What to Serve for Christmas Lunch
Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating a delectable Christmas lunch that will leave your guests full of good food and lasting impressions! If you’re here, it means you’re ready to take your holiday feast to new heights.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring a whole lot of mouth-watering menu ideas for your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch. From tantalising entrees to show-stopping mains, delightful sides, festive desserts and even seasonal drinks, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
With Gathar’s expertise, you can always relax and let us take care of the hard work, ensuring a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones. So, let’s dive right in.
Entrees: Setting the Tone for Your Christmas Lunch
Entrees are the delightful starters that kick off your Christmas lunch. They not only whet the appetite but also set the stage for the culinary experience ahead. They’re the opening act, where you have the opportunity to showcase your creativity and introduce exciting flavours to your guests. Let’s explore some delightful entree ideas to wow your crowd…
Oysters: A Seafood Sensation
Nothing says “special occasion” like a platter of freshly shucked, succulent oysters. These ocean gems are the epitome of elegance, making them a fantastic choice for your Christmas lunch entree. Whether you prefer them au naturel with a squeeze of lemon or dressed up with a tangy mignonette, oysters are an easy way to make a delicious first impression.
For those seeking a twist on tradition, consider serving oysters with exciting variations, like a zesty Asian-inspired dressing or a delicate champagne granita. These flavour combinations will elevate your oyster experience and have your guests raving about your culinary prowess.
Grazing Table: A Feast for the Senses
If you’re looking to create a festive atmosphere that encourages mingling, a grazing table or grazing platter is the perfect choice for your Christmas lunch entree. Picture a bountiful spread of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, marinated olives, fresh fruits, and an assortment of delectable dips and spreads. The grazing table not only serves as a visual feast but also allows your guests to curate their own plate of delightful bites.
The beauty of a grazing table lies in its versatility. You can personalise it to suit your guests’ preferences and dietary needs. Add a selection of gluten-free crackers, a variety of vegetarian dips, and a charcuterie board for the meat lovers. With a grazing table, you can let your creativity run wild and create a stunning centrepiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Sausage Roll Wreath: A Festive Twist
Looking for a fun and visually appealing entree that doubles as a conversation starter? Enter the sausage roll wreath! This whimsical creation combines the comforting flavours of a classic sausage roll with a festive presentation that will make your guests’ eyes light up.
To create a sausage roll wreath, use your choice of ground meat such as lamb, pork, or beef (you could even go vegetarian with a plant-based meat). Roll the mixture into bite-sized pieces and wrap them in puff pastry, arranging the delicious parcels in a circular shape on a baking tray to resemble a wreath.
Bake until golden brown and serve with a medley of condiments, including cranberry sauce for some festive flair. We all love a sausso roll and this delightful dish is sure to disappear within minutes!
Baked Cheese: A Melting Marvel
If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), a baked cheese dish is a must-have entree for your Christmas lunch. Imagine a gooey wheel of brie or camembert, baked until it reaches a luscious, molten consistency. The warm, creamy cheese pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crispy crackers, and a variety of sweet and savoury accompaniments.
When choosing your cheese, consider bold and flavoursome options like blue cheese, goat cheese, or a smoky gouda. Enhance the experience with toppings such as caramelised onions, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey. The combination of rich, gooey cheese and sweet or savoury flavours is the perfect starter to have your guests craving more.
Mains: The Showstoppers of Your Christmas Lunch
Now that we’ve tantalised your taste buds with enticing entrees, it’s time to move on to the star of the show: the mains. This is where you’ll truly shine as a culinary maestro, and Gathar is here to guide you every step of the way.
Seafood: A Coastal Delight
When it comes to creating a memorable Christmas lunch, seafood takes centre stage in Australia where the stunning coastline offers an abundance of briny delights. Whether you go for grilled prawns, bugs, succulent lobster or freshly caught fish, Christmas Day down under goes hand-in-hand with seafood.
You can choose to keep it simple, allowing the natural flavours to shine with a light seasoning of lemon and herbs or go all out with a rich and indulgent seafood dish, like creamy garlic prawns or buttery baked salmon.
For an exceptional Christmas dining experience, why not explore Gathar’s catering services? Our expert chefs in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth can prepare a sumptuous seafood feast that will impress your guests. Visit our Melbourne, Sydney, or Perth pages to learn more about our Christmas catering options.
