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23 Irresistible Christmas Dinner Main Courses: Easy Recipes for a Festive Family Feast

The magic of Christmas isn’t just in the decorations or the presents; it’s often found gathered around a table, sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Planning the perfect Christmas dinner can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve curated a collection of 23 delightful and easy main course ideas designed to make your holiday feast memorable and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping meat roast, an elegant fish dish, or a hearty vegetarian option, this comprehensive guide offers enough variety to satisfy every palate at your festive table.

From a succulent oven-baked ham graced with a vibrant Cumberland sauce to a comforting vegetarian mushroom risotto, and even convenient slow cooker preparations, these recipes are chosen for their flavor and ease. We understand that the holidays are busy, so our focus is on providing you with delicious options that allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time making cherished memories with family and friends.

A top-down collage featuring 8 different festive main courses for Christmas dinner, showcasing a variety of meats, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

Christmas dinner is a highlight of the season for many, a time for joyous celebration and heartfelt connection. I genuinely look forward to it every year, and I’m thrilled to share these tried-and-true main courses that promise to bring warmth and happiness to your home. Imagine everyone gathered around, enjoying fantastic food, laughing, and reminiscing. These are the moments that truly make the holidays special. I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with wonderful food and even better company.

Do you have any special Christmas traditions involving food? Perhaps a traditional roulade, a glazed ham, or a specific regional specialty? While these classics often take center stage, there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored. To help you navigate through our delightful selection, we’ve divided the list into easy-to-browse chapters, ensuring you can quickly find the perfect main course to suit your family’s preferences and your cooking style:

Oven-Baked Meats
Slow Cooker Prepared
Other Meat Dinners
Fish Recipes
Vegetarian

Oven-Baked Meats: Classic Comforts and Festive Roasts

Oven-baked dishes are synonymous with Christmas feasts, filling your home with incredible aromas and delivering tender, flavorful results. These recipes are designed to be relatively hands-off once they’re in the oven, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities. From grand hams to succulent roasts, these oven-baked main courses offer traditional comfort with a gourmet touch, perfect for impressing your holiday guests.

A square photo with a white plate of ham on the bone. A sauce ladle filled with cumberland sauce and some sauce in the background. A white background

Baked Ham with Cumberland Sauce

Elevate your holiday table with this exquisite Baked Ham featuring a classic Cumberland Sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory ham with the bright, fruity, and slightly tangy notes of the traditional Cumberland sauce, creating an unforgettable festive centerpiece. It’s an ideal choice for Christmas dinner, impressing guests with its gourmet flair while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare in the oven. The rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a truly special main course for your family and friends to cherish.

A square photo with strips of sirloin steak garnished with parsley and served with shallot and carrots

Roasted Sirloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce

Indulge in the rich flavors of a perfectly roasted sirloin steak, beautifully complemented by a luscious red wine sauce. This dish allows the oven to work its magic, ensuring a juicy and tender steak every time. It’s a classic choice for a sophisticated Christmas dinner, offering a timeless elegance that will delight your guests. The depth of the red wine sauce adds a touch of gourmet luxury, making this dish feel truly special for your festive celebration.

A square photo with a white dish with rosemary and a stuffed roulade with onion, honey and thyme.

Dutch Rollade Recipe

Experience the beloved tradition of a Dutch Rollade, a savory meat roll that promises a crispy, flavorful exterior revealing a succulent, perfectly cooked interior. This festive dish is elegantly simple to prepare in the oven, making it an excellent choice for a comforting yet impressive Christmas dinner. The stuffing, often a delightful mix of herbs and spices, ensures every slice is bursting with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your holiday gathering.

A square photo showing a roasted chicken with orange and honey glaze on a white plate

Perfect Glazed Roast Chicken

Fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of a perfectly roasted chicken, glistening with a delightful orange-ginger glaze. This oven-baked masterpiece delivers tender, juicy meat encased in a beautifully crisp skin, making it a festive and comforting centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a vibrant flavor profile that truly elevates this classic poultry dish, ensuring a memorable meal that’s both impressive and satisfying for all your guests.

