Christmas Dinner Ideas Main Dishes: The Stars of the Night!

You know how I always describe main dishes as the stars of the night, no matter the celebration. They really are for me! That’s why I always feel extra nervous or pressured when choosing the party’s main dish — they’re huge deal-breakers! 

With one of the biggest holidays of the year approaching, I’ve put together a list of the best main dishes for Christmas dinner. Prepare for tasty turkey, chicken, pork ribs, and seafood recipes!

Honey Glazed Roast Pork with Vegetables

Starting deliciously strong with this honey-glazed roast pork and vegetables! I absolutely love how the healthy veggies balance out the tasty flavors of the roasted pork, this makes each bite satisfying and flavorful. This one-pan meal is perfect for Christmas dinners! 

Whole Roasted Stuffed Chicken

Nothing says holiday feast like a beautifully roasted stuffed chicken, with its crispy golden skin and juicy, flavorful meat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to fill your home with the comforting aroma of herbs and spices.

Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Spice up your Christmas with Cajun shrimp and rice, a vibrant and zesty dish that’s a delightful departure from traditional holiday fare. The bold flavors and succulent shrimp make for a festive and satisfying meal.

Turkey Breast Stew

Turkey breast stew is the perfect cozy dish for a Christmas evening, offering tender chunks of turkey in a rich, savory broth. It’s a lighter alternative to a full roast, yet still comforting and hearty.

Bacon Chicken Roll Ups

These bacon-wrapped chicken roll ups stuffed with ham and cheese are a decadent treat that’s sure to impress. Each bite delivers a burst of smoky, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for a special holiday dinner.

Beef Steew

Bring a taste of Croatia to your Christmas table with Pasticada, a slow-cooked beef stew rich in flavors and tradition. This dish’s deep, complex flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a standout choice for a festive meal.

Creamy Salmon and Zucchini Pasta

For a lighter but equally indulgent option, creamy salmon and zucchini pasta is a fantastic choice. The delicate flavors of the salmon and the freshness of the zucchini, combined with a luscious creamy sauce, create a delightful and elegant dish perfect for celebrating.

Classic Pot Roast

Let’s move to classic with this pot roast! You can never go wrong with a pot roast, as it’s the ultimate comfort food that always makes me feel cozy and satisfied. With its tender beef and flavorful vegetables, it’s a classic dish that brings a touch of warmth to any table. 

Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce

I already love short ribs in general, but with the addition of red wine sauce, wow, I’m speechless! This recipe made me so hungry with its tender, succulent beef and rich, flavorful sauce. It’s like a fine dining experience right at your own holiday table at home.

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken

Creamy spinach mushroom soup will never go out of style, and when you add chicken to the mix, it becomes a main dish worthy of any dinner table! This one-pan recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. Paired with crusty bread or steamed rice, it’s heavenly! 

Garlicky Lamb Chops with Cranberry Balsamic Reduction

There’s just something about garlic-flavored lamb chops that really hits the spot, and when you add a cranberry balsamic reduction, it makes the dish absolutely perfect for Christmas! The combination of lamb and tangy, sweet reduction creates a festive and flavorful experience.

Roasted Turkey with Pomegranate Glaze

Wow, turkey with pomegranate glaze is a combination that 100% brings out the spirit of Christmas! The glaze pairs perfectly with the turkey, while the red pepper adds a kick that really enhances the flavor!

Holiday Baked Salmon

If you’re looking to switch things up from the usual chicken and turkey, I highly recommend this baked salmon! As a huge fan of salmon, I absolutely love its flavor! The pomegranate seeds also give an extra touch of holiday cheer. This dish is not only delicious but also adds a pop of color to your spread!

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

The best way to cook shrimp is definitely with garlic butter—that’s my motto in life! This sheet pan garlic butter shrimp is a fantastic addition to any main dish spread, offering that burst of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick standout feature on your table!

Creamy Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta

If you’re looking for another great addition to your main dish spread, this creamy asparagus and mushroom pasta is an outstanding choice! It’s a delicious meatless option that pairs perfectly with chicken or chops, or serves beautifully on its own!

Roasted Turkey with Sage and Pine Nut Stuffing

Back to turkeys with this roasted delight featuring sage and pine nut stuffing! The pine nut stuffing adds such a flavor that I can’t get enough of it. Aside from its tasty flavor, this festive dish makes for a fantastic centerpiece!

Beef Wellington

Wow, this dish really made my stomach growl—those layers of puff pastry wrapping up all the flavors are absolutely irresistible! The filling inside creates a delicious combination that I can’t wait to add to my holiday menu. 

Classic Roast Duck with Cranberry Orange Glaze

I’m not forgetting about a classic roasted duck recipe, especially with that amazing cranberry-orange glaze! The combination of the crispy skin and glaze makes this dish an absolute main dish. It’s definitely going to elevate your holiday spread!

Marmalade-Glazed Gammon with Savoy Salad

Wow, this gammon looks absolutely juicy and flavorful, especially with that marmalade glaze! And just look at the Savoy salad—this main dish is truly a complete package. The combination of the sweet glaze and the crunchy salad makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and fresh.

Brown Sugar and Ginger Glazed Ham

Another Christmas classic has to be a tasty ham, and this brown sugar and ginger glazed ham is packed with flavors everyone craves! The combination of sweet brown sugar and ginger creates a mouthwatering glaze that’s both sticky and delicious. This ham will definitely be a hit at your holiday table.

Ham in Coca-Cola

I know you might have had a “?” moment when you saw this recipe, because I did too! But trust me, cooking ham in Coca-Cola actually works and delivers a uniquely delicious flavor that will surprise you. It’s definitely a unique twist worth trying for your holiday spread!

Christmas Shrimp Scampi

If you’re a shrimp lover like me, you’ll be thrilled with this Christmas shrimp scampi! It’s the perfect main dish addition to your holiday spread, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. This recipe brings all the delicious flavors you crave!

Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese with Herb Butter

Time to bring out the lobsters with this decadent mac ‘n’ cheese! The rich flavors from the lobster combined with the creamy herb butter sauce are absolutely heavenly. This dish is perfect for making any meal feel extra special and indulgent. And the lobster? Every time is a good time for lobster! 

Cranberry Glazed Chicken Wings

If you’re not up for a whole chicken this Christmas, these cranberry glazed chicken wings are an excellent alternative! The cranberry glaze adds a festive and tangy touch that never disappoints. These wings are a great addition to your holiday menu – I can imagine the burst of flavor with every bite.

Prime Rib Roast

This simple and classic prime rib roast is a guaranteed winner, hitting all the right taste bud notes with its flavor and perfect tenderness. Paired with roasted potatoes, it makes for a fantastic main dish that’s sure to impress anyone! 

Pan Seared Steak

Of course, I can’t forget about steaks! My ultimate favorite part of this recipe is the garlic rosemary infusion—it’s just incredible and makes the steak so delicious. The combination of flavors really takes this pan-seared steak to the next level, making it a must-try for any steak lover.

Mediterranean Baked Lamb Chops with Root Vegetables

Wrapping up this list with a bang, this Mediterranean baked lamb chops with root vegetables is a perfect choice! The lamb chops are beautifully baked to perfection, and those root vegetables balance everything with their earthy sweetness. 

Huge thanks to the original creators of these recipes, you all made our Christmas dinners a lot more festive and delicious!