Shake Up Christmas Day with These Unexpected Menu Items

Tradition is comforting. You know what you’re getting. There are no unknowns at play. There is little wiggle room for things to go south. 

But tradition can be… well, boring. Mundane, even. Doing the same thing year after year can diminish the novelty. There’s no rocket science in that. That’s basic economics (DMU, anyone?) The more we do the same thing, the less satisfaction it brings over time. So, if you have had enough ham and turkey for Christmas and feel like the time is ripe for a menu refresh, let’s dig in together and weigh up the different options to make the celebrations feel less of an obligation. And while we are at it, why stop at the main menu? Stock up on some Christmas gift boxes for your guests to munch on while you prep the dinner. 

1. One Pot Fresh Onion Pasta

For maximum flavour with minimal chaos in the kitchen. This combines everything you love about French Onion Soup, the sweet, jammy onions & creamy flavour with the deliciousness of a cheesy pasta. Let your partner get out of the kitchen for once and enjoy Christmas with her distant cousins.

2. Roast Leg of Lamb

If you still want a centrepiece meat, prepare to be amazed by the more forgiving (easier to make) roast leg of lamb. This dish works best when marinated in garlic, rosemary and a glug of olive oil. Serve it up with some gravy to take it to the next level. If you have any leftovers, toss them in a salad the next day (it still slaps.)

3. Eggnog Ice Cream

Eggnogs have been around for decades (and rightly so). If you want to continue the tradition, try a new format. It has all the familiar festive rumblings of seasoned spices and sweet vanilla. You can serve it as an unexpected topping to your Christmas pie or even sandwich it between two gingerbread cookies (if you fancy something fancy).

4. Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey

This isn’t your grandma’s turkey. And that’s the whole point. The honey gives it that sticky, caramelised finish, while the chipotle brings a smoky flavour that just changes the taste to something new. It’s bold, a little sweet, a little spicy and definitely not boring. If you really want to tick that Turkey box, you can’t go wrong here

5. Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes

If your family can handle a bit of spice, Pepper Jack mashed potatoes can quickly become a cult classic. It can be a brilliant side dish to a hearty meal. Adding a dash of chilli powder and cayenne with the pepper jack cheese can make this a great complement to the usual meat and desserts. 

6. Five-Spice Roast Duck

This could be a good dish to go beyond standard poultry. This version is based on the famous Chinese five-spices and a soy-based glaze, which adds an oriental twist to the dish. To make the dish look more festive, you could garnish it with orange slices and roasted fennel. 

7. Vegan Mushroom Wellington

This could be a thoughtful choice for your vegan relatives. If you want a plant-based main, this mushroom wellington can hold its own. Golden puff pastry is wrapped around a rich, garlicky mushroom filling with herbs, walnuts, and maybe a splash of balsamic for depth. As a bonus, it also looks stunning on a plate for the Instagram fiends of your family. 

8. Fig Cornmeal Skillet Cake

This could be a great option for an effortless dessert. The cornmeal gives a unique texture to the cake while the figs bring the festive sweetness. You could top it off with turbinado sugar for a hint of caramel and a bit of crunchiness. This one has rustic vibes written all over it.   

9. Sparkling Mango & Lime Spritz

A perfect match for a warm and sunny Aussie Christmas, this drink is light and bright. It basically blends fresh mango nectar, a splash of lime juice and sparkling mineral water (or Prosecco, if you’re going full festive). Serve it with ice and some mint leaves for that extra zing.

10. Charred Pineapple & Prawn Skewers

Just another excuse to get the barbecue out? Why not. This is summer on a stick. Juicy prawns are first marinated with lime, garlic and chilli. Then they are grilled alongside some sweet pineapple until they’re both smoky. Serve them straight off with a dip. 

At the end of the day, Christmas doesn’t have to follow a script. Traditions should be cherished. But if things start to feel too stale, don’t be afraid to change things up a bit. Whether that’s swapping the classic for honey-chipotle turkey or adding some spice and flavour to mash, we leave it up to you. Here’s to a Christmas that’s full of flavour, a little less predictable and exactly the way you like it.