A square photograph showing part of a pink plate with chicken roulade slices on top and a white background

Dutch Chicken Rollade

Present a lighter, yet equally flavorful, option with this delightful Dutch Chicken Rollade. A juicy exterior gracefully conceals a savory and tender filling, making each slice a burst of festive flavor. The oven transforms simple chicken into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for those seeking a succulent poultry dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting for their Christmas spread. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the rollade tradition with a delicious chicken twist.

A square photo with two hams covered with a cola mustard sauce. Three slices cut off. A fork pierces a slice

Ham with Cola and Mustard Glaze

Give your traditional oven-baked ham an unexpectedly delightful twist with a unique Coca-Cola and mustard glaze. This innovative combination creates a tantalizing balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that caramelize beautifully, resulting in a show-stopping main course. The glaze not only adds incredible depth of flavor but also a gorgeous, glossy finish, making this ham a truly memorable and conversation-starting centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. Prepare for a sweet meeting of flavors that will surprise and delight everyone!

Asian Rack of Lamb

Surprise your guests with an unexpected yet incredibly delicious Asian Rack of Lamb, offering a delightful twist on a classic holiday roast. This juicy rack of lamb is perfectly infused with sweet and savory notes from a rich soy sauce marinade, baked to perfection in the oven. The fusion of traditional lamb with vibrant Asian flavors creates an exciting and elegant main course that is sure to impress. It’s a sophisticated choice for those looking to add an exotic touch to their Christmas feast.

A square photo of a gray plate with duck breast fillet, 3 slices cut off and a balsamic sauce with honey

Oven Roast Duck Breast with Honey Balsamic Sauce

Transform duck breast into an elegant and flavorful Christmas main course with this delightful honey-balsamic sauce. Roasted to perfection in the oven, the duck breast achieves a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The sweet and tangy glaze provides a perfect balance of flavors, making this dish feel incredibly gourmet yet achievable for your holiday cooking. It’s an impressive alternative to traditional roasts, offering a refined taste experience that will elevate your festive table.

Classic Beef Wellington

Unleash your inner chef and create a show-stopping Classic Beef Wellington, a true culinary masterpiece for your Christmas dinner. A magnificent golden-brown puff pastry crust delicately envelops a tender, perfectly cooked beef fillet, often with a rich duxelles mushroom layer. This iconic dish is a luxurious and impressive main course that promises to be the talk of your holiday gathering. While it requires a bit of effort, the stunning presentation and exquisite flavors are absolutely worth it for a truly special festive meal.

A square photo with a plate with open saltimbocca and a bowl of spaghetti in the background

Veal Saltimbocca with Mozzarella

Bring a touch of Italian finesse to your Christmas dinner with elegant Veal Saltimbocca. Tender veal cutlets are exquisitely baked with fresh sage and melted mozzarella, creating an ode to simplicity and taste that is both sophisticated and incredibly flavorful. The subtle flavors and delicate texture of this dish make it a refined choice for a festive main course. It’s an excellent option for those who appreciate classic European cuisine and want to offer something uniquely delicious this holiday season.

Slow Cooker Prepared: Effortless Elegance for Christmas

The slow cooker is your secret weapon for a stress-free Christmas dinner! These recipes allow you to prepare incredibly tender and flavorful main courses with minimal effort, freeing up your oven and your time for other holiday preparations. Simply set it and forget it, then enjoy a beautifully cooked meal that practically makes itself. Perfect for busy hosts who still want to serve a delicious and impressive holiday feast.

A square photo of roast beef with bacon, two slices of which have been cut off. A fork pierces a slice

Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Roast Beef

Let your slow cooker work its magic to deliver an incredibly juicy and flavorful roast beef, exquisitely wrapped in crispy bacon. This recipe offers a taste sensation in every bite, combining the rich depth of beef with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon, all made effortlessly. It’s a fantastic option for a stress-free Christmas dinner, allowing you to prepare a show-stopping main course with minimal hands-on time, so you can truly savor the holiday moments.

