25 Best Christmas Roasts to Impress Every One of Your Guests
You won't find a more show-stopping centerpiece.
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Every holiday table needs a pretty centerpiece and while some people choose flowers or heirloom decorations, nothing beats a show-stopping Christmas roast! Not only will it be the highlight of your Christmas dinner menu, but it's also a great way to feed a crowd. All you need to do is serve it up with your favorite Christmas side dishes and a basket of freshly-baked Christmas breads for the ultimate feast your family will love. Best of all, we have lots of options to choose from. It'll be nearly impossible to pick between a roast chicken, leg of lamb, or one of the Christmas hams.
Christmas Eve dinner in the Drummond household means perfectly cooked prime rib is on the menu. "I'm not sure there's anything more special and delicious at Christmastime than a beautiful, perfectly cooked piece of roast beef," Ree Drummond says. You'll also find other beef dishes on this list, from a stunning beef Wellington to Ree's fall-apart-tender braised short ribs. If you want to switch things up this year, try a lamb recipe like the herb-crusted leg of lamb or quick and easy lamb chops. And for those who need a helping hand in the kitchen (who doesn't?!), there are several air fryer and slow cooker recipe. Hands-off mains like the air fryer turkey breast or slow cooker ham are total life savors when you have an entire feast to prepare! Every family has their own Christmas traditions, but don't be afraid to try something new. Whatever you make, just be sure to save room for all the Christmas desserts.
Roast Leg of Lamb
This gorgeous leg of lamb is made for special occasions like Christmas! It is coated in an herby, garlicky crust and roasted to perfection.
Get the Roast Leg of Lamb recipe.
Roast Chicken
Skip the ham and make a gorgeous roast chicken for Christmas dinner! Infused with lemon and herbs, this chicken is juicy and flavorful, and has the tastiest golden skin.
Get Ree's Roast Chicken recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Save oven space for all the sides—this turkey breasts roasts in the air fryer. This easy recipe is great for smaller feasts because it feeds four to five people.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Braised Short Ribs
You won't find a cozier dish than this to serve for Christmas dinner. The fall-apart-tender short ribs are outrageously delicious atop a bowl of creamy goat cheese polenta.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Spatchcock Chicken
This slow-roasted spatchcock chicken has the crispiest, most delicious skin! The best part is, veggies roast right along with it, meaning you get the main dish and a side all in one.
Get the Spatchcock Chicken recipe.
Roast Beef
Garlic cloves, black pepper, and a scrumptious pan sauce make this roast beef the ultimate showstopper. The meltingly tender onions make it all the more delicious.
Get the Roast Beef recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
You'll hear all the "oohs" and "ahhs" when you slice into this golden turkey breast. The inside reveals a swirled stuffing of cornbread, bacon, apples, and vegetables.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, and surprisingly easy to make—this chicken recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. You'll even get some potatoes and veggies on the platter, too!
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork
Think of this pork tenderloin like a gift to your family. It's all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry and served alongside an apple and Brussels sprouts slaw.
Get Ree's Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Once you get all your ingredients into the slow cooker, you can just set it and forget it! That means plenty more time to put the finishing touches on your holiday cookies.
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Spatchcock Turkey
Making a whole turkey can be time consuming, but using a spatchcock turkey will speed things up. You'll spend less time fussing and more time eating this flavorful spiced bird.
Get the Spatchcock Turkey recipe.
Slow Cooker Ham
Not only does the slow cooker all you to get everything else on the menu ready, but it also keeps all of the juices from the ham in one place, so your roast turns out extra moist and flavorful.
Get the Slow Cooker Ham recipe.
Rack of Lamb
Those who lamb will appreciate this garlicky, herbaceous main course. It's hearty, flavorful, and has that incredibly satisfying crust!
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Slow Cooker Brisket
Save your oven for all the classic Christmas sides. This beef brisket cooks right on your countertop in a Crock-Pot! It turns out wonderfully tender each and every time.
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls
For a more casual spin on Christmas lunch, serve the glazed ham sliced on a big platter with cheese, rolls, and various jams. Everyone can make their own sandwiches how they please!
Root Beer-Glazed Ham
Every holiday ham deserves a delicious glaze. The Pioneer Woman herself turns to sticky-sweet soda for a centerpiece-worthy ham.
Get Ree's Root Beer-Glazed Ham recipe.
Prime Rib
If you're planning a fancy holiday meal, you want the main course to fit the bill. This peppercorn-crusted prime rib is excellent for special occasions like Christmas Eve.
Get Ree's Prime Rib recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
Roasted turkey is perfect for the holidays, but have you ever thought about wrapping yours in bacon? It's true what they say: Bacon really does make everything better! This bird is sure to wow any crowd.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Turkey recipe.
Roasted Turkey
Ree's classic roasted turkey is perfect for your holiday dinner. Use her popular turkey brine beforehand.
Get Ree's Roasted Turkey recipe.
Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey
Herbs, citrus, and a touch of sweetness all come through in this perfectly roasted turkey.
Get Ree's Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey recipe.
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