The countdown to Christmas is officially upon us and with it comes the joy of festive feasting.
Adorned Christmas trees flicker under twinkling lights and beloved holiday jingles weave their way back into our hearts. As supermarkets prepare for the Christmas rush, savvy shoppers are starting to ponder their festive menus.
Will they stick to the tried-and-true holiday classics or will they embrace the delicious changes on the culinary horizon? This year, we’ve rounded up some of the most delectable food trends for 2024 — prepare to be inspired.
Luxury fish: A touch of elegance
Seafood connoisseurs can rejoice as luxury fish take centrestage this holiday season. Scallops, crabs, lobsters, and even extravagant three-fish roasts will grace dining tables across the world.
One nostalgic dish poised for a grand comeback is the classic prawn cocktail. There’s a reason that the prawn cocktail has stood the test of time and that’s because the simple flavours marry so well together.
A festive dish – with its vibrant green and red – prawn cocktail is also wonderfully fresh, crisp and tangy. It makes a nice contrast to all the meat, pastry, and sweets that feature at this time of year.
Prawn cocktail is usually served in a glass or small bowl with shredded lettuce and garnished with lemon wedges and paprika.
A '60s variation was to serve it in half an avocado. Whether prepared from scratch or sourced pre-cooked, prawn cocktails could be the perfect starter to kick off your festivities. Pair it with an Italian white wine for the perfect gastronomic experience.
Asian condiments energise festive leftovers
This year, why not invigorate your Christmas pantry with the exciting flavours of Asian cuisine? Condiments such as gochujang, rayu, and yuzu dressings are gaining traction amongst culinary enthusiasts.
These vibrant flavours can jazz up turkey leftovers, transforming yesterday’s feast into a modern delight.
Furthermore, these unique ingredients make for exceptional gifting options — perfect for that special foodie in your life.
Upgrading baked camembert
Baked camembert has long been a Christmas favourite but 2024 brings fresh takes on this cheesy delight. Innovatively topped versions, such as the Instagram-worthy pigs in blanket wreath encircling gooey camembert, have begun to emerge from supermarket aisles.
As searches for camembert spike, its versatility shines through. If you did not know, camembert is one of France’s most iconic cheeses.
With lush textures and flavours ranging from lactic to earthy, this beloved French cheese is ideal for serving on a cheese plate or charcuterie board with a wide range of sweet and savoury accompaniments.
Camembert pairs well with a drizzle of honey, fresh berries, or fruit preserves, but you can also enjoy it with cured meats, sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic.
When pairing drinks with camembert cheese, seek out dry, carbonated beverages to highlight its mild, milky flavour and offset its rich, creamy texture.
Champagne, prosecco, and sparkling white or rose wine are all excellent options, as are fizzy gin cocktails like a gin and tonic. For a non-alcoholic pairing, try fruity kombucha or elderflower lemonade.
Savoury snacks for festive gatherings
This Christmas, the importance of balance in flavours can't be overstated. A well-curated selection of savoury snacks is essential.
Think artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and flavourful olives presented alongside an enticing variety of crackers and nuts. For an extra touch, spice things up with delicious chutneys or appetising dips that encourage communal nibbling.
The charm of ginger
Ginger, the aromatic root with an unexpected rise to stardom, is making waves among this year’s festive offerings.
Fuelled by nostalgia and wellness trends, ginger-flavoured products are popping up in everything from RTDs and cakes to cereals. Its warm, zesty flavour is set to enchant your seasonal palate.
Grazing boards: The DIY approach
The increase in the popularity of grazing boards cannot be ignored. Across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, posts adorned with lush charcuterie boards are catching the eyes of festive hosts eager to show off their skills.
These DIY boards provide the ultimate opportunity to personalise your platter to suit various tastes, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
Supermarket Christmas guides are brimming with charcuterie board inspiration, further feeding into this delectable trend.
Ready-to-drink cocktails
Shake, pour, and garnish. The bar cocktail experience is now effortlessly replicated at home with the rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails.
Retail sectors increasingly focus on RTD options, allowing consumers to indulge in both low and standard-ABV varieties. These eye-catching concoctions make wonderful additions to holiday festivities, perfect for parties and as gifts alike.
As you curate your festive feast, remember that the ultimate goal is to enjoy what you love, whether steeped in tradition or infused with a modern twist.
May your Christmas celebrations this year be unforgettable for all the right reasons!