The key to the best Christmas dinner isn’t just good meat – it’s all about the side dishes! Of course, you’ve got the classics – pigs in blankets, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, etc, but if you’re looking for something a little different, we have some great ideas!

1. Potatoes, but better

Roast potatoes are a crucial side dish of any roast, but one way you can take it up a notch is by carefully thinking about what you cook them in. Start by thinking about what you’re cooking your turkey with – lots of people use oil with rosemary, salt, garlic, etc. You can use this same combination when cooking your potatoes to really give the potatoes an extra layer of deliciousness.

Also, don’t waste the fat and juice from your meat! Heat it up in a tray in the oven, and then add your potatoes to it. Not only does this give a great flavour, but it also makes the most perfect ‘crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside’ roasties for your Christmas Dinner.

2. Honey-glazed veggies

Using roasted root vegetables with a drizzle of honey can take your side dish to a whole new level, adding a great little bit of sweetness to complement your turkey. Additionally, the honey caramelises the edges of these vegetables, making it the perfect texture to add into your roast. Great for carrots, parsnips and more!

3. Sprouts with Bacon

Not only are Brussel sprouts with bacon a delicious side dish, they’re also great for people who perhaps don’t like sausages for pigs in blankets. Sautéing them with chestnuts, and mixing them with crispy bacon gives a slightly smoky twist, which pairs perfectly with the turkey.

4. Buttery Swede

Buttery swede is a side dish you can’t go wrong with. Boil your swede with a generous pinch of salt, and once soft, drain them well. Add in some milk, butter and seasoning and give it a really good mash. Some people choose to add boiled carrots in too, which is a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables – they wouldn’t even notice. The sweet and salty mixture goes so well with the gravy and other root vegetables, and is really easy to cook. It makes a great addition to any roast dinner, but particularly for when you want to make a Christmas dinner to impress. You have to boil these longer than you think though!

5. Better Gravy

You can make your Christmas dinner so much better by adding a little bit extra to your gravy. Some people make completely home made gravy out of bone broth and flour, which tastes amazing, but can be time consuming. Quicker options include using the turkey dripping for a complementary flavour, boiling water from the cooked veggies for a layered taste, or even Worcestershire Sauce for a rich, velvety taste, perfect for a roast turkey.

Want More?

At Burt’s Catering Butchers, we understand the importance of a flawless Christmas meal. Along with providing premium-quality turkey, we can offer advice on perfect pairings to make your festive menu truly unforgettable.

Ready to create your dream Christmas dinner?

Explore our selection of meats and contact us today to learn more about our exceptional products.