17 Easy Christmas Dinner Main Dish Ideas

Byarlo Jack

(Festive, Crowd-Pleasing & Simple to Make)

Christmas dinner is all about bringing everyone together around a warm, comforting meal but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all day in the kitchen. These 17 main dish ideas are festive, flavorful, and easy enough for home cooks of all levels. Whether you want something traditional, vegetarian, or a little outside the box, this list has you covered.

1. Garlic & Herb Roasted Chicken

An elegant alternative to turkey. Rub a whole chicken with garlic, lemon, rosemary, and olive oil. Roast until golden and juicy, perfect for smaller gatherings.

2. Honey-Glazed Baked Ham

Brush a spiral-cut ham with a glaze of honey, Dijon mustard, and orange juice. Pop it in the oven and let it caramelize beautifully while you prep sides.

3. Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter

For a showstopping centerpiece, roast beef tenderloin and finish with garlic-herb butter. It cooks quickly and slices beautifully.

4. Vegetarian Mushroom & Lentil Wellington

A plant-based star: a rich filling of mushrooms, lentils, onions, and herbs wrapped in puff pastry. Sliceable, hearty, and impressive.

5. Citrus & Herb Salmon

Roast a whole side of salmon with slices of lemon and orange, fresh dill, and olive oil. Light, bright, and festive.

6. Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs

Make them with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat. Toss in a sweet-tart cranberry glaze for a playful, shareable main.

7. Maple-Dijon Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Quick to cook and full of flavor. Slice into medallions and serve with roasted winter vegetables.

8. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Fill roasted squash halves with quinoa, cranberries, toasted pecans, and herbs. A vegetarian main that doubles as an edible centerpiece.

9. Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet

A cozy one-pan option made with white beans, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy garlic sauce. Serve with crusty bread.

10. Herbed Prime Rib Roast

Season with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then slow roast until perfectly tender. A classic holiday option for meat lovers.

11. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Layer roasted zucchini, eggplant, and spinach with ricotta and marinara. Bakes into a hearty vegetarian main everyone loves.

12. Braised Short Ribs

Cooked low and slow until fall-off-the-bone tender, served over mashed potatoes or polenta — pure winter comfort food.

13. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Veggies

For a lighter main, roast shrimp with garlic, lemon, and seasonal vegetables. Fast, festive, and packed with flavor.

14. Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Creamy chicken and veggie filling topped with flaky puff pastry. Easy to assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving.

15. Spinach & Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Large mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, and breadcrumbs. Perfect as a vegetarian main dish.

16. Holiday Stuffed Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mix of rice, beans or ground turkey, and herbs. Top with cheese and bake until melty and golden.

17. Cranberry-Orange Glazed Tofu

For a vegan centerpiece, roast tofu steaks and brush with a tangy cranberry-orange glaze. Serve with roasted root vegetables.

Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Mains

  • Prep ahead: marinate meats, chop veggies, and make sauces a day before.
  • Balance the menu: pair richer mains with fresh sides and salads.
  • Choose 1–2 stars: keep the main dishes simple so you can enjoy the day with family.

Conclusion

These 17 main dish ideas give you plenty of ways to make your Christmas dinner delicious and memorable without spending hours over the stove. From classic roasts to vegetarian showstoppers, there’s something here for every table size and taste.