Pick what works for you.
Either will be impressive and delicious!
Below I’ve compiled our tried-and-true holiday main dishes.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Youll find recipes for gatherings both intimate and large.
I hope some of these recipes make it on your holiday table!
Roast Chicken with Carrots
A simple roast chicken is great for a smaller gathering.
Sally Vargas
It never fails to impress.
Use a large oven-proof skillet and roast the chicken on a bed of carrots and garlic.
Lemon and fresh thyme add a welcome brightness.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Roast Chicken With Apricot Glaze
Want your roast chicken to have a little wow factor?
Coat it with apricot preserves.
The skin will get glossy and golden.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Slow Cooker Jambalaya
A slow cooker can help save oven space, especially during busy holiday cooking.
This easy classic-ish Creole dish is made in the slow cooker, but its still smoky and flavor-packed.
To prevent the rice from getting mushy, cook it separately and then mix it in right before serving.
Elise Bauer
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Barolo, Merlot, or Shiraz will work well in this recipe."
Eggplant Parmesan
Founder Elise Bauer says, “This recipe makes 6 cups of homemade marinara sauce.
This is a great dish for a large gathering since it can serve 10 to 12 guests.
Nick Evans
Shrimp Gumbo with Andouille Sausage
Master the roux and make an unforgettable pot of gumbo this holiday.
This is a speedier version (with shrimp) of theChicken Gumbo with Andouille Sausage.
Its ready in about 2 hours.
Sally Vargas
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, since it can get tough and rubbery.
This recipe also includes instructions to make it in the oven.”
Classic King Crab
No need to spend hours in the kitchen for this holiday main.
Ciara Kehoe
It comes together in 10 minutes.
Serve the steamed king crab with melted butter anda generous rice salad.
Look for wild-caught crab and remember that it is often par-cooked, so do not over-steam it.
Elise Bauer
A 10-pound portion will easily feed 10 guests with some leftovers.
A digital thermometer would be super helpful!
Just dont forget to thaw it before using.
Elise Bauer
Roast Beef
It doesnt have to be expensive to feel special and even fancy.
Use whatever roast fits your budget.
Serve with gravy and makePhilly Cheesesteakswith leftovers the next day.
Simply Recipes / Marta Rivera
Let the beef rest for about 20 minutes before slicing into it.
Youll need about 3 1/2 hours to roast the meat.
What aboutGarlic Mashed Potatoeson the side?
I love that the roasting pan is used for both searing the roast and making the gravy.
This thoughtful approach saves on dishes without losing out on flavor.
Have the butcher French the rack to expose the ribs or feel free todo it yourselfat home.
Elise Bauer
Cook it to an internal temperature of 125F for rare or 135F for medium-rare.
Beef Brisket Pot Roast
Celebrate Hanukkah with this easy beef brisket recipe.
The brisket will be fork tender.
Sliced Beef Wellington.Elise Bauer
This recipe can be adapted for the slow cooker!
Instant Pot Beef Brisket
Here is another way to make brisket that frees up the oven!
The pressure cooker makes quick work of the brisket.
Ciara Kehoe
Ready in under 2 hours, this brisket is just as tender as the oven version.
Dont skip the gravy!
Easy Beef Brisket
This three-ingredient (four if you count water) recipe is super simple.
Elise Bauer
The brisket cooks in a BBQ sauce until fork tender.
Take advantage of the hot oven and makeRoasted Baby Carrotswhile the cooked brisket rests before slicing.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits
Let the slow cooker do the work.
Elise Bauer
Cook short ribs, beef broth, vegetables, and a splash (or two!)
of bourbon in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
Cheesy grits are decadent and the perfect accompaniment for this special meal.
Elise Bauer
The fat will solidify, making it easy to remove.
Its festive, delicious, and oh so easy!
Look for ham without added water for the best flavor.
Elise Bauer
The bacon helps the tenderloin hold its shape and imparts a smoky flavor.
When sliced, the twirly inside is so impressive!
The pork loin can be rolled and tied up to two days in advance.
Coco Morante
Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Pineapple
Ham is an easy and readily available holiday main.
Most hams are pre-cooked, so the goal is to warm them all the way through.
Like in this recipe, you could add additional flavors with a brown sugar rub and pineapple rings.
Elise Bauer
Totally old school, but still classic and fun!
Hope for leftovers so you might makeCroque Monsieur Ham and Cheese Sandwiches.
Roast Goose
If youve never cooked a goose, consider this holiday an opportune time to try.
Nick Evans
This in-depth how-to guide walks you through it.
Roast Leg of Lamb
Either a boneless or bone-in leg of lamb will work for this recipe.
As will most roasted meats, let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Alison Bickel
Vegan Stuffed Squash with Brown Rice and Mushrooms
This vegan stuffed squash is a showstopper holiday main.
Save time on the big day by prepping the filling and roasting the squash a day ahead.
Take a little extra time to salt, drain, and rinse the eggplantsit helps tame the bitterness.
Elise Bauer
Sally Vargas
Elise Bauer
Alison Bickle
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Cambrea Bakes
Sally Vargas
Sheryl Julian
