasts around your table this year, we’ve got you covered with three festive menus to make your life easier. These dishes are packed with flavor, full of holiday vibes, and sure to impress.

And here’s the best part: each recipe comes with a step-by-step video to guide you through, so you can cook along and feel like a pro. You can find these videos on YouTube and right alongside the recipes on our website. So, grab a glass of mulled wine, pop on your apron, and let’s dive into some seriously delicious Christmas cooking! Click on the names of the dishes to head straight to the recipes and start planning your feast.

All of these recipes and videos are created by Jake Zuurbier. Merry Christmas!

(By the way, if you want to see a guide on how to style your Christmas table, click here)

The Meat Lover’s Spread

First up, for the traditionalists, we’ve got a Meat Lover’s Christmas Feast. It’s classic, it’s comforting, and it’ll fill your house with those irresistible holiday aromas.

Starter: Smoked Salmon Blinis with Dill and Lemon Crème Fraîche

Start things off with these elegant little blinis. Light, delicate smoked salmon with a zesty lemon crème fraîche – perfect finger food to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Main Course: Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Red Wine Gravy

Nothing says Christmas like a beautifully seared steak. Serve it up with some buttery garlic mashed potatoes and a rich red wine gravy – this is proper comfort food that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Dessert: Spiced Pear Tart with Almond Cream

To finish, a fragrant spiced pear tart. The pears are poached with warming spices, and the almond cream filling is just divine. It’s a proper showstopper for your dessert table.

Wine Pairings:

For the steak, you can’t go wrong with a Cabernet Sauvignon – big, bold, and packed with tannins to complement that rich gravy. And with the pear tart, a sweet Sauternes will bring out all those lovely spiced flavors and make your dessert sing.

The Vegetarian Delight

Now, let’s talk about a Vegetarian Christmas Feast. We’re leaning into comfort here, but with a bit of elegance. Vegetarian “meat” is so good these days that even the carnivores will be digging in.

Starter: Baked Brie with Honey and Cranberries

Melted cheese? Yes, please! This baked brie with a drizzle of honey, fresh cranberries, and walnuts is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’re all set.

Main Course: Vegetarian Meat Loaf with Beyond Meat and Herb-Crusted Potatoes

This veggie meat loaf made with Beyond Meat is hearty, savory, and full of holiday herbs like rosemary and thyme. Pair it with crispy herb-crusted potatoes, and you’ve got comfort food at its best. It’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it’s perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner.

Dessert: Pistachio and Ricotta Cheesecake

Creamy ricotta and crunchy pistachios in a silky cheesecake – it’s the dessert of dreams. Light, nutty, and not too sweet, it rounds off the meal beautifully.

Wine Pairings:

For the veggie meat loaf, a light Pinot Noir is your go-to. It’s got just enough body to hold up to the savory loaf but won’t overpower it. As for dessert, a chilled glass of Moscato d’Asti will work wonders with the cheesecake – sweet, fizzy, and fabulous.

The Vegan Feast

And lastly, we’ve got a cracking Vegan Christmas Feast. Just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean it’s short on flavor, and trust me, everyone will be going back for seconds.