Roast Potatoes Crowned the UK’s Favourite Part of a Christmas Dinner

With just 20 days until the Big Day, Brits are eagerly counting down to the much-anticipated Christmas dinner. While the traditional feast—turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pigs in blankets, veg, and plenty of gravy—remains a classic, it’s clear that much of the UK has something else in mind. Google searches for “unusual Christmas dinner ideas” have increased by more than 5,000% in the last three months.

As the countdown to this mouth-watering festive feast begins, food experts at online butchers, Campbells Meat has delved into how our beloved Christmas dinner is evolving.

To uncover how traditional favourites compare with modern tastes, Campbells Meat have surveyed 2,000 UK adults, asking them to rank their top three favourite and least favourite Christmas dinner items. The findings reveal which staples remain cherished and which may be falling out of favour. And now, the results are in…

Roast potatoes are crowned the UK’s favourite festive dish

The UK’s favourite part of a traditional Christmas dinner is the much-loved roast potato, with over half of the UK (51%) agreeing it’s their top choice. For many Brits, no festive feast feels complete without a serving of perfectly crispy, golden roast potatoes. Food experts at Campbells Meat reveal that the secret to getting them just right lies in choosing the perfect spud, with Maris Piper or King Edward varieties being the top recommendations.

Of course, no Christmas dinner would be complete without the star of the show – a succulent turkey, accompanied by pigs in blankets, stuffing, and topped with a Yorkshire pudding. While turkey remains the firm favourite for almost half (47%) of the UK, it’s clear that personal touches are what make each festive meal unique.

When it comes to side dishes, the UK is in agreement that pigs in blankets (23%), Yorkshire puddings (19%), and classic stuffing (17%) all still firmly hold their place on the Christmas dinner plate. These beloved sides secured third, fourth, and fifth places respectively, continuing to be essential accompaniments to the festive feast.

Brits are not a fan of the nut roast, and one in five turn down Brussels sprouts

On the other hand, Brits have made their least favourite Christmas dinner dishes clear, with nut roast, goose, and Brussels sprouts topping the list of most unpopular items. A surprising 30% of people named the vegetarian alternative as their least favourite festive dish, while almost one in five (19%) placed goose and Brussels sprouts on their “naughty” list.

Despite their unpopularity, experts at Campbells Meat argue that goose is an underrated Christmas staple and may simply be cooked incorrectly by many. With the right preparation, goose could be transformed into a delicious festive dish, earning its place at the table.

A spokesperson comments,

“Traditions shift with time—the classic turkey was once seen as nontraditional when goose was the norm, and when cooked correctly this bird can be more forgiving than turkey when it comes to the perfect taste and texture.

“If you opt for goose this Christmas, give it a festive upgrade with a red wine and berry reduction. Simmer red wine, berries, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon for a rich reduction. Drizzle over sliced goose to add a festive touch, enhancing the dish with a blend of sweet and savoury.”

For more festive cooking inspiration, including a handy Christmas dinner timing chart, visit the Campbells Meat website.