This post shows you 15 Christmas dinner main course recipe ideas.
Christmas is almost here! Start planning your festive meal now with our list of Christmas dinner main course ideas.
We have something for everyone – from vegetarian to meat-based and traditional to non-traditional mains to celebrate!
Get inspired and make this Christmas dinner the best yet.
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What is traditional Christmas dinner
This all depends on the part of the world you are celebrating in. As different cultures have different meals over the festive period.
In western cultures and English-speaking countries, roasted meat is a centerpiece on the Christmas table.
Accompanied with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and so many more extras to complete the meal.
Other countries serve baked pasta dishes, and fish too!
Christmas dinner without meat
Creating the perfect Christmas dinner without meat is super easy!
There are so many vegetarian and vegan Christmas dinner recipes that bring seasonal flavors to the meal without the use of meat.
How to prep your Christmas dinner
- Plan ahead
- Prep vegetables the night before
- Marinate the meat on Christmas eve
- Get some help!
Christmas dinner main course ideas
1. vegetarian
For the perfect vegetarian Christmas main course, why not serve a delicious quiche?
Try this yummy Stilton, Leek and Walnut Quiche!
Serve with roasted vegetables to complete the festive vegetarian dinner.
2. chicken
For a super easy Christmas chicken recipe that will wow your guests – try this delicious Christmas Chicken Recipe!
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and some orange glazed carrots for a citrus twist to enhance the chicken flavor.
3. fish
Fish is a staple dish for the festive season in many cultures – why not serve this creamy Tuscan Salmon as your Christmas main course this year?
Ready in 20 minutes or less – this salmon dish is best served over a bed of vegetables or pasta or even rice!
4. seafood
For a yummy seafood dish to serve as a Christmas main course – give this recipe a try this year!
It’s Cioppino (Crock Pot Fisherman’s Stew) – a delicious non-traditional Christmas dish that is perfect if you’re looking for a Christmas dinner without meat.
5. vegan
When it comes to vegan dishes it’s all about combining the best flavors of vegetables.
With this Lentil Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie on your table this Christmas you’ll be the best host for your vegan guests!
6. beef
The ultimate beef main course for your Christmas dinner this year – serve up this Slow Cooker Beef Joint!
Perfect if you want to leave it cooking while you enjoy the festivities on Christmas day.
7. pork
Celebrate around the table this Christmas with a festive take on roast pork.
Serve your guests the Best Pork Tenderloin with a maple and rosemary glaze with some roast potatoes and parmesan carrots!
Related: 21 Super Easy Winter Soup Ideas to Warm You Up
8. pasta
credit: freepik.com
We think Christmas dinner should always include some pasta!
Give this Christmas Pasta a whirl – it looks super cute with the star-shaped pasta made from lasagna sheets!
9. lamb
Make this Festive Roast Leg of Lamb your Christmas main course this year!
It’s the perfect Christmas meal without turkey alternative.
10. casserole
Looking for something different for your Christmas main course this year?
Try this delicious Tuna Noodle Casserole for a unique dish for your table!
11. easy
Christmas dinner made easy with these 4 steps to the Best Cherry Bourbon-Glazed Ham.
We think this is a unique twist on roast ham that will be a big hit!
12. italy
For an Italian take on Christmas dinner mains – serve up a Simple Baked Lasagne for your guests!
Traditionally in parts of Italy, baked pasta is the choice of Christmas main course.
13. make-ahead
To have more time with family and friends before Christmas Dinner – get prepping in advance!
Try this Epic Mixed Roast recipe that’s set to impress and make Christmas Dinner that bit easier.
14. buffet main dish
Looking for a Christmas main dish for your buffet?
Make this British Classic with a twist – black pudding and apricot pork pie!
15. prime rib
What could be better than Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner?
Try this delicious Christmas Prime Rib recipe and pair perfectly with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables!
Non-traditional Christmas dinner mains
Maybe it’s time to change up your Christmas dinner main course and try something new!
There are so many options to cook for your Christmas Day – we hope that these ideas have inspired your meal this year.
We’d love to hear what you choose to make this year!
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Looking for more seasonal recipes ideas? Visit Seasonal
This post shows you 15 Christmas main course recipe ideas.