What’s the Best Christmas Roast for My Family This Year?

Your guide to choosing the perfect centrepiece from Rendina’s Butchery.

Choosing the right Christmas roast can feel overwhelming — beef, pork, turkey, ham… and every family seems to swear by a different favourite. At Rendina’s Butchery, we help hundreds of customers every year pick the perfect roast for their Christmas table, and the truth is this:

There’s no “best” roast overall — only the best roast for your family’s taste, cooking style, and crowd size.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose confidently.

1. Beef Rib Eye Roast

Best for: Lovers of rich, tender, restaurant-quality beef
Serves: 6–8 people (per 1.5kg)

If your family prefers something luxurious and show-stopping, the Beef Rib Eye Roast is unbeatable. It has exceptional marbling, cooks evenly, and delivers that classic, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Choose this if:

• You want a premium, indulgent centrepiece

• Your crowd prefers beef over poultry or pork

• You enjoy a roast that pairs beautifully with red wine and hearty sides

Cooking tip: Roast low and slow, then finish on high heat for a crusty exterior.

2. Pork Roasts (Leg, Loin, Shoulder, or Rack)

Best for: Families who love crispy crackling and juicy roast pork
Serves: 6–12 depending on cut

Pork is a Christmas classic in many Australian homes — especially because of that perfect crackling.

Here’s how to choose the right cut:

Free Range Boneless Leg of Pork

Great all-rounder for feeding bigger groups. Leaner, with a traditional flavour profile.

Loin of Pork (Rind On)

Tender, mild and produces the best crackling thanks to its even fat layer.

Rolled Shoulder (Boneless)

Richer, more marbled and extremely juicy — perfect for slow roasting.

Rack of Pork

A visually stunning option with amazing tenderness.

Choose pork if:

• Crackling is non-negotiable

• You’re feeding a larger group affordably

• You want a roast that works with both sweet (apple) and savoury (sage, mustard) flavours

3. Turkey: Rolled, Stuffed, or Whole

Best for: Traditionalists, entertainers, and families who want a lighter roast
Serves: 4–12 depending on style and size

Turkey is the hero of many Christmas tables, but choosing the right one matters.

Rolled Turkey Breast (Fresh Free Range)

Lean, tender and super easy to carve. Perfect for smaller families.

Stuffed Turkey Breast (Sweet or Savoury)

Adds flavour, moisture and a festive twist.

• Sweet: cranberry notes

• Savoury: herbs and aromatics
  Both are gluten-free.

Full Turkey (Free Range Pasture Raised)

Best for bigger gatherings and that traditional “wow” moment.

Choose turkey if:

• You want a lighter, leaner Christmas roast

• You need something easy to portion

• Your family enjoys classic cranberry, stuffing and gravy pairings

4. Naturally Wood-Smoked Hams (Whole, Half, or Boneless)

Best for: Families wanting an easy, crowd-pleasing roast that feeds many
Serves: 6–20+ depending on size

Ham is a low-stress Christmas option — pre-cooked, flavour-packed, and always a crowd favourite.

Ham on the Bone

Moist, full flavour, excellent for large groups. Best texture and slicing.

Boneless Leg Ham

Easy to carve and ideal for smaller families.

Pair with Rendina Ham Glaze or Rendina Cranberry Sauce for the perfect finish.

Choose ham if:

• You want a simple, no-fail option

• You're feeding a big group

• You love leftovers (ham lasts beautifully)

5. Chicken (Organic Whole Chicken)

Best for: Small families or those who prefer something simple and organic
Serves: 3–5

If you’re hosting a more intimate Christmas lunch, a beautifully raised Organic Chicken can be the perfect solution. It’s clean, tender, and pairs with practically every side.

Choose chicken if:

• You’re cooking for a small group

• You want organic, biodynamic quality

• You want maximum flavour with minimal prep

So… What’s the Best Roast for Your Christmas?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• For premium flavour & indulgence: Beef Rib Eye Roast

• For crispy crackling & big groups: Pork (Loin, Leg, Shoulder, or Rack)

• For tradition & versatility: Turkey (Rolled, Stuffed, or Whole)

• For easy entertaining & leftovers: Ham on the Bone

• For small, clean-eating families: Organic Chicken

Still unsure? The team at Rendina’s Butchery is always happy to help you pick the perfect size, cut, and cooking approach.

Ready to Order Your Christmas Roast?

Browse our full Christmas range and secure your order early — quality free-range, organic and biodynamic options sell out fast.