32 Main Dish Recipes for a Perfect Christmas Dinner

Take center stage with these showstopping Christmas main dishes for your holiday dinner. From classic roasts to unique twists, these recipes are guaranteed to impress your guests. Make this year’s feast one to remember with these unforgettable entrees.

Turkey Tenderloin

This is a flavorful herb-roasted turkey tenderloin recipe that’s just perfect for any occasion. It comes out so juicy and succulent.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tenderloin

Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham

A ham, a traditional Thanksgiving main dish, is sitting on a wooden cutting board. — Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked sweet onion honey glazed ham on a pellet grill makes such a delicious meal for a special occasion. Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter would be the perfect time for smoking a ham on a pellet smoker or Traeger grill. This honey ham recipe is juicy, boasting all kinds of rich, wonderful flavours. The glaze ensures it won’t dry out and the flavour is just phenomenal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham

Smoked Turkey Breast

This smoked turkey breast recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, and learning how to smoke it over wood chips or pellets will make you a pro. With juicy and flavorful results, your family will love it, so fire up your Traeger grill or pellet smoker!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

A beef brisket with rosemary and cranberries on a wooden table. — Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cranberry holiday beef brisket is seriously amazing. It’s a lovely dish for the holiday season, Jewish holidays or any time of year you’re feeling festive. A large brisket with fresh cranberries or cranberry jelly is a great recipe for any holiday, special occasion or simply because it’s delicious enough to have any day!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Pot Roast With Red Wine

A crock pot full of roast beef, carrots and potatoes, perfect for Thanksgiving mains. — Pot Roast With Red Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker pot roast with red wine is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for preparing in the morning and letting cook all day. When you return, the mouth-watering aroma that fills your home is just a bonus!
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast With Red Wine

Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast With Vegetables

Pork tenderloin on a plate with potatoes and carrots. This is one of the best Instant Pot recipes. — Pork Loin Roast With Vegetables. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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. Pork roast with vegetables makes a very easy dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast With Vegetables

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Sliced meat on a cutting board next to a slow cooker, perfect for friends giving. — Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast is a perfect autumn recipe. I guarantee you’ve never had such moist turkey! It’s juicy and delicious and bursting with fall flavours. Cooking boneless turkey breast in a slow cooker is an easy no fuss dinner. This is the best brined turkey breast and perfect for all the holidays ahead.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken

Thanksgiving main dish featuring succulent roasted chicken seasoned with fragrant rosemary and zesty lemons, elegantly presented on a plate. This is one of the best Thanksgiving main dishes. — The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The key to the best holiday roasted chicken might lie in the simplicity of the recipe. Also ideal for a regular weeknight dinner when you want something a little fancier, this no-fuss, one-pot whole chicken is a real winner. Garlic, lemon, and rosemary add subtle, delicious flavors, and you will find just about any festive side dishes that go perfectly alongside this juicy chicken. Add this Thanksgiving or Christmas roast chicken to your holiday menu!
Get the Recipe: The Best Holiday Roasted Chicken

Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner

Thanksgiving sheet pan recipe featuring roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. — Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Turkey is something many of us only eat once a year (more than once if you’re counting all the meals from leftovers!) But if you don’t want to cook a huge turkey, you might prefer this sheet pan turkey breast dinner instead. You still get all the flavor and deliciousness of cooking a whole bird and sides, but with a simpler method. This is one of the best Thanksgiving sheet pan recipes!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner

Holiday Beef Wellington

Beef wellington on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs. — Holiday Beef Wellington. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

What about making holiday beef wellington for Thanksgiving dinner this year? It’s made with beef tenderloin, the most tender cut of beef, along with flavourful ingredients such as prosciutto parma ham, rosemary, thyme, mushrooms, shallot, and more. This Thanksgiving or Christmas beef wellington recipe is straightforward to make and it’s a wonderfully decadent meal for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington

Sheet Pan Crab Legs

Crab legs on a baking sheet with lemon slices, perfect for a seafood Thanksgiving feast. — Sheet Pan Crab Legs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Flavored with Old Bay, butter, garlic, and lemon, these juicy crab legs are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Crab has a distinctive taste and these snow crab legs are always a nice treat.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Crab Legs

Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin

Bacon wrapped pork on a wooden cutting board. — Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Looking for something unique for your Thanksgiving table? This Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin is a smoky, flavorful dish that the family will love. Bacon makes everything better, right?
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin

Fig-Spiced Turkey

Fig-spiced whole turkey served on a dish with fruits. — Fig-spiced Turkey . Photo credit: Muy Bueno.

This turkey is full of flavor and one you will need to add to your menu list this Christmas! The family will love this delicious turkey recipe.
Get the Recipe: Fig-Spiced Turkey

Cioppino

A bowl of seafood stew with bread and clams, ideal for a main course. — Cioppino. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Cioppino is a comforting San Franciscan seafood stew filled with shrimp, clams, mussels, white fish, and crab legs all simmered in a rich broth made from tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock. A family favorite, enjoy this easy and delicious one-pot seafood stew for a special weeknight or holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino

Stuffed Lamb

A plate of Turkey with cranberries and rosemary. — Stuffed Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A simple cranberry pesto made with basil, mint, garlic and pine nuts makes this stuffed American lamb recipe a gorgeously festive and delicious winter dish perfect as a holiday dinner party centerpiece. Lamb is the perfect meat for a holiday dinner because it’s just a llittlebit more special than the rest and truly complements winter herbs and flavors so well.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Lamb

Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens

Two roasted chickens on a plate with Thanksgiving herbs. — Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Little Ferraro Kitchen.

