18 nostalgic Christmas recipes
Take a trip down memory line with these retro Christmas recipes, from vol-au-vents and smoked salmon gateau, to black forest arctic roll
Fancy bringing a touch of holiday nostalgia to your Christmas celebrations? These vintage recipes will bring a retro feel to your get-together, from old-school party vol-au-vents and devilled eggs, to a classic snowball cocktail.
As well as retro canapés and starters to include in your festive spread, we're sharing comforting puddings that will transport you back to your childhood, from towering baked alaska and arctic roll, to retro trifles.
For more nostalgic dishes and drinks, see our retro recipes and retro cocktails, as well as our round-up of retro party dishes, retro cakes and retro desserts.
Check out our Christmas recipes for more festive inspiration, plus the best make-ahead Christmas recipes, Christmas centrepieces and Christmas side dishes.
Nostalgic Christmas recipes
1. Classic prawn cocktail
This classic starter packed with juicy prawns will never go out of fashion. Its signature combination of mayonnaise, tomato chutney, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and Tabasco, seasoned with lemon juice and salt and pepper, is what makes it a reliable, flavour-packed addition to any Christmas feast. Serve with brown bread for scooping, if you like.
See our twists on prawn cocktail for more starter ideas.
2. Snowball cocktail
Stir up a few retro snowballs at your Christmas get-together by combining advocaat, lime juice, lemonade and ice – it's a refreshing tipple to celebrate the festive season. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a kitsch look.
See more Christmas drinks and cocktail recipes.
3. Party vol-au-vents
Revisit an old-school favourite with our foolproof recipe for vol-au-vents – they're made with retro puff pastry cases and stacked high with sophisticated savoury fillings. Fill yours with smoked trout, horseradish & asparagus, wild mushroom & parmesan or spiced egg & coriander mayonnaise.
See more party food recipes.
4. Retro trifle
Take pudding to the next level for the festive season with this colourful trifle, decorated with sprinkles and maraschino cherries. Make up the jelly with frozen raspberries and enrich the custard with clotted cream for extra indulgence. This will keep in the fridge for up to three days, so it's a great make-ahead dessert.
Discover more recipes in our trifle collection.
5. Classic devilled eggs
Rustle up a plate of vegetarian devilled eggs to serve at a Boxing Day buffet. While they look impressive, they're deceptively easy to make – fill with mustard, spring onions, mayo, yogurt and a pinch of cayenne, then top with chives, if you like.
Or, try our furikake devilled eggs or devilled eggs with chicken liver pâté.
6. Brandy alexander
Looking for an after-dinner treat that has a touch of glamour? This creamy brandy alexander is just the ticket. A levelled-up dessert cocktail, it combines brandy and crème de cacao with double cream, and it's then garnished with a sprinkle of spiced sugar. Or, try a fruity twist with our passion fruit & coconut, strawberry and trifle versions. They’re so delectable, they double as dessert – serve with a teaspoon to enjoy all the toppings.
Check out more dreamy dessert cocktails.
7. Beef wellington
Beef wellington is a roast dinner classic that refuses to be forgotten. There’s something timeless about cutting into a flaky pastry crust to discover a perfectly juicy piece of beef inside. Our recipe is a bit of a challenge, but that makes it more special – especially when it's served as a showstopping Christmas centrepiece.
Discover more wellington recipes.
8. Iced nougat & raspberry terrine
Revive a retro dessert for Christmas with this iced nougat and raspberry terrine. This posh pud is simpler to prepare than it looks – we've used shop-bought nougat for ease – and it can be made in advance, leaving you with more time to spend with guests.
If you're a nougat lover, check out our homemade nougat and pistachio nougat.
9. White russian
Our recipe for a classic white russian cocktail is perfect for festive celebrations – it's cool and creamy with a kick, and is made with just vodka, cream and coffee liqueur. It's a great alternative to an espresso martini and is quick to mix up.
See our round-up of coffee cocktails for more inspiration.
10. Smoked salmon gateau
Layer smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese, then serve with a dressing of brandy, dill and mustard for a sensational retro starter. It requires a little extra effort, but looks and tastes amazing. It can also be made in advance, so you can enjoy the festivities on the day.
See more make-ahead Christmas starters.
11. Grasshopper cocktail
With its bright green colour, this vibrant grasshopper cocktail will wow dinner party guests. A sweet, minty after-dinner drink, it's named for its colour, which comes from crème de menthe. Level up your cocktail-making game by garnishing with a mint sprig dipped in white chocolate.
Looking to upgrade your bar cart? Read our expert reviews of the best cocktail shakers.
12. Baked alaska
End your festive get-together on a retro note with a nostalgic baked alaska. With ice cream, fluffy meringue and sponge, it has all the markings of a Christmas showstopper. Plus, it's easier to make than it looks – despite its name, you can use a kitchen blowtorch to caramelise the meringue, instead of baking.
Alternatively, try a festive baked alaska that uses up leftover Christmas cake.
13. Smoked salmon & avocado terrines
A homemade terrine is a sophisticated start to proceedings, and smoked salmon adds a celebratory touch a meal. This light, elegant make-ahead starter will ease you into the big meal, or to kick off a festive dinner party menu.
Discover more Christmas terrine recipes.
14. Black forest trifle
James Martin's indulgent black forest trifle is made with a few shop-bought shortcuts, but will no doubt impress friends and family at Christmas. Topped with whipped cream, grated chocolate and fresh cherries, it's a deliciously sweet centrepiece.
Discover more nostalgic recipes.
15. Eggnog
Welcome guests to your festive party with a glass of eggnog. A traditional Christmas tipple, our simple recipe uses just five ingredients, including egg yolks and brandy. A single batch serves up to six people, and it can be whipped up in just 10 minutes.
Check out more non-alcoholic Christmas drinks.
16. Black forest arctic roll
If you remember tucking into a slice of jammy arctic roll for pudding as a child, you'll love this mash-up of arctic roll and black forest gateau, complete with chocolate sponge and an ice cream centre. To make it extra-special, serve with whipped cream topped with grated dark chocolate and kirsch-soaked cherries.
See our classic arctic roll and clotted cream & raspberry ripple arctic roll.
17. Blue lagoon
An ice-cold, cherry-topped blue lagoon is a fun drink to shake up on New Year's Eve. This boozy retro classic get its hue from blue curaçao, which is mixed with vodka, fruit juices and maraschino cherry syrup. In our version, we've swapped lemonade for fresh citrus juice for a refreshing edge.
Discover more New Year's Eve party food and New Year's Eve cocktails.
18. Classic cheese fondue
A hot, bubbling cheese fondue is a fun sharing dish to indulge in over the holidays, especially if you're with a group of friends. Serve with crusty bread, boiled potatoes, crudités and pickles for dunking.
Discover our best sharing recipes and top melted cheese recipes.
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