Now that we’re all stuffed with turkey from Thanksgiving, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas! From beef to pork and everything in between, these are the best Christmas dinner ideas for Christmas Day!
Are you tired of turkey? Because I know I am! now that Thanksgiving is over, we can start planning my Christmas menu! I usually aim for easy recipes during the holidays, but for Christmas I like to go all out.
Aside from all of the usual excitements like gift giving and the first snow, one of my favorite parts of Christmas is the food! I love making the perfect Christmas dinner menu for close family and friends.
Of course you have all the usual sides like green beans, sweet potatoes, roast potatoes and cranberry sauce, but this holiday season make a main course that will totally wow all of your guests. These easy Christmas dinner ideas will take your menu up a notch.
A traditional Christmas dinner in our house is usually on Christmas Eve. Our holiday menu has some sort of main protein like roast turkey, ham, beef or lamb. But I know lots of family’s like to make chicken or pasta too, so I’ve included some of those in these Christmas recipes.
These easy Christmas Main Dishes will be total showstoppers at your holiday parties! If you’re tired of turkey, these Christmas main dish dinner ideas are perfect for you!
What's In This Article
Poultry Main Dishes
Roasted Cornish Hens
Roasted Cornish Hens are basted with a fresh herbs olive oil, roasted for browned crispy skin and finished with a zesty butter garlic sauce.
Sweet Roasted Goose
Succulent and sweet, roasted goose is the perfect Christmas dinner meal. These easy to follow steps will have you roasting your goose like a pro!
Crispy Duck a l’Orange
Classic crispy duck a l’orange makes for a perfect holiday or special event dinner. Super juicy and flavorful meat with a crispy, seasoned skin.
Baked Chicken Thighs
Flavorful and crispy baked chicken thighs basted with a garlic lemon butter sauce. An easy chicken dinner in the oven.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy chicken recipe for dinner using a homemade cream sauce, parmesan cheese, bacon, peas and sun dried tomatoes. A chicken dinner idea ready in just 30 minutes.
Stuffed Chicken with Apple Gravy
Award winning Stuffed Chicken with Apple Gravy uses pine nuts, spinach, currants and garlic to flavor the chicken. A savory apple gravy finishes off this easy dinner recipe!
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
When you need to get dinner for the whole family on the table quickly, make this EASY, no fuss One Pan Chicken Tetrazzini recipe!
Crock Pot Apple Balsamic Chicken
Fork tender chicken breasts in a rich sweet sauce with less than 10 minutes of prep! Serve over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes.
Braised Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs braised in a white wine Dijon sauce and caramelized shallots, crispy bacon and tomatoes.
French Onion Chicken Bake
If you want comfort food inspired by French onion soup, this EASY French Onion Chicken Bake should be your next weeknight dinner!
Chicken Cutlets with Roast Tomato & Garlic
Breaded chicken cutlets with a roast tomato and garlic topping and balsamic sauce served over arugula.
Chicken Caprese Recipe
This Caprese Chicken is sure to be one of your favorite grilled or baked chicken recipes. Juicy & delicious, it comes together with only 6 ingredients!
Blackened Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
I am all for saving time on meals, and one pan meals are the best. This EASY Blackened Sheet Pan Chicken Thigh recipe is about to be your new favorite!
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Instant Pot Whole Chicken is so EASY! With a simple cooked chicken, you can make yourself a main dish or cooked chicken for multiple other recipes!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy weeknight meal option that kids love! Just 6 ingredients and dinner is made!
Chicken Marsala Recipe
This Chicken Marsala recipe is made in 1 pan in less than 30 minutes! Whip up this EASY dish with a rich creamy mushroom sauce on top of juicy chicken.
Chicken Cacciatore
Easy Chicken Cacciatore uses tender chicken in a tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives and herbs. Only takes 30 minutes from stove to plate!
Easy Chicken Kiev
Thin chicken breasts stuffed with compound butter and covered in a light Panko breading, this Chicken Kiev is an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy!
