Question 1

What are some traditional dishes served at a Canadian Christmas dinner?

Accepted Answer

A traditional Canadian Christmas dinner often includes roast turkey as the main dish, served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Many families also prepare roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, and green beans. Some may opt for glazed ham instead of turkey, especially in regions with British influences. French-Canadian families often enjoy tourtière, a savoury meat pie typically made with pork and spices. Side dishes like buttered rolls, sweet potato casserole, and baked macaroni and cheese are also common. For dessert, classic options include Christmas pudding, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and Yule log cake. Every family has its own traditions, with some incorporating dishes from different cultural backgrounds, such as perogies, cabbage rolls, or seafood platters, depending on their heritage and preferences.

Question 2

How far in advance should I start preparing my Christmas meal?

Accepted Answer

The best approach to preparing a Christmas meal is to plan and spread-out tasks over several days to reduce stress. About two weeks before Christmas, finalize your menu and make a shopping list. Some items, like frozen turkey or specialty ingredients, should be purchased early to avoid last-minute shortages. A few days before Christmas, prepare side dishes that can be made in advance, such as cranberry sauce, stuffing, or casseroles that can be refrigerated until baking. Desserts like fruitcake or cookies can be baked well in advance since they store well. If you're making a turkey, allow enough time for it to thaw properly in the fridge, which takes about 24 hours for every 2 kilograms of weight. On Christmas Eve, you can chop vegetables, set the table, and prepare any last-minute details so that Christmas Day runs smoothly

Question 3

How do I prevent my turkey from being dry?

Accepted Answer

Keeping your turkey moist starts with proper preparation and cooking techniques. Brining the turkey in a saltwater solution for 12 to 24 hours before roasting helps retain moisture and adds flavour. If you prefer a dry rub, massaging butter or oil under the skin before roasting can also help keep the meat juicy. Cooking the turkey at the right temperature is key. Roasting at 325°F (163°C) and using a meat thermometer ensures you don’t overcook it. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thighs reach 175°F (80°C). Letting the turkey rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from running out when carving. Covering the turkey loosely with foil during resting also helps retain heat and moisture.

Question 4

What are some vegetarian alternatives for Christmas dinner?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of delicious vegetarian alternatives to a traditional Christmas dinner. One popular main dish is a stuffed butternut squash or acorn squash filled with rice, quinoa, or lentils, combined with cranberries, nuts, and herbs. A nut roast, made with nuts, mushrooms, lentils, and breadcrumbs, is another hearty and flavourful option. Vegetable Wellington, featuring a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese wrapped in puff pastry, makes for an impressive centrepiece. Side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, and stuffing can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of meat-based stock. For dessert, classic holiday treats like butter tarts, shortbread cookies, and Yule logs are typically vegetarian-friendly. Whether you’re accommodating vegetarian guests or trying something new, these options can make a festive and satisfying holiday meal.

Meat, cheese & more

Our Finest Prosciutto, 100 g

Our Finest Genoa Salami, 100 g

Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs, Spreadable Cheese 150g

Fontaine Santé Hummus Roasted Red Pepper

Our Finest Antipasto Misto, 100 g

Our Finest Hot Genoa Salami, 100 g

Party spread

New Year, new pizza

Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria Garlic Fingers Pizza, 317g

Dr. Oetker Casa di Mama Classic Canadian Pizza, 410 g

Dr. Oetker Ristorante Vegetable Pizza, 385 g

Ristorante Pizza Bolognese e Formaggi Thin Crust Pizza, 375 g

Dr. Oetker Ristorante Pepperoni Pesto Pizza, 360 g

Pillsbury Pizza Pops, Pepperoni Flavour, Frozen Pizza Snacks, 380 G, 4 CT, Contains: Wheat, Milk., 380.000g

Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria Easy Pizzi 3 Cheese Mini Pizza, 560g

Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria Easy Pizzi Pepperoni Mini Pizza, 573g

Pillsbury Pizza Bites Pepperoni 50ct, 693.000g

Great Value Thin Crust Cheese Pizza, 340 g

Great Value Rising Crust 4 Cheese Pizza, 632 g

Great Value Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza, 330 g

Rustica Stuffed Crust Pizza Deluxe 735 G Frozen, RUSTICA STUFFED CRUST DELUXE PIZZA

Great Value Thin Crust Spinach Pizza, 390 g

Rustica Stuffed Crust 4 Cheese Pizza 668 G Frozen, RUSTICA Stuffed Crust 4 Cheese Pizza

Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria Rising Crust 4 Cheese Pizza, 660 g

Great Value Rising Crust 3-Meat Pizza, 685 g

Dr. Oetker Ristorante Mozzarella Pizza, 325 g

Giuseppe Rip n' Share 4 Cheese Pull Apart Pizza Buns Stuffed with Cheese, 480 g

Dr. Oetker Ristorante Mushroom Pizza, 365 g

Big flavour, low prices

Crowd-ready chips

Lay's Oven Baked Original Potato Crisps

Lay's Lightly Salted Potato Chips

Great Value Bite-Size Round Tortilla Chips

Tostitos Multigrain Rounds Tortilla Chips

Munchies Original Snack Mix Value Size

Great Value Pretzel Sticks, 400g

Pringles BBQ Flavour Potato Chips 156 G

Stacy's Simply Naked Sea Salt Pita Chips

Pringles® Snack Stacks Sour Cream & Onion Flavour Potato Chips, 12x19g

Lay's Classic Potato Chips

Great Value Regular Rippled Potato Chips

Pringles Original Potato Chips 148 G

Pringles Ketchup Potato Chips 156 G

Yogurt Covered Pretzels

Sip & celebrate

Coca-Cola Soda Pop Cans, 355 mL, 12 Pack

Pepsi Zero Sugar Cola 2 L, Bottle

A&W Zero Sugar Root Beer® 355mL Cans, 12 Pack

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Soda Pop Cans, 355 mL, 12 Pack

Fresca Citrus Soda Pop Fridge Pack Cans, 355 mL, 12 pack

Pepsi Cola bottles, 710ml, pack of 6

Dr Pepper Zero Sugar Soda 12 x 355 mL, Cans

Mtn Dew Zero Sugar Soft Drink 12 x 355 mL, Cans

7UP Lemon Lime Soft Drink 12 x 355 mL, Cans

Coca-Cola Cans, 355 mL, 24 Pack

Canada Dry® Ginger Ale 355 mL Cans, 12 Pack

Desserts $6 & under

Vachon® Passion Flakie® Apple-Raspberry Flaky Pastries

Vachon® Jelly Log Rolled Sponge Cakes

Vachon® Swiss Rolls Original Cakes

Vachon® ½ Lune Moon® Vanilla Flavour Cakes

Vachon® Jos Louis® The Original Cakes

Christmas & Holiday Meals FAQs

What are some traditional dishes served at a Canadian Christmas dinner?

How far in advance should I start preparing my Christmas meal?

How do I prevent my turkey from being dry?

What are some vegetarian alternatives for Christmas dinner?

Related pages

Related Links