‘Tis the season to savor the joy of cooking and sharing delicious Christmas dinner main dish recipes with loved ones. As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation of planning the perfect Christmas Day main dinner entree begins to take center stage. Elevate your festive feast with these hearty and elegant main dish recipes that promise to delight your guests and serve as the crowning glory of your holiday spread. Whether you opt for a classic holiday glazed baked ham, a whole roast turkey, or venture into new culinary territory with a rack of lamb, rest assured that your Christmas entree will be a showstopper.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 4 Sliced meat on a cutting board next to a slow cooker, perfect for friends giving.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slow_cooker_apple_cider_brined_turkey_breast_.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 5 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.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the_best_holiday_roasted_chicken031.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 6 Thanksgiving sheet pan recipe featuring roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and stuffing.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sheet_pan_turkey_breast_dinner-_015.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 7 Beef wellington on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Christmas_beef_wellington_recipe-2.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 8 Crab legs on a baking sheet with lemon slices, perfect for a seafood Thanksgiving feast.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sheet_pan_crab_legs.jpg)
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
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 9 A beef brisket with rosemary and cranberries on a wooden table.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cranberry_holiday_beef_brisket-023.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 10 A crock pot full of roast beef, carrots and potatoes, perfect for Thanksgiving mains.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slow_cooker_pot_roast_with_red_wine.jpg)
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
Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 11 A ham, a traditional Thanksgiving main dish, is sitting on a wooden cutting board.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/smoked_sweet_onion_honey_glazed_ham_bella_bucchiotti_22.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 12 Overhead view of a smoked turkey breast being sliced on a cutting board.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/smoked_turkey_breast_recipe.jpg)
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!
Recipe here: Smoked Turkey Breast
Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 13 Pork tenderloin on a plate with potatoes and carrots. This is one of the best Instant Pot recipes.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/instant_pot_pork_loin_roast_with_vegetables-2.jpg)
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
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 14 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.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cranberry_cream_cheese_stuffed_flank_steak_recipe.jpg)
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
Maple Bacon Pork Tenderloin
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 15 Bacon wrapped pork on a wooden cutting board.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/maple-bacon-pork-tenderloin.jpg)
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
Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 16 Friendsgiving feast featuring a succulent turkey stuffed with tangy cranberry sauce and garnished with fragrant sprigs of rosemary.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Tart-Cherry-Chestnut-Stuffed-Turkey-Roulade.jpg)
This turkey roulade is stuffed with tart cherries, chestnuts and herbs. It’s topped with a red wine soaked cherry sauce and makes for a beautiful (and easy!) holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade
Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 17 A Thanksgiving main dish featuring a succulent roasted chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/roast-rosemary-lemon-chicken.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 18 Thanksgiving Mains: Bbq ribs on a white plate.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Air-Fryer-Country-Style-Ribs-.jpeg.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 19 Oven roasted turkey breast in a Dutch oven with lemon and rosemary.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dutch-Oven-Turkey-Breast.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 20 Roasted turkey legs served on a plate with pomegranate and rosemary.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Roasted_Turkey_Leg.jpg)
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 Recipe
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 21 Roast Turkey Breast slices on a white serving dish.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Roast_Turkey_Breast_Recipe.jpg)
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 Recipe
Fig-Spiced Turkey
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 22 Fig-spiced whole turkey served on a dish with fruits.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FIG_SPICED_TURKEY.jpg)
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 Recipe (Seafood Stew)
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 23 A bowl of seafood stew with bread and clams, ideal for a main course.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/seafood-Cioppino.jpg)
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 Recipe (Seafood Stew)
Stuffed Lamb Recipe
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 24 A plate of Turkey with cranberries and rosemary.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cranberry-pesto-stuffed-lamb-3optimized.jpg.jpg)
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 Recipe
Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 25 Two roasted chickens on a plate with Thanksgiving herbs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wild-rice-stuffed-cornish-hens.jpg)
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
Dr. Pepper Ham (Crockpot Recipe)
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 26 A ham is sitting on a wooden table.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Dr-Pepper-Ham.jpg)
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 (Crockpot Recipe)
Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 27 A hearty Thanksgiving main featuring roast beef with sides of carrots and potatoes.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Roasted-Boneless-Leg-of-Lamb-14.jpg.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 28 Roasted duck with carrots and gravy on a white plate.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Roast-Duck.jpg.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 29 Two glasses of red wine on a wooden cutting board, perfect for complementing your Thanksgiving mains.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/prime-rib-1.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 30 A plate with turkey and mushrooms on it, perfect for Thanksgiving mains.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chicken-fricassee.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 31 A Thanksgiving roasted turkey with figs and grapes on a platter.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/spatchcock-turkey.jpg)
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
Mustard Chicken
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 32 A Thanksgiving main dish featuring chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce with the addition of bread.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mustard-chicken-recipe_square.jpeg.jpg)
Prepare to fall madly in love with this Creamy, dreamy Mustard Chicken Recipe. Classic French dish that tastes outstanding. Imagine a perfectly braised, falls-off-the-bone chicken swimming in a creamy, flavorful mustard sauce.
Get the Recipe: Mustard Chicken
Sweet And Sticky Char Siu (Chinese Bbq Pork)
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 33 Not Turkey Thanksgiving Mains featuring bbq pork ribs on a rustic wooden cutting board.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chinese-bbq-pork.jpg)
If you love a juicy, sweet & sticky char siu (Chinese BBQ Pork, 叉烧), give this easy recipe a try! Delicious authentic char siu is achievable at home! Includes instructions on how to make char siu in the oven so this can be made in the oven or the grill depending on the season.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Sticky Char Siu (Chinese Bbq Pork)
Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 34 Roasted turkey on a plate on a wooden table.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peking-chicken.jpg)
This Chinese roast chicken recipe is a cross between a roasted chicken & Peking duck. This Peking chicken recipe is for days when you have that craving for a Peking duck, but chicken is all you have to work with.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken
Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap Roast
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 35 A succulent Thanksgiving turkey on a cutting board with a knife.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Venison-Backstrap.jpg)
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 Recipe
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 36 Salmon in foil with lemon slices and dill is a delicious MAINS dish that can be enjoyed for Thanksgiving.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Baked-Salmon-in-Foil-centerpiece-1.jpg)
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 Recipe
Pineapple Ham
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 37 A festive Thanksgiving main featuring a succulent roasted ham adorned with luscious pineapples and cherries.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pineapple-Ham-5.jpg)
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
![Feast Mode: 35 Christmas Dinner Main Dish Recipes 38 A Thanksgiving main, a roasted prime rib sits on a cutting board.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/easy-prime-rib-roast-recipe.jpg)
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
Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for recipes, dogs, sustainability, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.
Bella Bucchiotti is a freelance food, travel, and lifestyle writer for MSN and the Associated Press Wire.
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