Delicious Main Course Ideas for the Perfect Christmas Dinner
Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s be honest, it can also be one of the most stressful! Between gift shopping, cooking, decorating, and hosting, there’s so much to organize that it can quickly feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to a calm, joy-filled holiday season is simple: get organized early and prepare as much as possible in advance.
That’s why I’ve put together these delicious Christmas main course ideas to help make your festive menu planning easier. Whether you’re looking for easy recipes, gluten-free dishes, or vegan and make-ahead options, there’s something here for everyone and every budget. Start prepping now, fill your freezer so that when the big day arrives, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment!
To complete your Christmas dinner, be sure to check out these cozy soup ideas and festive desserts you don’t want to skip!
1. Chicken with Chestnuts
Impress your guests with restaurant-style food the easy way. This chicken with chestnuts is super easy to make, yet looks like it’s walked straight out of a 5* restaurant. It combines tender roast chicken with the warm, nutty sweetness of roasted chestnuts. The flavors mingle beautifully in a sweet and savory wine sauce. It’s perfect for the cozy season!
2. Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
If you haven’t tried herb-crusted lamb, let me convince you now! This Dijon Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb is not only showstopping to look at, it’s also easy to make! You simply brown the lamb, then coat it in Dijon mustard and a breadcrumb mixture of herbs, lemon and spices and then let it bake. It’s juicy, tender, and bursting with fresh flavor, it’s the perfect elegant main course for Christmas or any special occasion.
3. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
If you’re looking for cozy, these Short Ribs are exactly that! They feature a rich, caramelised crust, that’s braised for hours in a fragrant mix of dry red wine, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, aromatic vegetables and herbs. The trick to getting them soft until the meat falls off the bone is to cook on low for about 3-4 hours. This recipe is cozy and comforting and great for a heartwarming meal in the winter.
4. Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken
Swap the ham for this Sticky Glazed Chicken, it’s simple, affordable, and bursting with Christmas flavor! Marinated in a mix of brown sugar, orange zest, and festive spices like cinnamon, ginger, and star anise, the chicken roasts until perfectly tender with a glossy, caramelized glaze that looks and tastes amazing! To save time, marinate the chicken in advance and freeze it. When it’s time to cook, simply thaw and follow the recipe as normal.
5. The Ultimate Easy Beef Tenderloin
Forget everything you know about dry, overcooked beef, this Beef Tenderloin recipe changes the game. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed centerpiece ready in minutes. It makes an impressive holiday feast that anyone can put together, even those with little cooking experience!
6. Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Perfect for the festive season, these Cranberry Cocktail meatballs can be served as hors d’oeuvres or as a main course. They look amazing, taste delicious and are quick and easy to throw together. Meatballs are also a great option if you’re looking for freezer-friendly food. You can make them ahead, giving you one less thing to do on Christmas Day and the days leading upto it.
7. Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
No Christmas dinner can be complete without the classical roast turkey dish! Roast turkey is one of those dishes that can be intimiating to make with all the different steps that it has. This recipe, however, is easy and the instructions are simple and clear to follow. With a generous rub of garlic-herb butter brushed over the skin, it roasts into crisp golden perfection while staying tender inside. And the best part? There’s no constant basting or micromanaging the oven- it’s truly a game-changing recipe!
8. Beef Wellington Bites
Give the classic Beef Wellington a fun twist with these irresistible mini bites! Perfect for entertaining, these elegant little parcels are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them as finger food, an appetizer, or even the main event, they’re guaranteed to impress every guest.
9. Best Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side with one simple trick, slice them Hasselback-style for extra flavor and crunch! Flavor with savory herbs, garlic, butter, and maple syrup for a delicious dish!
10. Creamy Garlic Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
The recipe for creamy garlic slow cooker mashed potatoes is a winner for holiday sides! Add diced potatoes and minced garlic and cook gently in the slow cooker until silky and tender and then add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), butter and milk for extra creaminess. I love this because it frees up your stovetop, keeps things hands-off, and delivers ultra-smooth, tasty potatoes without any fuss making it an easy Christmas dinner recipe.
11. Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is not only original, but also delicious. Roast acorn squash halves, fill them with a savoury quinoa mixture studded with dried cranberries, toasted pepitas, fresh herbs, and cheese, then bake until the top crisps beautifully. It’s vegetarian, gluten‑free, effortlessly elegant, and perfect for any festive dinner or cosy weeknight meal.
12. The Best Christmas Salad
You can’t get a salad that’s more Christmasy than this one with its festive flavors and colors. With mixed greens topped with juicy fresh orange segments, vibrant pomegranate arils, chewy dried cherries or cranberries, crunchy candied pecans and creamy gorgonzola, it’s simply delicious. Dress it with a honey‑mustard vinaigrette and orange zest for a perfect balance of sweet and rich. Make the salad and dressing ahead, up to 3 days before and store them in the fridge separately.
13. Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
This Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a healthy twist on your traditional Cranberry Sauce. Using only 7 simple ingredients, this sauce comes together easily and is a holiday essential. Prep it no more than 1 day in advance, so it’s still vibrant and colorful when you serve it.
14. Oven Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
If you love cauliflower, you’ll love this cauliflower steak recipe. It takes 5 minutes to prepare, looks fabulous on the table and tastes divine too. Plus, it’s a perfect option for vegan guests!
15. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Instead of the usual Christmas table decor of flowers and ornaments, go for something original like a Christmas tree charcuterie board for the center of your table. You can lay it straight on the table, or use a tree-shaped board as an easy guide. Use your favorite cheeses, crackers, and meats. Fill in the gaps with fruit, vegetables, and nuts, and you’ll have everyone snacking on the centerpiece all evening!
16. Ultimate vegan nut roast
Nut roasts have always been a favorite for Christmas, vegan or not- it makes a fab side! This Christmas version combines a touch of cranberry sweetness with a parsnip base for a beautiful festive twist. It’s moist, delicious and fuss-free!
17. Maple Roast Carrots and Parsnips
These Maple Roasted Carrots and Parsnips pair beautifully with a roast dinner. Having a sweet vegetable alongside the savory food always works like a charm, and the maple syrup adds a rich, caramelized touch. For a little extra crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle over some toasted pecans, or any other nuts that you love!
18. Garlic & Rosemary Roast Potatoes
You can’t have a Christmas dinner without some roasted potatoes, and this recipe is a winner! They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and full of flavor. The garlic and rosemary add a delicious twist!
19. Vegan Mushroom Wellington recipe
This Mushroom Wellington is a show-stopping centrepiece for any holiday table. It wraps juicy flavour-packed mushrooms, spinach and caramelised onions in flaky puff pastry, giving deep umami flavors. With its vegan-friendly ingredients and beautiful appearance, it’s perfect for a festive feast!
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- 26 Christmas Table Setting Ideas for A Festive Party
- 10 Tips for Hosting a Budget-Friendly Holiday Party
Sarah xx
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