Hosting Christmas dinner this year but don’t feel like making the same ham or prime rib as everyone else? Perfect. There’s no rule that says your holiday feast has to follow tradition – and no one’s handing out report cards for skipping it.
These Christmas main dishes are cozy, crowd-pleasing, and totally worthy of the big day—without all the hassle.
Think tender cider-braised pork that fills the house with warmth, seafood pot pie that looks fancy but takes hardly any effort, and even roasted veggie lasagna that’s hearty enough to steal the spotlight.
Your guests will be impressed. You’ll look like a Christmas hosting genius who actually had time to relax and enjoy the night.
Table of Contents
Holiday Turkey Roulade with Cranberry-Sage Stuffing
All the flavor of a holiday turkey dinner without wrestling a giant bird. This turkey roulade is elegant, easy to carve, and filled with cranberry-sage stuffing that looks (and tastes) right at home on any Christmas table.
Why You’ll Love It
- Classic holiday flavors in an easy-to-slice main.
- Feels fancy but is weeknight-doable.
- Great for smaller gatherings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Meat mallet
- Kitchen twine
- Baking dish
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted green beans.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Assemble the roulade a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless turkey breast (2–3 lbs)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Butterfly and flatten turkey breast.
- Spread stuffing evenly, sprinkle cranberries and sage.
- Roll tightly, secure with kitchen twine.
- Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 60–75 min, until internal temp is 165°F.
- Rest 10 min, slice into rounds.
Yield: 6 servings