Christmas Ham: A Time-Honoured Tradition
No Christmas lunch is complete without a beautiful, glazed Christmas ham taking pride of place on the table. This iconic dish brings a sense of nostalgia and tradition to the festive season.
To elevate the flavours of your Christmas ham, consider glazing it with a delightful combination of honey, mustard, and spices. The sweet and savoury glaze creates a beautiful caramelised crust that perfectly complements the rich, salty meat. Serve it with classic apple sauce or a fresh pineapple salsa for something fun and fresh!
Roast Turkey: A Timeless Classic
For many, Christmas simply wouldn’t be complete without a golden roast turkey gracing the table. This traditional main course is a showstopper that brings warmth and comfort to the festive celebration. Roast turkey is often stuffed with a delicious herb and bread stuffing, before being cooked to perfection.
You can experiment with different flavours and preparations, from a classic herb-roasted turkey to a citrus-infused or maple-glazed masterpiece. The tender, juicy meat pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, such as cranberry sauce, gravy, roasted vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes. A roast turkey is always a timeless classic.
Eggplant Parmigiana: A Vegetarian Delight
For those seeking a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste or indulgence, eggplant parmigiana is a stellar choice. This Italian-inspired dish features layers of tender roasted eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and creamy melted cheese, baked to perfection.
Eggplant parmigiana is a true crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren’t vegetarian. The combination of flavours and textures creates a hearty and satisfying main course. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a truly satisfying Christmas lunch.
Glazed Chicken: Sweet and Savoury Perfection
If you’re looking for a main course that is both flavoursome and a real crowd-pleaser, glazed chicken is a fantastic option. Whether you choose bone-in chicken pieces or succulent chicken breast, a delicious glaze can take your dish to the next level as it adds a layer of sweetness and depth of flavour.
You can explore a wide range of glaze options, from a sticky honey soy glaze to a tangy balsamic glaze or a zesty lemon and herb glaze. The glaze caramelises beautifully, creating a delectable outer coating that seals in the juiciness of the chicken.
Sides: Perfect Complements to Your Christmas Feast
When planning out a Christmas lunch to remember, don’t forget about the sides! These delicious accompaniments add more variety to your meal as partners in crime to the main dishes.
Salad: Add a Touch of Colour
While the mains take centre stage, a well-crafted salad can provide a refreshing reprieve from the richness of the main dishes for your Christmas lunch. A vibrant salad adds colour, texture, and a burst of freshness to your plate.
A classic combo is crisp lettuce leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of your choice. You can also experiment with different salad varieties, such as a refreshing watermelon and feta salad or a vibrant roasted beetroot and goat cheese salad. The options are endless!
Roast Cauliflower: A Flavourful Twist
If you’re seeking a side dish that brings a touch of sophistication and can double as a delicious main for your vegetarian friends, roasted cauliflower is a fantastic choice. Roasting cauliflower caramelises its natural sugars, resulting in a delightful nuttiness and irresistible aroma.
To create a mouthwatering roast cauliflower, toss florets with olive oil, garlic, cumin, and a pinch of chilli flakes. Roast in a hot oven until the edges turn golden and crispy. The result is a tender yet slightly crunchy that is bursting with flavour. Serve it as a side on its own or add it to a salad for an extra depth of taste.
Roast Potatoes: Golden Crispy Perfection
No Christmas lunch would be complete without the beloved roast potatoes! These golden, crispy morsels of goodness bring comfort and indulgence to any table. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned potato with a crunchy exterior and a fluffy, buttery interior. Mmmm.
To achieve the ultimate roast taties, start by choosing the right variety, such as King Edward or Sebago, which have a fluffy texture. Parboil the potatoes until they are just tender, then roast them in a hot oven with plenty of olive oil, rosemary, and garlic until they turn golden brown and crispy. The result? A side dish that is the epitome of deliciousness and the perfect accompaniment to any main course.
Broccolini: A Green Dream
For a side dish that adds a pop of festive green to your Christmas lunch, look no further than broccolini. This tender and slender vegetable is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale and can be easily prepared in various ways.
You can steam it to keep it crisp and vibrant, or roast it with a drizzle
Dessert: Sweet Endings to Your Christmas Feast
As you reach the grand finale of your Christmas lunch, it’s time to think about delicious desserts designed to leave a lasting impression. Let’s explore some sweet treats that will add a touch of magic to your festive feast.
