20 Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes – Best Recipes for Festive Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner, and now comes the big question: what food to serve? Check out these top recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas main dishes that are perfect for celebrating the festive season!

Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes

20. Healthy Mom’s Chicken Cordon Bleu

Dive into this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu, featuring tender chicken, rich ham, and melty Swiss cheese coated in a garlicky, herby, cheese breading. Served with a savory sauce, it’s just like my mom used to make! You’re going to love it!

Mom's Chicken Cordon Bleu

19. Oven Baked Whole Sea Bream with Vegetables – Best Holiday Main Dish!

Let me share my all-time favorite holiday recipe: Oven Baked Whole Sea Bream with Vegetables. Renowned for its rich flavor, this dish is a surefire hit for any festive gathering, making it a perfect choice for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Oven Baked Whole Sea Bream with Vegetables - Best Holiday Main Dish!

18. Marmalade Glazed Christmas Ham

My husband whips up this marmalade glazed ham to accompany the ham, cheese, and tomato croissants my mum used to make every Christmas morning.

As we sipped Buck’s Fizz and gathered on the floor to open gifts, this dish became a staple. While any marmalade will do, we prefer ours with a touch of clementine and whisky, flavors that scream Christmas.

Opt for an unsmoked gammon joint, which is cured but not cooked, and your butcher can guide you to the best cut.

Marmalade Glazed Christmas Ham

17. Chinese-American Pork Roast – Christmas Dinner Recipe

This pork shoulder recipe offers a delightful medley of flavors—earthy mushrooms, a hint of saltiness from the soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from the sugar, all culminating in a richly layered sauce.

The method of browning the meat before marinating it overnight might seem unusual, but it serves a purpose. It allows you to sauté the onions and ginger in the flavorful pork fat, enriching the marinade.

This approach also offers flexibility in the cooking process, accommodating both slow and fast preparations. While the meat was tender and easily pulled apart, it wasn’t as juicy as expected.

For an even more succulent roast, opting for an untrimmed piece of shoulder might be the way to go.

Chinese-American Pork Roast - Christmas Dinner Recipe

16. Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan – Festive Side for Roast Pork!

This recipe is a fantastic way to get kids excited about eating vegetables. Butternut squash, with its natural sweetness, is tossed in parmesan cheese and a blend of spices, then baked until it’s caramelized and golden.

It makes a delicious and light side dish that pairs wonderfully with roast pork. As the parmesan cheese bakes, it turns into a beautiful brown crust that contrasts delightfully with the sweet, tender squash beneath.

This dish is so tasty that even the pickiest eaters might just find themselves asking for seconds!

Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan - Festive Side for Roast Pork!

15. Beef Tenderloin Wellington for Christmas Dinner

If you really want to wow your loved ones this Christmas, whip up a Beef Wellington that’s sure to impress.

Imagine tender beef tenderloin slathered in Dijon mustard, covered with a rich mushroom mix, wrapped in savory prosciutto, and encased in golden, flaky puff pastry.

Now, that’s a showstopper of a dish! It’s a signature dish of the renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, so yes, it’s a bit of a challenge to make. But trust me, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of this Beef Wellington makes every bit of effort worth it.

What better way to express your love and flaunt your culinary chops?

Beef Tenderloin Wellington for Christmas Dinner

14. Maple Glazed Ham – Easy Christmas Main Dish

Why go for store-bought when you can make a spectacular Maple Glazed Ham yourself? It’s not just easy, it’s a declaration of love!

With a handful of ingredients like maple syrup and brown sugar, you’ll whip up a succulent ham that’s a hit at any holiday table.

Maple Glazed Ham - Easy Christmas Main Dish

13. How to Smoke a Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner

Ever fancied smoking a turkey like a pitmaster? This year, turn that dream into reality. Transform your Thanksgiving with a turkey so smoky and delicious, it feels like you should queue up just to get a slice.

How to Smoke a Turkey

12. Rosemary, Garlic and Herbs Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb

For an elegant holiday feast, nothing beats a Rosemary & Garlic Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb.

This dish doesn’t just look impressive, it’s packed with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and lemon zest, ensuring each bite is as delectable as it is visually stunning. Perfect for a sophisticated dinner without any complicated techniques.

Rosemary & Garlic Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb

11. Make Classic Beef Pot Roast

Embrace the cozy seasons of fall and winter with a heartwarming classic beef pot roast.

