Christmas is the perfect time for takeaway businesses to shine. Offering a standout Christmas menu can help you attract more customers and boost sales. Customers look for festive, hearty, and convenient dishes during the holiday season. They want meals that feel special but are also easy to enjoy at home.
This blog will share the best Christmas menu ideas for takeaways. From comforting starters to indulgent desserts, you’ll find detailed recipes, essential ingredients, and helpful preparation tips. Whether you’re catering for families or individuals, these ideas will keep your takeaway orders rolling in all season.
Starters: Easy-to-Prepare Festive Delights
1. Creamy Chestnut and Thyme Soup
A warm and creamy soup is a festive favourite.
Ingredients:
- 500g chestnuts (pre-cooked or tinned).
- 1 large onion (chopped).
- 2 garlic cloves (minced).
- 750ml vegetable stock.
- 150ml cream.
- Fresh thyme (for garnish).
Recipe:
1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions until soft.
2. Add garlic and chestnuts, cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth, then stir in cream.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme and pack in insulated containers for delivery.
2. Turkey and Cranberry Mini Pies
These bite-sized pies are easy to prepare and deliver
Ingredients:
- Ready-made pastry.
- 200g cooked turkey (shredded).
- 100g cranberry sauce.
- 50g cream cheese.
Recipe:
1. Roll out pastry and cut into small circles.
2. Mix turkey, cranberry sauce, and cream cheese in a bowl.
3. Add filling to pastry circles and fold into mini pies.
4. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
5. Allow to cool slightly before packing.
Main Courses: Festive Comfort Food
1. Traditional Roast Turkey Dinner
A classic Christmas dish that customers love.
Ingredients:
- Sliced turkey breast (frozen or fresh).
- 300g stuffing.
- 250ml gravy.
- Roasted vegetables: carrots, parsnips, potatoes.
Recipe:
1. Pre-cook turkey slices and stuffing.
2. Roast vegetables with olive oil and seasoning.
3. Pack portions of turkey, stuffing, and vegetables in foil trays.
4. Add gravy separately in a spill-proof container.
2. Festive Turkey and Brie Burger
Perfect for a modern festive twist.
Ingredients:
- Turkey patties (pre-made).
- 100g brie cheese (sliced).
- Cranberry relish.
- Brioche buns.
- Rocket leaves.
Recipe:
1. Grill turkey patties until fully cooked.
2. Assemble burgers with brie, cranberry relish, and rocket.
3. Wrap securely for delivery.
3. Vegan Nut Roast with Festive Sauce
A hearty option for plant-based customers.
Ingredients:
- 200g mixed nuts.
- 100g breadcrumbs.
- 50g cranberries.
- 1 onion (chopped).
- 2 garlic cloves (minced).
- 200ml vegetable stock.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary).
Recipe:
1. Blend nuts, breadcrumbs, and herbs into a coarse mix.
2. Sauté onions and garlic, then add cranberries.
3. Combine with nut mixture and press into a baking tin.
4. Bake at 180°C for 40 minutes.
5. Pack with a festive cranberry sauce.
Sides: Festive Accompaniments
1. Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
Ingredients:
- 300g baby carrots.
- 300g parsnips (sliced).
- 2 tbsp honey.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Fresh thyme.
Recipe:
1. Toss carrots and parsnips with honey, olive oil, and thyme.
2. Roast at 200°C for 25 minutes.
3. Pack in microwaveable containers.
2. Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 400g Brussels sprouts (halved).
- 100ml cheese sauce.
- 50g crispy bacon bits.
Recipe:
1. Boil Brussels sprouts until tender.
2. Mix with cheese sauce and top with bacon bits.
3. Bake for 10 minutes before packing.
3. Cranberry and Sage Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 200g sausage meat.
- 100g breadcrumbs.
- 50g cranberries.
- Fresh sage (chopped).
Recipe:
1. Combine all ingredients and form into small balls.
2. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
3. Keep warm in foil containers.
Desserts: Sweet Treats for a Festive Finale
1. Mini Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
Ingredients:
- Ready-made mini puddings.
- 100ml brandy.
- 50g butter.
- 100ml cream.
- 50g sugar.
Recipe:
1. Heat brandy, butter, cream, and sugar to make the sauce.
2. Serve puddings with sauce packed separately.
2. Yule Log Slices
Ingredients:
- Chocolate sponge cake.
- Whipped cream.
- Chocolate ganache.
Recipe:
1. Slice yule log into individual portions.
2. Decorate with whipped cream and ganache.
3. Pack neatly for takeaway.
3. Gingerbread Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- Gingerbread mix.
- Cream cheese frosting.
- Festive sprinkles.
Recipe:
1. Bake cupcakes as per mix instructions.
2. Frost with cream cheese and add sprinkles.
Drinks: Festive Beverages to Complete the Experience
1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- Cocoa powder.
- Milk.
- Peppermint extract.
- Whipped cream.
- Crushed candy canes.
Recipe:
1. Heat milk and stir in cocoa and peppermint extract.
2. Top with whipped cream and candy cane pieces.
Read More: Cheese Price Drop: How UK Restaurants and Cafes Can Profit?
Conclusion
Stand out this holiday season with a Christmas takeaway menu that delights every palate! Offering festive classics, vegan-friendly dishes, and indulgent desserts not only caters to diverse preferences but also sets your business apart. With eye-catching packaging and thoughtful presentation, your takeaway will become a must-have for Christmas celebrations, boosting orders and customer loyalty.
Start planning today and make your takeaway business a Christmas favourite!
