22 food and drink recipes for the perfect Christmas Day 2022

stuffed Christmas turkey breast

Danny Baggs

Posted December 19, 2022


Struggling to come up with food and drink ideas for Christmas lunch and dinner?

Here are our favourite mains, sides, drinks and desserts to keep everyone merry this year.


Christmas mains recipes
 

Chilli and pineapple-glazed ham recipe

Give your Christmas ham a tropical twist with the sweet and tangy flavour of pineapple and a touch of chilli. This RACV Club recipe will infuse your festive feast with the taste of summer.

 

glazed ham

Chilli and pineapple add a sweet kick to this glazed ham. Image: Getty


 

Perfect roast beef recipe

This timeless roast beef recipe is ideal for a family dinner or hearty Christmas lunch if you're entertaining. This delicious roast beef is infused with the flavours of rosemary, thyme and garlic, as well as a bit of pizazz with orange zest.

 

roast beef on plate with carrots

For the perfect roast beef,  infuse the beef with rosemary, thyme and garlic. Image: Getty


 

Stuffed and rolled turkey breast recipe

Impress your family and guests at Christmas with this recipe for a succulent stuffed and rolled turkey breast. With an outside layer of bacon to add flavour and moisture and a stuffing of sausage, breadcrumb, cranberries, herbs and nuts, this roll is a succulent alternative to cooking a whole turkey.

 

stuffed rolled turkey breast

Stuffed rolled turkey breast is an impressive Christmas feast. Image: Getty


 

Slow-cooked lamb shanks in red wine sauce recipe

These fall-apart tender lamb shanks with creamy mash will have everyone raving this Christmas. Orange zest and star anise add aromatics and extra flavour to this classic dish, but you can also use cinnamon to add a bit of zing. The beauty of this recipe is you can use a slow cooker and make dinner while you keep working, or you can use an oven or stovetop.

 

Flat-lay display of lamb shanks in red wine sauce with creamy mash in a bowl

Lamb shanks are a firm favourite with Australians. Image: Getty


Vegetarian lasagna recipe

This rich and creamy vegetarian lasagne recipe will satisfy the biggest appetites, and a family of four can enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. This crowd-pleasing vegetarian lasagne, created by RACV Club Executive Sous Chef Craig Dowling, combines layers of pureed pumpkin with a sauce of ricotta cheese, cream, parmesan cheese and spinach.

 

vegetarian lasagna

Making a large batch of vegetarian lasagne means there's often leftovers for lunch the next day. Image: Getty.


Diabetic-friendly healthy steamed fish recipe

Maintain a healthy lifestyle this Christmas with this nutritious steamed fish recipe, which is suitable for those living with diabetes. The steamed John Dory with a vegetable julienne is delicious and easy to prepare. You can substitute any fish fillet of your choice: snapper and flathead are also excellent.

 

steamed white fish

Healthy steamed fish doesn't have to be plain or boring if you follow this recipe. Image: Getty.


Christmas sides recipes
 

Sausage rolls recipe

If you love a juicy, flavoursome sausage roll wrapped in golden flaky pastry, then have a go at making your own at home this Christmas. The addition of vegetables in this recipe makes the rolls healthier, and the sauces, parmesan cheese and fresh parsley create truly moreish flavours.

 

sausage rolls

Sausage rolls are an Australian classic. Image: Getty


 

Stuffed spiced butternut pumpkin recipe

Stuffed, spiced butternut pumpkin is easy to make, and it's sure to impress vegetarians and meat eaters alike. It's filled with the festive goodness of spices, herbs and dried fruit, and it’s easy to make. Along with sultanas, dates, prunes and apricots, this recipe uses barberries, which are traditionally used in Iranian cooking.

 

stuffed butternut pumpkins

Stuffed butternuts are easy and delicious to make. Image: Getty


 

Creamy mashed potato recipe

Baked, fried, caked or crispy - there's a spud recipe to suit every taste and occasion. But you can't beat a classic, and when it comes to potatoes, a smooth and buttery mash is about as good as it gets. RACV's chefs share reveal the secrets to making restaurant-style mashed potatoes at home with this recipe.

