The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Dinner Main Courses: Over 35 Festive Recipes for a Truly Memorable Holiday Feast

As the holiday season draws near, one question inevitably arises: “What to cook for Christmas dinner this year?” The desire to create a spectacular, memorable meal without serving the exact same menu as last year is a common one. To help you answer this perennial question with confidence and culinary flair, we’ve curated an incredible compilation of diverse Christmas dinner main course recipes, designed to inspire and delight every palate.

This comprehensive guide offers a rich tapestry of options, from beloved traditional Christmas dinner main courses like succulent Beef or Pork Tenderloin, impressive Beef or Vegan Wellington, classic Christmas Ham, and the iconic Christmas Turkey, to exciting and innovative Nontraditional Christmas Dinner Main Course Recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to elevate your holiday spread, you’ll find a wealth of ideas to make your festive meal truly special.

Even if you prefer to honor time-honored traditions, such as roasting a magnificent turkey every Christmas, this collection provides fresh perspectives and creative twists. Discover new glazing techniques, unique seasoning blends, and innovative preparation methods that will allow you to uphold your customs while introducing a delightful new dimension to your annual feast. Imagine a turkey with a different, vibrant glaze, or a ham infused with unexpected flavors – the possibilities are endless.

With so many tempting options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To simplify your planning and ensure you have these fantastic recipes at your fingertips, we offer a convenient solution: download our exclusive PDF, “36 delicious Christmas Dinner Main Course Recipe Ideas.” This invaluable link collection will serve as your ultimate kitchen companion, making the process of planning and cooking your fantastic Christmas menu both enjoyable and stress-free.

If you fancy, you can also snag my Christmas Dinner Cookbook with 24 matching recipes!

7 Variations of Pork and Beef Tenderloin Recipes for Your Festive Table

Pork and beef tenderloins are always a fantastic choice for a Christmas main course. Their naturally tender texture and elegant presentation make them a showstopper without requiring hours of complex preparation. These cuts are remarkably versatile, allowing for a range of flavor profiles from smoky BBQ to fragrant Christmas spices and rich wine sauces. Whether you prefer the richness of beef or the lean succulence of pork, these recipes ensure a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that will impress your holiday guests.

BBQ Pork Tenderloin

The best and easiest BBQ Pork Tenderloin made on the grill or in your oven. Simple ingredients packed with sweet and smoky flavor, the only pork tenderloin recipe you’ll ever need!

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Christmas-Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg mix with orange zest and rosemary for a simple rub, creating a fragrant, juicy pork tenderloin recipe perfect for the holidays.

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Electric Skillet Pork Tenderloin with White Wine Sauce

This pork tenderloin is cooked in a citrus white wine sauce. Tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked, it’s certain to become one of your holiday season favorites in no time at all.

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Mind-Blowing Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin | Borrowed Bites

This addictive Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin is moist, tender pork covered in a sweet, sticky maple syrup sauce. It’s an amazing main dish that gets rave reviews every time! Plus it is the perfect dish for entertaining and holidays.

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Beef Tenderloin with Wine Sauce

Tender Beef Tenderloin Roast with rich Wine Sauce is an easy and impressive main dish perfect for special occasions or holidays.

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Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin is a delicious treat for Christmas dinner. Fresh herbs bring so much flavor to this lovely cut of meat.

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Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast » Not Entirely Average

Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast is not only a seasonal favorite, but it is also a tradition. Beef tenderloin roasts are a near-perfect solution for a crowd who would otherwise all want their steaks cooked differently. Tenderloins are typically uneven in shape and weight from end to center to end. Despite requiring a few ‘alterations’ to promote even cooking, the ends usually finish a firm medium, an inner cut a medium-rare, and the center of the roast rare.

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4 Different Recipes to make Beef or Vegan Wellington

Beef Wellington is the epitome of a show-stopping holiday main course, famed for its impressive presentation and exquisite flavor. This classic dish, featuring tender beef tenderloin encased in a rich mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry, guarantees gasps of delight at your Christmas dinner table. For those seeking an equally elegant, plant-based alternative, Vegan Wellington offers a hearty and satisfying experience, proving that a festive feast can be incredibly delicious for everyone. Preparing a Wellington might seem daunting, but the result is always worth the effort, creating a truly unforgettable culinary moment.