How to Brine a Chicken
This step-by-step guide will show you how to brine chicken, tips for a juicy chicken, how to get crispy chicken skin and, of course, the best chicken brine recipe!
Creamy Asiago Chicken
Creamy Asiago Chicken is a tasty and easy chicken recipe that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Mushrooms, shallots and thyme flavor this delicious dish.
How to Roast Chicken
Easy steps on how to roast chicken plus the mostly frequently asked questions about baking a whole chicken answered! Moist and flavorful chicken and vegetables in under 2 hours.
Chai Tea Oven Roasted Chicken
Chai Tea Oven Roasted Chicken is a baked whole chicken rubbed with spiced herb butter, root vegetables and the earthy fall flavors of Chai tea.
French Baked Chicken
Orange Marmalade with orange, tarragon and olives make this delicious, sticky crust for French Baked Chicken. Use on chicken halves or chicken breasts for a delicious French dinner recipe.
Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken
Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken is an easy dinner recipe made with garlic and honey to make this sauce bright and tasty! Serve lemon chicken over pasta, rice or toasted couscous.
Walnut Crusted Chicken
Walnut Crusted Chicken is a crunchy, oven-baked chicken with a zesty yogurt dipping sauce. Perfect for those craving crispy chicken cutlets, but without the fat.
Pesto Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Pesto Spinach Stuffed Chicken are chicken breasts stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, sun dried tomatoes and spinach. Marinated in a yogurt and basil pesto sauce, they are moist and flavorful.
Chicken Piccata
Classic Chicken Piccata is an easy Italian recipe that comes together in less than 3o minutes and explodes with flavors of lemon, caper and shallot. Delicious!
Chicken Dijon
Chicken Dijon is an easy dinner recipe using chicken thighs, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, sweet onions, apple juice and of course, Dijon mustard!
Beer Can Chicken
This Beer Can Chicken Recipe is made with a special blend of spices and a touch of sugar to make a zesty bark. Serve with Cola BBQ Sauce.
Pork Dinner Ideas
Thyme Honey Baked Ham
Thyme Honey Glazed Ham is a light and flavorful ham glaze recipe the whole family will enjoy. Simple to make and delicious to eat!
Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze
Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze is an easy ham glaze for your Christmas ham or any baked ham throughout the year. Tart cherries, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar lend bold flavors.
Mustard Brown Sugar Baked Ham
Mustard Brown Sugar Baked Ham is a ham glaze recipe that’s perfect for a Christmas ham or an Easter ham. One of the best easy ham recipes!
Crown Pork Roast
Crown Pork Roast is the perfect special occasion or holiday meal to serve for a crowd. Tasty and impressive presentation make this a winning pork recipe!
Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin and Stuffing
Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin is a pork tenderloin recipe that will blow you away with aromatic spices and an apple jelly glaze, surrounding with fresh apple and ham stuffing, all cooked on the same baking sheet.
Pork Roast with Cranberry Relish Glaze
This Balsamic Herbed Pork Roast with Cranberry Relish Glaze is festive enough to serve your family and friends over the holidays. But, you’ll never have to tell your guests just how easy it was to make!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Brown sugar pineapple ham is a classic baked ham recipe using a mustard glaze with pineapples and cherries.
Hawaiian Pork Loin
Bring the island flavors to the table with this simple, slow cooker Hawaiian Pork loin made with pantry staples and finished with an easy to make sauce.
French Onion Pork Loin
This French Onion Pork Loin with potatoes, carrots, parsnip and onion is the perfect one-dish weeknight meal!
Crock Pot Pork Loin Roast
Use your slow cooker to make a tender pork loin roast. Serve with onion gravy and mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort meal.
Herb Garlic Pork Tenderloin
One Pan Garlic Herb Pork is an easy weeknight meal that roasts juicy pork with vegetables all on one pan and in just 30 minutes!
