Here’s how to draw those oohs and aahs.
While I love the twinkling lights and gift-giving of the holidays, I get most excited by the dinners.
My mother-in-law makes a special dinner for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
But it doesnt have to be prime rib to be memorable.
There are other grand holiday meals you’re free to choose from.
Youll find roasts, pasta, and stews on this list.
Guests will be running to the table when they see you serving these juicy lamb chops. You can season the lamb up to three days in advance. No gravy or sauces are required.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Once youve decided on the menu, start procuring the ingredients.
You may need to put in a special order with a local butcher or go to a specialty grocer.
Also, ensure you have a trusty instant-read thermometer and any other special equipment.
Simply Recipes / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
you could season the lamb up to three days in advance.
No gravy or sauces are required.
Coat the beef tenderloin in mustard, sear in a skillet, and then finish in a hot oven.
Sally Vargas
The oven starts at 500F but dont forget to turn it down once the roast is inside.
The recipe is easy to double and is ready in an hour.
Your guests will fall head over heels for the garlic herb butter that coats the roast.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
For a meaty lasagna, check outthisrecipe.
Dry Brined and Roasted Turkey
This is hands-down my favorite way to prepare turkey.
This recipe packs extra flavor in by including dried herbs along with the salt.
Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna.
Classic Roast Beef
It doesnt have to be expensive to be delicious.
Using butcher’s twine to tie the rump roast helps it cook more evenly.
Cook it low and slow for mouth-watering results.
Elise Bauer
Traditional Cassoulet
Whisk your guests to France and serve this quintessential stew.
Youll want to give yourself two days and time to source the duck confit (ormakeyour own).
Jewish Brisket
Sara Tane shares her recipe for making the perfect brisket for the Jewish holiday table.
Ciara Kehoe
She uses ketchup and brown sugar for sweetness and then adds red wine to balance it out.
Youll cook the beef in stock and wine, then let the braise rest in the refrigerator overnight.
Shred the meat and serve it with the sauce made from the braising liquid.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Cranberry Glazed Ham
Jellied cranberry sauce makes the perfect festive glaze for the holiday ham.
Broiling the glaze gives it a shiny crust.
Tenderloins are cut from the underside of the breast and cooked in less than an hour.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Serve it with the maple mustard sauce made from the pan drippings.
The beef chuck transforms into much more than its humble pedigree.
Pinot noir is the classic wine for this stew.
Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
Look for one that you enjoy drinking.
you could butterfly and stuff the pork loin for up to two days before baking it.
Roast Beef Tenderloin with Sauteed Mushrooms
Beef tenderloin is not your everyday beef roast.
Sally Vargas
Its a rich and tender cut, fit for a holiday dinner.
Its best when its cooked simply, so you won’t have a long grocery list.
The mushrooms are sauteed in the pan drippings to use all that beefy goodness.
Elise Bauer
The braising liquid and vegetables dont go to waste.
Youll strain it and then cook it down to make the sauce for ladling over the slices.
Pork Crown Roast
The name alone lets you know that this is a dish for special occasions.
Simply Recipes / Katie Morford
You wont find this decadent roast at the grocery store.
Instead, head to your local butcher and order it.
Instant Pot Beef Brisket
Get the same classic flavors of your favorite brisket in half the time.
Laura Heller
Prime Rib
Prime rib is a celebratory roast fit for a crowd.
Sheryl Julian, Sabrina Modelle, and Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Kalisa Martin
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Coco Morante
Elise Bauer