A square photo with a ham cut with three slices and gravy in front. A baking paper underneath and rosemary on top.

Slow Cooker Fresh Ham

Infuse your Christmas ham with a festive, sweet, and savory twist by preparing it in the slow cooker with a delectable maple syrup glaze. This method guarantees a juicy, tender ham that’s bursting with flavor, requiring minimal fuss on your part. It’s an ideal choice for a bountiful holiday spread, ensuring a perfectly cooked centerpiece without occupying precious oven space. Enjoy the rich, succulent taste of ham, effortlessly prepared for your family’s festive gathering.

Other Meat Dinners: Creative and Quick Options

Beyond the oven and slow cooker, there’s a world of delicious meat main courses that can elevate your Christmas dinner. This section features diverse and exciting options, from gourmet steaks to unique international flavors, some even offering quick preparation times. These recipes are perfect for adding variety to your holiday menu or for those who prefer to explore different cooking methods to achieve mouth-watering results.

Een wit bord met daarop een biefstuk a la loetje gebakken. Een roze witte theedoek op de achtergrond

Dutch Steak Bali

Spoil your Christmas guests with the unique and exciting flavors of Dutch Steak Bali. This spicy and intensely flavorful steak offers a delicious departure from traditional holiday fare, making it a real treat for adventurous palates. Prepared with a distinctive blend of spices and seasonings, it promises a memorable culinary experience. It’s an excellent choice for adding an exotic and vibrant touch to your festive dinner, ensuring your meal is anything but ordinary.

Christmas dinner: deer beef, green beans and mashed potato

Indulge in the elegant and refined flavors of a traditional Christmas dinner featuring tender venison steak, perfectly complemented by crisp haricots verts and silky-smooth mashed potatoes. This classic combination offers a sophisticated and hearty meal, ideal for a memorable holiday celebration. The rich, gamey notes of the venison are beautifully balanced by the fresh vegetables and creamy potatoes, creating an unforgettable culinary experience that will impress even the most discerning palates at your festive table.

A square photo with a piece of sirloin steak with a piece cut off on a pink plate. Herb butter melts on the sirloin steak

Air Fryer Sirloin Steak

For a perfectly cooked sirloin steak with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, turn to your Air Fryer! This recipe ensures a tender and juicy steak, ready in no time, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet luxurious Christmas dinner. The air fryer delivers a beautiful sear and even cooking, perfect for a smaller gathering or when you need a fast and tasty main course. Enjoy the simplicity and delicious results of this modern cooking method during the busy holiday season.

A square photo with a white dish with strips of beef tongue and Madeira sauce. In the background a bowl with extra sauce on a white background

Beef Tongue in Madeira Sauce

Embark on a culinary adventure this Christmas with the refined taste of Beef Tongue in a rich Madeira Sauce. This exquisite dish offers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a deeply flavorful and aromatic sauce, making it a truly unique and gourmet main course. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking to present something extraordinary and sophisticated to their holiday guests. Prepare to impress with this elegant and surprisingly accessible traditional delicacy.

Chicken breast filet with orange sauce on a white plate. A square photo

20-Minute Skillet Chicken in Orange Thyme Sauce

When time is of the essence during the festive rush, this 20-Minute Skillet Chicken in Orange Thyme Sauce comes to the rescue! Serve a surprisingly elegant and tender piece of chicken, beautifully coated with a vibrant orange-thyme sauce. This quick and easy recipe proves that a delicious Christmas main course doesn’t need hours of preparation. It’s a real treat that’s bursting with zesty and aromatic flavors, perfect for a cozy holiday meal without the fuss.

Fish Recipes: Light and Elegant Christmas Mains

For those who prefer seafood or are looking for a lighter yet equally impressive alternative to traditional meat roasts, our fish recipes offer elegant and delicate options for your Christmas dinner. These dishes are designed to be flavorful and satisfying, bringing a touch of coastal sophistication to your holiday table. From flaky salmon to hearty cod, these recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of festive fish.

