This Christmas Dinner Traybake combines all the festive flavors in a single, easy-to-prepare dish. Perfect for small gatherings or a “Friendmas” celebration, this recipe includes marinated turkey, pigs in blankets, roasted vegetables, and sprouts with chestnuts. It’s the ultimate holiday meal with minimal cleanup.

Ful Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Turkey Marinade:

1 tbsp honey
1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
1 orange (zest and 1 tbsp juice)
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Meat:

8 turkey breast fillet pieces (100g/3½oz each)
8 chipolata sausages
16 rashers smoked streaky bacon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Roast Vegetables and Stuffing:

500g/1lb 2oz roasting potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
300g/10½oz carrots, peeled and cut into batons
300g/10½oz parsnips, peeled and cut into batons
1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
6 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
12 ready-made stuffing balls

For the Sprouts:

200g/7oz Brussels sprouts, halved
2 garlic cloves, crushed into a paste with a little salt
180g/6oz vacuum-packed chestnuts, roughly chopped
2 tbsp olive oil

To Serve:

Cranberry sauce
Turkey gravy

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (190°C Fan) / Gas 6.
Prepare the Turkey Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix honey, thyme, orange zest, juice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Marinate the turkey pieces for 20 minutes in the fridge.
Assemble the Meat:
- Wrap a turkey fillet and chipolata together with two rashers of bacon to form large pigs in blankets. Repeat for all fillets.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Boil potatoes, carrots, and parsnips in salted water for 8–10 minutes until slightly soft. Drain, shake in a colander, and cool for 5 minutes.
- Toss vegetables with rosemary, 4 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a large roasting tray and roast for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Sprouts:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with garlic paste, chestnuts, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Roast:
- After 30 minutes of roasting, scatter the sprouts over the vegetables. Mix gently and roast for another 10 minutes.
- Add the wrapped turkey pieces and stuffing balls to the tray. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and roast for 25 minutes until the turkey is cooked through.
Serve:
- Let the traybake rest for a few minutes. Serve with hot gravy and cranberry sauce.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 540 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 26g
Sodium: 920mg

Enjoy this simple yet festive meal that brings all the classic Christmas flavors to your table with ease!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays

The Christmas Dinner Traybake stands out as a holiday favorite for several reasons:

Simplicity and Convenience
This dish combines multiple Christmas staples in one tray, significantly reducing preparation and cooking time. It’s a perfect alternative to a multi-course meal when you’re looking for an easier yet equally festive option.
Minimal Cleanup
With everything cooked in a single tray, cleanup is quick and hassle-free, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Balanced Flavors
The combination of marinated turkey, smoky bacon-wrapped sausages, herbed vegetables, and garlicky Brussels sprouts ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Customizable
The recipe can easily be adjusted to suit dietary preferences, portion sizes, or ingredient availability, making it versatile enough for any table.
Perfect for Small Gatherings
Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or an informal “Friendsmas,” this traybake offers a manageable yet impressive meal without the need for extravagant preparation.

Flavor and Texture Profile

This Christmas Dinner Traybake offers a symphony of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish:

Tender and Juicy Turkey
Marinated in honey, orange, thyme, and cinnamon, the turkey is infused with a sweet and aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
Smoky and Savory Pigs in Blankets
Chipolata sausages wrapped in streaky bacon add a rich, smoky flavor and a satisfying bite.
Crispy Roast Vegetables
The potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are roasted to golden perfection, seasoned with rosemary and olive oil for a fragrant and crispy exterior.
Garlicky Brussels Sprouts
Tossed with garlic and chestnuts, the Brussels sprouts offer a nutty, savory balance to the dish.
Perfectly Balanced Seasoning
The combination of fresh herbs, citrus zest, and a touch of sweetness ensures every element is flavorful without overpowering the others.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Dinner Traybake is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with additional sides and accompaniments for an even more festive spread. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your meal:

Cranberry Sauce and Gravy
Serve the traybake with a generous ladle of hot gravy and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce to bring out the flavors of the turkey and vegetables.
Fresh Bread or Rolls
Include warm dinner rolls or a crusty baguette for sopping up the delicious juices from the tray.
Additional Sides
If serving a larger crowd, add classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh arugula salad with pomegranate seeds.
Wine Pairing
Pair the traybake with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a complementary beverage option.
Dessert Finale
Follow up this hearty meal with a festive dessert like Christmas pudding, spiced apple pie, or a simple Yule log.

Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Dinner Traybake

Although the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure the best results:

Marinate the Turkey Thoroughly
Allow the turkey to marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor) to ensure the spices and citrus infuse the meat.
Parboil Vegetables for Crispiness
Boiling the potatoes, carrots, and parsnips briefly before roasting helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Tray
Arrange the ingredients in a single layer on the tray to ensure even roasting and prevent steaming.
Monitor Cooking Times
Add ingredients to the tray in stages based on their cooking times to avoid overcooking or undercooking any element.
Rest the Meat
Let the turkey pieces rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping them tender and moist.
Garnish for Presentation
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the finished dish for a vibrant, festive touch.

Variations to Explore

This traybake is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your preferences or experiment with new flavors. Here are some ideas:

Vegetarian Option
Replace the turkey and sausages with plant-based alternatives or roasted tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Different Proteins
Substitute the turkey with chicken, duck, or even salmon fillets for a unique twist.
Spiced Vegetables
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the vegetables for a subtle kick.
Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère over the vegetables during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a cheesy crust.
Nuts and Dried Fruits
Incorporate toasted almonds or dried cranberries into the Brussels sprouts for added texture and sweetness.
Herb-Infused Oil
Use rosemary or thyme-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor in the vegetables.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays

The Christmas Dinner Traybake encapsulates everything wonderful about the holidays—comforting flavors, vibrant presentation, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a practical choice for busy holiday schedules, while its elegant appearance ensures it feels special enough for the season.

This recipe also embodies the spirit of the holidays by bringing together classic elements of a festive meal into a single dish. The rich flavors, festive aromas, and satisfying textures make it a dish that’s sure to evoke warm memories and holiday cheer.

Conclusion

The Christmas Dinner Traybake is a celebration of festive flavors in an easy-to-prepare format. Combining tender turkey, smoky pigs in blankets, roasted vegetables, and garlicky Brussels sprouts, this dish delivers the essence of a traditional Christmas dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate holiday gathering, creating a casual “Friendsmas” feast, or simply enjoying the season with family, this traybake is a versatile and delicious option. Its balanced flavors, impressive presentation, and convenience make it a standout choice for any holiday meal. Give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of Christmas in every bite!