Many families have classic dishes they make again and again for holiday meals. But if you’re feeling a little burned out by honey ham or crown pork roast, avoid monotony this holiday season by choosing one of these alternative Christmas dinner main dishes. From creamy lasagna to impressive pork tenderloin, guests will be surprised and delighted by these delicious recipes.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
Seasonal veggies layer with creamy cheese sauce in this wintery lasagna that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It’s a one-dish meal, so you’ll only need to serve with a side salad and a roll for sopping up the last bites of sauce.
Peking Duck
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“We made this for Christmas lunch, our first guest came in and said, wow it smells like Christmas,” shared one reviewer. “It was amazing, and there were no leftovers (unfortunately).”
Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Dotdash-Meredith Food Studios
Don’t bother with a whole bird this year. Instead, make a cozy turkey pot pie. Over 2,500 home cooks have given this recipe a whirl, and nearly 1,500 of them agree it’s a 5-star recipe.
“I made this last year and my family loved it,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “I’m planning on buying a little bit bigger turkey just so I’d have plenty of left overs to make this.”
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Hearty pork tenderloin combines with seasonal veggies and salty prosciutto for an unbeatable main dish. Several reviewers suggest adding a sprinkle of cheese, like feta or Parmesan, to amp up the flavor.
“This was a great-tasting meal that everyone liked,” said one Allrecipes community member. “It’s important to flatten the tenderloin and get some help with the ties to get a solid roll. Mine came out looking good, staying together, and tasting great!”
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Simple cauliflower makes for a surprisingly elegant main dish when cut into hearty planks or “steaks.” The key to getting uniform slices is to buy a large cauliflower.
“I have never cared for cauliflower until I made this recipe tonight,” raved one reviewer. “I am looking forward to making this for my daughter and son-in-law next week. Thank you so much for this recipe. It was outstanding.”
Fabulous Beef Tenderloin
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Just three simple ingredients and a handful of herbs are needed to make this impressive main dish.
“This is our Christmas dinner recipe for the past few years,” shared one Allrecipes member. “It is the BEST! We prefer to buy the meat already trimmed and tied – less hassle on an already busy day.”
Spatchcock Chicken
It’s hard to beat a mouthwatering roasted chicken, especially when it’s spatchcocked to create extra crispy skin while staying moist. Season with your favorite spice blend to create a delicious Christmas dinner.
“Delicious,” said one Allrecipes community member. “The meat was so juicy and flavorful!!! I did have to cook it almost an hour—but the wait was worth it! I definitely would recommend this recipe, and will serve it again!”
Salmon Wellington
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Salmon Wellington a playful take on another holiday classic: Beef Wellington. It has a delicious spinach, feta, and Dijon mustard filling. The salmon stays lovely and moist and the pastry bakes up golden and crisp. It makes an elegant main dish that’s perfect for impressing family and friends!
“Looks impressive and actually not that difficult to make,” noted an Allrecipes community member. “The fish was perfectly cooked. Served it as part of Christmas dinner and it was devoured.”
Cranberry BBQ Chicken
Upgrade basic barbecue chicken with a wintery twist. Whole cranberry sauce adds crunchy texture and a tangy tartness to the entire dish.
“Crazy good,” raved one reviewer. “Also, very easy to make. The cranberry sauce gives it the perfect zest. I will be making this often!”
Butternut Squash and Shiitake Mushroom Wild Rice Risotto
Colorful (and flavorful) butternut squash-studded risotto is a beautiful main dish for Christmas. Top with feta, lots of cracked pepper, fried sage, and pomegranate arils for a stunning presentation.
“Absolutely perfect,” raved a reviewer. “My husband asked me to marry him again after he tasted it”
Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Take all the hearty flavor of a tangy meat sauce and conveniently stuff it into bell peppers. This is easier than pasta for serving a crowd, but just as delicious.
“I made these tonight,” shared a community member. “My husband is very hard to please, he raved about them!! The only thing I changed was I added Mozzarella on top and melted in the last 15 minutes of cooking. They are delicious. Great recipe!”
Chef John’s Cassoulet
Photographer: Jen Causey / Food Styling: Margaret Dickey / Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
It may be a challenging dish, but the end results will be well worth it when you see your guests’ faces after their first bite. Hearty white beans and tender cuts of chicken will make it an unforgettable meal.
Coq au Vin
“Don’t let the fancy name scare you,” noted a community member. “This was extremely easy to make and so delicious! I followed the recipe exactly. Next time I will double the sauce because it’s that good!”
Braised Short Ribs
Robby Lozano / Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell
“A-Mazing,” stated one reviewer. “My family said it tasted like a gourmet restaurant meal! This is on our roster! Thank you, Chef John, so great!”
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Allrecipes / Preethi Venkatram
“This vegetarian shepherd’s pie made with a savory lentil base and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes was our first vegetarian recipe and has withstood the test of time,” said Allrecipes community member Souliere, who shared this recipe. “Now, it’s one of our staple recipes. It’s hearty, comforting, and delicious!”
Steak and Ale Pie
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
There’s no better cold-weather dinner than a classic meat pie—and this version is special enough to serve to company.
Pomegranate Glazed Salmon
Brenda Venable
This pomegranate-glazed salmon, served on a bed of spinach, is glazed with a pomegranate drizzle, pomegranate arils, and orange slices. It cooks quickly, so have your ingredients ready to go.
Easy Charcuterie Board
If you’re celebrating with a small group, consider cutting out the main dish completely and replacing with a large and fabulous charcuterie board. Add all your favorite meats, cheeses, carbs, veggies, fruits, pickles and jams and arrange beautifully for a festive spread.
Lobster Thermidor
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Lobster Thermidor is surprisingly simple to make at home for a stunning meal for two. Lobster shells are stuffed with cooked lobster in a creamy white wine sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese, and broiled until golden.
Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Blueberry Sauce
“We had this for Christmas dinner and it was amazing,” said one Allrecipes community member. “We cooked it to medium-rare—perfection!”