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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
11/12/2025
Blame it on nostalgia, crisp air, or just the decorations decking the shopping malls and online stores, but the Christmas feel is in the air. And if you’re thinking of hosting a Christmas party but the maths between turkey sizes and guest list isn’t mathing, then this one’s for you! Here are turkey alternatives that you can serve to small groups this Christmas season. They look just as elegant as a stuffed turkey, but save you from unmanageable leftovers.
What makes Christmas special? The beautiful decor, gifts, and holidays, of course. But it’s also the joy of shared meals. Spending time with loved ones over a meal is one of life’s greatest blessings. However, the blessing can get real annoying, real soon if you’re the one hosting and can’t match the guests to the courses — especially when the turkey weighs more than the people on the guestlist. Most festive mains, pairings, sides, and spreads are best suited for large gatherings. But what about those celebrating with small crowds? Just because the party is intimate does not mean a sad table. You can host a gathering where the food flows just as easily as the music, and the dishes leave no room for leftovers. All you need are these turkey alternatives!
Chicken: Roasted chicken is a classic alternative to turkey that works especially well for small groups. Kadaknath, Aseel, and Chittagong are native Indian breeds prized for their flavour and texture. However, broiler chicken works well too and is a lot more accessible. For a small gathering of 2-4 people, a single roast chicken can do the trick. For a medium-sized gathering of 6-8 people, you can opt to roast two chickens, in different bases and spices, instead of one large one.
Cornish Game Hens: Cornish game hens are another popular option. Not only do they cook much faster than a turkey, but they are also easy to pair with a wide range of flavours. A popular option is game hen cooked in an orange-cranberry glaze. And the best part? They can be stuffed for individual servings.
Duck: If you’re looking for an alternative that screams decadence, duck is your best bet. A whole roasted duck with a honey-and-soy-sauce brine is the kind of dish that balances the ease of home cooking with the style of fine dining.
Lamb: From Rajasthani laal maas to Kashmiri rogan josh, lamb has long been a popular meat option for Indians. For Christmas, swap the regional curries and dishes for a leg of lamb roast. And if you want to marry Indian cuisine with a Christmas party, go for lamb chops – you can prepare individual chops and serve them with common sides.
Pork: Though pork is consumed in India, it is not as popular as the other dishes. However, a pork loin roast is an excellent choice for a smaller group, especially if you’re short on time, since pork can be cooked in about an hour alongside roasted vegetables.
Vegetarian: For a meatless main, consider a vegetarian shepherd's pie with lentils or a stuffed butternut squash. You can also opt for lasagnas or pasta bakes that can be served as a centrepiece or even be portioned and served individually. Wellington is another popular main course that might as well steal the spotlight with its savoury filling (typically a mix of mushrooms, vegetables, nuts, and herbs) encased in a flaky, golden-brown puff pastry crust.
Salmon: A versatile and popular choice that is rich in protein and omega-3s. It can be prepared simply by baking or roasting with herbs and lemon, or served as a showstopper like salmon wellington. A full side or whole salmon fillet can also be stuffed, trussed with herbs, and baked on a sheet pan, giving it the same “big reveal” moment as turkey — but it cooks in one-third the time and stays moist without basting. You can also go the French way and cook salmon en croute. A classic French dish, it consists of a salmon fillet and a savoury filling wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked until golden brown.
Shrimp and Crab: Both shrimp and crab provide dual benefits — they can be used as a main with roasted tomatoes and garlic, but also work well as an ingredient for a pasta dish.
You can pair these roasts with any sides that adapt well to small gatherings, and complement the flavours of your chosen main. Some options are:
Whoever said size matters clearly didn’t try the roasts on the list because these small meats deliver juicier results. They can be cooked quickly, go well with a wide range of sauces and herbs, and suit small crowds. These roasts are proof that small tables and elegant dining can and do go hand-in-hand.