18 Best Classic Roast Dinner Recipes For Winter You’ll Love

Winter is the perfect season to cozy up with hearty, comforting meals that warm both the body and soul. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with loved ones, savoring delicious, aromatic dishes that make the cold weather feel just a bit more inviting.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of my all-time favorite recipes for a classic roast dinner. From juicy roast chicken to melt-in-your-mouth lamb, these recipes are sure to become staples in your winter meal rotation. So, let's dive into the 18 Best Classic Roast Dinner Recipes For Winter You’ll Love and get ready to enjoy some of the best comfort food out there.

1. Perfect Roast Chicken

Juicy and flavorful, a classic roast chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, and thyme.
4. Place in a roasting pan and roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

2. Classic Roast Beef

Tender, juicy roast beef is the star of many winter dinners.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Rub the beef with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook for about 1.5 hours or until desired doneness.
4. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

3. Herb-Crusted Pork Loin

This pork loin is savory and perfect for a festive winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork loin
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rub the pork with Dijon mustard, then coat with parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan and cook for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

4. Rosemary and Garlic Leg of Lamb

This elegant roast is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs leg of lamb
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rub the lamb with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan and cook for about 1.5 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
4. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

5. Slow-Roasted Turkey

A classic turkey that's juicy and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12-14 lbs turkey
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Rub the turkey with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with lemon and sage.
4. Place it in a roasting pan and cook for about 3-3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
5. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

6. Garlic and Herb Crusted Prime Rib

A luxurious roast that's perfect for winter holidays.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs prime rib roast
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Rub the prime rib with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to 325°F and cook for an additional 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

7. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Duck

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside with a rich balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season the duck with salt and pepper.
3. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl.
4. Brush the duck with the balsamic glaze and roast for about 1.5-2 hours.
5. Rest for 10 minutes before carving.

8. Apple-Stuffed Pork Roast

A sweet and savory pork roast that's sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork loin
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Make a slit down the length of the pork loin and stuff with apples, onion, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan and cook for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

9. Honey-Glazed Ham

A sweet and smoky ham that's great for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 6 lbs ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
3. Brush the ham with the glaze and place in a roasting pan.
4. Cook for about 2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

10. Herb-Roasted Game Hen

A flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for a smaller gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rub the hens with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place them in a roasting pan and cook for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

11. Citrus-Roasted Salmon

A light yet flavorful roast that's great for a healthy winter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole side of salmon
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 bunch dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
3. Top with orange slices, lemon slices, and dill.
4. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

12. Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast

A festive and flavorful turkey option without all the fuss.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs turkey breast
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, and rosemary in a bowl.
3. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper and brush with the cranberry glaze.
4. Place in a roasting pan and cook for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

13. Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any roast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Drizzle with maple syrup and roast for an additional 10 minutes.

14. Mustard-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

A flavorful and tender roast that's quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 pork tenderloins
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Mix Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Rub the tenderloins with the mustard mixture and place in a roasting pan.
4. Cook for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

15. Roasted Butternut Squash

A perfect side dish with natural sweetness and earthy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.

16. Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Rich and savory short ribs that fall off the bone.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 bottle red wine
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper and sear in a hot pan until browned.
3. Transfer to a roasting pan and add the garlic, carrots, celery, and onion.
4. Pour in the red wine and cover with foil.
5. Cook for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

17. Garlic and Herb Roast Chicken

Classic and simple, this roast chicken is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Rub the chicken with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan and cook for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

18. Roasted Root Vegetables

A great side dish that's both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 lb parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.

Conclusion

These 18 roast dinner recipes are a wonderful way to make winter evenings more delightful, providing hearty meals that bring comfort and warmth. Enjoy these classic dishes with family and friends, and make every dinner a special occasion.