Christmas Pudding: A Traditional Treat
No Australian Christmas lunch would be complete without the iconic Christmas pudding. This rich and dense dessert is steeped in tradition and is a true symbol of the festive season. Packed with dried fruits, spices, and a generous amount of brandy, Christmas pudding is a delightful treat often enjoyed with a dollop of creamy custard, brandied custard, or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream.
The flavours of Christmas pudding are warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Its dense texture and complex taste are the perfect way to end a lavish feast. Don’t forget the age-old tradition of hiding a coin or trinket inside the pudding, bringing an element of surprise and luck to the lucky recipient!
Trifle: Layers of Decadence
When it comes to Christmas desserts, trifle is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed for generations. This delightful treat features a medley of layers, from sponge cake soaked in sherry or fruit juice to velvety custard, fresh fruits and whipped cream, trifle is a sweet symphony that brings a sense of nostalgia to your Christmas celebration.
Get creative with your trifle by adding layers of your favourite seasonal fruits, such as juicy berries, peaches or stone fruit, or tropical delights like mango and passionfruit. You can also incorporate a touch of chocolate with grated chocolate curls or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.
Pavlova: A Light and Airy Delight
In the land of Oz, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a pavlova at dessert time. This iconic dish is a true showstopper with a crisp and delicate meringue shell that encases a soft and pillowy interior. It’s crowned with whipped cream and an abundance of fresh fruits, providing a celebration of summer flavours.
The beauty of pavlova lies in its versatility. You can top it with a variety of fruits, such as juicy berries, tropical mangoes, or tangy passionfruit or kiwi fruit. The contrasting textures of the crispy meringue, creamy whipped cream and luscious fruits create a heavenly dessert that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
If you’re looking for more festive ideas, check out our blog post on Christmas in July ideas for inspiration on celebrating the holiday season in a unique way (and not just in December!)
Drinks: Toasting to the Festive Spirit
No Christmas lunch is complete without toasting to the occasion. Let’s explore some festive drink options that will keep your guests refreshed and in good spirits (pun definitely inteded)
Christmas Cocktails: Festive Flavours in a Glass
Add a touch of celebration to your Australian Christmas lunch with a lineup of delightful Christmas cocktails or mocktails: festive libations combining the finest spirits with seasonal flavours and creative garnishes.
There are Christmas cocktails that cater to different tastes, from a refreshing Cranberry Mojito with a burst of tangy cranberry and mint to a tropical Mango Margarita that transports you beachside. Whether you prefer vodka, gin, rum, or sparkling wine, there’s a Christmas cocktail that will tickle your fancy and add a touch of merriment to your holidays.
Planning a work Christmas party? Gathar can help you create an unforgettable experience. Check out our blog post on work Christmas party ideas for tips and inspiration to make your event a success.
Mulled Wine: A Warming Spiced Elixir
When the holiday spirit is in full swing, mulled wine is the perfect drink to celebrate the Australian Christmas. This aromatic beverage is made by simmering red wine with a blend of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus zest. The result is a fragrant elixir that delights the senses.
The significance of mulled wine dates back centuries, having been enjoyed during Christmas gatherings around the world. The spices infuse the wine, creating a harmonious balance of flavours that warms you from the inside out. Just make sure the aircon is cranked up high to really get the most enjoyment out of this toasty drink!
Eggnog: A Creamy Festive Tradition
When it comes to Christmas drinks, eggnog is a beloved and time-honoured tradition. This creamy concoction made from milk, cream, eggs, sugar and warm spices, always evokes feelings of holiday cheer. Its rich and velvety texture, combined with hints of nutmeg or cinnamon, creates a comforting and indulgent drink.
Eggnog holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it is often associated with festive gatherings and family traditions. Whether you enjoy it spiked with a splash of rum or savour it in its non-alcoholic form, try something different this Christmas with a mug of eggnog!
From the tantalising entrees and show-stopping mains to delightful sides, festive desserts and toast-worthy drinks, your Christmas lunch menu is sure to be a hit.
If you’re looking to take your dining experience to the next level, consider Gathar’s private chef and catering services. Choose from our Christmas menus or let our expert chefs curate a bespoke menu tailored to your preferences and dietary needs.
Make an enquiry to treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable feast, letting us handle all the details to create a delightful and stress-free dining experience in the comfort of your own home.