Hosting Christmas dinner? Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, our collection of 50 foolproof main dishes will help you create a memorable holiday feast. From classic roasts to modern alternatives, these recipes come with clear instructions and timing guides to ensure your success. Your guests will never guess you weren’t born hosting holiday dinners.

Holiday Pork Loin That Steals The Show

A skillet with slices of cooked meat, carrots, onions, and lemon wedges, garnished with fresh rosemary.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This gorgeous roast gives you plenty of time to enjoy Christmas morning with your family since it practically cooks itself. The heavenly aroma of herbs and garlic will fill your home, making it feel like the perfect holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Pork Loin That Steals The Show

Elegant Christmas Beef Tenderloin

Sliced medium-rare roast beef on a dark surface, garnished with herbs, sits enticingly next to a bowl of one of the best sauces for beef tenderloin and a set of knives.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Skip the crowded restaurants and create a luxurious Christmas dinner that’ll become your family’s new tradition. The step-by-step instructions ensure you’ll get that beautiful pink center every single time.
Get the Recipe → Classic Roast Beef Tenderloin

Christmas Crown Pork Roast Made Easy

A cooked rack of lamb is placed on a platter garnished with herbs. The background includes lit candles and small pumpkins.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This show-stopping roast looks like it belongs in a holiday movie but is surprisingly simple to make. The herb crust creates an incredible flavor that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds – maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe → Christmas Crown Pork Roast Made Easy

Perfect Holiday Turkey (No Stress!)

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Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Finally, a foolproof method that delivers juicy meat and crispy skin without taking up your whole Christmas Day. Our readers keep telling us this recipe helped them actually enjoy hosting instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe → Perfect Holiday Turkey (No Stress!)

Festive Cornish Game Hens

Roasted chicken garnished with herbs, lemon wedges, pomegranate seeds, and surrounded by carrots.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These individual-sized birds make everyone feel special and eliminate the fighting over dark vs white meat. Plus, they cook in half the time of a turkey, giving you more time to enjoy Christmas morning.
Get the Recipe → Festive Cornish Game Hens

Holiday Sous Vide Lamb (Perfect Every Time)

Grilled lamb chops seasoned with herbs on a dark tray, placed on a rustic fabric with greenery around.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get restaurant-quality results at home with this fail-proof method that lets you prep ahead and enjoy your Christmas gathering. Even lamb novices will nail this recipe – the precise temperature control means it’s impossible to overcook.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Sous Vide Lamb

Smoky Christmas Pork Roast

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Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The maple and apple wood smoke adds a flavor that’ll make this your signature holiday dish. Your neighbors will start asking in November when you’re making this roast again.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Rack of Pork

Grilled Prime Rib For A Crowd

A large, roasted beef cut with a pink, juicy center is displayed on a wooden platter, accompanied by a side of sauce in a small bowl.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Free up your oven and create a spectacular holiday centerpiece on your grill. The reverse-sear method ensures a perfect medium-rare center with a delicious crust that’ll make everyone fight over the end pieces.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Prime Rib

Garlic-Herb Prime Rib That Makes History

Sliced roasted beef on a tray, surrounded by herbs and a whole head of roasted garlic, with a bowl of sauce in the background.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This recipe creates the kind of holiday meal people talk about for years to come. The garlic-herb crust forms an incredible flavor seal that keeps all the juices locked inside.
Get the Recipe → Roast Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Crust

Christmas Beef Wellington

A sliced beef Wellington on a wooden board with a steak knife, garnished with herbs. Beside it sits a small bowl of the best sauce for beef tenderloin, enhancing every bite.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This legendary holiday dish is easier than you’d think with our clear, stress-free guide. The buttery puff pastry and perfectly cooked beef will make your guests feel like they’re dining at a luxury restaurant.
Get the Recipe → Classic Beef Wellington

Spiced Holiday Duck

Roasted duck garnished with orange slices, herbs, and spices on a wooden cutting board. Silver carving tools and rustic decor are visible nearby.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Break away from typical Christmas dishes with this aromatic, crispy-skinned duck that’s impossible to resist. The spice blend creates such incredible aromas that your guests will be asking what smells so good before they even walk in the door.
Get the Recipe → Spice-Rubbed Smoked Duck

Rosemary Turkey Breast For Intimate Gatherings

Sliced roasted turkey breast garnished with herbs on a plate, alongside lemon and greens.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Perfect for smaller Christmas celebrations, this juicy turkey breast gives you all the holiday flavors without a week of leftovers. The rosemary-garlic blend creates a flavor that makes store-bought deli turkey taste bland in comparison.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast

