Christmas cooking is steeped in tradition, and the Christmas roast is the centrepiece of many festive tables. Whether it's a succulent prime rib roast or a tenderloin adorned with herbs and spices, choosing the best roast for Christmas is a must as you make lasting memories with family and friends. In this butcher’s guide on Christmas roasts, discover the most popular Christmas meats, how to select a roast and how to cook your chosen roast to perfection.
What meats are associated with Christmas?
Thanks to Australia’s warm climate, many opt for seafood like prawns, lobster and oysters at Christmas, while others grill up various meats such as sausages and lamb chops on the barbecue.
However, the traditional Christmas roast holds a place on many tables, especially for Christmas dinner.
When it comes to types of roasts for Christmas, you have a range of choices, from beef, lamb, pork or ham to poultry options like chicken, duck or turkey. Many of these come in various cuts to suit every festive gathering.
Best beef roast for Christmas
For a classic and indulgent Christmas roast, beef offers timeless options like ribeye or tenderloin, providing rich flavours and tenderness that appeal to many.
The ribeye roast, with its abundant marbling, stands out for its rich flavour profile. The intramuscular fat enhances taste and tenderness, providing a luxurious dining experience, but its higher fat content might be a drawback for those seeking a leaner option.
For those prioritising tenderness above all, the tenderloin roast, also known as the eye fillet steak or the filet mignon, is an excellent choice. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture is unparalleled, though it may lack the pronounced flavour of fattier cuts.
When deciding on the best roast beef cut for Christmas, consider personal preferences regarding flavour, tenderness and fat content, and the number of guests you’re catering for.
For larger gatherings, a bone-in ribeye or sirloin roast can be a show-stopping centrepiece, serving a crowd with ease. Alternatively, if you have a smaller gathering, a tenderloin roast might be more suitable as it will likely leave you with fewer leftovers.
Best pork roast for Christmas
Pork offers versatility and a range of flavours to suit various preferences.
The pork rack is lean and mild, whereas the pork loin is rolled with the belly, so it is richer and fattier than the rack.
For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the pork belly roast is renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat, though its higher fat content may be a consideration for those aiming for a leaner option.
If you opt for a pork roast for Christmas, consider personal taste preferences, desired textures and the size of the gathering when choosing your cut. A pork loin or rack roast may be well-suited for smaller gatherings, while a pork belly or shoulder roast could be a show-stopping centrepiece for larger celebrations.
Best ham roast for Christmas
With its sweet and savoury profile, Ham is a traditional Christmas favourite, ideal for those seeking a festive and convenient centrepiece. With its rich and succulent flavour, bone-in ham is a popular choice for the holiday season. The bone adds moisture and depth to the meat, resulting in a flavorful and juicy ham when it is served.
However, the larger size of a bone-in ham might make it more suitable for larger gatherings.
Boneless ham, while easier to carve and serve, may lack some of the depth in flavour that comes from cooking with the bone.
A boneless ham might suit smaller, more intimate celebrations. Factor in preparation time when deciding which ham to buy, as this varies depending on whether the Christmas ham is raw or fully cooked.
Best lamb roast for Christmas
Lamb, whether a leg roast or shoulder, presents a distinctive taste that can add a touch of elegance to your holiday table. The lamb leg is a classic choice, celebrated for its tenderness and flavorful meat.
Opting for an easily carved lamb leg adds convenience to the serving process as the butcher will have removed the main bone, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritise ease in the kitchen or who aren’t experienced meat carvers.
Lamb shoulder offers a richer, more succulent taste due to its higher fat content. You can buy a whole lamb shoulder or a lamb shoulder portion to suit your needs.
Choosing between a leg and a shoulder largely depends on personal preferences.
The leg is generally leaner, while the shoulder provides more marbling for enhanced taste. For smaller gatherings, a smaller leg of lamb or a portion of a lamb shoulder may be best, whereas a whole lamb shoulder or leg is more appropriate for larger celebrations.
