Kitchen design
Christmas Dinner for Two: A Smaller Roast Without the Stress
A whole turkey makes little sense for two. Smaller joints that still feel special, how much to buy, and a simple timeline that fits in one oven.
Ad: this guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you (how we make money).
Christmas dinner for two should feel just as festive, without a week of turkey leftovers. Choose a smaller joint, keep the trimmings you love, and drop the rest.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Choose a smaller centrepiece
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Turkey crown or breast joint | All the turkey, a fraction of the time |
| Roast chicken | Familiar and forgiving: see roast chicken with bread sauce |
| Small beef joint | Try roast beef |
| Gammon | Leftovers for sandwiches: honey-glazed gammon |
Whatever you choose, check it with a meat thermometer rather than relying on a timing chart: smaller joints can overcook quickly.
Keep the trimmings sensible
Pick three or four: roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, sprouts with bacon and chestnuts, and one more vegetable. Buy loose vegetables so you get just what you need.
A simple plan
- The day before: peel the vegetables and keep them in cold water in the fridge; make any sauce.
- On the day: roast the joint; while it rests, turn the oven up and finish the potatoes and pigs in blankets.
- Make the gravy from the resting juices.
For a bigger gathering, see the full Christmas dinner oven plan. For pudding, mince pies or a couple of brandy snaps are easier than a whole Christmas pudding.
BeneRecipes may earn a commission from retailer links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Product suggestions are based on published specifications, not hands-on testing. How we work.
Frequently asked questions
What should I cook for Christmas dinner for two?
A turkey crown or breast joint, a roast chicken, a small beef joint or a gammon all work well and cut down on leftovers.
How do I know when a small joint is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Smaller joints cook faster than the timing charts for large birds suggest.
How can I avoid waste at Christmas for two?
Buy loose vegetables, choose a smaller joint, and freeze leftovers within 1 to 2 hours of cooking.