Often, the highlight of the holiday season is the joy of cooking and sharing delicious Christmas dinner main dish recipes with loved ones. Outlining a perfect Christmas Day main dinner entree has become an exciting part of the festivities as the holiday season approaches. Optimizing your festive feast with these hearty and elegant main dish recipes ensures that they will be a highlight of your celebration, serving as the crowning glory of your holiday spread.
Whether you choose to stick with a classic holiday glazed baked ham, opt for a whole roast turkey, or try something new like a rack of lamb, rest assured that your Christmas entree will impress and delight both you and your guests.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Magical aromas of autumn fill the air as you serve this delectable Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast, a recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. I can confidently assure you’ve never savored such incredibly moist and juicy turkey! It’s bursting with the rich flavors of fall, making it an ideal dish for any special occasion or holiday gathering.
The simplicity of cooking boneless turkey breast in a slow cooker is what makes this recipe so effortless and convenient, perfect for busy home cooks who want to impress their family and friends without the fuss.
The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken
Looking closely at the requirements for a truly exceptional holiday roasted chicken, it becomes apparent that simplicity is key. Not only is this recipe ideal for a regular weeknight dinner when you want something a little more upscale, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few essential ingredients like garlic, lemon, and rosemary adding subtle yet delicious flavors, you’ll find that your entire meal comes together seamlessly.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this roast chicken is sure to be the star of your holiday menu!
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
Here’s how many of us tend to approach our turkey consumption – we only eat it once a year (or more than once if you count all the meals from leftovers!). However, cooking a huge turkey can be quite daunting. On the other hand, this sheet pan turkey breast dinner offers an excellent alternative. You’ll still get to enjoy the flavors and deliciousness of cooking a whole bird and sides, but with a much simpler method. This recipe is one of the best Thanksgiving sheet pan recipes available!
Holiday Beef Wellington
Zest up your holiday table with this mouthwatering Beef Wellington recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Made with tender beef tenderloin, paired with rich ingredients such as prosciutto parma ham, fresh rosemary, thyme, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized shallot, and a hint of more, this indulgent dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests with its opulent flavors.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas, this Beef Wellington recipe is sure to become a new family tradition.
Sheet Pan Crab Legs
Sweetly seasoned with the iconic Old Bay seasoning, complemented by rich butter, pungent garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, these succulent crab legs guarantee to spread joy on every face. A culinary delight that never goes out of style, snow crab legs are prized for their unique taste and tender texture, making them an absolute treat for seafood enthusiasts.
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
Making the most of the flavors and ingredients during the holiday season is what this cranberry holiday beef brisket is all about. It’s a fantastic dish that not only fits perfectly into the festive atmosphere but can also be enjoyed at any time of year, especially when you’re looking for something new to try.
A large brisket paired with fresh cranberries or cranberry jelly creates a recipe that’s ideal for Jewish holidays, special occasions, or just because it’s delicious enough to have on any day.
Pot Roast with Red Wine
Savoring a hearty, comforting meal after a long day is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and this slow cooker pot roast with red wine delivers on that promise. By preparing the dish in the morning and letting it cook all day, you’ll come home to a mouth-watering aroma that fills your entire home, creating an enticing atmosphere that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Kickstarting your holiday gatherings with a mouth-watering smoked sweet onion honey glazed ham on a pellet grill is a great way to make any occasion truly special. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.
The combination of the smoky flavor from the pellet smoker or Traeger grill and the rich, sweet flavors from the honey glaze creates a dish that’s both juicy and full of depth, ensuring it won’t dry out even after a long cooking time. With this recipe, you’ll be able to serve up a truly phenomenal meal that will be remembered for a long time.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Learning the art of smoking a turkey breast is an essential skill for any home cook, particularly during holiday gatherings when a tender and juicy main course is highly appreciated. By mastering this recipe and understanding how to smoke the meat over wood chips or pellets, you’ll be able to create a truly mouth-watering dish that your family will cherish, making it perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
To achieve these impressive results, simply fire up your Traeger grill or pellet smoker and follow the steps outlined in our Smoked Turkey Breast recipe.
Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables
With its ability to cook meals quickly, this Instant Pot pork loin roast is an especially great recipe because you can make it in a fraction of the time you’d spend using a slow cooker or Dutch oven. The added bonus of being able to cook vegetables alongside the meat makes for a very easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights when everyone is scrambling to get something on the table quickly.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Taking center stage at your next holiday gathering could be the mouth-watering cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak. This show-stopping recipe is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or Christmas when you want to impress your guests with a dish that’s both elegant and tantalizing.
What’s more, preparing this delightful stuffed flank steak is incredibly easy, requiring just a few simple steps to butterfily the meat and fill it with a delicious cranberry cream cheese mixture, so don’t let its sophistication intimidate you.
Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin
Hosting a special gathering this Thanksgiving season? If you’re searching for an impressive and mouth-watering main course to wow your guests, look no further than our Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin recipe. This indulgent dish is infused with the rich flavors of smoky bacon and pure Canadian maple syrup, creating a culinary experience that’s sure to leave everyone begging for more. After all, as we all know, bacon has a way of elevating even the simplest of dishes into something truly exceptional.
Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade
Tucked away in this stunning dish is a medley of flavors that will surely elevate any holiday gathering. The turkey roulade is carefully stuffed with tart cherries, chestnuts, and an assortment of fragrant herbs. The crowning glory is the rich red wine soaked cherry sauce, which adds an extra layer of depth to the already impressive presentation.
Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken
Often, when planning a large family dinner like Thanksgiving, cooks are overwhelmed by the complexity of recipes and cooking time required to produce a perfect meal. However, Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken is an exception – it’s a simple yet impressive dish that can be prepared in no time and still delight your guests with its flavors.
This recipe requires minimal effort but yields moist and delicious results, making it an ideal option for busy hosts who want to impress their loved ones without slaving away in the kitchen.
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
Roasted Turkey Leg
Our alternative to roasting a whole turkey is perfect for those who still crave the flavors of roasted turkey but don’t want to commit to cooking an entire bird. The turkey leg recipe we’re sharing today is quicker, easier, and just as delicious – if not more so than traditional methods. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite protein, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Keenly sought after by many home cooks, this Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast has become my go-to alternative to a full-sized turkey. Ideal for smaller gatherings or family meals, it consistently yields a juicy, deliciously seasoned roast turkey breast that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters every time!
Fig-Spiced Turkey
Elevate your holiday feast with this mouthwatering Fig-Spiced Turkey, a show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to impress the whole family. Packed with flavor and aromas of sweet figs, this recipe is an absolute must-try for your Christmas menu this year!
Cioppino Recipe (Seafood Stew)
Making waves with its delectable combination of succulent seafood and rich flavors, Cioppino is a quintessential San Franciscan dish that has become a staple in many households. This hearty one-pot stew is packed with a medley of ingredients, including plump shrimp, fresh clams, mussels, tender white fish, and chunks of crab legs, all perfectly balanced by the tangy flavors of tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock.
Whether you’re planning a special weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, Cioppino’s ease of preparation and impressive presentation make it an ideal choice for seafood lovers of all ages. A family favorite, its versatility in serving makes it an excellent option to enjoy with friends and loved ones.
Stuffed Lamb Recipe
Garnishing a simple cranberry pesto made with basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts elevates this stuffed American lamb recipe to become a gorgeously festive and delicious winter dish perfect as a holiday dinner party centerpiece. The use of lamb in this recipe is particularly well-suited for the season, as it offers a touch of luxury that’s just a little bit more special than other meats, and pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of winter herbs.
Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens
Understanding the beauty of a special meal, Sausage stuffed Cornish hens offer a perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. These petite birds are ideal for a grand celebration or can be easily prepared as a weeknight dinner at home. The delicate flavor of the Cornish hens is elevated by a savory sausage and wild rice mixture that is carefully combined with aromatic herbs, all wrapped up in an herbaceous compound butter.
As it’s roasted to golden perfection, the dish unfolds into a true culinary delight.
Dr. Pepper Ham (Crockpot Recipe)
Welcoming the holiday season with a mouth-watering Dr. Pepper Ham dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker. The sweet and tangy glaze, made from Dr Pepper, brown sugar, and pineapple, is sure to become a new family favorite. With limited oven space during the holidays, this crockpot ham recipe is the perfect solution for a hassle-free yet impressive meal.
Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
Garnished with herbs and spices, roasted boneless leg of lamb offers an unparalleled culinary experience that’s accessible to anyone. This mouthwatering cut of meat yields a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for any time of the year. Its simplicity in preparation makes it an ideal option for both special occasions and intimate gatherings at home, where its mild taste can be effortlessly paired with a variety of ingredients.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a satisfying meal, boneless lamb roast recipe is an excellent choice.
Roasted Duck
Kicking off this culinary journey, we present a delectable roasted duck recipe that boasts an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The exterior is caramelized and crispy, while the interior remains tender and juicy – a truly matchless experience for the palate. This mouth-watering dish is sure to be the crowning glory at your dinner table!
Prime Rib
Keenly anticipated by many, prime rib is an excellent choice for holiday gatherings due to its impressive presentation. Whether you’re tired of traditional turkey or struggle with achieving a moist and flavorful dish, prime rib offers a reliable alternative that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Chicken Fricassee
Zeroing in on traditional French cuisine, Chicken Fricassee emerges as a quintessential comfort food dish that exudes warmth and indulgence. The dish boasts a rich tapestry of flavors, with silky cream sauce expertly balancing the tender chicken thighs. A judicious splash of white wine subtly modulates the acidity of the sauce, creating an exquisite harmony of tastes that is nothing short of delightful.
Whether you’re seeking solace in a hearty meal or simply looking to treat yourself, Chicken Fricassee is sure to hit the spot and provide the perfect comfort food experience.
Spatchcock Turkey
Year after year, many home cooks struggle with cooking the perfect whole turkey for their holiday gatherings. This spatchcock turkey recipe is a game-changer – it’s a whole turkey that’s been brined, then flattened and roasted until golden brown. A spatchcocked turkey cooks significantly faster than a traditional roast turkey, and comes out tender and juicy every time! The best part?
It’s incredibly easy to make on a sheet pan, making it a great addition to your list of favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
Mustard Chicken
Embracing the rich flavors of France, get ready to fall head over heels for this Creamy, dreamy Mustard Chicken Recipe. A timeless classic that never fails to impress, it’s a dish that will leave you craving for more. Envision tender, falls-off-the-bone chicken perfectly braised and smothered in a luscious, aromatic mustard sauce that’s both creamy and tantalizing.
Sweet And Sticky Char Siu (Chinese Bbq Pork)
Yearning for a mouth-watering, sweet and sticky char siu? You’ve come to the right place! This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making authentic Chinese BBQ pork in the comfort of your own home. The best part? You can cook it either in the oven or on the grill, depending on your preference for seasonal cooking. This versatility makes it perfect for any time of year.
Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken
Giving you the best of both worlds, this Chinese roast chicken recipe seamlessly blends the flavors and techniques of a roasted chicken with those of a Peking duck. It’s perfect for days when you’re craving the rich, savory taste of Peking duck but only have chicken on hand to work with.
Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast
Unlocking the full flavor potential of your venison, the Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast is a game-changing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Marinated in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe offers an unparalleled depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or simply want to impress your loved ones with a show-stopping main course, this recipe is perfect for any time of year – from the first day of deer season to Fathers Day dinner and beyond.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon In Foil Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial to creating this delectable dish. Baked salmon in foil is a moist, flavorful, and flaky whole side of salmon infused with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that elevates it to new heights. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just a casual dinner night, baked salmon in foil makes an impressive centerpiece for your holiday table. Not only does it look stunning, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare and can be ready in under half an hour.
Pineapple Ham
Sprucing up your holiday table has never been easier than with our succulent pineapple ham. Warm and juicy, this spiral ham is infused with the sweetness of roasted pineapple, the tanginess of maraschino cherries, and a sticky brown sugar glaze that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or simply want to add some excitement to your Sunday supper, this show-stopping centerpiece is sure to satisfy any crowd.
Easy Prime Rib Roast With Horseradish Cream
Delivering unparalleled flavor and tenderness, the Salt and Pepper Crusted Prime Rib Roast recipe is sure to be the crowning glory of any special occasion. Whether it’s the holidays or just an excuse for a celebratory dinner, this show-stopping dish is guaranteed to impress your guests with its rich, savory flavors.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
