15 Christmas Main Dish Recipes for Your Holiday Table

The main dish is the centerpiece of any holiday table, and these 10 Christmas main dish recipes are impressive enough to be the star of the show. From classic roasts to elegant stuffed tenderloins, there’s a showstopper here for every holiday menu.

Whether you’re feeding a big crowd or a smaller gathering, these recipes bring restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen. Scroll through, pick your favorite, and click “Get the Recipe” to grab the full instructions.

1. Herb Crusted Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

A garlic-and-herb crust seals in the juices of this classic holiday roast, served alongside a tangy horseradish sauce. It’s the ultimate centerpiece for a special occasion dinner.

2. Maple Glazed Holiday Ham with Spiced Brown Sugar Crust

A sticky maple and brown sugar glaze caramelizes over this holiday ham for a sweet, spiced crust in every slice. It’s a classic centerpiece that also makes for excellent leftovers.

3. Roast Turkey with Sweet Cranberry Orange Glaze

A golden roast turkey gets brushed with a sweet cranberry-orange glaze for a beautiful, flavorful twist on the classic centerpiece. It’s a showstopper that still leaves the meat juicy and tender.

4. Classic Beef Wellington

Tender beef tenderloin wrapped in mushroom duxelles and golden puff pastry makes for one of the most impressive holiday mains you can serve. It takes a little extra effort, but the payoff is worth it.

5. Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine and Thyme

Short ribs braise low and slow in red wine and fresh thyme until they’re fall-apart tender. It’s a rich, comforting main that practically cooks itself while you handle the rest of the meal.

6. Herb Crusted Pork Loin Roast with Apple Pan Sauce

A savory herb crust seals in the juices of this pork loin, finished with a bright apple pan sauce that plays perfectly against the richness. It’s an elegant, easier-than-it-looks holiday main.

7. Cranberry Orange Glazed Duck

Crispy-skinned duck gets brushed with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze for a main dish that feels extra special. It’s a great way to switch things up from the usual holiday roast.

8. Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

A rich mushroom and spinach filling gets rolled into tender beef tenderloin for a beautiful, sliceable centerpiece. It looks like it came from a steakhouse but comes together with straightforward steps.

9. Stuffed Pork Loin with Cranberries and Apples

This pork loin gets butterflied and stuffed with sweet cranberries and apples, then rolled and roasted for a gorgeous spiral of holiday flavor in every slice. It’s an elegant main that’s easier to pull off than it looks.

10. Elegant Salmon en Croute

Flaky salmon gets wrapped in golden puff pastry for an elegant, seafood-forward alternative to the usual holiday roast. It slices beautifully and makes a stunning presentation at the table.

More Christmas Recipes to Explore

Hungry for more holiday inspiration? Browse our full collection of Christmas Recipes and check out our Dinner recipes for more main dish ideas.