With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start spicing up your holiday menu! Instead of opting for the usual suspects like soup and turkey, why not opt to shake things up with some exciting recipes. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big party this festive season, these adventurous dishes are sure to hit the spot and cater to all of your guests taste buds. So, lets ditch the usual and make this Christmas dinner one to remember with the recipes below.

Firstly, lets start Christmas dinner on a tasty note with these delicious Croquettes. Packed with the savoury goodness of pancetta, sharp cheddar and a hint of sweetness from cranberries, these bites are a delicious twist on the classic starter. They are the perfect way to start your holiday celebration.

Pancetta, Cheddar and Cranberry Croquettes

Ingredients

• 400g mashed potatoes
• 110g shredded cheddar cheese
• 110g cup diced pancetta
• 35g cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 60g cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 115g breadcrumbs
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Vegetable Oil

Mix & Shape

Combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, pancetta, and cranberries. Shape into small croquettes.

Coat & Set

Roll in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Fry & Serve

Fry until golden brown (3-4 mins per batch). Serve warm with your favourite sauce for dipping!

Enjoy these croquettes as the perfect way to start of your festive feast!

After your guests have enjoyed your delicious starter it’s now time to wow them with the main event. We have two recipes for you to cater for the meat eaters and vegetarians in your life alike.

First up we have a new and improved take on the classic turkey dinner, instead why not impress your guests with this festive turkey and cranberry lasagne:

Festive Lasagne

Ingredients

• 450g ground beef
• 450g ground turkey
• 450g Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 onion, finely choppes
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 170g tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 box Lasagne sheets
• 720g ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 50g grated parmesan cheese
• 400g grated mozzarella cheese
• 150g shredded turkey
• 60g dried cranberries

Prepare Meat Sauce

Brown beef, turkey and sausage; add onion and garlic. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Mix Ricotta Mixture

Combine ricotta, egg and parmesan

Assemble Lasagne

Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, shredded turkey, dried cranberries and mozzarella. Repeat, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.

Cook

Bake at 190 degrees covered for 25-30 mins, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve

Rest for 10 minutes, garnish with basil and serve with cranberry sauce.

This festive twist on the traditional lasagne will be sure to be a fan favourite at your table this year. However, if you or any of your guests are vegetarian, we also have a recipe that will accommodate them!

Festive Vegetarian Nut Roast

Ingredients

• 240g Mixed nuts (eg walnuts, almonds, cashews)
• 120g breadcrumbs
• 185g cooked quinoa
• 150g onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 120g mixed vegetables, finely diced (carrots, celery, mushrooms)
• 60g spinach, chopped
• 60g cranberries, dried
• 15g fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 30g parmesan cheese, grated
• 1tsp Thyme
• 1tsp Rosemary
• Olive Oil for cooking

Sauté Vegetables

In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Prepare Nut Roast Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, parsley, beaten eggs, parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Mix until well combines.

Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 190 degrees. Grease a loaf pan. Transfer the nut mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it down firmly. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the roast holds together.

Rest and Slice

Allow the nut roast for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve

Serve the vegetarian Nut Roast slices with your favourite veggie gravy or cranberry sauce.

This delicious recipe ensures that everyone around your table will have something yummy to eat!

Now we all know there’s always room for dessert… especially on Christmas. So thankfully we have a delicious recipe that will finish your 3 course Christmas dinner off perfectly.

Espresso Martini Tiramisu

Ingredients

For the Espresso Martini:

• 2 shots (60ml) espresso, cooled
• 1 shot (30ml) coffee liqueur (ie Kahlua)
• 1 shot (30ml) Vodka
• 1 shot (30ml) simple syrup
• Ice Cubes

For the Tiramisu

• 4 large egg yolks
• 200g granulated sugar
• 360ml cups mascarpone cheese, softened
• 360ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 24-30 ladyfingers
• 240ml strong brewed coffee, cooled
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Espresso Martini

In a shaker, combine the cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka, and simple syrup. Add ice cubes, and shake vigorously until well-chilled.

Make the Tiramisu Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Combine and Layer

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth. In a shallow dish briefly dip each ladyfinger into the brewed coffee and arrange a layer at the bottom of your serving dish.

Assemble

Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, spreading it evenly. Drizzle a portion of the Espresso Martini over the mascarpone layer.

Repeat

Create another layer with dipped ladyfingers, followed by remaining mascarpone mixture, and another drizzle of Espresso martini.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate the Tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Serve

Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence.

This Espresso Martini Tiramisu is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds, making it perfect for coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Lastly, no Christmas dinner would be complete without a festive tipple.

Festive Rum and Ginger Punch

Ingredients

• 480ml dark rum
• 240ml ginger beer
• 240ml cranberry juice
• 120ml orange juice
• 60ml fresh lime juice
• 60ml simple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Prepare the Punch Base

In a large punch bowl, combine dark rum, ginger beer, cranberry juice, orange juice and fresh lime juice.

Sweeten it Up

Add simple syrup to the mix, adjusting the sweetness according to your preference. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are combined.

Season with Spice

Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the punch for that festive spice kick. Stir again to distribute the flavours evenly.

Chill

Refrigerate the punch for at least an hour to allow the flavours to combine and the mixture to chill.

Serve

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and ladle the festive rum and ginger punch into each glass. Garnish each glass with oranges, cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint for festive flair.

This punch is not only delicious but will add a lovely and celebratory touch to any festive gathering!

There you have it, a line-up of wonderful dishes that manages to break away from the traditional norms. Whether your Christmas day is a big festive party or more of an intimate gathering, these recipes are here to shake things up. Feel free to mix, match and tweak these recipes to suit you and your loved one’s tastes and dietary requirements. After all, the holidays are about enjoying good food with good company! So, let’s make this festive season a memorable one – Merry Christmas from Inspire Catering.