10 alternatives to Christmas turkey

Cumberland glazed rolled shoulder of lamb with apple-and-pine-nut stuffing

Lamb might never really be seen as a typical Christmas dinner, but the addition of redcurrant jelly and port or sherry in the glaze gives a festive feel to this roast lamb shoulder joint. The sauce can be made about a week ahead if you know you'll be pressed for time, but you can also buy good quality Cumberland sauce from brands such as Wilkin & Son and Hawkshead Relish.

Recipe: Cumberland glazed rolled shoulder of lamb 

Chestnut and butter bean Wellington

Vegetarian Christmas food needn’t be dull or worthy, as this tasty dish demonstrates. Protein-packed beans and mushrooms are combined with Christmassy chestnuts and wrapped in a tasty, flaky pastry. With more and more people either reducing or cutting out meat entirely veggie options are becoming increasingly popular for Christmas day dinner.

Recipe: chestnut and butter bean Wellington

Pot-roast brisket with Christmas spices

Beef is increasingly becoming more of a treat food than an everyday food, so if you're not a fan of roast turkey why not make beef your new tradition? Brisket is a warming winter meal, and this marinade features mulled wine, star anise and figs, giving a spicy, fruity festive flavour.

Recipe: pot-roast brisket with Christmas spices

Roast duck crown with a cherry-and-red wine sauce

Many people prefer the stronger, sweeter taste of duck to turkey. Try this recipe for duck with a cherry and red wine sauce and dauphinoise potatoes for your Christmas dinner with a difference.

Recipe: duck with cherry and red wine sauce

Pork loin with sherry-roasted parsnips and chestnuts

Apart from Santa and carol singing, what says Christmas more than chestnuts? This pork loin with sherry-roasted parsnips and chestnuts makes a great turkey alternative.

Recipe: pork loin with sherry-roasted parsnips

Salmon en croute

This salmon en croute filled with parsley and lemon and pepper butter is an easy, but delicious fish alternative to white meat.

Recipe: salmon en croute

Beef, beer and chestnut pie

A hearty, warming, boozy treat for those who prefer pie to a joint of meat. It can also work out well as a budget option as it uses affordable beef shin.

Recipe: beef, beer and chestnut pie

Roast lemon-infused chicken

An affordable, simple choice for those that find turkey too dry. The lemon flavour is great for people wanting a change from a more stodgy roast dinner.

Recipe: roast lemon-infused chicken

Christmas glazed ham

This glistening, golden brown dish is full of Yuletide appeal, and what's more you can enjoy the leftovers for days to come.

Recipe: Christmas ham

Beef Wellington

The Masterchef presenter and chef John Torode gives his take on a classic beef Wellington, always a welcome addition to the dinner table so why not give it a go this Christmas?

Recipe beef Wellington

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