BBC Food Vegan Christmas Recipes for a Festive Feast

Updated On: September 30, 2025

The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and delicious food shared with loved ones. For many, it’s also a time to showcase just how vibrant and satisfying vegan cuisine can be.

If you’re searching for the best bbc food vegan Christmas recipes, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, hosting plant-based guests, or simply eager to add some creative twists to your festive table, these BBC-inspired dishes are guaranteed to impress everyone.

From hearty mains to stunning sides and show-stopping desserts, these recipes burst with seasonal flavors and all the festive cheer you crave. With just a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the traditional comforts of Christmas—cruelty-free and full of flavor.

Let’s dive into a delicious, compassionate Christmas feast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan Christmas recipes offer an irresistible mix of tradition and innovation. They’re hearty, colorful, and packed with nutrition.

Not only do these dishes bring everyone together around the table, but they also cater to various dietary needs—all without sacrificing taste or festivity.

  • Flavorful & Festive: Each recipe spotlights classic holiday ingredients, from earthy root vegetables to warming spices.
  • Inclusive: Perfect for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions—everyone can enjoy!
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Many recipes can be prepped in advance, reducing holiday stress.
  • Beautiful Presentation: Vegan Christmas dishes often shine in vibrant colors and stunning arrangements.

“Vegan Christmas recipes prove you can have all the tradition and none of the compromise.”

Ingredients

BBC Food Vegan Nut Roast

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax eggs)
  • 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary)
  • 1/2 cup chestnuts, chopped (optional for festive flair)
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • Salt and pepper to taste

BBC Food Vegan Gravy

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp marmite or miso paste
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

BBC Food Vegan Stuffing Balls

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk

BBC Food Vegan Mince Pies

  • 1 1/2 cups plain flour
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4-6 tbsp ice water
  • 1 1/2 cups vegan mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Loaf tin (for nut roast)
  • Baking sheet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Food processor (optional, for chopping nuts or making breadcrumbs)
  • Pastry cutter or round cookie cutter (for mince pies)
  • Rolling pin
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Vegan Nut Roast

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
  2. Make the flax eggs: In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside to thicken.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add the nuts and lentils: Stir in mixed nuts, chestnuts, and cooked lentils. Sauté for another 3 minutes.
  5. Combine the mixture: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, herbs, tomato puree, and the thickened flax eggs. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Press into tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, pressing down firmly.
  7. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and firm. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Vegan Gravy

  1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and cook onion for 8-10 minutes until caramelized. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  2. Add flour: Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually add stock: Slowly pour in vegetable stock, whisking to prevent lumps.
  4. Add flavorings: Stir in soy sauce, marmite, and thyme. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste.

Vegan Stuffing Balls

  1. Cook onion and garlic: In a frying pan, heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix stuffing: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, sage, thyme, cooked onion mixture, and a splash of plant milk. Mix until just sticky.
  3. Shape and bake: Roll mixture into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 180°C/350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Vegan Mince Pies

  1. Make pastry: In a bowl, rub vegan butter into flour with salt and sugar until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven: Set oven to 200°C/400°F.
  3. Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll out dough to 3mm thick. Cut rounds for bases and slightly smaller rounds for tops.
  4. Fill and assemble: Place bases in a muffin tin, add a spoonful of mincemeat, and cover with tops. Press edges to seal.
  5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool before dusting with icing sugar.

Tips & Variations

  • Nut Roast: Try adding dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or a spoonful of cranberry sauce to your nut roast for extra festive flavor.
  • Gravy: For richer gravy, use a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
  • Stuffing Balls: Swap parsley for fresh sage or add finely chopped apple for a sweet twist.
  • Mince Pies: Use orange zest in your pastry for a citrusy touch, or sprinkle chopped nuts over the filling before adding the tops.

“Don’t be afraid to personalize these vegan classics with your favorite spices and add-ins!”

Looking for more vegan inspiration? Try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or explore Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for a delicious change of pace.

Nutrition Facts

Dish Calories (per serving) Protein Carbs Fat Fiber
Vegan Nut Roast 320 10g 28g 18g 7g
Vegan Gravy 40 1g 5g 2g 1g
Stuffing Balls 70 2g 10g 2g 1g
Mince Pies 190 2g 30g 7g 2g

Nutrition values are approximate, based on standard servings and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

  • Nut Roast: Serve with roast potatoes, steamed Brussels sprouts, and maple-glazed carrots.
  • Stuffing Balls: Pair with tangy cranberry sauce or vegan bread sauce for a classic touch.
  • Mince Pies: Enjoy warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
  • Gravy: Drizzle generously over everything on your plate—no one will complain!

For a show-stopping vegan spread, add recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or pair your meal with a vibrant salad for freshness.

Conclusion

This collection of bbc food vegan Christmas recipes proves that festive, plant-based cooking can be every bit as satisfying and celebratory as traditional fare. Each dish brings its own medley of flavors and textures to the holiday table—inviting everyone to indulge, regardless of dietary choices.

From the hearty nut roast to the nostalgic charm of mince pies, these recipes are designed to spark joy and create lasting memories.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these recipes your own. After all, the best part of Christmas cooking is sharing something special with the people you love.

For more holiday and everyday vegan inspiration, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or discover sweet treats like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy plant-based Christmas feasting!

More BBC Food Vegan Christmas Recipes to Try

Still looking for inspiration? Here’s a list of BBC-inspired vegan Christmas recipes you can mix and match for your perfect plant-based holiday menu:

  • Vegan Wellington: A stunning centrepiece featuring a flaky pastry filled with mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts.

    • Tip: Brush the crust with plant milk for a golden finish!
  • Vegan Mushroom Gravy: Deeply savory and perfect for pouring over your roast or mashed potatoes.
  • Maple-Glazed Carrots & Parsnips: Sweet and caramelized, with a hint of rosemary.
  • Spiced Red Cabbage: Simmered with apples, cinnamon, and cloves for a festive side.
  • Vegan Bread Sauce: Creamy and comforting, made with almond milk and a touch of nutmeg.
  • Roast Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
  • Vegan Christmas Pudding: Packed with dried fruit, citrus zest, and festive spices—steam or microwave for a speedy dessert.
  • Vegan Chocolate Yule Log: Light chocolate sponge rolled with vegan cream and topped with rich ganache.
  • Vegan Trifle: Layers of berry jelly, sponge, custard, and whipped cream—totally dairy-free.

Mix and match these dishes to create your dream vegan Christmas spread. For even more ideas, don’t miss our guides to Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or enjoy a cozy bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating during the holiday season.

Have a wonderful and delicious Christmas!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Nut Roast

Description: A festive vegan nut roast packed with vegetables, nuts, and herbs, perfect for a Christmas centrepiece. Serve with vegan gravy and all your favourite trimmings.

Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H25M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 150g mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 100g cooked chestnuts, chopped
  • 100g mixed nuts, chopped
  • 100g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 100ml vegetable stock

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/Gas 4.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Add carrot and mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in chestnuts, mixed nuts, breadcrumbs, parsley, soy sauce, thyme, and mix well.
  5. Pour in vegetable stock and stir until combined.
  6. Press the mixture into a lined loaf tin.
  7. Bake for 1 hour until golden and firm.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 28g

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Marta K

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