Christmas dinner, a time-honoured tradition of trying to make turkey taste like something other than dry disappointment.
Let’s face it, turkey isn’t for everyone. So, we asked the Offspring Community what they serve on Christmas Day instead of the usual oversized bird. Here are the most-loved dishes that rose to the top of the pile (unlike your flat Yorkshire puddings).
Mac ‘n Cheese
A Creamy Christmas Miracle
Why stress about basting a bird when you can bake a tray of molten, cheesy joy? Comforting, creamy, and impossible to mess up, Mac ’n Cheese was a runaway Community favourite. Mac ‘n Cheese is perfect because even picky kids love it. Add some Gruyère and breadcrumbs, and suddenly it’s Christmas-worthy – what’s not to love?
Pro Tip: Add crispy bacon bits or lobster if you want to really raise the game.
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This year we going simple M&S sunday roast, gravy, mac’n cheese thicker than a bowl of snickers and more cheesy than a Disney High School musical… I’m... I’m hungry now! – kaff_official_insta
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Xmas dinner is a traditional roast with a Caribbean twist, but what’s a roast with no macaroni cheese? – antoniatiaa
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Mac and Cheese, and Plantain has to be on the plate! – markusgrylls
Jollof Rice
The Show Stealer
Jollof rice came in hot (literally) as one of the top Community contenders. Jollof isn’t just food; it’s a vibe. Spicy, flavourful, and adaptable for meat-lovers and vegans alike, Jollof has all the makings of a perfect Christmas centrepiece and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Make sure you make enough for a post-holiday treat, because cold Jollof still slaps.
Pro Tip: Make two batches – one for the table and one for the fridge. You’ll thank us later.
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We go traditional Jollof Rice & turkey plantain all the other sweet stuff follows with just pure vibes. 🎄🎁🥂 – sakin__
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A touch of Nigerian dishes will be added to the table including Jollof Rice (the Nigerian exquisite version @kingoftrainers – not to start a fight 😝) – creperellaa
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With a 🇳🇬 cultural background, no Christmas 🎄 is complete for us without Jollof Rice & Fried rice (both Nigerian recipe), plantain, naija stewed or peppered beef, and large grilled 🐠 with onions and pepper. – oeonabanjo
Masala Beans
The Side Dish That Deserves a Promotion
Masala beans made the Community list for their rich, spicy, and curried brilliance. They’re the perfect blend of bold flavours. Pair them with rice or mop them up with bread, and you’ve got a side dish that could double as a main. When the beans hit the table, they’ll be a hit with everyone.
Pro Tip: Introduce Masala Beans to your ‘Full English’ for a touch of desi flavour.
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Don’t get involved in the cooking on Xmas, leave that to the Mrs but she cooks up a treat! But speaking of masala beans 😍, I make a great baked eggs with chorizo using my recipe 😂 – adhillon25
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No alternatives here but mentioning Masala beans reminds me of my dads full English Punjabi style breakfast 🔥🤝🏾 – adi_rahuliio_dassler
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Side note, Masala beans are banging! If you dont know get to know!!! – rufio_g
Roast Potatoes
The True Star of Christmas Dinner
Forget the big bird, according to the Community, roast potatoes are the real reason for the season. Roasties deserve top billing, they’re more than a side dish; they’re a lifestyle. Triple cook them for the best results, leaving ‘em crispy golden on the outside, and fluffy, cloud-like on the inside. They’re more effort than wrapping presents, but no one remembers the gifts. They remember the potatoes.
Pro Tip: Make twice as many as you think you’ll need. it still won’t be enough!
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Wrapped bacon turkey, honey roast ham and this is the kicker….. Marmite roast potato’s!!!! Don’t knock it until you try it!!! It’s a game changer!! – solesensei
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Staying og with a twist – turkey sous vide with chilli, thyme and plenty butter, along with triple roast potatoes (boiled in beef stock roasted with lemon) 😍 – vaughany18
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Honestly turkey is so dry, I can’t eat it 😂 rib of beef every year served with beef dripping roast potatoes 🤌🤌, and Yorkshire puddings… Bosh – jamie_jimz
KFC
The Bucket List Christmas Tradition
The Japanese tradition of eating KFC on Christmas Day has been embraced by several of the Offspring Community, and honestly, we’re here for it. It’s stress-free, no one’s stuck in the kitchen, and it’s Finger-Lickin Good! Plus, homemade fried chicken never hits the same. Just let the Colonel do his thing. If it’s good enough for Japan, it’s good enough for us.
Pro Tip: Eat straight out of the bucket and save yourself the washing up.
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Ngl, hate roast and Christmas dinners. Leave it all. I’ll go Japanese and get KFC! – lordpiers
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Might follow the Japanese tradition of KFC for Christmas! – dicky_dixon_
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So tempted to do it this Japanese way this year………. KFC!!!! – wilsonthered1
So there you have it, the Offspring Community’s top alternatives to turkey. Whether you go cheesy, spicy, crispy, or fried, the message is clear – keep it stress-free and flavour packed. Life’s too short to wrestle with a bird that no one really likes anyway.
But if none of these dishes tickled your taste buds, then maybe take the @squadgigantic approach:
“This year we having Pot Noodles and a Smile! You seen the 2025 line up right… ain’t got no money for nothing else!!!”
Right, we’re off for a ‘Bargain Bucket’. Merry Christmas all.
