My family loves gathering around the table for Christmas dinner, and each year, we try to make it extra special with delicious main dishes.

Having a mix of traditional favorites and new recipes keeps the holiday meal exciting for everyone. Whether it’s a classic roast or something more unique, these dishes are what make our Christmas meal memorable and comforting.

This list of 20 Christmas main dishes has something for every taste. You’ll find everything from juicy Herb-Crusted Prime Rib and Roast Chicken with Garlic and Herbs to lighter options like Baked Honey-Glazed Salmon.

For a unique twist, there’s also Moroccan-spiced lamb and Vegan Nut Roast, giving you lots of choices to suit different diets and preferences. Each dish is crafted to impress, with flavors that feel festive and perfect for the season.

If you’re looking to add something special to your holiday table this year, these main dishes are a wonderful place to start. They’re designed to be flavorful, beautiful, and festive, bringing joy to your Christmas meal. Try one or two from the list, and let these recipes help make your holiday dinner unforgettable for family and friends alike!

1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

This Herb-Crusted Prime Rib is a show-stopping centerpiece with a flavorful herb crust that locks in the juices, creating tender, succulent meat. Perfect for a festive Christmas feast, this dish will impress any crowd.

Time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 (5 lb) prime rib roast
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Prepare Herb Rub: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Season the Roast: Place the prime rib on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Rub the herb mixture all over the roast, pressing to help it adhere.
Roast at High Heat: Place the roast in the oven and cook at 450°F for 20 minutes to sear the outside.
Reduce Heat and Continue Roasting: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C)—Roast for 1.5 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare.
Rest Before Carving: Remove the roast, tent with foil, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Slice thickly and serve.

2. Roast Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

This Roast Chicken is seasoned with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. It’s a comforting, flavorful choice for a Christmas dinner.

Time: 1 hour 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
4 tbsp butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Make Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs and rub half of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter on the outside of the chicken.
Stuff and Truss: If desired, place lemon slices or extra herbs inside the cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Roast the Chicken: Place chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack in a baking pan. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, basting occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165°F.
Rest and Carve: Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

3. Beef Wellington

This luxurious Beef Wellington features tender beef wrapped in mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry. It’s an elegant, impressive dish, perfect for special holiday occasions.

Time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 (2 lb) beef tenderloin
2 tbsp olive oil
10 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
4 slices prosciutto
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sear the Beef: Season beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside to cool.
Make Mushroom Duxelles: In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and become golden, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Wrap with Prosciutto and Mushrooms: Spread Dijon mustard over the beef. Lay prosciutto on plastic wrap, overlapping slices. Spread the mushroom mixture over prosciutto and place beef on top. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Wrap in Puff Pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Remove the beef from the plastic wrap and place it on the pastry, wrapping it around the beef and sealing the edges.
Chill and Preheat Oven: Place wrapped beef seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash and chill for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake and Serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

4. Baked Honey-Glazed Salmon

This Baked Honey-Glazed Salmon is sweet and savory, with a golden glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a delicious, light option that pairs well with fresh sides.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Coat Salmon: Arrange salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Spoon the glaze over each fillet, spreading it to cover.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

5. Herb-Roasted Turkey

This Herb-Roasted Turkey is rubbed with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and butter for crispy skin and tender meat. It’s a classic choice for a grand Christmas feast.

Time: 3.5 hours | Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

1 (12-14 lb) turkey, thawed
½ cup butter softened
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Make Herb Butter: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey dry. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs, spreading half the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.
Stuff Cavity: Place lemon halves and onion inside the cavity.
Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack. Roast for about 3-3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest and Carve: Let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

6. Lamb Shanks Braised with Vegetables

These Lamb Shanks are slow-braised with root vegetables, garlic, and rosemary, creating tender meat that falls off the bone. The long braising time builds rich, savory flavors for a comforting holiday meal.

Time: 3 hours | Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 lamb shanks
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

Season and Sear Lamb Shanks: Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear lamb shanks on all sides until browned, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the beef broth and add rosemary, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
Return Lamb and Braise: Place lamb shanks back into the pot, ensuring they’re partially submerged in the liquid. Cover and place in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven. Braise for 2.5-3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Serve: Serve lamb shanks with braised vegetables and sauce.

7. Cranberry and Orange Roast Duck

This Cranberry and Orange Roast Duck features tender meat with a crispy skin, infused with the flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange. The slightly tart cranberry-orange glaze adds a festive touch to this elegant holiday main.

Time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 whole duck (4-5 lbs)
1 cup fresh cranberries
Zest and juice of 1 orange
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Duck: Pat the duck dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Make Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey, and olive oil. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
Roast Duck: Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting with the cranberry-orange glaze every 20 minutes.
Finish and Serve: When the skin is crispy and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F, remove the duck from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

8. Stuffed Butternut Squash

This Stuffed Butternut Squash is a beautiful vegetarian main dish filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for a festive holiday meal.

Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Squash: Drizzle the butternut squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender.
Prepare Filling: While the squash roasts, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in cooked quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stuff Squash: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and turn it upside down. Fill each squash cavity with the quinoa mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve warm.

