Gathering around the table for a family holiday dinner is a cherished tradition. From savory roasts to comforting casseroles, the right meal helps create lasting memories. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or trying to make a cozy evening special, these festive ideas will fill your home with warmth and flavor.
A classic roast turkey with herb stuffing is always impressive. Rub the bird thoroughly with butter mixed with garlic and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage to encourage crispy skin and juicy meat. For the stuffing, sauté diced onions, celery, and garlic in butter, then mix with cubed day-old bread, more herbs, a splash of chicken broth, and salt and pepper. Stuff the turkey, roast at 325°F (165°C) about 13 minutes per pound until the inside reaches 165°F (74°C), and let it rest at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
A honey-glazed ham adds a sweet counterpoint to a holiday table. Use a bone-in ham (8–10 pounds is ideal). Make a glaze from honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, heating until smooth. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, roast at 325°F (163°C) for about 2.5–3 hours, brushing the glaze on every 20–30 minutes. Raise the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze, then rest 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or green beans.
Beef Wellington is a show-stopper. Sear a good beef tenderloin in hot oil to form a crust, brush with Dijon mustard, then let it cool. Make a duxelles by sautéing finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in butter, spread that over the beef, wrap with prosciutto, then enclose in puff pastry and egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the center reaches about 120–125°F for medium-rare. Rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve with roasted potatoes, a vegetable gratin, or a red wine reduction.
Stuffed pork loin offers tender meat and savory filling. Sauté onions and apples in butter, mix with cooked sausage, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a splash of chicken broth to moisten. Butterfly the pork loin, spread the stuffing inside, roll, and tie. Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 hours or until it reaches 145°F (63°C), then rest 10 minutes before slicing. Pair with roasted carrots, mashed potatoes, or apple sauce.
Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. Make a creamy filling with cooked chicken, carrots, peas, celery, and onions by cooking them in butter and flour to form a roux, then adding chicken broth and milk to thicken. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper, cool slightly, fill a pie crust, top with pastry, crimp the edges, and cut vents. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
A prime rib roast makes a luxurious centerpiece. Rub the roast with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, and optionally add Dijon or horseradish. Start at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes to sear, then reduce to 325°F (163°C) and roast until the internal temperature hits 120°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare. Rest 15–20 minutes before carving. Serve with mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and au jus.
Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that easily feeds many. Make a meat sauce by browning ground beef with onions, garlic, and herbs, then add crushed tomatoes and simmer. Mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, and spinach or herbs. Layer sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture in a dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes until bubbly. Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting and serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
Beef stroganoff is rich and comforting. Brown beef pieces, then transfer to a slow cooker with beef broth, onions, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire. Cook on low about 6 hours until tender, then stir in sour cream, Dijon, and parsley. Serve over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hands-off meal that tastes like home.
Stuffed bell peppers bring color and flavor to the table. Mix ground beef or turkey with cooked rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings, stuff into hollowed peppers, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until tender. Add mushrooms or zucchini to the filling if you like, and serve with roasted potatoes or a salad.
Turkey tetrazzini is a great way to use leftovers. Make a sauce from butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream, add sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, then mix with cooked pasta, leftover turkey, and peas. Transfer to a dish, top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Chicken and dumplings are cozy and filling. Cook chicken in a large pot, remove and shred it, then simmer vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery in the broth. Return the chicken, drop dumplings made from flour, baking powder, and milk on top, and cook until fluffy and set. Garnish with parsley or thyme and serve hot on a cold night.
Shepherd’s pie is hearty and family-friendly. Brown lamb or beef with onions, garlic, and carrots, add peas and a rich gravy made from broth, then spread in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until the potato topping is golden.
Baked ziti is an easy, cheesy comfort dish. Mix cooked ziti with marinara and ricotta, season with basil and oregano, then place in a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until melted and bubbly. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread.
These recipes offer a range of flavors and styles to suit any holiday gathering, from elegant roasts to simple, comforting casseroles.
