I love a traditional holiday dinner, but sometimes I want something other than turkey or ham on the table. A beautiful beef roast, juicy chicken, or even a cozy vegetarian dish can make Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner feel just as special.
These 21 holiday main dishes include everything from prime rib and beef Wellington to pork roast, lamb, seafood, and comforting family favorites. Once you’ve chosen your main course, round out the meal with some easy make-ahead Thanksgiving sides, a few Thanksgiving appetizers, and, when Christmas comes around, something sweet from these Christmas cookie recipes.
1. Prime Rib Recipe by The Pioneer Woman
Prime rib is one of those holiday dinners that looks impressive without needing a complicated recipe. This beautifully roasted beef has a flavorful outside and a tender, juicy center. It’s a wonderful choice for Christmas dinner, especially with mashed potatoes and gravy.
2. Classic Roast Beef Recipe by Simply Recipes
A good roast beef dinner never goes out of style. This recipe uses a budget-friendlier cut of beef, seasoned with garlic and slowly roasted until tender. Serve it with homemade gravy, roasted potatoes, and vegetables for a comforting holiday meal.
3. Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce Recipe by Once Upon a Chef
Beef tenderloin makes a beautiful centerpiece for a special holiday dinner. The meat is seared and roasted until tender, then served with a rich red wine sauce featuring shallots and thyme. It’s elegant enough for Christmas without being overly complicated.
4. Beef Wellington Recipe by Delish
If you’re looking for a holiday dinner that feels extra special, beef Wellington is a wonderful choice. Tender beef is layered with savory mushrooms and prosciutto, wrapped in golden puff pastry, and baked until beautifully browned. Every slice looks impressive on the table.
5. Braised Short Ribs Recipe by Tastes Better From Scratch
These braised beef short ribs are perfect for a cozy holiday dinner. They’re slowly cooked with red wine, vegetables, and fresh herbs until the meat becomes incredibly tender. The rich sauce tastes wonderful spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.
6. Beef Brisket Pot Roast Recipe by Simply Recipes
Beef brisket is a great alternative when you want a hearty holiday meal that doesn’t require an expensive cut of meat. Slowly braised with onions, garlic, and herbs, it becomes tender and flavorful. It’s especially good for a relaxed family gathering.
7. Pork Roast with Crispy Crackling Recipe by RecipeTin Eats
This pork roast is all about tender, juicy meat and beautifully crispy crackling. The pork shoulder cooks slowly before finishing at a higher temperature for that irresistible golden crust. Served with homemade gravy, it’s a satisfying centerpiece for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.
8. Easy Crown Roast of Pork Recipe by Serious Eats
A crown roast of pork makes a stunning holiday centerpiece, with its beautiful circular shape and golden exterior. This recipe uses a slow-roasting method followed by high heat to keep the meat juicy while creating a nicely browned crust.
9. Roasted Pork Loin Recipe by The Kitchn
Roasted pork loin is a lovely choice when you’re feeding a group without wanting to spend all day cooking. This recipe pairs tender, garlic-seasoned pork with roasted apples and a fresh apple sauce, bringing savory and slightly sweet flavors to the holiday table.
10. Easy Oven Roasted Chicken Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish
Sometimes a perfectly roasted chicken is exactly what a holiday dinner needs. This whole chicken is seasoned with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Italian herbs, creating golden skin and juicy meat. It’s a familiar, comforting option that works beautifully with traditional holiday sides.
11. Roasted Cornish Hens Recipe by Jo Cooks
Cornish hens are a wonderful alternative to a large turkey, especially for smaller holiday gatherings. These little birds roast with fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and lemon until golden and flavorful. They look beautiful served individually or sliced in half.
12. Roasted Duck Recipe by Allrecipes
Roasted duck makes a delicious change from traditional Thanksgiving turkey. This simple recipe uses paprika, salt, pepper, and melted butter to bring out the duck’s rich flavor. It’s especially suitable for smaller gatherings and pairs nicely with classic holiday vegetables.
13. Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe by Delish
If you want a chicken dinner that feels a little more festive, this cranberry balsamic chicken is a lovely choice. Juicy chicken thighs cook with fresh cranberries, rosemary, thyme, and a tangy balsamic sauce. The sweet-tart flavors work beautifully for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
14. Pan-Roasted Rack of Lamb Recipe by Serious Eats
Rack of lamb is an elegant option for Christmas dinner or any special holiday gathering. This recipe uses a skillet, butter, garlic, and thyme to create beautifully browned lamb with a tender center. It’s particularly nice when you’re cooking for a smaller group.
15. Mediterranean Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish
A roasted leg of lamb makes a generous and flavorful holiday centerpiece. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines garlic, oregano, mint, lemon, and warm spices, with potatoes cooked alongside the meat. It’s a lovely alternative for families who enjoy traditional roasted dinners.
16. Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe by RecipeTin Eats
This beautiful baked salmon is perfect for a Christmas dinner centerpiece. A whole side of salmon is glazed with honey garlic butter, topped with creamy dill sauce, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and pomegranate seeds. It’s colorful, flavorful, and great for feeding a crowd.
17. Salmon en Croûte Recipe by The Kitchn
Salmon en croûte is a beautiful seafood centerpiece for Christmas or New Year’s dinner. A tender salmon fillet is topped with a creamy spinach mixture flavored with dill and lemon, then wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden.
18. Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen
Lobster tails are perfect when you want to make a holiday dinner feel a little more luxurious. This recipe broils the lobster with garlic, lemon, and seasonings, then finishes it with a rich butter sauce. It looks elegant without requiring hours in the kitchen.
19. Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe by Spend With Pennies
Lasagna is a comforting holiday main dish that’s especially good for feeding a crowd. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted cheese make every serving satisfying. You can also prepare it ahead, which helps on busy celebration days.
20. Mushroom Wellingtons Recipe by Good Food
These individual mushroom Wellingtons are a delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional holiday roasts. Large mushrooms are paired with spinach and Stilton cheese, then wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They bake until golden and make a lovely main course for vegetarian guests.
21. Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe by Love and Lemons
Stuffed acorn squash is a colorful and satisfying vegetarian centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The roasted squash halves are filled with wild rice, mushrooms, apples, pecans, and fresh herbs. It’s hearty, seasonal, and looks beautiful alongside traditional holiday sides.
Final Thoughts
You really don’t have to serve turkey or ham to make a holiday dinner feel special. Whether you go with a beautiful prime rib, a cozy pork roast, seafood, or a vegetarian centerpiece, what matters most is making a meal everyone will enjoy.
Pick the dish that works best for your family, add a few favorite sides, and enjoy celebrating without feeling tied to the usual holiday menu.
You May Also Like
- 21 Easy Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes
- 19 Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
- 21 Best Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love
If you’re looking for easy, delicious recipes for real life, you’re in the right place! I share simple family dinners, quick meals, homemade desserts, seasonal recipes, and plenty of helpful food ideas for every occasion.