Oven Roasted Lamb Ribs For Christmas

Close-up of a seasoned, roasted rack of ribs with visible herbs and spices, surrounded by lemon wedges and onions.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These tender, flavorful ribs offer a delicious twist on traditional holiday roasts. The rich meat falls off the bone and pairs perfectly with festive sides – plus they cook faster than a whole roast.
Get the Recipe → Oven Roasted Lamb Ribs For Christmas

Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Ham

Sliced roasted ham with garnish, served on a wooden board with knives and pomegranate halves. Nearby is a bowl of cranberry sauce on a checkered cloth.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This isn’t your average holiday ham – our special glaze creates sticky-sweet edges that everyone will fight over. The leftovers make the most incredible breakfast on December 26th (if there are any).
Get the Recipe → Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Ham

Foolproof Holiday Prime Rib

Sliced roast beef on a wooden cutting board with a knife and a bowl of green beans nearby.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Take the guesswork out of your Christmas centerpiece with this timing method that delivers perfect results every time. The au jus recipe included will have everyone soaking up every last drop with their Yorkshire puddings.
Get the Recipe → Sous Vide Holiday Prime Rib

Perfect Holiday Rack of Pork

A platter of roast pork with herbs, surrounded by potatoes and mushrooms, is on a wooden table with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a napkin on the side.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This impressive cut gives you steakhouse quality results with hardly any prep – just season and let your oven do the magic. The French-trimmed bones make a stunning presentation while the meat stays incredibly juicy, giving you a show-stopping roast that’s actually easier than turkey.
Get the Recipe → Perfect Holiday Rack of Pork

Grilled Christmas Rack of Lamb

Grilled rack of lamb with some slices cut, garnished with herbs, surrounded by roasted vegetables and cranberries.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Give your holiday dinner an elegant twist that cooks in under an hour. The Moroccan spice blend creates an irresistible aroma that’ll draw everyone to the table early.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Christmas Rack of Lamb

Make-Ahead Christmas Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted chicken with herbs, surrounded by Brussels sprouts, carrots, lemon slices, and pomegranate seeds.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get all the festive flavors without being stuck in the kitchen on Christmas morning. The herb butter under the skin keeps the meat so juicy, you won’t believe it was made in advance.
Get the Recipe → Make-Ahead Christmas Turkey Breast

Smoked Prime Rib (No Special Equipment)

Sliced roast beef on a wooden board with herbs, a pomegranate, and an orange. Two knives are placed beside it.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Create steakhouse-quality prime rib right on your gas grill – no fancy smoker needed. The simple wood chip method adds just enough smokiness to enhance the beef’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Get the Recipe → Christmas Smoked Prime Rib

Eye of Round Roast That Tastes Like Prime Rib

A plate of sliced roast beef with vegetables and rice on a wooden table. Red napkin and fork on the side.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This budget-friendly cut becomes holiday-worthy with our foolproof cooking method. Our readers say their families can’t tell the difference between this and expensive prime rib.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Eye of Round Roast

Venison Roast With Winter Herbs

Sliced rack of lamb on a slate board, garnished with herbs, with cooked carrots on the side.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bring the flavors of the season to your holiday table with this impressive wild game roast. The herb crust complements the natural flavors of venison while keeping the meat incredibly tender.
Get the Recipe → Venison Roast With Winter Herbs

Holiday Porchetta That Wows

Sliced porchetta on a wooden board with herbs and spices, surrounded by knives and garnished with greens.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This Italian-style roast creates the most incredible crispy skin you’ve ever tasted. The fennel and herb filling makes your whole house smell like Christmas in Tuscany.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Porchetta that WOWs

Smoky Holiday Game Hens

Two roasted spatchcock chickens on a tray, garnished with fresh greens and sliced onions.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get all the festive flavors of a turkey with half the cooking time – perfect for intimate Christmas dinners. The smoke adds a richness that makes these little birds taste like they came from a fine dining restaurant.
Get the Recipe → Smoky Holiday Game Hens

Smoked Christmas Turkey (Extra Juicy)

Smoked turkey garnished with herbs and orange slices on a dark platter, with two knives placed nearby.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The brine and smoke combo creates the most flavorful turkey you’ve ever tasted – no more dry meat! Our low-and-slow method means you can sleep in on Christmas morning while your turkey cooks to perfection.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Christmas Turkey (Extra Juicy)

Holiday Turkey Breast From The Smoker

A roasted turkey breast on a black tray, garnished with sliced oranges and fresh herbs.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The rosemary-garlic combo creates the kind of aroma that makes the whole house feel like Christmas. You get all the tender, smoky meat without having to cook a whole bird – perfect for smaller gatherings.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Turkey Breast From The Smoker

