THE festive table may be set, but one misstep, a burnt turkey, dry stuffing, or soggy roast potatoes, can turn your Christmas dinner from showstopper into a stress-fest.
We’ve all been there, the pressures hotter than the oven itself, as all eyes fall on you to deliver. But if one thing goes wrong, the rest can spiral into catastrophe.
Fortunately, kitchen expert Liv Reed from Prestige Granite are on hand with a robust “cheat-sheet” of practical rescue strategies.
“Even the most carefully laid plan can go off-script, and that’s okay. Cooking, especially at Christmas, is as much about creativity as it is about precision,” Liv says..
“The key is staying calm, thinking on your feet, and finding quick ways to bring things back together.”
Here are 6 ways to save Christmas dinner when things go off-track:
Burnt the turkey?
Remove the outer charred bits immediately. Then slice the unaffected inside meat, toss it with a little chicken stock, melted butter and herbs (thyme, rosemary) and reheat gently in the oven (150°C) wrapped in foil so it doesn’t dry out.
Serve with the gravy and use the drippings and browned bits (before char) to build a quick gravy base.
Lumpy Gravy?
If your gravy turns lumpy, don’t panic, and don’t bin it. A cheap sieve or even a clean pair of tights can save the day.
Pour the gravy through to strain out lumps, then whisk in a splash of milk or stock and a knob of butter – you’ll have smooth and glossy gravy in seconds.
Stuffing too dry or falling apart?
Crumble dry stuffing and stir through softened sautéed onions, chopped celery and a splash of stock or melted butter.
Pack into a butter-ed dish and roast for 10 minutes to crisp top or alternatively, serve loosened stuffing as a side, rather than dishing up the perfect slab.
Soggy roast potatoes?
Drain any excess oil or moisture, then spread out on a baking tray, turn up the oven to 220°C, spray or drizzle a little olive oil and roast for 10-15 minutes until crisp.
Sprinkle with sea salt and chopped parsley just before serving.
For the ultimate crisp after boiling, shake them in the pot with lid on to rough up the surfaces before roasting, more texture equals crispiness.
The best Christmas and party food from Tesco
From must-have mains, to exciting party food and incredible drinks offers!
Tesco British Turkey Whole Bird Small 2.6kg – 3.8kg, £13.60*
Perfect for smaller gatherings of up to seven people, Tesco is selling frozen turkeys already!
Tesco Finest Beef Fillet Wellington 1kg, £28*
Rich and tender, Tesco’s 21-day matured beef fillet wrapped in golden pastry only takes 1hr 10mins to cook. Pop it in the freezer ready for the big day.
Tesco Finest 16 Pigs in Blankets 400g, £4.75*
The must-have side dish for any Christmas Dinner – they’re gluten free and can be cooked in the air fryer too!
Tesco Finest Caramelised Onion Pork Stuffing Wrapped in Bacon, £3.50*
Sweet, succulent and wrapped in oak-smoked bacon, the stuffing is a perfect accompaniment for your turkey.
Tesco Finest Roasting Chantenay Carrots with Hot Honey & Crispy Onions, £2*
Spend more time with family and friends instead of prepping veg, these sweet and crunchy carrots have a gorgeous chill and blossom honey dressing that will seriously impress.
Mac & Cheese Chorizo Bites, £3.50
Ready to eat in just 6 minutes, these smoky chorizo and vintage cheddar bites will be a huge hit with guests.
Tesco Finest 8 Nduja Bites with Parmigiano Reggiano Dip, £4.50
Coated in a beetroot crumb, the mozzarella, spring onion, and nduja bites come with a dip that everyone will want to try.
Tesco Finest Pork Belly Bites with Chipotle Cherry BBQ Sauce, £5.50
Everyone will be fighting to try the slow-cooked barbecue seasoned pork belly bite pieces with a sachet of chipotle and cherry flavoured glaze and skewers.
Tesco Finest Luxurious Continental Cheese Selection, £14
Create an impressive festive cheeseboard in seconds – just unwrap and position on a board!
Baileys, 1L, £11*
Until the 8th of December, shoppers can pick up a bottle of Baileys for just £11!
Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, 500ml, £10*
Incredibly smooth, and to be enjoyed over ice, Disaronno Velvet Liqueur gives Baileys a run for its money this Christmas.
*prices available to Clubcard holders.
Vegetables over-cooked or limp?
Refresh by plunging into iced water to stop cooking, then re-heat gently in a hot skillet with a knob of butter and a pinch of seasoning just before serving.
Alternatively, roast them quickly with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of coarse salt and a few fresh herbs for flavour and texture.
Dessert meltdown (trifle collapsing, mince pies soggy)?
For trifle: separate the layers into small ramekins and serve immediately to retain shape.
For mince pies: re-heat in a moderate oven (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to crisp edges, then serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice-cream to distract from pastry flaws.
