7 Christmas Dinner Trends To Follow This Year

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes the most anticipated meal of the year: Christmas dinner. As we gather around the table with our loved ones, it's a time to create lasting memories, indulge in delicious food, and make new traditions. This year, why not shake things up and try out some of the latest Christmas dinner trends? From sustainable ingredients to innovative cooking techniques, we've got the inside scoop on the top 7 Christmas dinner trends to follow this year.

Sustainable Ingredients Take Center Stage

As we become more conscious of our environmental footprint, sustainable ingredients are becoming increasingly popular in Christmas dinner trends. This year, consider using locally sourced produce, organic meats, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional ingredients. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you'll also be supporting local farmers and enjoying fresher, more flavorful ingredients.

Some popular sustainable ingredients to consider include:

• Heritage breed turkeys, raised on small, family-owned farms
• Organic vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
• Wild-caught seafood, like salmon and shrimp
• Eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Christmas dinner staples, like vegan "turkey" made from tofu or tempeh

Plant-Based Options for a Kinder Christmas

In recent years, plant-based diets have gained popularity, and Christmas dinner is no exception. This year, consider incorporating more plant-based options into your holiday menu. Not only will you be catering to vegan and vegetarian guests, but you'll also be reducing your environmental impact.

Some delicious plant-based options to try include:

• Vegan "turkey" made from tofu or tempeh
• Stuffed portobello mushrooms with roasted vegetables
• Lentil or mushroom-based gravies
• Vegan Christmas pudding made with plant-based milk and natural sweeteners

Global Inspiration for a Unique Christmas Dinner

This year, why not take inspiration from around the world and create a unique and exotic Christmas dinner? From Korean-style BBQ to Mexican-inspired tamales, the possibilities are endless.

Some global inspiration to try include:

• Korean-style BBQ turkey with spicy Gochujang sauce
• Mexican-inspired tamales with roasted vegetables and salsa
• Indian-style curries with tender lamb or beef
• Italian-style feast with roasted meats and seafood

Make-Ahead Magic for a Stress-Free Christmas

Let's face it: Christmas dinner can be a stressful and overwhelming affair. This year, why not take some of the pressure off by making ahead some of your favorite dishes? From slow-cooked meats to prepared sides, make-ahead magic can be a game-changer for a stress-free Christmas.

Some make-ahead ideas to try include:

• Slow-cooked meats, like braised short ribs or roasted turkey
• Prepared sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes
• Homemade gravy made ahead of time and reheated
• Christmas cookies or fudge made ahead and stored in airtight containers

Experience the Magic of Outdoor Cooking

This year, why not take your Christmas dinner outside and experience the magic of outdoor cooking? From fire pits to outdoor ovens, outdoor cooking can add a whole new level of excitement and adventure to your holiday meal.

Some outdoor cooking ideas to try include:

• Grilled meats, like turkey or ham, cooked to perfection over an open flame
• Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, cooked in a wood-fired oven
• Outdoor-cooked sides, like roasted potatoes or green beans
• S'mores or other outdoor desserts, like campfire apple crisp

Get Creative with Leftovers

Let's face it: Christmas dinner can be a lot of work, and leftovers can be a real challenge. This year, why not get creative with your leftovers and turn them into something new and exciting?

Some ideas for creative leftovers include:

• Turkey sandwiches or wraps with cranberry sauce and stuffing
• Leftover mashed potatoes turned into potato pancakes or croquettes
• Roasted vegetable soup or stew
• Christmas cookie or fudge sandwiches made with leftover cookies or fudge

Make it a Family Affair

Finally, this year, why not make Christmas dinner a family affair? From kids to adults, everyone can get involved in the cooking and preparation process.

Some ideas for making it a family affair include:

• Assigning tasks to each family member, like cooking or decorating
• Making traditional family recipes together
• Creating a special family tradition, like making Christmas cookies or decorating the tree
• Having a family cooking competition or bake-off

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Gallery of 7 Christmas Dinner Trends To Follow This Year