9. Garlic Butter Roasted Lobster Tails

These Garlic Butter Roasted Lobster Tails are a luxurious and impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Each bite is tender and buttery, infused with garlic and a hint of lemon.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 lobster tails
4 tbsp melted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down to the fin. Pull apart the shell slightly and gently lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell.
Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Brush with Butter: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and generously brush the garlic butter over each one, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Roast Lobster Tails: Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

10. Maple Glazed Turkey Ham

This Maple Glazed Turkey Ham is sweet and savory with a beautiful golden glaze. The maple syrup caramelizes as it bakes, creating a delicious crust that pairs perfectly with the tender meat.

Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

1 (3 lb) turkey ham
½ cup maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Score Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the turkey ham in a crisscross pattern to help the glaze penetrate.
Apply Glaze: Place the turkey ham in a roasting pan and brush generously with the glaze.
Bake and Baste: Bake for 1 hour, basting with more glaze every 15 minutes, until the ham is golden and caramelized.
Serve: Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

11. Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens

These Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens are a charming and flavorful holiday main, seasoned with a blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for individual servings, they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Time: 1 hour 20 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 Cornish hens
4 tbsp olive oil
2 lemons, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Season Hens: Rub the olive oil mixture all over each Cornish hen, inside and out. Place lemon slices inside the cavities.
Roast Hens: Place the hens on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, basting with pan juices halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

12. Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Roast

This Moroccan-spiced lamb Roast is infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, creating a flavorful and aromatic main dish. Perfectly tender, it’s an exotic twist on a holiday classic.

Time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 (3 lb) boneless lamb leg
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make Spice Rub: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, salt, and pepper to make a paste.
Season Lamb: Rub the spice mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Roast the Lamb: Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a pan and roast for 1.5-2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F for medium-rare.
Rest and Slice: Allow the lamb to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

13. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice (Vegetarian)

This Stuffed Acorn Squash is filled with a savory wild rice blend, cranberries, and nuts. It’s a beautiful and hearty vegetarian main dish that brings warmth and seasonal flavors to the holiday table.

Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
1 cup cooked wild rice
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roast Squash: Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
Prepare Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in wild rice, cranberries, and nuts. Season with salt and pepper.
Stuff Squash: Remove the squash from the oven and turn the cut-side up. Spoon the wild rice mixture into each squash half.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes. Serve warm.

14. Roast Beef with Garlic and Rosemary

This Roast Beef with Garlic and Rosemary is a classic holiday dish, seasoned simply with fresh garlic and rosemary for a flavorful crust. It’s tender and juicy, making it a perfect centerpiece for Christmas dinner.

Time: 1 hour 30 mins | Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

1 (4 lb) beef roast (such as sirloin or ribeye)
3 tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Prepare Seasoning: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a paste.
Season the Roast: Rub the garlic and rosemary mixture all over the roast, pressing it into the meat.
Roast at High Heat: Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes at 450°F to create a crust.
Reduce Heat and Continue Cooking: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
Rest and Slice: Allow the roast to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

15. Lemon Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs

These Lemon Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a holiday main dish. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter gives the chicken a rich, comforting flavor with a hint of brightness from the lemon. It’s an easy dish that looks beautiful on the table and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
4 tbsp butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Season Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for extra flavor.
Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any extra pan juices over the chicken for added flavor.

16. Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

These Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are filled with a savory mixture of mushrooms, spinach, and cheese, creating a flavorful, juicy dish that’s perfect for a festive dinner.

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella.
Prepare Chicken: Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice through. Season with salt and pepper.
Stuff and Secure: Spoon the mushroom and spinach filling into each pocket and secure it with toothpicks.
Bake: Place chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve warm.

17. Pesto-Crusted Salmon Fillet

This Pesto-Crusted Salmon Fillet is flavorful and vibrant, with a crunchy pesto and breadcrumb topping. It’s a healthy, quick main dish that’s perfect for a lighter Christmas meal.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
½ cup pesto
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix pesto with breadcrumbs and olive oil to create a thick paste.
Coat Fillets: Spread the pesto mixture over each salmon fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Serve with a garnish of fresh basil if desired.

18. Grilled Leg of Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce

This Grilled Leg of Lamb is tender and flavorful, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. It’s a unique and festive main dish that’s ideal for Christmas gatherings.

Time: 1 hour 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 (4 lb) leg of lamb, boneless
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Mint Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Lamb: Rub the marinade over the lamb leg, covering all sides. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Grill Lamb: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill lamb for 15-20 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare.
Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, and salt.
Rest and Slice: Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the mint yogurt sauce on the side.

19. Vegan Nut Roast with Cranberry Glaze

This Vegan Nut Roast is hearty, packed with nuts, vegetables, and herbs, and topped with a sweet cranberry glaze. It’s a delicious main dish that’s perfect for a plant-based holiday meal.

Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews), chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, grated
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Glaze:

½ cup cranberry sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
Prepare Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, and carrot, cooking until softened. Transfer to a bowl and stir in chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
Shape and Bake: Press the nut mixture firmly into the loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes.
Make Glaze: Mix cranberry sauce and maple syrup in a small bowl.
Glaze and Bake Again: Spread the cranberry glaze on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

20. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

This Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb is seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs and garlic, and then roasted to tender perfection. It’s an elegant and flavorful main course that’s ideal for Christmas dinner.

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 rack of lamb (about 1.5 lbs)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Herb Crust: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
Season Lamb: Rub the herb mixture generously over the lamb, coating all sides.
Roast Lamb: Place the lamb on a roasting pan, bone side down. Roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 130°F in the thickest part.
Rest and Serve: Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your Christmas feast.