Best British Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas: Holiday Recipes From The UK! (2024)

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These British Christmas dinner menu ideas feature delicious recipes that are traditionally served for the holidays in the UK! With this guide, you can build the ultimate British Christmas dinner menu from appetizers to desserts. If you are missing a taste of home, or simply want to try something new, these festive and flavorful recipes will not disappoint!

British Christmas Recipes

Celebrate Christmas the UK way by trying some of these delicious British Christmas dinner menu ideas! If you are cooking for an out-of-country guest or you simply want to try some new recipes this year, this model British menu will have you enjoying every bite.

There are a number of appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and desserts to choose from. You can mix and match as you see fit, there are no wrong choices here!

Best British Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas: Holiday Recipes From The UK! (1)

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British Christmas Recipes
British Holiday Recipes
Appetizers
1. Potato Leek Soup
2. Devils On Horseback
3. Welsh Rarebit
Main Courses
4. Oven Roasted Prime Rib
5. Beef Wellington
6. Roast Goose
Side Dishes
7. Yorkshire Puddings
8. Prime Rib Au Jus
9. Dauphinoise Potatoes
10. Braised Red Cabbage
11. Honey and Herb Oven Roasted Carrots
12. Clapshot
Desserts
13. British Christmas Pudding
14. British Christmas Cake
15. Mary Berry’s Fork Biscuits
16. Mince Pies
17. English Trifle
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British Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas: Oven Roasted Prime Rib with Dry Rib Rub (+More Holiday Recipes!)
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Instructions
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British Holiday Recipes

To make the ultimate holiday feast, pick one (or a few) of the British Christmas dinner menu ideas from each of the sections below. This guide offers the best appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts that are traditionally enjoyed in during Christmastime in the UK!

If this is your first time hosting dinner for the holidays, check out myChristmas guidefor a step-by-step timeline for preparing Christmas dinner!

Appetizers

1. Potato Leek Soup

Creamy potato leek soup is warm and comforting. Top it off with some extra bacon, white cheddar, and cream, and your guests will be scrambling to get to the table.

Potato Leek Soup with Bacon

This potato leek soup with bacon is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any other time. It's an easy 30-minute recipe that tastes like it was simmering on the stovetop all day. Add some shredded cheese, extra bacon, or a drizzle of heavy cream, and dig in.

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2. Devils On Horseback

The name may not be the most festive, but these bacon-wrapped dates are a classic British starter. This simple recipe calls for the dates to be stuffed with Stilton cheese before they are wrapped in bacon and baked.

Devils on Horseback Recipe

Don’t let the sinister name throw you -- these bacon-wrapped dates couldn’t be more delicious. Martha takes them to the next level by stuffing the dried fruit with pungent Stilton.

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3. Welsh Rarebit

Welsh rarebit, or Welsh rabbit, is similar to cheese on toast, though it's much more than that. Toasted bread is covered in a cheese sauce made with beer and mustard sauce that can be enjoyed as-is or topped with savory meats and more.

Best Ever Welsh Rarebit Recipe

Welsh rarebit (a.k.a Welsh rabbit) is more than just cheese on toast! Try out this Welsh rarebit recipe and experience this popular Welsh dish for yourself.

Check out this recipe

Main Courses

4. Oven Roasted Prime Rib

A perfectly cooked prime rib truly makes Christmas dinner feel like a special occasion. My prime rib dry rub adds loads of flavor and the oven will do the rest of the work!

Oven Roasted Prime Rib with Dry Rib Rub

This oven roasted prime rib with dry rib rub is one of those amazing dishes reserved for special occasions because it is simply delicious! The meat is juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. It's my go-to method for cooking a perfect prime rib every time!

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5. Beef Wellington

You don't have to be Gordon Ramsay to make a fabulous beef wellington. The flaky pastry crust and earthy mushroom filling (duxelles) are only surpassed by the juicy, medium-rare tenderloin in the middle.

The Ultimate Beef Wellington

Get The Ultimate Beef Wellington Recipe from Food Network

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6. Roast Goose

A delectably tender roast goose makes the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas spread. This is the chef's choice of Christmas entrees, and you will agree once you give it a try!

