What is Christmas without a wow-worthy roast as the centre-piece of the table? We’ve put together our list of spectacular Christmas roasts, worthy of being on your table this festive season!
Roast rib of beef with baked citrus butternut and melted Gorgonzola
Roast rib of beef with baked citrus butternut and melted Gorgonzola boasts some unusual flavours that go together amazingly well. The tender meat is delicious with slightly sweet, zesty butternut and sharp, earthy cheese.
Festive roast rack with caramelised apples
We used pork here, but a lamb rack will work just as well.
Roast chicken with lemon and herbs
You cannot go wrong with a roast chicken – crispy skin on the outside, juicy, flavourful meat on the inside. A real winner!
Roasted pork loin medallions with Cluver & Jack cider sauce
Pairs well with a pinot noir. And even better when shared with friends.
Spice-roasted lamb with mint pomegranate and lemon served with herbed yoghurt and flatbreads
Although this spice-roasted lamb takes 5 hours to slow-roast, hands-on time is minimal! You simply arrange everything in a casserole dish, pop it in the oven and walk away for 5 hours. You can prepare the lamb in the dish up to 2 days ahead, store covered in the fridge and then roast on the day you plan to serve it.
Whole spice and tahini roasted cauliflower with almond and herb pesto
The fairest cauli of them all! Something about slicing up a whole cauliflower to serve, like you would a roast, feels very ceremonious – perfect for serving when entertaining, or as a simple weeknight meal. This dish is filled with the nourishing benefits of veggies, herbs and spices, and has a good dose of healthy fats too.
Honey-glazed duck with rosemary-roasted grapes and prosciutto-wrapped potato wedges
Many home cooks find the idea of roasting a duck intimidating, but this recipe makes it just as simple as roasting a chicken! Honey-glazed duck is a mouthwatering main that is definitely worth the effort. The festive flavours and accompaniments make it perfect for a holiday dish.
Whole roasted tomatoes stuffed with pecan nuts and goat’s cheese
Lovely as a side or a main for vegetarian guests. You can assemble this dish up to 2 days ahead, store in the fridge and simply roast before serving.
Sage-roasted pork belly
This is a deliciously rich, succulent main dish. Sage-roasted pork belly is simply oozing with goodness.
Roast sirloin of beef
Beef needs a bolshy wine. Try a rich cabernet/merlot blend.
Traditional Greek roast lamb with potatoes
Try with an aged cabernet sauvignon; the herbaceous flavours love lamb.
Pecan nut, gingerbread and mushroom loaf with sage-roasted apples and basil pesto
Pecan nut, gingerbread and mushroom loaf with sage-roasted apples and basil pesto has every festive flavour you could want! This is the perfect recipe to serve any vegan or vegetarian guests you have around your Christmas table. In fact, you may want to make two loaves as you’ll have a hard time keeping your carnivorous guests from indulging too!
Slow-roasted duck with figs and preserved ginger
This slow-roasted duck with figs and preserved ginger is a deliciously tender dish that’s perfect for entertaining and sure to impress your guests. The fruitiness of the figs and tang of ginger are beautifully emphasised by the succulent duck meat.
French-roast turkey with sage, pear and bulgur wheat stuffing
‘Tis the season to create a fabulous dinner! French-roast turkey is a delicious main full of robust flavours that’s sure to make the Christmas table even more appealing. Enjoy your holidays even more with this amazing roast.
Roast leg of lamb with garlic and herbs
You cannot go wrong with a roast leg of lamb!
ALSO SEE: Christmas trend: Alternative Christmas Trees
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
