Hosting Christmas lunch at home? These three vegetarian dishes bring comfort and festive flair

New Delhi: Christmas lunch does not need to be complicated to feel special. A well-planned vegetarian menu can be festive, comforting and visually appealing without demanding long hours in the kitchen. When the focus is on balanced flavours and familiar dishes prepared with a seasonal touch, the meal feels warm and celebratory rather than overwhelming.

This Christmas lunch menu brings together three thoughtfully chosen dishes, such as Cheesy Baked Asparagus, Pesto Lasagna, and Butternut Squash Custard. Together, they create a complete spread that works well for family gatherings or small festive get-togethers, offering a smooth flow from starter to main course and ending with a gentle, dessert-style finish suited for a relaxed afternoon meal.

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1. Cheesy baked asparagus: A warm, crowd-pleasing starter

This cheesy baked asparagus is quick to prepare and makes for a comforting yet light starter. The tender asparagus spears paired with melted cheese and subtle garlic flavours create a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy — ideal for a Christmas lunch beginning.

Servings: 4

Cheesy baked asparagus ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: lemon wedges, red pepper flakes

How to prepare cheesy baked asparagus

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet.

2. Place asparagus on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic, salt and pepper.

3. Toss well and spread in a single layer.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just tender.

5. Remove, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, then broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or red pepper flakes if desired.

2. Pesto lasagna: A creamy vegetarian main for Christmas lunch

Pesto lasagna is a comforting, festive alternative to traditional red-sauce lasagna. Made with layers of basil pesto, silky béchamel and cheese, this dish feels rich yet balanced, making it perfect as the centrepiece of a Christmas lunch.

Pesto lasagna ingredients

For the pesto

Fresh basil leaves

Pine nuts or walnuts

Garlic cloves

Parmesan cheese

Extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper

For the béchamel

Unsalted butter

All-purpose flour

Whole milk

Nutmeg, salt and white pepper

For assembly

Lasagna noodles

Mozzarella cheese

Extra Parmesan for topping

How to prepare pesto lasagna

1. Prepare the pesto by blending basil, nuts, garlic, Parmesan and olive oil until smooth.

2. Make the béchamel by cooking butter and flour, then whisking in warm milk until thick. Season gently.

3. Cook lasagna noodles if not using oven-ready sheets.

4. Layer béchamel, noodles, pesto and cheeses in a greased baking dish.

5. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes.

6. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until golden. Rest before slicing and serve warm.

3. Butternut squash custard: A gently spiced Christmas dessert

This butternut squash custard is smooth, lightly sweet and infused with warm spices, making it a comforting dessert for a festive lunch. Baked gently in a water bath, the custard has a silky texture that feels both elegant and homely.

Butternut squash custard ingredients

Butternut squash puree

Whole milk

Sugar or maple syrup

Eggs and egg white

Vanilla extract

Cinnamon and nutmeg

Sea salt

How to prepare butternut squash custard

1. Roast and puree butternut squash until completely smooth.

2. Whisk squash puree with milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla and spices.

3. Strain the mixture and pour into greased ramekins.

4. Place ramekins in a water bath and bake at 325°F (160°C).

5. Cool completely, then chill for at least three hours before serving.

This vegetarian Christmas lunch menu feels complete without being overwhelming. Your guests, as well as family members, will certainly enjoy a quiet celebration.