Are you planning out your Christmas menu? I’ve got 30 Main Courses for Christmas that are perfect for your festive dinner. Your friends and family will love these tasty main courses.
If you want to stick to the traditional turkey and not change things up, I’ve got 40 Terrific Holiday Turkey Recipes that will add some flare to your holiday dinner table!
Table of Contents
Turkey
From classic roasted turkey to smoked turkey, there are so many different ways to make this holiday staple. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered with these delicious recipes.
Cheesecloth Herb Butter Turkey
Cheesecloth Herb Butter Turkey by Noshing With The Nolands is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare your turkey. This recipe gives you a juicy and tender bird every time.
Oven Roasted Turkey
Oven Roasted Turkey by Peas and Crayons is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with its juicy meat and crispy skin. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, leaving you more time to spend with loved ones during the busy holiday season.
Turkey Brine
This Turkey Brine by Noshing With the Nolands is a must-try recipe for any holiday meal. Brining is the process of soaking meat in a salt solution to tenderize and infuse it with flavor, and it can make all the difference when it comes to cooking turkey.
Herbed Mayonnaise Roast Turkey
Herbed Mayonnaise Roast Turkey by Nutmeg Nanny is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. It’s the perfect turkey recipe for the holiday season.
Smoked Turkey
Smoked Turkey by Noshing With The Nolands is a great way to save oven space during the busy holiday season. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a delicious and hassle-free turkey cooking experience.
Simple Herb and Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast
Simple Herb and Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast by Flavor The Moments is a great way to make turkey if you are feeding a small family. The herb and garlic marinade adds incredible flavor to the tender and juicy meat, making this dish perfect for any special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast by Rachel Cooks is a flavorful and easy way to serve up turkey for your holiday dinner. This recipe features a succulent turkey breast coated in a savory herb butter mixture and roasted to perfection.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Turkey Breast by Noshing With The Nolands is a great way to get your holiday main dish done in record time. This recipe is perfect for a small family or if you want turkey for any time!
Simple Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey
Simple Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey by Neighbor Food is a simple way to make this holiday favorite. If you are looking for an easy recipe, this is the one for you.
Roast Turkey
Are you making a turkey for the holidays this year? In this Roast Turkey 101 post by Noshing With The Nolands, you will find all the tips that you need to make the perfect turkey.
Ham
Ham is always a staple on our holiday table, whether it’s a glazed spiral ham or a slow-cooked honey mustard ham. But sometimes, we like to switch things up and try new recipes. So, I’ve found a few of the best recipes there are to help you with your meal planning.
How to Cook A Ham
Are you making ham for the first time? This How to Cook A Ham post by Noshing With The Nolands will give you all the best tips to get the perfect ham.
Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
This Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham Recipe by Wonky Wonderful is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering! The unique combination of pineapple and honey adds a delicious twist to the traditional glazed ham. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy hosts.
Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham
This Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham by Julie’s Eats and Treats is a great way to save space in your oven and still have a delicious, moist and flavorful ham for your holiday meal.
Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham
This Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham by Back To Her Roots is an easy and delicious way to serve up a juicy ham for your holiday gathering. Made with only five simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy hosts who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Poultry
If you are not a fan of turkey, why not try chicken instead? I’ve got some great recipes to help you use this versatile protein and still impress your guests.
Five-Spiced Grilled Cornish Hens with Mongolian Barbeque Sauce
Five-Spiced Grilled Cornish Hens with Mongolian Barbeque Sauce by Blackberrybabe is guaranteed to add some spice to your next barbecue! These succulent Cornish hens are marinated in a flavorful blend of five-spice powder, garlic, and soy sauce before being grilled to perfection.
Chicken Casserole
This Chicken Casserole by Noshing With Nolands is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. Made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy vegetables, it’s a one-dish meal that will satisfy your cravings and warm you up from the inside out. Substitute turkey with your leftovers, and you have a whole new meal.