My husband adores whipping up this dish, simmered with red wine, which enhances its rich flavors. It’s a meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, especially when paired with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon.

Classic Beef Pot Roast

10. Tender Slow Cooker Turkey Crown

Ease your holiday cooking with a tender turkey crown made in the slow cooker. This method ensures your turkey stays juicy and flavorful, avoiding the all-too-common fate of dry holiday turkey.

 It’s a fuss-free approach to a festive meal, giving you more time to enjoy with family.

Slow Cooker Turkey Crown

9. Sous Vide Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Discover the perfection of sous vide with stuffed flank steak pinwheels.

This method guarantees that the steak is cooked evenly from edge to edge, securing a spot as a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a striking dish to present at any dinner party.

Sous Vide Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

8. How To Carve A Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner

Carving a turkey breast properly is an essential skill, especially during the holiday season. These straightforward instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring you get beautiful slices every time.

This technique isn’t just for turkey; it’s applicable to chicken, duck, and other poultry as well.

How To Carve A Turkey Breast

7. Paleo, Keto, and High Protein Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops

Looking for a delicious, protein-packed dinner option that’s also compatible with dietary needs like paleo, keto, and gluten-free? Try these easy-to-make bacon-wrapped pork chops.

They’re full of flavor dinner tonight and perfect for anyone following a low-carb, high-protein diet.

Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops

6. Bottom Round Roast – Our Family Favorite

Don’t overlook this simple yet satisfying bottom round roast, a family favorite that shines in its simplicity. It’s versatile enough for casual lunches or more formal holiday meals and is guaranteed to please even the most discerning palates.

Bottom Round Roast

5. Impressive Vegetarian Wellington Wrapped with Puff Pastry

This vegetarian Wellington features a hearty filling of portobello mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach, and a rich mushroom pate, all encased in a golden puff pastry.

Ideal for any festive dinner, it’s a sophisticated choice that will satisfy both vegetarian and vegan at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Vegetarian Wellington

4. Classic Prime Rib Favorite Holiday Recipe

A well-prepared prime rib is a showstopper during the holiday season. This favorite recipe guides you through the simple steps to achieve a perfectly roasted prime rib that’s sure to impress your guests with its succulent flavor and tender texture.

Classic Prime Rib Recipe {Favorite Holiday Recipes}

3. Whole Smoked Turkey Thanksgiving or Christmas Recipe 

Yes, it’s that festive time again when turkey talk fills the air! Perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, turkey is a classic favorite. But have you ever thought about smoking an entire turkey?

It’s not only a stunning centerpiece but also likely a novel experience for your guests. Imagine presenting a beautifully smoked turkey at your next holiday gathering. With a good smoker, you can add a unique twist to your traditional meal.

And the best part? The leftovers! Think of all the delicious dishes you can whip up afterwards—turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and more. So, why not give your holiday meal an unforgettable upgrade this year?

Whole Smoked Turkey

2. Delicious and Easy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Oven-roasted turkey breast is an uncomplicated yet delightful dish, ideal for smaller holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s a fantastic alternative to the whole bird, yielding tender and juicy slices every time.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

1. Easy and Delicious Cranberry Orange Roasted Turkey Breast

For a twist on the traditional, try this Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast. It’s simple to make and packs a punch of flavor, offering a succulent and tasty alternative to cooking an entire turkey.

The zesty cranberry and orange glaze provides a perfect complement to the juicy meat.

Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast

 

20 Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes

20 Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes

Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes
5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Discover the 20 best Christmas main dishes for a festive holiday dinner, featuring classic roast turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, and succulent lamb recipes.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Cordon Bleu
  • Oven Baked Whole Sea Bream with Vegetables
  • Marmalade Glazed Christmas Ham
  • Chinese-American Pork Roast
  • Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan
  • Beef Tenderloin Wellington
  • Maple Glazed Ham
  • How to Smoke a Turkey
  • Rosemary & Garlic Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb
  • Classic Beef Pot Roast
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Crown

Instructions

  1. Choose any Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes from the post that you like
  2. Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
  3. Try the best Thanksgiving and Christmas Main Dishes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to Recipe
Give WEIGHT WATCHERS DIET a try with a 14-day Meal Plan!GET IT NOW!
+
Scroll to Top