A square photo of a pink plate on a white background. Two baked salmon fillets with red wine herb butter on the plate. In the background a pink and white tea towel.

Salmon with a Red Wine Compound Butter

Let salmon take the leading role in your Christmas dinner, baked to flaky perfection and exquisitely topped with a luxurious red wine and shallot herb butter. This elegant dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional holiday meats. The rich, aromatic compound butter melts beautifully over the tender salmon, creating a truly impressive and memorable main course that will delight your family and guests with its gourmet appeal.

Photo of a white plate with a gold spoon. The plate is filled with risotto with zucchini and cheese. On top of that are two slices of fried cod

Cod Risotto with Zucchini

Delight your taste buds this Christmas with a comforting and flavorful Cod Risotto with Zucchini. This creamy risotto, featuring tender zucchini and delicate, flaky cod, creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a delicious and hearty dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your palate, offering a wonderful seafood option for your festive meal. The elegant presentation makes it perfect for a holiday gathering, ensuring a light yet satisfying main course.

A square photo with a skillet filled with cod and a creamy white wine lemon sauce.

Cod with White Wine Sauce

Add a touch of undeniable elegance to your Christmas dinner with our exquisite recipe for Cod with White Wine Sauce. The delicate, flaky texture of the cod meets the refined and aromatic taste of a luxurious white wine sauce, creating a truly sophisticated main course. This dish is both impressive and surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for a festive gathering where you want to serve something special without extensive fuss. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season with a light and flavorful seafood option.

Vegetarian: Festive and Flavorful Plant-Based Options

Ensuring everyone at your Christmas table feels celebrated is key, and our selection of vegetarian main courses does just that. These plant-based dishes are far from an afterthought; they are vibrant, flavorful, and hearty options that stand proudly as a festive centerpiece. From creamy risottos to savory quiches, these recipes offer delicious and satisfying alternatives for your vegetarian guests or anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free holiday meal.

A blue dish with risotto, chestnut mushrooms and herbs. A hand takes a spoon. A white background

Risotto ai Funghi

Dive into a truly comforting and rich world of flavor with our classic Risotto ai Funghi, a perfect vegetarian centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. This creamy risotto is perfectly combined with earthy chestnut mushrooms, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that feels both luxurious and genuinely festive. This recipe is a feast of flavors on your plate, proving that vegetarian options can be just as impressive and delicious for a holiday celebration.

A square photo of a quiche with a point cut out. A blue background where the quiche is located

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Quiche with Roasted Garlic

Surprise and delight your guests with this unique and flavorful Pumpkin Sweet Potato Quiche with Roasted Garlic, a truly festive vegetarian main course. The warm, comforting notes of sweet potato and pumpkin blend beautifully with crunchy nuts and a creamy savory sauce, all encased in a golden, flaky crust. This impressive quiche offers a wonderful array of seasonal flavors and textures, making it a perfect and satisfying plant-based option for your Christmas dinner spread. It’s hearty, elegant, and utterly delicious.

A square photo with spaghetti with mushrooms in cream sauce

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Indulge in a simple yet exquisitely delicious Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta, a fantastic and satisfying vegetarian main course for your Christmas gathering. The rich, earthy flavor of mushrooms merges perfectly with a velvety, aromatic cream sauce, creating a truly comforting and gourmet experience. Prepare for a delightful flavor explosion in every bite, proving that a meat-free holiday meal can be incredibly decadent and memorable. Buon appetito! This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

We hope this curated collection of Christmas dinner main courses helps inspire your holiday menu and brings joy to your festive table. From traditional roasts to innovative seafood and hearty vegetarian options, there’s truly something for everyone to savor. Remember, the best part of Christmas dinner is sharing it with those you love. Choose a recipe that excites you, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal that fosters connection and lasting memories.

May your Christmas be filled with wonderful flavors, warm conversations, and happy moments around a beautifully set table. Happy cooking, and Happy Holidays!

And for even more festive inspiration, explore our full collection of Christmas recipes:

More Christmas Recipes