Oven Roasted Chicken with Lemon Garlic Butter
Oven Roasted Chicken with Lemon Garlic Butter by Joyful Healthy Eats is a great way to make chicken for guests. This recipe is easy to make, delicious, and can be prepared in just a few simple steps. The lemon garlic butter adds a burst of fresh flavor to the tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.
Beef
Sometimes beef is just the perfect protein for your holiday meal. And there are some delicious recipes to help make your dinner even more special. Here are a few of my holiday favorites.
Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon
Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon by Noshing With The Nolands is a rich and hearty beef stew that is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or special occasion, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Perfect Beef Wellington
This Perfect Beef Wellington by Noshing With The Nolands is a show-stopping dish that is perfect for special occasions. It combines tender beef fillet and flaky puff pastry to create a mouth-watering meal that will impress any guest.
Roast Beef 101
Making roast beef for dinner is always a favorite, and this Roast Beef 101 by Noshing With The Nolands has all the tips that you need to know to get the perfect roast beef.
Pan-Seared Filet Mignon
Pan-Seared Filet Mignon by Noshing With The Nolands is a gourmet meal that’s great for feeding a small crowd. The filet mignon is a tender and flavorful cut of beef, perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in a delicious meal.
Pork
Pork is another great change up from the usual. The recipes below are all looking scrumptious! You will find something your whole family will love on this list.
Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Mint Sauce
Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Mint Sauce by Nutmeg Nanny is a colorful and tender dish that is perfect for any special occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of juicy blackberries with the refreshing taste of mint to create a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the succulent pork tenderloin.
Pork Rib Roast
This Pork Rib Roast by Noshing With The Nolands is fit for a celebration. This roast turns out so flavorful, juicy and tender you will want to make it part of Christmas every year!
Lamb
Lamb is great for holidays because it is a rich and flavorful meat that always impresses guests. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes and can be prepared in many different ways, making it a versatile option for any gathering.
Smoked Rack of Lamb
This Smoked Rack of Lamb by Noshing With A Nolands is a perfect dish for any special occasion. The rich and savory flavor of the lamb pairs perfectly with the smoky aroma from being cooked on a grill or smoker. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks by Erren’s Kitchen are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with rich, savory flavors. These shanks are cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
BBQ Leg of Lamb
This BBQ Leg of Lamb by BBQing With The Nolands is a perfect recipe for any gathering. The juicy and flavorful lamb pairs perfectly with the smoky and charred flavors from the grill. This dish is sure to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.
Seafood
From lobster to paella, I’ve got you covered for all your seafood cravings! There is something in this list for everyone!
Grilled Lobster Tails
These Grilled Lobster Tails by BBQing With The Nolands are a delicious and impressive dish to serve at any gathering. The succulent lobster meat is perfectly cooked on the grill, giving it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy marinade.
Seafood Paella
Seafood Paella by Noshing With The Nolands is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering with friends.
Copycat Buca di Beppo Salmon Sorrento
Copycat Buca di Beppo Salmon Sorrento by Noshing With The Nolands is a grilled salmon fillet topped with tomatoes, capers, and lemon butter sauce. This dish is bursting with flavor and always leaves diners wanting more.
Pan Seared Scallops
These Pan Seared Scallops by Amanda’s Cookin is a delicious and elegant dish. The sweet and delicate flavor of the scallops pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon butter sauce, creating a mouth-watering combination.
No matter which one of these recipes you choose, your guests are sure to be impressed with the delicious flavors. Whether you’re looking for a new spin on traditional dishes or want to try something completely different, these recipes will bring something special to your table.
Comments & Reviews
KalynsKitchen says
Thanks for the shout-out! Not sure why I just discovered it, but just pinned to one of my family dinner boards!
Nicole Neverman says
This collection is just perfect! I have been really stuck on what to make for Christmas this year so this is really inspiring 🙂
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
What a mouth watering roundup! Thanks so much for including a couple of mine. Pinned!