Crock Pot Pork Chops
These Crock Pot Pork Chops are the perfect family dinner. Super tender, cooked in BBQ sauce and a special spice rub, then smothered with bacon and cheese!
Crispy Baked Pork Chops
If you've never made pork chops in the oven, this shake and bake Crispy Baked Pork Chop recipe is the best! It's even better than shake and bake!
Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops
Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops are an easy grilled pork recipe. Herb marinated pork is stuffed with bread crumbs, herbs and Parmesan cheese and grilled to flavorful perfection in just 15 minutes!
Creamy Apple Pork Chops
Creamy Apple Pork Chops are a wholesome meal your whole family will enjoy. Mushrooms, apples, juicy pork chops in a savory cream sauce.
Grilled Dijon Pork Chops
Grilled Dijon Pork Chops are a favorite for pork on the grill. A zesty and easy pork marinade recipes perfect for grilled or baked pork chops!
Butter Sage Pork Chops
Butter Sage Pork Chops are pan seared pork chops in a simple butter, garlic and sage sauce. Sear in cast iron and then finish in the oven for the best pork chop recipe ever!
Pineapple Balsamic Pork Chops
Pineapple Balsamic Pork Chops are a quick and easy meal that combine sweet balsamic vinegar and pineapple with garlic and onions for a well-balanced and easy meal!
Fruit Smothered Pork Chops
Fruit Smothered Pork Chops are pan fried pork chops with a zesty dried fruit sauce, taking 30 minutes from start to finish!
Onion Grilled Pork Chops
Use Onion Soup Mix and a few other key ingredients to make a tasty marinade for pork on the grill!
Riesling Peach Glazed Ham
This Riesling Peach Glazed Ham Recipe is a beautifully caramelized baked ham with peach brown sugar glaze.
Beef Christmas Dinner Ideas
Italian Beef Braciole without Egg
This EASY Beef Braciole recipe is the best Italian comfort food! Juicy flank steak, tomato sauce, herbs and cheese make up this delicious Italian rolled steak!
Pan Seared Steaks
How to make a Pan Fried Steak at home is easier than you think with my step-by-step instructions and easy steak seasoning!
Best Prime Rib Recipe (Standing Rib Roast Recipe)
The best prime rib recipes using a flavorful herb crust, Dijon mustard and zesty creamy horseradish sauce. Easy instructions and images!
Baked Eye of Round Roast
This Baked Eye of Round Roast is the easiest way to make delicious roast beef in your oven! Slice your roast beef and serve with a flavorful gravy made from the drippings.
Steak Frites
A juicy seasoned steak over crispy French fried potatoes, topped with tangy maitre d’hotel butter and served with sauteed garlic mushrooms and onions.
Garlic Butter Sirloin Steaks
This Garlic Butter Sirloin Steak recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Juicy sirloin with homemade garlic herb butter for ultimate flavor!
Cranberry Glazed Tri-Tip Roast
Cranberry Glazed Tri-Tip is a tender piece of beef that pairs perfectly with a sweet cranberry-orange glaze for a perfect roast on the grill, smoker or even in the oven.
Oscar Style Steak (Crab oscar)
Fork tender beef tenderloin filets topped with crab oscar and buttery sauce! Ready in under 30 minutes and the perfect romantic dinner idea.
Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin with Blueberry Sauce
Stunning Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin recipe with a savory Blueberry Sauce and toasted Hazelnuts is the perfect celebratory roast for your holiday table!
Instant Pot Short Ribs
These Instant Pot Short Ribs are fork tender, flavorful and so good you’ll make them again and again. Pressure cooker short ribs take considerably less time to make than typical braised short ribs!
Salisbury Steak
Forget what you know about salisbury steak, this Homemade Salisbury Steak recipe is out of this world! Topped with a mushroom gravy, it's moist and delicious!
Braised Brisket
A slow, red-wine Braised Brisket is the perfect EASY dinner with minimal effort. A prime cut of beef, slowly roasted and fall apart tender!