Sausage stuffed Cornish hens are petite birds that are perfect for a special occasion or easy enough to roast for a weeknight dinner at home. The Cornish hens are stuffed with a flavorful sausage and wild rice mixture and rubbed with an herbaceous compound butter that is roasted to golden perfection.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens

Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

A Thanksgiving main dish featuring a succulent roasted chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet. — Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken is a moist and delicious entree for your Thanksgiving table. It’s easier than a whole Turkey and you can make two and have leftover chicken for the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

Thanksgiving Mains: Bbq ribs on a white plate. — Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

Change things up this Thanksgiving with these Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. They are full of tender, juicy, flavors. You won’t believe how fast this dish comes together. Made with thick, country-style ribs, light seasoning, and your favorite bbq sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

Oven roasted turkey breast in a Dutch oven with lemon and rosemary. — Dutch Oven Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Quiche My Girls.

Dutch Oven Turkey Breast is the perfect alternative to roasting a whole turkey during the holidays. It’s moist, tender, and loaded with flavor from the dry rub brine, fresh herbs, and juicy lemons!
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

Roasted Turkey Leg

In the mood for turkey but don’t want to roast an entire turkey? Try this Turkey Leg Recipe! It’s easier, faster, and just as tasty, if not more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Leg

Roast Turkey Breast

This easy Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast is my favorite no-fuss alternative to a full-size turkey. Perfect for smaller groups or families, the result is juicy, delicious, perfectly seasoned roast turkey breast every time!
Get the Recipe: Roast Turkey Breast

Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast

A succulent Thanksgiving turkey on a cutting board with a knife. — Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast. Photo credit: Grits and Gouda.

Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast is marinated in teriyaki sauce before roasting in the oven or air fryer. Best and easiest venison backstrap or tenderloin recipe! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, first day of deer season or Fathers Day dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon In Foil

Salmon in foil with lemon slices and dill is a delicious MAINS dish that can be enjoyed for Thanksgiving. — Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon In Foil. Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

Baked salmon in foil is a moist, flavorful, and flaky whole side of salmon infused with lemon garlic butter sauce. It makes a nice centerpiece for your holiday dinner table, and it’s also perfect to make for dinner without a special occasion. Salmon in foil is easy, and ready in under half an hour!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon In Foil

Pineapple Ham

A festive Thanksgiving main featuring a succulent roasted ham adorned with luscious pineapples and cherries. — Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: Confetti And Bliss.

This succulent pineapple ham is a show-stopping centerpiece. Warm and juicy, our spiral ham features sweet roasted pineapple, maraschino cherries, and a sticky brown sugar glaze. Impressive enough for a holiday meal like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s also easy enough for Sunday supper.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ham

Easy Prime Rib Roast With Horseradish Cream

A Thanksgiving main, a roasted prime rib sits on a cutting board. — Easy Prime Rib Roast With Horseradish Cream. Photo credit: Neighborfood Blog.

It doesn’t get any better (or easier) than this Salt and Pepper Crusted Prime Rib Roast recipe. Save this one for the holidays or anytime you want a celebration-worthy dinner!
Get the Recipe: Easy Prime Rib Roast With Horseradish Cream

Dr. Pepper Ham

A ham is sitting on a wooden table. — Dr. Pepper Ham. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Dr. Pepper Ham is a fantastic holiday meal that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. The glaze includes Dr Pepper, brown sugar, and pineapple, so it’s sweet, tangy, and finger licking good!! Since oven space is always limited during the holidays, a crockpot ham is the perfect solution.
Get the Recipe: Dr. Pepper Ham

Roasted Boneless Leg Of Lamb

A hearty Thanksgiving main featuring roast beef with sides of carrots and potatoes. — Roasted Boneless Leg Of Lamb. Photo credit: Dishes Delish.

Roasted boneless leg of lamb is a delicious and easy to prepare dish that can be enjoyed year-round! This succulent, juicy cut of meat makes for a hearty meal fit for any occasion. With its mild flavor and versatile cooking methods, boneless lamb roast recipe is an excellent choice for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Boneless Leg Of Lamb

Roasted Duck

This roasted duck recipe is caramelized and crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. It’s a gloriously tasty dish that guarantees to be the star of your dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Duck

Prime Rib

Two glasses of red wine on a wooden cutting board, perfect for complementing your Thanksgiving mains. — Prime Rib. Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

Prime rib is one of of those show-stoppers for your table, which makes it perfect for the holidays. If you’re not a fan of turkey or just can’t seem to make it without it being dry and flavorless, prime rib is the way to go!
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib

Chicken Fricassee

A plate with turkey and mushrooms on it, perfect for Thanksgiving mains. — Chicken Fricassee. Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

Chicken Fricassee (or fricasseé – pronounced fri-cah-say) is a classic French comfort food dish. Silky cream sauce coats tender and delicious chicken thighs, while white wine cuts the acidity of the sauce. Perfect for when you’re looking for something cozy to eat!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

Spatchcock Turkey

A Thanksgiving roasted turkey with figs and grapes on a platter. — Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

This spatchcock turkey recipe is 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! Add this to your list of favorite Thanksgiving sheet pan recipes.
Get the Recipe: Spatchcock Turkey

Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

An appetizing Thanksgiving main dish featuring a flavorful roast accompanied by the delightful combination of cranberries and fresh herbs, all beautifully presented on a plate. — Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

How does cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak sound as a Thanksgiving dinner dish? Doesn’t the sound of this recipe make your mouth begin to water? It’s such a great recipe for stuffed flank steak and works well as a New Year, Thanksgiving or Christmas steak recipe when you want something both fancy and tasty. It is so easy to Stuff and roll a butterflied flank steak, so don’t be intimidated.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak