Opinion Christmas in July: 30 cosy recipes for the ultimate winter feast

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, Christmas in July might just be your moment! Here are some of our fave festive recipes perfect for a cosy winter gathering…

One thing we constantly hear is how baffled many ‘Northern Hemispherians’ are by the concept of Christmas in Australia.

While much of the world is sipping mulled wine or cocoa beside roaring fireplaces as snow falls outside, we’re usually sweating through heatwaves, firing up the BBQ, and piling our plates high with salads, plant-based prawns, and pavlova.

Not that we’re complaining — an Aussie Christmas definitely has its own charm. But if you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of a white Christmas while mopping sweat from your forehead in 35-degree heat, Christmas in July might just be your moment!

Once winter hits, suddenly all those rich, comforting festive recipes make perfect sense. Whether you’re attending a Christmas in July gathering or simply heading to a winter potluck, these warm, cosy recipes are sure to be the perfect addition to the ultimate cold-weather feast.

So, pull out your favourite ugly Christmas jumper, crank up the holiday playlist, and get ready to enjoy the festivities in the way every Hallmark Christmas movie intended!

Christmas in July mains

When it’s chilly outside, nothing hits harder than a savoury, hearty main course. From roasts and wellingtons to steaks and bakes, these festive centrepieces are guaranteed crowd pleasers…

• Beetroot & Lentil Wellington
• Stuffed Roast Pumpkin Wellington
• Slow Grilled Cauliflower Steak
• Mushroom & Lentil Stuffed Festive Log
• Whole Roasted Pumpkin with Gravy
• Mushroom & Leek Pie
• Nanna’s Lasagne
• French Lentil Pot Pie
• Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
• Mushroom Steak with Onion Gravy

Christmas in July sides

While the festive centrepieces get most of the attention, let’s be honest: sometimes the sides steal the show. From golden roast potatoes and cheesy bakes to roast veggies and rich, savoury gravies, a few good side dishes can transform a good meal into a true festive feast…

• The Crispiest Roast Potatoes
• Fried Beans with Hazelnuts & Preserved Lemon
• Charred Brussel Sprouts
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Vol-au-vents with Garlicky Mushroom Filling
• Olive Oil Mash with Herby Green Sauce
• Pumpkin, Caramelised Onion & Rosemary Tart
• Easy Vegan Gravy
• Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
• Mini Vegetable Tarts

Christmas in July desserts

No festive gathering is complete without something sweet! Whether you’re a pudding traditionalist, a cheesecake enthusiast, or someone who prefers to stuff their face with gingerbread and rumballs before the main meal, these plant-based desserts will help finish your Christmas in July celebration on the sweetest (and fullest) possible note…

• Golden-Crusted Apple Pie
• Dutch Spiced Gingerbread Log
• Sticky Date Pudding
• Dark Chocolate Tart with Spiced Figs
• Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake
• Berry Custard Trifle
• Spiced Chocolate Christmas Truffles
• Gingerbread Cookies
• Rum Balls
• Cherry Pie

Let the mid-year festivities begin…

Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to embrace all the cosy, comforting dishes that can feel a little out of place during an Australian summer.

If you’re looking for even more festive inspiration, check out our round-up of festive and flavourful vegan side dishes for Christmas, vegan Christmas desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth, or meaty festive mains for the ultimate plant-based Christmas dinner. Happy feasting!

Are you doing Secret Santa as part of your silly mid-year soirée? Check out our Veg Christmas Gift Guide, or head to our voucher page for big discounts on some of our fave vegan brands!