Mini Beef Wellington
Mini Beef Wellington is one of the best party appetizers out there! Mini pieces of beef tenderloin seasoned with mushrooms, thyme, Dijon and prosciutto, all tucked into puff pastry.
Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
This easy Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is super tender and so perfect if you're craving comfort food! It's the best pot roast recipe!
Pressure Cooker Italian Pot Roast
Pressure Cooker Italian Pot Roast is an easy and quick one-dish family meal. Potatoes, onions and carrots surround tender pot roast. Top with tomato gravy!
Coffee Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Coffee Crusted Beef Tenderloin will add a whole new flavor dimension to your roast! Serve with delicious whipped horseradish sauce.
Herb Crusted Standing Rib Roast
The easiest, most fool-proof way to make a Standing Rib Roast. Herb Crusted Standing Rib Roast with Mustard-Horseradish Sauce is a show stopping, jaw dropping dinner that’s simple to make.
Pasta Christmas Dinner Ideas
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is perfect for nights when you need dinner fast. You won’t need to know how to make spaghetti and meatballs any other way!
Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This easy Beef Stroganoff recipe uses yogurt instead of sour cream for a creamy tang that adds to the gravy along with peas and spinach.
Chicken Stuffed Shells with Creamy Brie Sauce
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Stuffed Shells and Creamy Brie Sauce is a rich and savory easy dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garlicky alfredo sauce paired with pasta, shrimp, plump peas, juicy roasted red pepper stripes and nutty parmesan cheese.
Honeycomb Pasta Recipe
Honeycomb Pasta is a new twist on an old classic. Ziti smothered in marinara and cheese, but in cake form! Serve with a side of Italian sausage or meatballs.
Spinach Sausage Pasta
Spinach Sausage Pasta is an easy pasta recipe packed with spinach, fennel seeds, sausage, garlic and onion.
Seafood Mac and Cheese
This Seafood Mac and Cheese is super creamy with two types of cheese, seasonings, your favorite seafood and crunchy topping.
Pesto Tortellini with Asiago
With only 5 ingredients, Pesto Tortellini with Asiago is perfect for busy nights. Ready in only 15 minutes, it still packs huge flavor!
Squid Ink Pasta with White Wine Cream Sauce
Squid Ink Pasta with White Wine Cream Sauce Recipe is an elegant dish that is easy to prepare. Wow, your diners with this striking dish.
Spinach Pan Fried Gnocchi
Easy to make and tossed in a creamy mascarpone sauce, this Spinach Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe will be your new favorite dinner recipe!
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Sweet lobster, creamy cheese & a crunchy panko topping come together to make the BEST Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe! Perfect for any elegant or casual meal!
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Delicious mac and cheese using smoked gouda, white cheddar and truffle oil. The perfect side dish.
Spinach Stuffed Shells
Pasta night just got SO much more delicious! This easy Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe is full of cheesy goodness and makes a great weeknight meal.
Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Shells
These Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Shells are a mashup of two fan favorites and are a fun way to spice up any weekday meal.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells stuffed with a mixed seafood filling and topped with a sherry spiked cream sauce. Perfect for a fancy dinner, the holidays or just a random weeknight.
Baked Mostaccioli
A delicious one-dish meal with baked pasta, tomato sauce, cheese and sausage. Great for potlucks and as a freezer meal!
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is a traditional Italian dish made with a garlic butter sauce and shrimp with al dente pasta and fresh lemon juice.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Creamy Lemon Pasta is an easy 20-minute dish using lemon, asparagus and one secret ingredient to give the cream sauce pizzazz.
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo is a quick and easy weeknight meal using pasta, a creamy parmesan alfredo sauce and tender marinated chicken.
Authentic Carbonara
Authentic Carbonara is an easy Italian pasta recipe using eggs, cheese and bacon. This is an easy carbonara recipe that any home cook can feel confident in making!
One Pan Sausage Alfredo
One-Pan Sausage Alfredo Pasta is an easy, filling one-pan meal the entire family will enjoy. Homemade alfredo sauce included!
Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta
Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously easy and healthy shrimp pasta recipe. It’s full of flavor but quick and simple to make!
Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian sauce. Ground meat and coarsely chopped vegetables give this Bolognese recipe a rich and hearty taste that serves well over pasta and in lasagna.
Pesto Sausage Pasta Bake
Pesto Pasta Bake is the perfect easy pasta dish for busy weeknights. Creamy pesto sauce, pasta, smoked sausage and Italian cheese make this the perfect meal.
Veal Ragù
Veal Ragù Recipe- Veal, Capers and White Wine make a rich ragù, pair with your favorite pasta. Not into veal? Use another ground meat!
One Pot Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
One Pot Chicken Bruschetta Pasta is uses only one dish and a handful of ingredients to make dinner for the whole family. Tomatoes, fennel, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese make this a winning dish!
Slow Cooker Ragu
Slow Cooker Ragu uses a blend of 7 vegetables with shredded pork and flavorful spices to make a hearty and delicious ragu sauce. Serve over pasta.
Creamy Cajun Pasta
Creamy Cajun Pasta is seriously AH-MAZING and only takes 20 minutes! Rotini covered in a cream sauce with Cajun seasoning, smoky andouille sausage, sautéed peppers, red onion and grape tomatoes.
Giant No Boil Lasagna
Giant No Boil Lasagna is made up of layers of spinach, tomato, turkey sausage, and lots of CHEESE! This is the best homemade lasagna for a crowd!
Lamb Main Dishes
Pomegranate Lamb Loin Chops
Warm, comforting undertones of fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander create a lamb crust that pairs perfectly with sweet, tart burgundy pomegranate sauce. Aroma alone will get you in the holiday spirit.
Pan Fried Lamb Chops
Pan Fried Lamb Chops (Lamb Lollipops) take only 10 minutes from start to finish. Top with smoky romesco, lemon herb aioli or tzatziki sauce.
Parmesan Garlic Lamb Chops
Parmesan Garlic Lamb Chops are an easy and tasty Easter dinner recipe made with just bread crumbs, lemon zest and pecorino romano.
Herb Roast Leg of Lamb
Herb Roast Leg of Lamb is an easy lamb recipe using fresh herbs, seasonings and high temperatures sear a nice crust leaving the instead nice & juicy.
Lamb Meatballs with Romesco Sauce
Lamb meatballs with romesco sauce pairs tender and flavorful mini meatballs with smoky homemade romesco sauce, feta cheese and crunchy almonds.
Easy Lamb Stew
Lamb Stew using ground lamb is made in just 30 minutes! Flavorful broth, crispy veggies and lentils make this fall stew recipe an easy weeknight meal.Lamb Stew using ground lamb is made in just 30 minutes! Flavorful broth, crispy veggies and lentils make this fall stew recipe an easy weeknight meal.
Christmas Desserts
Now that your holiday dinner table is all set, it’s time to talk dessert! Think beyond your regular Christmas cookies and consider some of my favorite recipes to make for your Christmas party. They’re festive, fun and oh so delicious.
Cherry Poke Cake
Poke cakes are so fun, and this Cherry Poke Cake is no exception. Easier to make than just a white cake with cherry filling, and more delicious too!
Christmas Puppy Chow
Christmas Puppy Chow transforms a traditional muddy buddy recipe into a festive Reindeer Chow mix! The perfect no-bake dessert for any party or event.
Holiday Meringue Wreath
If you're looking for the perfect showstopping holiday dessert, look no further than this Meringue Wreath! A beautiful holiday pavlova with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Any one of these will make a show stopping main dish!
Boy, I’d be hard pressed to choose a favorite out of these delicious options! We tend to love a Rib Roast for Christmas or Christmas Eve but love the sound of that roast pork and crispy duck. Just might have to change it up this year.
My mouth is salivating. How can I choose from these wonderful main dishes!?