 

mashed potato

Smooth and creamy mashed potato is the perfect side. Image: Getty


 

Smoked chicken salad recipe

This warm smoked chicken salad is served with a “green goddess” dressing that is loaded with fresh, herbal flavours. Take your chicken salad to the next level with Cajun spice and, if you dare, some smoky eucalyptus flavours. This recipe comes from the Yarra Valley’s newest foodie destination, Riddell’s Green.

 

smoked chicken salad

This smoked chicken salad incorporates pickled radish and asparagus. Image: Supplied.


 

Homemade chips recipe

Say goodbye to soggy chips and hello to crispy golden fries with fluffy potato within. Whatever else you're serving up this Christmas, follow our tips for making delicious homemade crunchy chips.

 

chips in an air fryer

For a healthier meal, cook your hot chips in an air fryer. Image: Getty


 

Smoked salmon recipe

Celebrity chef Gabriel Gaté’s smoked salmon parcels are a sure-fire way to impress your family and friends. Tabasco, dill, black pepper and other ingredients make this smoked salmon pop with fine flavour.

 

smoked salmon

Smoked salmon adds an air of finery to your Christmas lunch or dinner. Image: Getty


 

Christmas desserts recipes
 

Gingerbread biscuits recipe

This easy gingerbread biscuit recipe from Le Petit Gâteau will sweeten any special occasion, including your Christmas festivities. Plus, everyone will love the smell of these homemade gingerbread biscuits baking in the oven.

 

gingerbread men

Gingerbread is the ultimate Christmas snack. Image: Unsplash


 

Gingerbread house recipe

Gingerbread houses are synonymous with Christmas festivities around the world and are said to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. The whole family can have fun making gingerbread houses this Christmas with this gingerbread house recipe.

 

Easy pavlova recipe

No Aussie Christmas is complete without a crowd-pleasing pavlova that’s topped with fresh whipped cream and summer fruits. With its amazing crispy exterior and a fluffy, melt-in-your mouth interior, this pavlova can be adorned with summer fruits such as berries, mango or passionfruit.

 

Vanilla slice recipe

Who can resist a vanilla slice, especially one that’s home-made? Follow this vanilla slice recipe and impress your family and friends with this melt-in-your mouth combo of crisp pastry and creamy custard.

 

vanilla slice

This vanilla slice recipe has three layers of pastry like the traditional mille-feuille. Image: Getty


 

Oat-free apple crumble recipe

You’ll be the apple of everyone’s eye when you dish up this delicious oat-free apple crumble recipe. Is there anything better than a bowl of gooey, caramelised apple crumble? With its warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and crunchy, butter-and-brown-sugar topping, it’s easy to see why this classic apple crumble is still an absolute crowd pleaser.

 

apple crumble

Make this recipe gluten-free by switching plain flour for brown rice flour. Image: Getty.


 

Christmas cocktails and mocktails recipes
 

Mulled wine recipe

The Romans may have invented mulled wine, but the fact we still enjoy this spicy and sweet drink today is testiment to its warming powers. Devised by the team at Bourke Street Green in Melbourne's CBD, the secret to its sensational flavour is shiraz gin, along with fresh apples, oranges, black pepper, and cinnamon to get those fruity and spicy flavours.

 

Hot toddy recipe

If you're wanting that throat-warming nightcap that isn't a mulled wine, try this hot toddy recipe for a sweet treat on Christmas evening. This hot toddy features honey for sweetness, lemon for zing and cinnamon for a hint of spice.

 

hot toddy

Hot toddies are traditional Scottish fare. Image: Getty


 

Salted caramel espresso martini recipe

The salted caramel version of the classic espresso martini is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its moreish flavours pair perfectly with other decadent Christmas treats.

 

Peachy Keen cocktail recipe

Keep summer going with this zesty, fruity and refreshing cocktail that's perfect for dinner parties and nights in. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur, or a novice wanting to try fresh new flavours, it's hard to look past the Peachy Keen cocktail for an easy-to-make, yet sophisticated summer beverage, with notes of complexity from gin, sweetness from peaches and zest from lemons.

 

Myah's Delight mocktail recipe

A local twist on the classic Mojito, the Myah’s Delight mocktail is about to become your new go-to non-alcoholic cocktail. This recipe adds in cucumber and apple, then tops up the sweetness with lemonade.

 

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