Vegan Wellington

Impress your guests with this gorgeous Vegan Wellington! The filling is meaty, satisfying and ever-so-tasty! It’s surprisingly easy to make too!

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Vegan Wellington (Gluten-Free)

This Vegan Wellington is crispy and flaky, hearty and satisfying, and so full of flavor! It’s a good source of protein and fiber and is gluten-free too. A seriously satisfying plant-based showstopper!

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Individual Beef Wellington Recipe – The Art of Food and Wine

Individual Beef Wellington’s are the perfect gourmet dinner. Tender filet mignon steaks are wrapped and baked in puff pastry.

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How to Make Beef Wellington – House of Nash Eats

When it’s Christmas dinner and you have family or guests coming over this classic Beef Wellington will be the much-anticipated star of the table! The succulent beef tenderloin roast covered in savory mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry is absolutely divine!

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7 Amazing Christmas Ham Recipes to Glaze Your Holiday

A beautifully glazed ham is a quintessential centerpiece for many Christmas tables, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that truly capture the spirit of the season. Known for its generous servings and delicious leftovers, ham is often a more manageable option than a whole turkey, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests. From zesty orange-bourbon glazes to classic honey-baked and pineapple brown sugar varieties, these recipes promise a moist, tender ham with a perfectly caramelized crust. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or a smaller family meal, a well-prepared Christmas ham is always a crowd-pleaser.

Orange-Bourbon Glazed Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham | Boulder Locavore®

Orange-Bourbon Glazed Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham (recipe) is easy for large gatherings and holiday meals. Low-temperature roasting makes a moist, tender ham.

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Best Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham – Little Sunny Kitchen

Perfect, juicy, and flavorful Instant Pot ham with the BEST EVER glaze, a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday feast!

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Spiral Sliced Ham with Pineapple Cola Glaze – Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

There’s nothing better than a Spiral Sliced Ham on the dinner table…unless it’s coated with a sweet n sour pineapple cola glaze. This slow-cooked Spiral Ham bakes up nicely in the Crockpot, then finishes in the oven under the broiler.

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Glazed Ham (Oven and Crock Pot Friendly!) – The Cozy Cook

This Glazed Ham Recipe is brushed with honey butter and baked in the oven or the Crock-Pot before being brushed with a sweet pineapple brown sugar glaze! The ham is juicy and flavorful with a perfectly caramelized top.

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Easy Instant Pot Ham Recipe (With 3 Glaze Recipes!)

This easy Instant Pot ham recipe makes a terrific holiday meal. Includes three different glaze recipes (one is keto-friendly).

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Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham – sweet pineapple brown sugar glaze over a juicy salty spiral cut ham. A classic holiday ham recipe, perfect for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday supper.

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Instant Pot Maple Glazed Ham

Instant Pot Maple Glazed Ham with its Caramelized Sweetly Spiced Glaze is a must have for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving holidays.

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7 Unique Recipes to Make a Delicious Christmas Turkey

The Christmas turkey stands as a monumental symbol of holiday feasting, deeply rooted in tradition and cherished by many. Achieving that perfect balance of crispy, golden skin and moist, flavorful meat, however, can be a culinary challenge. This collection delves into various techniques and recipes designed to ensure your turkey is the star of the show. From brining for ultimate juiciness and spatchcocking for faster, even cooking to leveraging the power of an Instant Pot, these methods offer innovative ways to transform your traditional bird into a truly exceptional holiday centerpiece. Explore new flavors and foolproof methods to make this year’s Christmas turkey the best one yet.

Best Ever Turkey Brine Recipe – Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

The Best Ever Turkey Brine Recipe. Have you been waffling upon the age-old turkey question…to brine or not to brine? Let me tell you, once you start bringing your holiday turkeys, you’ll never have a dry turkey again!

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Roast Turkey Recipe – The Cozy Cook

This Traditional Roast Turkey Recipe is cooked to the perfect temperature inside and out, with extra crispy brown skin and juicy and flavorful turkey meat! Start it upside down and finish it breast side up for the absolutely perfect result!