Holiday Chateaubriand For Two

Sliced medium-rare beef tenderloin on a wooden cutting board, garnished with chopped herbs, pairs perfectly with the best sauces for beef tenderloin.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Perfect for intimate Christmas dinners, this classic French roast is surprisingly simple to master. The wine sauce will make you feel like you’re dining at a luxury restaurant without the holiday markup.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Chateaubriand For Two

Stuffed Holiday Pork Roast

Roast pork with lemon slices, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted onions on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The garlic-herb filling creates spirals of flavor in every slice of this impressive roast. Your guests will be asking for your secret when they see the beautiful swirls on their plates.
Get the Recipe → Stuffed Holiday Pork Roast

Charcoal Grilled Holiday Roast Beef

Sliced cooked beef on a black tray with garlic cloves and a knife nearby.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The smoky flavor from real charcoal takes this roast from good to unforgettable. Your guests will taste the difference real charcoal makes – it’s like having a steakhouse in your backyard for Christmas.
Get the Recipe → Charcoal Grilled Holiday Roast Beef

Christmas Spatchcock Turkey

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Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Cut your cooking time in half while getting juicier meat and crispier skin – it’s a Christmas miracle! This method frees up oven space for all your sides and ensures even cooking throughout.
Get the Recipe → Roasted Spatchcock Turkey

Crab-Stuffed Christmas Tenderloin

A platter with sliced steak topped with one of the best sauces for beef tenderloin, served alongside roasted broccoli and herbs. Forks placed beside the dish.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Combine surf and turf for a holiday show-stopper that’ll have everyone talking. The rich crab filling takes this tenderloin from special to unforgettable.
Get the Recipe → Crab Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

Pellet-Grilled Prime Rib

Slice of medium-rare prime rib on a black tray with a bowl of sauce, garnished with cranberries and herbs.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Free up your oven and let your pellet grill create the perfect smoke ring on your holiday roast. The precise temperature control gives you steakhouse results while you enjoy time with family.
Get the Recipe → Pellet Grill Prime Rib Roast

Veal Pocket Roast With Herbs

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Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This elegant holiday roast brings old-world charm to your Christmas table. The herb-studded stuffing flavors every bite while keeping the meat incredibly tender.
Get the Recipe → Veal Pocket Roast with Herbs

Osso Buco For A Cozy Christmas

Two plates of pasta with meat sauce, garnished with asparagus and herbs, sit on a wooden table next to a blue pot.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Nothing says special occasion quite like this rich, slow-cooked Italian classic. The marrow-enriched sauce creates a luxurious gravy that makes everything on the plate taste better.
Get the Recipe → Osso Buco For A Cozy Christmas

Grilled Holiday Pork Roast

A sliced roast pork with visible grill marks on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by greens in the background.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Give your Christmas pork the gift of real wood smoke flavor that you can’t get in the oven. The charcoal creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Holiday Pork Roast

Pork Osso Buco For Christmas Eve

Close-up of a dish featuring cooked meat with a bone, garnished with chopped herbs in a rich sauce.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This rich, tender pork dish is perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve dinner. The sous vide method means you can spend time with family while it cooks to perfection.
Get the Recipe → Pork Osso Buco For Christmas Eve

Moroccan-Spiced Holiday Lamb Crown

Roasted rack of lamb on a bed of couscous, garnished with fresh herbs and purple flowers on an ornate plate.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bring warm, festive spices to your Christmas table with this impressive crown roast. The presentation is stunning, but the real magic is in the flavors that’ll transport your guests to a holiday in Morocco.
Get the Recipe → Moroccan-Spiced Holiday Lamb Crown

Classic Holiday Spiral Ham

Close-up of a sliced glazed ham garnished with orange slices, fresh herbs, and berries on a wooden platter.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This no-fuss recipe gives you juicy, perfectly heated ham without drying it out. The glaze creates those irresistible sticky edges that everyone fights over at holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe → Classic Holiday Spiral Ham

Velvet-Tender Holiday Tenderloin

Sliced medium-rare beef roast on a wooden cutting board, garnished with sprigs of herbs and whole peppercorns, tempts the palate as you ponder the best sauces for beef tenderloin.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The sous vide method ensures this luxurious cut comes out exactly how you want it, every single time. Our temperature guide helps you achieve that perfect edge-to-edge pink that makes everyone think you hired a professional chef.
Get the Recipe → Velvet-Tender Holiday Tenderloin

