A Traditional style Vegetarian Christmas Lunch Menu
Christmas lunch has always been one of my favourite meals of the year — slow, comforting, and full of those nostalgic flavours that make you want to linger at the table just a little longer. This year, I wanted to create a beautifully balanced vegetarian menu that feels traditional enough for my UK audience (who are currently freezing!), yet still light, nourishing and very me.
This menu centres around simple, real ingredients, cooked with care: a warming pumpkin soup to start, a hearty nut roast with rich vegetarian gravy, a golden Brussels sprout and potato tray bake, and the softest sticky toffee pudding to finish. Everything is designed to feel festive, grounding, and deeply satisfying — without being heavy or complicated.
Although the menu itself is vegetarian, each recipe includes easy vegan alternatives so you can effortlessly adapt the dishes for your guests. I wanted this menu to feel inclusive and flexible, while still keeping the flavours classic and comforting.
Whether you're cooking for a crowd or creating a cosy meal for two, I hope these dishes bring warmth to your table and a moment of calm to your holiday season.
The Menu
Appetiser
Herb and Ricotta Puff Twists
Entree
Honey Maple Pumpkin Soup
Main
Christmas Nut Roast with Mushroom Gravy
Sides
Roast Potato, Brussels Sprouts and Red Onion Tray Bake
Steamed carrots with herb butter
Dessert
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Recipe Links and Full Recipes
Entree
Ricotta & Herb Puff Pastry Twists
Light, flaky, and full of festive flavour, these puff pastry twists make the perfect starter. They’re easy to prepare, beautiful on the table, and pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of sparkling water or prosecco. Your guests can nibble on these while you finish off the main dishes, and they bring a touch of sophistication without any stress.
Main
Christmas Nut Roast with Mushroom Gravy
A hearty, flavour-packed centrepiece that even non-vegetarians adore. This nut roast is deeply savoury, gently sweetened with cranberries, and finished with fresh herbs for a festive aroma. It slices beautifully and brings that traditional “main event” feeling to a plant-forward Christmas feast.
Sides
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes with Brussels Sprouts and Red Onion
Crispy edges, fluffy centres, and the perfect hit of rosemary. These potatoes are a Christmas classic with a mindful twist and pair beautifully with the nut roast and tray bake. They’re the side everyone will want seconds of.
Herb Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender, and aromatic, these carrots bring a festive pop of colour and flavour to the table. They complement the other dishes without overpowering them — a beautifully balanced side.
Dessert
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A cosy Christmas favourite that feels indulgent without being heavy. This version keeps all the nostalgic flavour while using mindful swaps that make it feel lighter and more balanced. Warm, comforting, and the perfect finale.