30 Elegant Christmas Entrees to Wow Your Guests This Season
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and the perfect opportunity to dazzle your guests with a stunning Christmas dinner. The centerpiece of any holiday feast is the entree, the crowning glory that sets the tone for the meal.
Whether your celebration is an intimate family dinner or a grand party, having a selection of exquisite dishes at your fingertips is essential. That's why I've compiled a list of "30 Elegant Christmas Entree Recipes That Impress Every Guest." From succulent roasts to delectable vegetarian options, these recipes are bound to enchant and satisfy every palate around your table.
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1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
A show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-7 lb) prime rib roast
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the prime rib.
- Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F and cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches the desired doneness.
- Let the meat rest for 20 minutes before carving.
2. Maple-Glazed Ham
The classic sweetness of maple syrup complements the savory ham perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer until thickened.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting occasionally, until heated through.
3. Stuffed Turkey Breast
A lighter alternative to the whole bird with all the flavors of a traditional holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the stuffing mix with chicken broth and butter.
- Butterfly the turkey breast and spread the stuffing over.
- Roll up the breast and secure with kitchen twine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Place in a roasting pan and bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Beef Wellington
This elegant dish wraps savory beef in flaky pastry for a truly impressive entree.
Ingredients:
- 1 beef tenderloin (2 pounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup shallots, minced
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 4 oz prosciutto slices
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Sear the beef tenderloin in olive oil until browned on all sides.
- Spread the Dijon mustard over the beef.
- Cook mushrooms and shallots until softened.
- Place prosciutto slices on plastic wrap, spread mushroom mixture on top, then lay beef on it.
- Roll up tightly and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out puff pastry and place beef in the center.
- Wrap the pastry around the beef and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until pastry is golden brown.
5. Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs
Tender and flavorful, this rack of lamb is perfect for a refined holiday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of lamb (8 ribs each)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the herb mixture over the racks of lamb.
- Place the racks fat-side up in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until desired doneness.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce
Simple yet sophisticated, this salmon dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, dill, and lemon juice.
- Serve the salmon with dill sauce on the side.
7. Coq au Vin
This classic French dish features chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and bacon for a rich, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, and brown in the bacon fat. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add red wine, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until chicken is tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
8. Vegetarian Wellington
A veggie-packed take on the traditional Wellington that's just as elegant.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb mixed mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook until liquid evaporates.
- Stir in lentils and breadcrumbs, then remove from heat.
- On a sheet of plastic wrap, lay out the mushroom mixture and form into a log.
- Roll out puff pastry and place the log in the center.
- Brush edges with beaten egg and wrap pastry around the filling.
- Brush the top with egg and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Roast Duck with Orange Glaze
Rich and flavorful, this roast duck is enhanced by a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Score the skin of the duck and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 1.5-2 hours, or until crispy and cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and slowly add to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
- Brush the glaze over the duck during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
10. Chicken Marsala
A deliciously comforting dish with tender chicken and a rich Marsala wine sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and dredge in flour.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, until sauce has thickened.
- Stir in butter and serve.
11. Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy and satisfying, this pumpkin risotto is perfect for a festive vegetarian entree.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 cups vegetable broth, heated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add hot vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed.
- Continue adding broth and stirring until rice is creamy and tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
12. Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney
Juicy pork tenderloin paired with a sweet and tangy apple chutney.
Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season the pork tenderloins with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and brown pork on all sides.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Serve the pork with apple chutney on the side.
13. Lobster Thermidor
A luxurious seafood dish that's perfect for an elegant holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp dry white wine
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook lobster tails in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, until just cooked through. Remove meat and chop.
- In a skillet, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, white wine, and Dijon mustard.
- Add lobster meat to the sauce and spoon mixture back into lobster shells.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
14. Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
A comforting and elegant vegetarian option full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Toss butternut squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, until tender.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and spinach.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, roasted squash, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
15. Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Tender chicken breasts filled with a savory mushroom mixture.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook mushrooms and garlic until softened.
- Stir in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the mushroom mixture.
- Secure with toothpicks and season with salt and pepper.
- Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
16. Stuffed Pork Chops with Cranberry Sauce
Savory pork chops filled with stuffing and topped with a tart cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 thick-cut pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the stuffing mix with chicken broth and butter.
- Cut a pocket in each pork chop and stuff with the prepared stuffing.
- Season with salt and pepper and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until cooked through.
- Serve with cranberry sauce on top.
17. Crab-Stuffed Shrimp
Elegant and delicious, these crab-stuffed shrimp are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup crabmeat
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Butterfly the shrimp by cutting along the back without cutting all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Stuff each shrimp with the crab mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
18. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A creamy and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients:
- 20 large pasta shells, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and spinach.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
19. Herb-Crusted Pork Loin
A flavorful and juicy pork loin with a delightful herb crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 lb) pork loin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the pork loin.
- Place in a roasting pan and bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
20. Chicken Cordon Bleu
A classic dish of chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Butterfly chicken breasts and place a slice of ham and cheese inside each.
- Roll up the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
21. Beef Stroganoff
A rich and creamy dish of tender beef in a savory mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, sliced into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook beef strips until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return beef to the skillet and stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
22. Eggplant Parmesan
A classic Italian dish that's rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant slices, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
23. Shrimp Scampi
A quick and elegant dish of shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
24. Braised Short Ribs
Tender, flavorful short ribs slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown short ribs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
- Pour in red wine and beef broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Return short ribs to the pot and add thyme and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook in a 325°F oven for 2.5-3 hours, until tender.
25. Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
Perfectly seared scallops topped with a zesty lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large scallops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat.
- Sear scallops for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in lemon juice.
- Return scallops to the skillet and spoon lemon butter over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
26. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful spinach and feta mixture.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook spinach and garlic until wilted.
- Stir in feta cheese.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach mixture.
- Secure with toothpicks and season with salt and pepper.
- Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
27. Moroccan Lamb Tagine
A flavorful and aromatic lamb dish with a blend of exotic spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
Instructions:
- Season lamb with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown lamb on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
- Stir in cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and turmeric, and cook for 1 minute.
- Return lamb to the pot and add chicken broth, tomatoes, and apricots. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook in a 325°F oven for 2-2.5 hours, until tender.
- Stir in toasted almonds before serving.
28. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish with a cheesy broccoli filling.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook garlic and broccoli until softened.
- Stir in shredded cheese and remove from heat.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the broccoli-cheese mixture.
- Secure with toothpicks and season with salt and pepper.
- Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
29. Classic Roast Chicken
A beautifully roasted chicken that's moist and full of flavor, perfect for a holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Rub the softened butter all over the chicken.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, and fresh thyme.
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
30. Vegetarian Moussaka
A rich, layered dish of eggplant, potatoes, and creamy béchamel sauce for a vegetarian feast.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 3 potatoes, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup lentils, cooked
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lay eggplant slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes.
- Boil potato slices until tender.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add diced tomatoes, lentils, red wine, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In another saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened, then add Parmesan cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer potatoes, eggplant, and lentil-tomato mixture.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Conclusion
There you have it—30 elegant Christmas entree recipes that are sure to impress every guest around your holiday table! From succulent meats and rich vegetarian options to luxurious seafood dishes, each recipe is crafted to bring joy and satisfaction to your festive gathering. Enjoy and happy holidays!