Gordon’s Christmas roast goose recipe | BBC Good Food

Gordon Ramsay shows you how to cook the chefs’ choice of Christmas main courses – a golden goose. Keep the fat to use through the winter months

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Side Dishes

7. Yorkshire Puddings

You can't have a British Christmas without these rich and eggy rolls. Your whole family will love these classic British popovers.

Traditional Yorkshire Puddings

Yorkshire puddings are such a treat, they are more than just a dinner roll as they are truly a show-stopping basket of goodies to indulge in! Even though I serve these up traditionally at holiday meals, I always think to myself that they would be oh-so-wonderful as a part of breakfast. This is my best and easiest no-fail Yorkshire puddings recipe that'll have you hooked for life!

Check out this recipe

8. Prime Rib Au Jus

This prime rib au jus is the perfect sauce for your roasted prime rib. You can use the pan drippings from your roast so it is extra flavorful!

Best Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe (With or Without Drippings) + Gravy!

The very best prime rib au jus combines rich beef drippings from your roast with beef stock, Worcestershire, and seasoning. It's a savory part of serving a fantastic prime rib dinner for your Christmas or holiday meals! This incredibly flavorful DIY beef sauce is easy to make - just as easy as starting with a store-bought packet!

Check out this recipe

9. Dauphinoise Potatoes

These au gratin potatoes are an elegant addition to any holiday spread and they are shockingly easy to make, too! The tender sliced potatoes are layered with plenty of cream, butter, and cheese to make a rich and indulgent side dish that won't leave any leftovers.

Dauphinoise Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise)

Dauphinoise potatoes are simple and cheesy thin-sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter, and cheese for an incredible side dish! This easy potato dish is so elegant and beautiful, it almost looks too good to eat! The flavor is so mouthwateringly delicious, you’ll never want to make potatoes another way!

Check out this recipe

10. Braised Red Cabbage

Originally a German dish, braised red cabbage has spread in popularity all over Europe. With butter, brown sugar, apples, and apple cider vinegar, it takes your tastebuds on a sweet and tangy adventure!

Instant Pot Braised Red Cabbage

This Instant Pot braised red cabbage is a German side dish that goes great with bratwursts or any of your favorite German main dishes! Red cabbage, onion, and apples are cooked with an amazing sauce right in an Instant Pot. It’s super easy to make, incredibly delicious, and ready on the table in less than 25 minutes!

Check out this recipe

11. Honey and Herb Oven Roasted Carrots

Tender and sweet with plenty of herbaceous flavors, this recipe will have you looking at carrots in a whole new light. Even the kids will enjoy these honey-coated carrots!

Honey and Herb Roasted Carrots Recipe

This honey and herb oven-roasted carrots recipe is so flavorful and easy to prepare that it's quickly become a new family favorite! Even though I am REALLY looking forward to summer weather for outdoor grilling, oven roasting is simply the way to go when it comes to cooking vegetables to perfection. No more steaming, no more microwavable bags...crank up the oven temps and get roasting!

Check out this recipe

12. Clapshot

This Scottish side dish is made with potatoes, turnips, and carrots. It is often served with haggis, though it pairs well with any meaty main course!

Clapshot

Clapshot, made with mashed potatoes, turnips, and carrots, is a Scottish vegetable dish that’s traditionally served as an accompaniment to haggis.

Desserts

13. British Christmas Pudding

The base of this pudding is ultra moist and cake-like. The dried fruits and warm holiday spices will get you in the Christmas spirit!

Easy Christmas Pudding

My British Christmas pudding is a perfect holiday dessert that's been lightened up so you can make it in half the time! It’s a moist, cake-like base filled with sweet spices and dried fruit that is steamed right in the oven. Your family is sure to love this classic recipe this holiday season!

Check out this recipe

14. British Christmas Cake

This cake is filled with warm spices, citrus, and dried fruits and coated in sweet apricot preserves, marzipan, and royal icing. It's one of the most popular holiday desserts in England for a reason!

