No — this isn't fake news. Waitrose really did just reveal its Christmas range for 2023, and we can't honestly believe we're already discussing what we're going to eat for this year's festivities (although, we're also quite thrilled at the same time).
So, let's get straight to it, shall we?
First up and to get the party started, Waitrose has launched a range of standout party food bits including Paneer Fries, Feta Popcorn with Hot Honey, Shimmering Salmon Mousse (it's literally sparkly) and Old Fashioned Smoked Salmon.
For the cheeseboard, say hello to Waitrose's White Stilton with Cranberries and Orange. It's a fresh-tasting Stilton made with Seville orange marmalade and fresh cranberries. How festive!
For the main event, there's everything from Jewelled Stuffed Bronze Turkey Crown to Old Fashioned Glazed Ham. Waitrose have stepped up their game this year for plant-based people too, with their No.1 Ultimate Triple Nut Roast (which is made with miso for that extra savoury hit) and No.1 Ultimate Vegan Sharing Wellington.
Everyone knows Christmas is allll about the sides too, so it's no surprise there's a totally brilliant range at Waitrose this year. The Mini Pork Stuffing Panettoni have caught our fancy with its panettone crumb, raisins, lemon, cherries, sultanas and caramelised orange zest. Not to mention the Shredded Sprouts and Cavolo Nero with crispy maple smoked bacon.
Now, onto desserts: arguably the best part of any meal, right? This year you can gobble down The Golden Bûche de Noël, a Belgian blonde chocolate mousse and salted caramel and caramelised biscuit sauce on milk chocolate, along with a Chocolate and Hazelnut Quenelle (a posh chocolate mousse), and a Sicilian Orange and Whisky Christmas Pudding. But if you're looking for an absolute showstopper, it's got to be Waitrose's Cinnamon Bunattone, which is a sort-of Panettone meets cinnamon bun, made from a light cinnamon-spiced Italian cake with pockets of sweet mascarpone sauce. The pud is made in a family-run bakery in Piedmont, Italy, and takes over 24 hours to create. Y-U-M.
The 2023 range also includes some gorgeous gifts for your foodie friends! One of the most special is the Winter Village Chocolate Box. It's a stunning 3D showstopper with hidden drawers housing dark chocolates made with zesty Valencia orange and milk chocolate salted caramels.
Now, we know y'all like to be prepared for the big day, so here's a breakdown of when everything's going to be available in Waitrose:
Launch dates (subject to change)
- Frozen vegetable sides: from 28th August
- Frozen party food: from 18th September
- Confectionery & gifts: from 24th September
- Bakery, including panettones, Christmas cake and mince pies: from 27th September
- Christmas sandwiches: from 25th October
- Sides, including stuffing, gravy and sauces: from 22th November
- Party food: 29th November
- Starters: from 6th December
- Chilled desserts: 15th December
- Mains, including beef and turkey: 20th December
Maz Gould is the Digital Writer at Delish UK, assisting the Editor in the running of the site, as well as writing food news, meaningful features and fun product round-ups. She’s passionate about all things food and drink, and has a WSET Level 2 Award in wines. When she’s not in work, Maz is drinking her way around London’s best cocktail bars, trying as many Lychee Martinis as possible.
Louella is our food and drink writer, covering everything from how to host the perfect pasta party to the latest research on fermented foods and gut health. She's worked in almost every part of the food and hospitality industry, from serving plates and pouring wine to recipe developing and cooking behind the scenes to create beautifully photographed food for magazines. Outside of the office, you can usually find Louella performing very badly in pub quizzes or shaking up a margarita or two.
