Christmas dinner does not have to mean turkey again, or the same ham as every other holiday this fall. A beef roast, a rack of lamb, or even a really good roast chicken all feel like an occasion without much more effort.
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Here are six centerpieces to choose from depending on your crowd, plus the sides that go with any of them.
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Beef Centerpieces
The classic choice for a reason. Both of these need less hands-on time than you would think.
Beef Tenderloin Roast with Garlic Herb Butter
Best No-Fail Prime Rib
Pork, Lamb, and Something Different
A little less traditional, still feels like a special occasion.
Pork Tenderloin With Sauce (So Juicy!)
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
A Really Good Roast Chicken
Sometimes the simplest thing on the list is the one everyone actually wants.
Roast Chicken
Seafood Feast
Lighter, faster, and still feels festive.
Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Shrimp Scampi (Without Wine)
Vegetarian Centerpiece
Just as impressive sliced at the table as any of the meat options.
Mushroom Wellington
Sides That Go With Any of Them
Pick two or three. All of these hold up next to a big main.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Creamy Brussel Sprouts Recipe
My Best Tips for Christmas Dinner
A holiday main is usually simpler than it looks. These are the things that actually matter.
- Let the meat come to room temperature first. Take a roast out of the fridge 45 minutes to an hour before it goes in the oven. A cold roast cooks unevenly and takes longer to reach temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer, not the clock. Every oven and every cut runs a little different. Pull the roast a few degrees under your target and let carryover heat finish the job while it rests.
- Rest it before you cut it. Ten to twenty minutes under loose foil lets the juices redistribute. Cut too early and they all end up on the cutting board instead of in the meat.
- Pick a main that matches your oven space. If sides are taking the oven, a stovetop-seared roast or a main that finishes on the stove keeps you from fighting for space.
- Make the sauce or gravy while the meat rests. That resting window is exactly enough time to deglaze the pan and pull together a sauce, so nothing sits around getting cold.
Christmas Dinner FAQs
What is a good alternative to turkey for Christmas?
Beef tenderloin, prime rib, a rack of lamb, or a well-seasoned roast chicken all make a strong centerpiece without repeating Thanksgiving.
How far ahead can I prep a Christmas main?
Most roasts can be seasoned or even seared a day ahead and finished in the oven closer to dinner. Check the specific recipe, since timing varies by cut.
What sides go with a beef or lamb roast?
Mashed or roasted potatoes, a green vegetable, and something with a little acidity to cut the richness, like a vinegar-dressed salad.
Before You Go
For the full side dish lineup see What to Serve with Turkey (most of it works for any holiday main), and for appetizers before dinner, Easy Christmas Appetizers.
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