Traditional British Christmas Cake Recipe

Traditional British Christmas Cake is served throughout England during the Christmas season, and is the origin of our traditional fruit cake enjoyed throughout the States! There's something amazing about the warm spices, citrus, and soaked fruit in a Christmas Cake that combine with the marzipan and royal icing to make a cake that can become such a long-standing tradition.

Check out this recipe

15. Mary Berry’s Fork Biscuits

Fork biscuits are actually crisp, buttery cookies. They only require 3 ingredients to make and they are just as delicious with tea as they are on their own.

Fork Biscuits

These super easy Fork Biscuits are a wonderful treat to enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a stand-alone dessert! Plus, they're a perfect beginner baked item with only 3-ingredients and no special equipment needed!

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16. Mince Pies

These bite-sized pies made are another British classic. Mince pies consist of a flaky pastry crust and a filling made with sweet dried fruits. You can even serve it with a side of rich brandy butter.

Prue Leith’s Mince Pies - The Great British Bake Off

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Check out this recipe

17. English Trifle

An English trifle is elegant and delicious. Serve it in one large bowl or in individual glasses for each person.

English trifle consists of layers of white cake, fresh fruit, and vanilla pudding, then topped off with whipped cream.

English Trifle

This dessert recipe came from a friend from England. It is delicious and elegant looking layered in a trifle bowl or individual dessert glasses.

Check out this recipe

🎅 More Christmas Recipes & Ideas

Italian Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas - An list of Italian Christmas recipes for sharing with family and friends!
Christmas Brunch Recipes - The best recipes for hosting a holiday brunch on Christmas.
Easy Christmas Dinner Menu - A list of recipes for hosting a holiday dinner stress-free.
Christmas Casserole Recipes - Easy Christmas casserole recipes that you can even make in advance!
Easy Christmas Desserts - These holiday treats are incredibly delicious, yet so simple that anyone can make them!
Holiday Pie Recipes - A wide variety of pies for celebrating the holidays.

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British Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas: Oven Roasted Prime Rib with Dry Rib Rub (+More Holiday Recipes!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 1220kcal

Prep 10 minutes minutes

Cooking 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

▢ 5-6 lb prime rib roast (we used a boneless prime rib roast)
▢ 3 tablespoon salt (coarse ground)
▢ 2 tablespoon pepper (coarse ground)
▢ 1 tablespoon garlic powder
▢ ½ tablespoon ground sage
▢ ½ tablespoon dried rosemary
▢ ½ tablespoon dried thyme
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Combine all of the herbs: salt, pepper, garlic powder, ground sage, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried oregano in a small bowl. Rub the prime rib roast with the seasoning blend, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
Place the seasoned prime rib roast in a shallow roasting pan on a rack with the fat side facing upward. Sear the roast for 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C), then reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cook for an additional 45 minutes before starting to check the internal meat temperature.
When the internal temperature (inserted into the thickest middle portion of the roast) reaches 120°F (50°C), remove the roast from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Then cover loosely with aluminum foil, forming a 'tent' over the roast while allowing your prime rib to rest for 20-30 minutes before serving. The internal temperature should be 130°F (55°C) when the roast has rested, before serving.

Notes

*(optional) After rubbing the dry seasoning mix into the roast, wrap the roast tightly in plastic wrap then place on a baking sheet and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before roasting.

Remember that cooking times will vary depending on your oven temperatures and the size of your prime rib portion so make sure to use your meat thermometer.
When checking the internal temperature, make sure that your meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest middle portion of the roast.
The internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C) when the roast has rested, before serving.
Let your roast sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking to ensure that it cooks as evenly as possible.
To store: Place the meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months, just make sure to let it defrost for 24 hours before reheating.
To reheat: Place your roast in a pan and cover it with foil. To maintain juiciness, add ¼ cup of beef broth. Bake in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition

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best dishes to make that are British-inspired Christmas recipes, British Christmas Menu Ideas, prime rib roast, UK Christmas dinner recipes

Course Beef Dishes, Christmas dinner, Dinner Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

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