What Scottish People Eat on Christmas
When it comes to Christmas traditions, Scotland brings a special collection of food, history and festive spirit to the table. If you’re not familiar with Scotland you probably won’t know that Christmas wasn’t widely celebrated in Scotland for much of the past few centuries. However, today it is embraced with all the warmth and charm you’d expect from this beautiful country. From hearty roasts to rich desserts, the Scottish Christmas menu is packed with comforting, traditional dishes that reflect local ingredients and traditions.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Christmas wasn’t a public holiday in Scotland until 1958? For centuries, Scots focused their celebrations on Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) instead!
In this article, we’ll explore the foods that take centre stage during Christmas in Scotland, from the beloved Cock-a-leekie soup to the iconic Christmas pudding. Whether you’re looking to bring a Scottish twist to your holiday table or are simply curious about how Scotland celebrates the festive season, join us as we dive into the delicious world of Scottish Christmas cuisine.
Fun Fact: Christmas was banned in Scotland from 1640 to 1958 due to strict Presbyterian beliefs that viewed the holiday as too indulgent and unbiblical. During that time, Scots shifted their celebrations to Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), which remains a major holiday to this day.
Traditional Starters
Cock-a-leekie Soup
A traditional Scottish soup, Cock-a-leekie is made from chicken, leeks, and often prunes. Known as “Scotland’s National Soup,” it dates back to the 16th century and is an ideal start to a festive meal.
Fun Fact: Cock-a-leekie soup was originally made with onions, but when leeks became more common in Scotland, they replaced onions in this dish. Today, it remains a staple of both Christmas and Burns Suppers.
Smoked Salmon and Oatcakes
For something lighter, smoked salmon served with traditional Scottish oatcakes is a popular choice. Smoked salmon with its rich, robust flavour, paired with crisp oatcakes made from locally grown oats is a very simple yet elegant dish to serve for the festive meal.
The Main Event – Roast Turkey
Roast Turkey with Stuffing
The star of any British Christmas feast is roast turkey often prepared with a sausage-based stuffing made from sage, onions, and chestnuts, giving it a savoury and slightly nutty flavour. The turkey is served alongside an array of roast vegetables and rich sauces made from the turkey drippings,. So delicious!
Kilted Sausages (Pigs in Blankets)
Known in Scotland as “Sausages in Kilt,” these chipolata sausages are wrapped in bacon and then cooked to perfection adding a salty, savoury dish to the table.
Did you know? Scotland has its own twist on “Pigs in Blankets,” calling them “Sausages in Kilt.” It’s essentially the same dish—sausages wrapped in bacon—but with a name that’s fittingly Scottish!
Sides and Sauces
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts are often cooked in Scotland together with crispy bacon. For whoever has tried this combination, bacon adds that smokiness to the Brussels sprouts that make them so delicious.
Sauces
No Scottish Christmas feast is complete without an array of rich sauces. From creamy bread sauce to red wine gravy. These hearty, full-bodied sauces tie the meal together.
Festive Desserts
Christmas Pudding
In Scotland, it’s customary to flambé the Christmas pudding with whisky just before serving, adding a dramatic flair to the meal. Traditionally, families stir in a few coins or charms for good luck when preparing the pudding in advance, with each charm symbolizing different fortunes for the year ahead.
Fun Fact: During the 17th century, Christmas pudding was banned along with the holiday itself due to its indulgence. When Christmas celebrations were restored, this rich, fruity dessert became a beloved symbol of festive cheer.
Scotch Trifle
A Scottish twist on the classic British trifle, this dessert layers sponge cake soaked in whisky, topped with fruit, custard, and a thick layer of whipped cream. Raspberries, one of Scotland’s most famous fruits, often feature prominently in this indulgent dessert.
Conclusion
Scottish Christmas food is a delightful blend of tradition, local ingredients, and festive warmth. From the comforting Cock-a-leekie soup to the rich, whisky-flamed Christmas pudding, the dishes served on Christmas Day are full of history and flavour. Whether you’re looking to recreate a Scottish Christmas feast at home or are simply curious about the traditions, the food is sure to make the holiday season feel extra special.