Herb-Crusted Christmas Top Round

Sliced roast beef on a wooden cutting board, garnished with chopped herbs.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This budget-friendly roast gets dressed up for the holidays with a coating of winter herbs. Your guests will never guess this cost a fraction of prime rib – the herb crust makes it taste like a million bucks.
Get the Recipe → Herb-Crusted Christmas Top Round

Stress-Free Holiday Roast Beef

Slices of medium-rare steak garnished with herbs next to green beans on a wooden board.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The sous vide method means you can focus on family time instead of watching the oven. Wake up Christmas morning knowing your roast will be perfect – no timing stress needed.
Get the Recipe → Stress-Free Roast Beef

Holiday Beef Tenderloin On The Grill

Sliced roasted beef on a tray with a sprig of rosemary, beside a cast iron pan of cooked vegetables, garnished with herbs. A knife with a wooden handle rests nearby, ready to cut the perfect portion to pair with the best sauces for beef tenderloin.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Free up your oven and create steakhouse-quality tenderloin on the grill. The smoke from the grill adds just enough flavor to complement the beef without overpowering it.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Grilled Tenderloin

Smoked Turkey Tenderloin For Small Gatherings

Sliced smoked turkey tenderloin with pomegranate seeds and herbs, served alongside mashed potatoes and peas on a plate.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

All the holiday flavor in a perfectly-sized portion that doesn’t leave you eating leftovers until New Year’s. The smoke adds such amazing flavor that you won’t even need gravy.
Get the Recipe → Small Gathering Smoked Turkey Tenderloin

Buttery Christmas Tenderloin

Sliced medium-rare beef roast on a wooden cutting board, garnished with sprigs of herbs and whole peppercorns, tempts the palate as you ponder the best sauces for beef tenderloin.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The sous vide method means this luxurious cut comes out buttery-tender every time. It’s so perfectly cooked edge-to-edge that every slice looks like it belongs on a holiday magazine cover.
Get the Recipe → Buttery Christmas Tenderloin

Holiday Spatchcock Turkey From The Smoker

Roasted turkey legs and thighs seasoned with herbs on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by pinecones and greenery.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get dinner on the table in record time while still achieving that beautiful smoke ring. The spatchcock method means every bite is perfectly smoked and juicy – even the breast meat.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Spatchcock Smoked Turkey

Holiday Prime Rib With A Twist

A tray with sliced roast beef garnished with herbs, a knife on the side, and a bowl of creamy sauce.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The reverse sear method means this prime rib turns out perfect every time – no pricy thermometer needed. Your guests will be amazed by the edge-to-edge rosy color and that coveted steakhouse crust.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Prime Rib With A Twist

Traeger Turkey With Grandma’s Stuffing

Roasted turkey with stuffing on a platter, garnished with herbs and nuts. Surrounded by a checkered cloth and autumn decorations.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get that coveted smoke ring on your holiday turkey without sacrificing traditional stuffing. The controlled temperature of the Traeger means you can relax knowing your turkey will be perfectly cooked.
Get the Recipe → Traeger Smoked Turkey with Grandma’s Stuffing

Roasted Turkey Tenderloin With Herbs

Sliced roasted chicken with gravy on a plate next to green beans and carrots.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This smaller cut gives you juicy white meat without the fuss of a whole bird. Perfect for intimate Christmas dinners where you want all the traditional flavors without overwhelming portions.
Get the Recipe → Roasted Turkey Tenderloin with Herbs

Christmas Tenderloin From The Smoker

Sliced roast beef sits next to gratin in a skillet, surrounded by pine cones, berries, and a striped cloth. Discovering the best sauces for beef tenderloin could elevate this feast even further.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The gentle smoke adds a subtle flavor that makes this special cut even more memorable. It’s the perfect choice when you want to wow your holiday guests without being stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Christmas Beef Tenderloin

Holiday Butter-Poached Lobster

Close-up of a dish featuring lobster meat garnished with chopped herbs, served in a bowl.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Make your Christmas dinner feel like a 5-star restaurant with these perfectly cooked lobster tails. The gentle butter-poaching method creates such tender meat that you won’t believe you made it at home – and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Butter Poached Lobster Tails

Holiday Prime Rib From Your Gas Grill

Sliced prime rib roast on a wooden board with rosemary, orange slices, and a fork and knife set.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get that coveted smoke ring without investing in a fancy smoker – your gas grill is all you need. Our wood chip method and temperature guide help you create steakhouse-worthy prime rib while keeping your oven free for sides.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Prime Rib From Your Gas Grill

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Well, Hey, Y’all.

Kita is a multi-talented individual, boasting numerous accomplishments such as being an award-winning recipe developer, world-traveled professional photographer, and journalist. As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

Learn more about GirlCarnivore

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