25 Best Christmas Roasts That Steal the Show Every Time
Every table needs a centerpiece.
Every holiday table needs a star of the show—and on Christmas, that usually means a big, beautiful roast front and center! Flowers are always beautiful and heirloom decorations have their place, but a sizzling Christmas roast that you carry to the table on a big platter will stop everyone in their tracks. It's cozy, it smells amazing, and it feeds a hungry crowd without making you hover over the stove all day. Once the meat is roasting away, you can fuss over the Christmas side dishes and bread recipes, knowing the main event for Christmas dinner is handled. This list of Christmas roast recipes is full of ideas to pick from, whether your family loves classic roast chicken, a fancy leg of lamb, or a glossy Christmas ham that practically begs to be sliced.
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.
Perfect Pot Roast
This is one of the most basic yet delicious dishes there is! Ree loves serving her go-to pot roast recipe with mashed potatoes to really it special special, particularly around the holidays.
Get Ree's Perfect Pot Roast recipe.
Roast Leg of Lamb
A roast leg of lamb feels like pulling out the good china. This one gets rubbed with a hearty mix of garlic and herbs, then roasted until the outside is deeply browned and the inside is tender and rosy. Slice it at the table so everyone can admire that beautiful crust!
Get the Roast Leg of Lamb recipe.
Roast Chicken
A golden roast chicken looks just right on a Christmas table! This bird is stuffed with lemon and fresh herbs, which keep the meat juicy and give every bite a bright, cozy flavor. The crackly skin is the part everyone will reach for first.
Get Ree's Roast Chicken recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Holiday kitchen packed to the brim? Let the air fryer handle the turkey. This recipe uses boneless turkey breast that roasts up juicy inside and browned outside, and it feeds four to five people without tying up the oven.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs feel like a Christmas present hiding in the pot. They simmer low and slow until the meat practically falls off the bone, then get spooned over creamy goat cheese polenta that catches all the rich sauce.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Spatchcock Chicken
Spatchcocking means the chicken lies flat in the pan, which gives you extra crisp skin and evenly cooked meat. This version roasts slowly until perfectly browned, with carrots and potatoes soaking up all the pan juices around it. One pan, one main course, and a built-in side—you can't beat it!
Get the Spatchcock Chicken recipe.
Roast Beef
This roast beef earns its spot in the center of the table! It gets studded with garlic, showered with black pepper, and roasted over a bed of onions that turn soft and sweet. A quick pan sauce from the drippings pulls everything together in the dreamiest way.
Get the Roast Beef recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Forget plain turkey breast this holiday season. This one hides a pretty swirl of cornbread stuffing inside, along with bacon, apples, and plenty of vegetables. When it is sliced, every piece shows that spiral of stuffing, which means each plate gets turkey and dressing in one go.
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.
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