Christmas Dinner Main Course Ideas for Every Holiday Table
Whether you want a traditional holiday roast or something a little different, start by choosing the main dish and build the sides around it. This collection focuses on Christmas dinner centerpieces rather than duplicating our complete Christmas menu planner. Choose based on guest count, oven space, budget and whether you need a make-ahead option.
For a full holiday menu see Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas and Free Planner.
Main Courses For Every Christmas Table
Roasts Galore
When the Christmas table calls for a roast... one of these will do perfectly...
Prime Rib Roast Recipe
This juicy bone-in prime rib roast with a garlicky crust and rich au jus is the ultimate centerpiece for a holiday meal or special occasion.
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onion Au Jus.
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onion Au Jus: savory, decadent, buttery, and so full of flavor...perfect for a very special night. @halfbakedharvest.com
Prime Rib Recipe (VIDEO)
This garlic-crusted Prime Rib Recipe results in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender beef. Learn how to trim, tie and cook a standing rib roast.
Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
This rack of lamb is coated with garlic and fresh herbs, then roasted in the oven until tender and juicy. The perfect recipe for any special occasion.
Apricot Glazed Ham (The Best Ham I Have EVER Had!)
If you are looking for the perfect ham to be the star of your Christmas dinner, this apricot glazed ham is it! It has a delicious apricot glaze drizzled on top and it's baked to perfection!
Pork Loin Roast
Roasted with apples and root veggies and finished with a cider gravy, this moist, juicy pork loin roast recipe is as easy to make as it is festive to…
Stuffed Turkey Breasts with Butternut Squash and Figs
Stuffed Turkey Breasts with Butternut Squash and Figs is a wonderful One-Pan Fall dish. Whole30 compliant as well as gluten-free, low-carb, Keto and Paleo.
Standing Rib Roast Recipe
Call it Christmas roast, prime rib or just roast beef, standing rib roast is tender, juicy and flavorful. It's surprisingly easy to make too!
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce
Learn how to make a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin with a rich red wine sauce—perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
Alternatives to a Traditional Christmas Roast
When you want something a little different to a roast...
Baked Salmon
Learn how to make the most perfectly baked salmon in the oven! It takes less than 15 minutes, it's easy to season however you'd like.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash recipe is a delicious fall dinner! It has a flavorful vegetarian filling made with wild rice, mushrooms, and herbs.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Sauce
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Sauce is perfect for a small-scale holiday or family dinner any day of the year!
Mushroom Wellington with Rosemary and Pecans
Loaded with mushrooms, rosemary, and pecans, this Mushroom Wellington recipe is so savory and delicious! Perfect for the holiday table. Vegan-adaptable.
Salmon Wellington
This Salmon Wellington recipe (salmon en croute) is made with buttery puff pastry, salmon, a creamy spinach filling with lemon zest and dill.
Restaurant-Style Chilean Sea Bass
Restaurant-quality pan-seared Chilean sea bass in 15 minutes. It's crisp outside, tender and flaky inside, & served with lemon butter sauce!
Plan the Rest of Your Menu
For a full holiday menu and printable planning help, see Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas and Free Planner. Once you have chosen your main course, add a few Christmas vegetable side dishes and finish the meal with one of these showstopping Christmas desserts.
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Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. The site is full of useful and fun ideas for life and seasonal celebrations. Plus a growing selection of instantly downloadable fun printables and party planners. Read more.