Festive Starters to Kick Off Your Feast
Start your holiday meal strong with appetisers that are easy to prep and full of flavour.
1. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce & Pecans
A warm wheel of brie topped with tangy cranberry sauce and toasted pecans. Serve with crostini or crackers—it disappears fast.
2. Prawns with Garlic and Chilli
Aussie prawns are perfect for summer Christmas. Lightly pan-fried with garlic and a hint of chilli, they’re fresh and crowd-pleasing.
3. Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Beef and Horseradish
These bite-sized puffs are filled with rare roast beef and creamy horseradish—like mini roasts you can eat with your hands.
4. Roasted Pumpkin and Feta Tartlets
Sweet roasted pumpkin paired with tangy feta in buttery pastry shells. Great vegetarian option that looks and tastes festive.
Show-Stopping Mains to Impress Your Guests
Main dishes take centre stage at Christmas. Whether you’re staying traditional or adding a global twist, these recipes shine.
5. Glazed Christmas Ham
Sticky, sweet, and spiced to perfection. Try a honey-mustard glaze or citrus-maple for a modern spin. Serve hot or cold.
6. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Aromatic herb butter under the skin keeps the turkey juicy and flavourful. Perfect for large family gatherings.
7. Stuffed Roasted Chicken
For smaller groups, a whole roasted chicken with lemon, garlic, and thyme stuffing is a beautiful, simple alternative.
8. Miso-Glazed Salmon
Add a Japanese twist with tender salmon glazed in miso, soy, and sesame. Light, elegant, and ideal for warm-weather feasting.
9. Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington
Earthy mushrooms, herbs, and cheese wrapped in puff pastry. It’s a meat-free main that feels just as festive.
Sweet Treats to End on a High Note
No Christmas is complete without dessert. Whether you're keeping it traditional or trying something new, these options will end your meal on a joyful note.
10. Classic Pavlova
Crispy on the outside, marshmallow-soft inside. Topped with whipped cream and fresh berries—it’s an Aussie icon for a reason.
11. Gingerbread Cookies
Bake and decorate these spiced biscuits with kids or friends. Great for gifting or leaving out for Santa.
12. Mince Pies
Filled with spiced dried fruit and baked in buttery pastry, these British classics are perfect with a cup of tea or a glass of port.
13. Chocolate Yule Log
A rich rolled sponge cake with chocolate ganache and whipped cream filling. Dust with icing sugar for a snowy finish.
14. Mango and Coconut Cheesecake (No-Bake)
Tropical, light, and cool—this dessert feels like summer on a plate. Perfect for Aussie Christmas afternoons.
15. Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
A rich, fruit-packed pudding steamed to perfection and served with a warm, silky brandy sauce. A true festive finale.
Learn These Dishes in an Otao Kitchen Cooking Class
Want to take your holiday cooking to the next level? At Otao Kitchen, we offer festive cooking classes throughout the holiday season. You’ll get expert guidance, hands-on experience, and a fun way to celebrate the season with others.
Choose from themed classes like:
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Asian-Inspired Festive Feast (Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean dishes with a seasonal twist)
These are ideal for friends, couples, corporate teams, and families who want to do something memorable together.