Best poultry roast for Christmas
The best poultry roasts for Christmas include chicken, duck and turkey. With its versatility and quick-cooking nature, chicken is a practical option for smaller celebrations. Many people are also already familiar with how to cook a roast chicken.
Duck, on the other hand, offers a rich and flavorful alternative, perfect for those who desire a more indulgent and unique centrepiece, though it’s less lean than chicken.
Turkey is larger in size, making it well-suited for grand celebrations but excessive for smaller gatherings.
The right poultry type for Christmas ultimately depends on individual taste preferences, desired cooking times and the scale of your Christmas gathering. Chicken is practical and efficient for smaller groups, while duck or turkey may be more fitting for larger, more elaborate feasts.
What is the best cut of meat for Christmas dinner?
When determining the best cut of meat for your Christmas celebration, consider the number of guests to ensure there's enough to go around while also factoring in storage capacity and the potential for leftovers.
Budget and cooking considerations play a role, with different meats and cuts varying in cost and the required cooking time, temperature, equipment and expertise.
Lastly, personal preferences for flavour and tenderness should guide your choice, ensuring that the selected cut aligns with your vision for a perfect Christmas dinner.
How much meat per person for Christmas dinner
Determining the right amount of meat per person for Christmas dinner is an important aspect of planning a festive feast. A general guideline estimates about 200 to 350 grams of boneless meat per adult.
However, this can vary depending on factors like the type of meat, individual appetites and whether there are additional main dishes.
For larger cuts with bones, such as a bone-in roast or a whole turkey, you may need to calculate around 450 to 680 grams per person.
To ensure there’s plenty to go around while avoiding waste, try to factor in your guests’ food preferences and how much leftover food you can safely store and eat in the days after Christmas.
How to make a Christmas roast
To prepare your roast for cooking, carefully trim any excess fat from the meat. This enhances the overall presentation and allows for more effective seasoning penetration.
If the roast is irregular in shape, consider tying it with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and a polished appearance.
Seasoning is the key to elevating the flavour of your Christmas roast. Generously coat the meat with a glaze or a blend of herbs, spices, salt and pepper.
Consider marinating the roast overnight for added depth, allowing the flavours to permeate the meat. This step gives it a delicious taste and makes your roast juicy and tender.
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature for the specific roast you're preparing. Place the seasoned or marinated roast in a roasting pan, allowing it to cook evenly.
Be sure to invest in a good-quality roasting pan or rack to elevate the meat slightly above the pan, allowing heat to circulate evenly so you get a crispy exterior while keeping the interior succulent.
Basting the roast with its own juices or a flavourful liquid throughout the cooking process enhances moisture and flavour. The pan will collect flavorful drippings that can be used for basting and gravies or sauces.
Resist the temptation to carve immediately once the roast reaches the desired doneness. Let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This redistributes the juices, resulting in a moist and flavourful roast.
When carving, use a sharp knife and slice against the grain for optimal tenderness.
Understanding the specific cooking times and temperatures for different cuts of meat is essential. A meat thermometer is a valuable tool to ensure accuracy. For instance, beef roasts like ribeye or tenderloin may require different temperatures than a pork loin or a lamb leg. Refer to reliable cooking charts or recipes to achieve the perfect doneness for your chosen roast.
When to buy a roast for Christmas
Determining when to buy a Christmas roast involves a strategic balance between getting in early for the best selections and taking advantage of potential sales or promotions.
You should also consider how you will store your Christmas roast. Raw, fresh roast meats typically last 3 to 5 days in the fridge or several months in the freezer when wrapped properly.
What kind of roast to buy for Christmas
From selecting the right cut for your preferences and gathering size to considering budget, cooking time, and preferred flavours, choosing the best Christmas roast is a culmination of thoughtful decisions.
Whether you select a beef, lamb, chicken, pork or duck roast or a traditional ham, your Christmas feast will surely be successful if you source your roast from a quality butcher.
Peter Bouchier, your local Christmas butcher in Melbourne, is committed to providing quality, locally sourced meats for every occasion. Embrace the festive spirit and create a memorable holiday meal by ordering your Christmas roast online at Peter Bouchier with just a 25% deposit!
