Coffee, Turkey and Christmas?

Planning ahead for Christmas 2025? Here’s some tips…

Coffee expert reveals the TikTok hack that could transform your Christmas turkey if it was lacklustre in 2024. For many Brits, the festive feast doesn’t always go to plan. So planning well ahead is always a good idea.

Turkey has earned a reputation as one of the trickiest festive dishes to master. But for Christmas TikTok has been awash with home cooks rubbing their leftover coffee grounds on chicken and steak – and now, the trend made its way to Christmas turkeys. For the coffee lovers out there, Philips’ in-house coffee expert is sharing why this hack might just become your new festive tradition.

Lizzie O’Connell, Head of Philips Espresso:

“For anyone with a coffee machine, it can be tricky to figure out what to do with leftover coffee grounds. But believe it or not, they could bring a delicious flavour to your turkey. Many people overcomplicate their prep or spend extra on store-bought rubs and marinades. Using coffee grounds, something most households already have is a simple and cost-effective way to elevate your Christmas roast.

“Coffee grounds are surprisingly versatile in cooking and can help bring a unique and smoky flavour to your meat. “Not only can they enhance the taste but can also help tackle the common challenge of dry turkey. Try making marinade, a dry rub, or even adding to your gravy.”

Heidi’s top tips on how to use your coffee grounds at Christmas

Create a coffee dry rub:

To create a delicious dry rub, combine coffee grounds with brown sugar, salt, peppers and spices like garlic powder, paprika and cinnamon. Rub this mixture all over the turkey before roasting. The coffee will help to add a smoky, rich flavour to the meat.

Marinate for tenderness:

Try mixing your coffee with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and your favourite herbs to create a marinade. Let the turkey sit in this mixture overnight – this will help the coffee tenderize the meat, making it juicy and moist when cooked.

Add coffee to your gravy:

After roasting, try using the drippings and any leftover coffee grounds to create a rich gravy. By adding the turkey drippings, a bit of stock and a spoonful of coffee grounds, you can create a deep, delicious flavour. Simmer for a few minutes, strain and serve alongside your turkey.

Create crispy skin:

Coffee can also help create a crispy, caramelised crust to your turkey when roasted. By adding it to a rub along with a bit of sugar and salt, you can create a perfectly golden, crunchy skin that’s still packed with flavour.