As the holiday season draws near, the excitement builds to create a memorable Christmas dinner. The main event – the perfect main dish recipe – takes center stage. To elevate your festive feast, we’ve curated a selection of hearty and elegant options that promise to impress your guests and be the highlight of your holiday table.
From traditional glazed baked ham to a show-stopping whole roast turkey or adventurous rack of lamb, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to steal the spotlight on Christmas Day.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Indulge in the quintessential flavors of autumn with this show-stopping Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast recipe. The result is nothing short of extraordinary – a turkey breast that’s so tender and juicy, you’ll be spoiled for choice. What sets this dish apart is the clever use of apple cider to create a brine that infuses every bite with the essence of fall. And the best part?
This no-fuss recipe requires minimal effort, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken
What makes the perfect holiday roasted chicken is its unwavering simplicity. This one-pot wonder, ideal for both special occasions and everyday meals, yields a truly show-stopping result. The trifecta of garlic, lemon, and rosemary creates a depth of flavor that’s sure to please even the pickiest palates. And the best part? This dish pairs beautifully with an array of festive side dishes, making it a staple for any holiday gathering – whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
While traditional roasted turkeys are certainly a staple during the holiday season, not everyone has the time or desire to prepare a massive meal. Fortunately, there’s an alternative that still yields delicious results without requiring hours in the kitchen: the humble sheet pan turkey breast dinner. This recipe is a game-changer for those who want to enjoy all the flavors and textures of a traditional Thanksgiving spread without the hassle of cooking a whole bird.
Holiday Beef Wellington
This year, consider elevating your Thanksgiving dinner with a show-stopping holiday beef wellington. The star of this dish is the tender beef tenderloin, paired with an array of rich flavors like prosciutto and parma ham, rosemary, thyme, earthy mushrooms, caramelized shallots, and more. With its straightforward preparation process, this decadent recipe is sure to impress your holiday guests.
Sheet Pan Crab Legs
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Old Bay, butter, garlic, and lemon as you savor each succulent bite of these mouthwatering snow crab legs. With their distinct yet delightful taste, they’re sure to leave everyone in a state of culinary bliss. Perfectly cooked on a sheet pan for an effortless dining experience.
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
The allure of this cranberry holiday beef brisket lies in its ability to effortlessly evoke the spirit of the season. Whether you’re celebrating a Jewish holiday, looking for a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, or simply seeking a flavorful meal to brighten up any day, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender beef and tangy cranberries creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Pot Roast with Red Wine
Indulge in the tender and flavorful slow cooker pot roast with red wine, a comforting meal that requires minimal effort yet yields maximum results. As the hours pass, the savory scent of slow-cooked goodness wafts through your home, inviting everyone to gather ’round.
Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
A special occasion deserves a truly exceptional meal, which is exactly what you’ll get when you smoke a sweet onion honey glazed ham on your pellet grill. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this recipe is sure to impress. The result is a mouthwatering ham that’s both juicy and packed with rich flavors. By applying the glaze, you can rest assured that the ham will remain tender and moist, while the flavor is nothing short of phenomenal.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Transform your holiday gatherings with the rich flavors of smoked turkey breast. This mouthwatering recipe is a game-changer for any occasion, and mastering the art of smoking it over wood chips or pellets will elevate you to expert status. The result is a tender, juicy, and delightfully flavorful turkey that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Simply fire up your Traeger grill or pellet smoker and get ready to wow your family with this show-stopping main course.
Check out the recipe below to start cooking up a storm!
Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables
What sets this Instant Pot pork loin roast apart is its remarkable speed, allowing you to achieve the same tender results in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods like slow cooking or braising. The end result is an incredibly effortless and stress-free dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Imagine the excitement of serving a show-stopping cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak at your next holiday gathering. The mere thought of this dish evokes a sense of indulgence and delight. And yet, despite its impressive presentation, this recipe remains surprisingly accessible. With minimal prep work required, you can effortlessly create a mouthwatering main course that’s sure to impress guests of all ages.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, this decadent flank steak is the perfect centerpiece for your festive feast.
Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin
Add some excitement to your Thanksgiving gathering with this indulgent Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin recipe. The combination of tender pork, crispy bacon, and sweet maple syrup creates a truly mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Who doesn’t love the magic of bacon making everything better? This show-stopping main course is perfect for a special occasion like Thanksgiving.
Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade
A show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday gathering, this turkey roulade is infused with the flavors of tart cherries, earthy chestnuts, and fragrant herbs. The crowning glory is a rich red wine-soaked cherry sauce that adds depth and visual appeal to the dish.
Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken
For Thanksgiving, skip the usual turkey-centric focus and treat your guests to something new: Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken. This mouthwatering main course is not only a crowd-pleaser, but also surprisingly effortless to prepare. In fact, it’s so straightforward that you can easily double the recipe and still have plenty of leftovers for the week following.
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
This Thanksgiving, why not shake things up by serving Air Fryer Country Style Ribs? These tender, juicy, and flavorful treats are incredibly easy to prepare and will be the star of your holiday feast. Made with thick country-style ribs, a light seasoning, and your go-to BBQ sauce, these ribs are sure to become a new tradition. Simply toss the ribs in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry them until caramelized and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Finish them off with a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce for an unbeatable combination.
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
Looking for an innovative way to cook your turkey this holiday season? Consider opting for Dutch Oven Turkey Breast instead of roasting a whole bird. This impressive dish is sure to impress with its tender, flavorful, and moist texture, all thanks to the combination of a dry rub brine, fresh herbs, and juicy lemons. Not only will it save you time and effort compared to traditional turkey roasting methods, but it also yields a richly flavored result that’s perfect for your holiday feast.
Roasted Turkey Leg
Craving a juicy turkey flavor without the hassle of cooking a whole bird? Look no further than our simplified yet satisfying Roasted Turkey Leg recipe. This clever alternative takes less time and effort to prepare, yielding equally impressive results that will satisfy your cravings.
Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
In the quest for a hassle-free yet mouth-watering main course, I’ve discovered an unbeatable winner: Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast. This crowd-pleaser has become my go-to option when I need to serve a smaller group or family, as it consistently yields tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned results.
Fig-Spiced Turkey
Indulge in the rich flavors of this extraordinary fig-spiced turkey, an absolute must-have for your Christmas feast. Your loved ones are sure to be impressed by the delightful combination of sweet and savory notes that elevate this dish to a whole new level. Make it a part of your holiday tradition and get ready to receive rave reviews from your family and friends!
Cioppino Recipe (Seafood Stew)
Immerse yourself in the warm, comforting essence of Cioppino, San Francisco’s iconic seafood stew. This hearty, one-pot masterpiece is brimming with an assortment of succulent seafood treasures, including shrimp, clams, mussels, white fish, and crab legs. The rich, velvety broth, crafted from a harmonious blend of tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock, tenderly envelops each bite, making it a beloved family favorite perfect for special weeknight or holiday gatherings.
Stuffed Lamb Recipe
This winter, elevate your holiday dinner party with a show-stopping stuffed American lamb recipe, perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of cranberry pesto. By incorporating fresh basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts into the sauce, you’ll create a gorgeously festive centerpiece that’s sure to impress. The rich flavor profile of lamb makes it an ideal choice for a holiday meal, offering a slightly more indulgent alternative to traditional main courses.
Its natural affinity with winter herbs and flavors ensures a harmonious marriage of tastes in this recipe.
Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens
For a unique and impressive dish, look no further than sausage-stuffed Cornish hens. These petite birds are adaptable enough to be served at both special occasions and casual weeknight dinners. The magic lies in the flavorful filling, a harmonious blend of savory sausage and nutty wild rice. This delightful mixture is then complemented by an aromatic compound butter infused with herbs, all of which comes together in a golden-brown roasted masterpiece.