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Instant Pot Turkey – Cooking the Whole Turkey | Bacon is Magic

If you’re tired of cooking the turkey for hours, and it ends up dry, this easy Instant Pot whole turkey. This no-fail approach makes a tender and juicy turkey every time.

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Dry Brine Spatchcock Turkey With Herb Butter | Maple + Mango

This delicious Spatchcock Turkey with Herb Butter is juicy, crispy-skinned, and only takes 90 minutes to cook. Learn how easy it is to spatchcock and dry brine your holiday turkey.

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Instant Pot Turkey

Make holiday meals easier this year with Instant Pot Turkey. It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t take up needed space in the oven.

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Instant Pot Turkey Thighs

These Instant pot turkey thighs are a filling, yet easy Christmas dinner to make! Serve with a delicious homemade gravy that everyone will love!

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Easy Roast Turkey Recipe | Little Sunny Kitchen

Cooking a roast turkey is easier than you think! Follow my super simple recipe for a perfectly juicy and tender roast turkey that your whole family will enjoy! No brining or basting is required.

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Nontraditional Christmas Dinner Main Course Recipes: Break the Mold This Year!

While traditions are wonderful, sometimes the holiday season calls for something a little different. Nontraditional Christmas dinner main courses are perfect for those looking to start new traditions, cater to diverse dietary preferences, or simply want to try something exciting and unexpected. This section offers creative alternatives to the usual roasts, proving that a festive meal can be just as joyful and delicious when you step outside the box. From flavorful vegetarian options to unique meat dishes, these recipes promise to add a fresh and memorable twist to your holiday celebration, ensuring everyone finds something truly special to savor.

Easy Christmas Dinner Menu for 6 | Entertaining with Beth

This Easy Christmas Dinner Menu for 6 can be prepped in advance. It’s affordable, it uses basic ingredients and doesn’t require any expensive roasts or seafood!

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Ratatouille Recipe • Happy Kitchen

Ratatouille Recipe: delicious and spectacular vegan gluten-free dish that will be a star of any table. Healthy, impressive looking and comforting dish.

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Cranberry Walnut Bacon Stuffed Pork Roll with Brandy Sauce

This cranberry walnut bacon stuffed pork roll with brandy sauce is as delicious as it sounds, and it’s also pretty! So festive – perfect for Christmas dinner.

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Festive slice – turkey, bacon, stuffing and cranberry pastry – A Mummy Too

A deliciously festive slice – turkey, bacon, stuffing, cranberry, and white sauce in a puff pastry pocket, with a herby cheese crumb.

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The utterly perfect mini cheeseburgers

Selfmade mini cheeseburgers from start to finish. Homemade patties and buns assembled into perfect mini cheeseburgers.

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Low Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu with Coconut Coating

A delicious keto low carb chicken cordon bleu with a crisp coconut coating. It’s an easy entree that’s elegant enough to serve on holidays!

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Slow Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb – Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

This succulent Slow Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb makes a stunning centerpiece for your Sunday Dinner, Holiday, or Celebration. Seasoned with herbs, citrus, and garlic, this perfectly roasted Greek-style lamb is melt in your mouth delicious!

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Classic Crown Rib Roast

Crown rib roast with classic seasoning is a delicious way to celebrate Christmas dinner with family. It has a beautiful presentation and slices into thick pork chops everyone will enjoy!

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The Most Festive Christmas Burgers for Dinner | Platein28

We have the most perfect, fun, and easy Christmas Burgers for you and your kids. Little Rudolph sliders! You won’t forget this festive meal!

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Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf

A hearty plant-based Christmas dinner idea that will satisfy even meat-eaters! A Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf that mimics the classic meatloaf with no meat, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free! Get all your protein and veggies in this healthy recipe!

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Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce

Our Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce recipe, a twist on the classic lasagna, is bursting with three cheeses and an easy homemade sauce.

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Preparing Christmas dinner is more than just cooking a meal; it’s about crafting memories, sharing joy, and savoring the company of loved ones. Whether you stick to time-honored traditions or embark on a new culinary adventure, the effort you put into your festive feast will be deeply appreciated. Remember to choose recipes that excite you and fit your celebration style, ensuring a truly personal and delightful experience for everyone at the table.

Don’t forget to download your free Christmas Dinner recipe books!

🎁 Have a lovely Christmas Dinner with your loved ones! 🎄