You don’t need a turkey to celebrate the holidays, and sometimes you just want something a little easier or a little more exciting for your Christmas dinner.

If you’re craving a main dish that still feels festive without taking over your whole day, you’ve got plenty of delicious options!

You can still make the night feel special with cuts of meat or hearty dishes that fit your style.

Some years my family had a ham and other years we had a huge lasagna!

Honestly, it’s all about getting together and having fun, not what kind of bird is sitting on a platter.

So, if you’re ready to mix things up, here are Christmas main course ideas that aren’t turkey and still taste amazing!

Honey Glazed Ham

Ham is an easy main when you don’t want to fuss over a turkey.

It cooks on its own and still gives you that classic holiday feel.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8 to 10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 325°F and set the ham in a roasting pan.
2. Stir together the honey, brown sugar, butter, mustard, and cloves.
3. Brush the ham with the glaze and cover it with foil.
4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, brushing with glaze once halfway through.
5. Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes so the outside gets some color.

Beef Tenderloin Roast

This is a great option when you want something tender and quick cooking.

It doesn’t need much seasoning and still turns out impressive on the table.

You can pair it with whatever sides you already planned.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 lb beef tenderloin roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
2. Rub the beef with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Place it on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 35 minutes.
4. Check the internal temperature and pull it at your preferred doneness.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Herb Crusted Prime Rib

Prime rib is a solid choice when you want a centerpiece that feeds a crowd!

hTe herb crust keeps it flavorful without much effort from you.

It’s also easy to slice and serve.

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 lb prime rib roast
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 450°F.
2. Rub the roast with oil and seasonings.
3. Place it in a roasting pan and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to 350°F and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Garlic Butter Roast Chicken

Chicken works well when you want something simple and familiar.

The garlic butter melts into the meat and keeps it juicy.

It’s a nice option if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
2. Mix the butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Spread the mixture under the skin and over the outside.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Baked Lemon Herb Salmon

Yes, you can have fish for Christmas!

Salmon is a good lighter choice when you want something fresh but still special.

It cooks fast and doesn’t require much prep.

It also works well with simple sides.

Ingredients

• 2 lb salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Set the salmon on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with oil.
3. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dill, and salt.
4. Lay lemon slices over the top.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until flaky.

Maple Glazed Pork Loin

Pork loin is a good option if you want something budget friendly that still feels like a holiday meal.

The maple glaze keeps it slightly sweet and tender.

It also makes great leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 lb pork loin
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Place the pork in a baking dish and pour the glaze over top.
4. Bake for 1 to 1.25 hours, basting once or twice.
5. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooked Short Ribs

Short ribs are great when you want something rich and hands off.

The slow cooker does most of the work while you handle the rest of your menu.

And the meat comes out tender and easy to serve.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Steps

1. Season the ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear them in a pan on all sides.
3. Place them in the slow cooker with the onion, garlic, broth, and wine.
4. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
5. Remove and serve with some of the cooking liquid.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake

This is a nice choice if you want something vegetarian or just cozy.

It’s creamy, filling, and easy to make ahead.

You can also mix in extra veggies if you want.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 3 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the mushrooms in butter, then stir in the flour.
4. Add the milk and whisk until thickened.
5. Stir in the pasta, garlic powder, salt, and cheese, then bake for 20 minutes.

Holiday Lasagna

Here’s my family’s infamous holiday lasagna!

You can prep it early and bake it when you’re ready.

It feeds a lot of people with very little effort on the day of.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the noodles and brown the beef.
3. Mix the beef with the marinara and seasoning.
4. Layer noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.

Stuffed Butternut Squash

This is a solid option for a colorful, veggie focused main.

The squash gives everything a sweet base, and you can fill it with almost anything.

It works well for smaller gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 butternut squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup sautéed spinach
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Brush the squash with oil and salt.
3. Roast cut side down for 40 to 45 minutes.
4. Mix the quinoa, spinach, and cranberries.
5. Fill the squash halves and serve.

Cranberry Balsamic Chicken

This chicken brings a little sweet and tangy flavor to the table.

It’s simple and cooks quickly, so it’s easy to pair with other dishes.

It’s a nice break from the heavier mains!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Whisk the cranberry sauce, vinegar, oil, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Place the chicken in a dish and pour the mixture over top.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.

Holiday Vegetable Wellington

A veggie wellington gives you something hearty without using meat.

The pastry keeps everything together and adds a nice crunch.

It looks impressive but isn’t hard to put together!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Sauté the mushrooms, onion, and spinach in butter.
3. Roll out the pastry and spoon the filling in the center.
4. Fold up the sides and seal.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Ginger Soy Glazed Cod

Here’s another fishy holiday main!

Cod is a lighter main that still feels special for the holiday table.

The glaze gives it a sweet and savory flavor without much prep.

It cooks fast and stays tender.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Mix the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and oil.
3. Place the cod in a baking dish and pour the glaze over top.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Spoon the pan juices over the fish before serving.

Red Wine Braised Beef Roast

This one is great when you want something rich and tender.

The long cooking time makes the beef soft and full of flavor.

You can leave it in the oven while you handle everything else.

Ingredients

• 3 lb beef roast
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 325°F.
2. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
3. Sear it in a pot on all sides.
4. Add the onion, wine, and broth.
5. Cover and bake for 3 hours.

Christmas Dinner Ideas Without Turkey

Choosing a different main dish can make your holiday dinner feel a little fresher and a lot less stressful.

There are plenty of easy, flavorful options that still bring that cozy Christmas vibe without committing to a full turkey!

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Looking for more yummy Christmas ideas? I've got you!

• Christmas Main Course Ideas (That Aren't Turkey!)
• Christmas Crockpot Recipes for a Party
• Quick and Easy Christmas Cookies