Dr. Pepper Ham (Crockpot Recipe)
During the holiday season, whipping up a delicious Dr. Pepper Ham in your slow cooker is an excellent way to simplify mealtime. This delectable dish combines sweet and tangy flavors from Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, and pineapple, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. With limited oven space being a common challenge during this time of year, a crockpot ham is the ideal solution for a stress-free and savory holiday gathering.
Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
A show-stopping main course that’s sure to please the palate, roasted boneless leg of lamb is a culinary delight that transcends seasons. This tender and flavorful cut of meat boasts a mild taste profile, making it an excellent choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a satisfying meal, this versatile dish is sure to hit the spot.
With its effortless preparation and variety of cooking methods available, roasted boneless leg of lamb is an ideal option for any culinary adventure.
Roasted Duck
Savoring the sweet and savory flavors, this indulgent roasted duck recipe yields a succulent exterior with a crispy caramelized crust, perfectly balanced by a tender and juicy interior. A show-stopping centerpiece for any dinner gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Prime Rib
When it comes to making an impression on your holiday guests, few dishes are as impressive as a perfectly cooked prime rib. This show-stopping cut of beef has a certain allure that’s hard to resist, especially if you’re looking for a alternative to traditional turkey. The key to a successful prime rib is finding the right balance between tenderness and flavor, which can be achieved with a bit of patience and some careful cooking techniques.
Whether you’re hosting a small intimate gathering or a larger family celebration, prime rib is sure to impress.
Chicken Fricassee
The iconic Chicken Fricassee, a quintessential French comfort food dish, is a culinary haven that wraps tender chicken thighs in a silky cream sauce, tempered by the subtle tang of white wine. This indulgent recipe is perfect for when you’re seeking solace in a warm and satisfying meal.
Spatchcock Turkey
This delectable spatchcock turkey recipe takes the classic whole bird and gives it a twist by brining it before flattening and roasting until golden brown. The result is a tender, juicy turkey that cooks significantly faster than its traditional roasted counterpart. Perfect for busy holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, this unique cooking method yields a mouthwatering main course that’s sure to impress.
Mustard Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of France with this delectable Creamy Mustard Chicken Recipe, a timeless classic that will leave you smitten. Envision tender, fall-apart chicken slow-cooked to perfection and luxuriating in a velvety mustard sauce that’s as savory as it is aromatic.
Sweet And Sticky Char Siu (Chinese Bbq Pork)
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of authentic Chinese BBQ pork, also known as char siu, with this simple recipe. By following these easy steps, you can recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, we’ll show you how to make char siu that’s sure to impress.
Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken
Indulge in the bold flavors of China with this innovative Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken recipe, a creative fusion of roasted chicken and the classic Peking duck. When cravings strike for that quintessential Peking duck taste, but chicken is all you have on hand, this recipe serves as the perfect solution, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes in every bite.
Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast
For a delectable twist on traditional roasts, try the Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast. This mouthwatering dish begins with tender venison backstrap or tenderloin marinating in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce before being roasted to perfection in either the oven or air fryer. With this effortless recipe, you’ll be enjoying a show-stopping centerpiece for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, the first day of deer season, or even Father’s Day dinner.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon In Foil Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of baked salmon in foil, where a whole side of flaky fish is transformed into a succulent masterpiece infused with the brightness of lemon and the pungency of garlic butter sauce. This show-stopping centerpiece is perfect for special occasions like holiday dinners, but it’s also an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying dinner any night of the week. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an incredibly easy and convenient recipe to prepare.
Pineapple Ham
Serving as the pièce de résistance on any table, this succulent pineapple ham is sure to impress. Its warm and juicy spiral shape is perfectly complemented by sweet roasted pineapple, plump maraschino cherries, and a rich brown sugar glaze that adds depth and complexity. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or just looking for a special touch for Sunday dinner, this show-stopping ham checks all the boxes.
Easy Prime Rib Roast With Horseradish Cream
Indulge in the ultimate celebration of flavor with this delectable Salt and Pepper Crusted Prime Rib Roast recipe. A show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a special gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to impress. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
