Your Christmas main course doesn't have to be routine, so pull out the stops with an unexpected twist on a holiday meal. Whether your family loves meat, poultry—or no meat at all!—set a truly dazzling dish in the center of the table this year.
32 Christmas Mains That Aren’t Ham
Eggplant Rollatini
Want to learn how to cook eggplant? Here’s where to start. These authentic eggplant roll-ups may take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
1/31
2/31
Duck with Orange Hazelnut Stuffing
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For over 60 years, this elegant entree has graced my family’s holiday table. The zesty stuffing with its nice nutty crunch complements the slices of moist duck, while the hint of orange in the gravy sets it apart. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 973 calories, 73g fat (20g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 1452mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 45g protein.
3/31
Crown Roast of Pork
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork rib plus stuffing: 404 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
4/31
Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 201 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
5/31
6/31
Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For the second half of your “surf & turf” holiday extravaganza, wow friends and family with this tender beef in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more. —Laura Bagozzi, Dublin, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 268 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat.
7/31
Roasted Veggie Strudel
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re cooking for vegetarians this holiday, why not pull out the stops with this gorgeous main? Roasted Brussels sprouts and potatoes go so well with bacon and Brie in my shortcut strudel. I leave the potato skin on for extra flavor and texture. —Carole Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 532 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1035mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
8/31
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon: 307 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
9/31
Apple & Herb Roasted Turkey
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter loves to help me make this moist roasted turkey with herbs. Her job is to hand Mommy the ingredients—if she doesn't eat the apples first! —Kimberly Jackson, Gay, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked turkey: 626 calories, 31g fat (11g saturated fat), 263mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 73g protein.
10/31
Standing Rib Roast
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with about 3 tablespoons jus: 323 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
11/31
Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for a beautiful, show-stopping main course, it doesn’t get much more impressive that this recipe, which features wild rice and apricot stuffing tucked inside a tender pork roast. Watch the eyes go wide when you bring it to the table! —Kim Rubner, Worthington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 436 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
12/31
Mushroom-Stuffed Flank Steak Roll
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and her family, who live in Hong Kong, love to make my flank steak because it reminds them of home. The classic combination of beef and mushrooms, topped with a rich sauce, make this a lovely meal for company. —Ethel Klyasheff, Granite City, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with stuffing: 358 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1345mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
13/31
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cordon bleu is a great, fast dinner for two. It's easy to fix and makes an elegant entree. — Betty Palmesino, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 441 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
14/31
Cornish Game Hens
Total Time
76 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of a turkey or a big roast, why not serve individual Cornish game hens for the holidays? They cook in a fraction of the time and they're guaranteed to impress all your guests. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 592 calories, 39g fat (16g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g protein.
15/31
Stuffed Salmon
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You could get stuffed salmon from a big-box store, but my fillets are loaded with flavor from crab, cream cheese and savory herbs. We love them. —Mary Cokenour, Monticello, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed fillet: 478 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 41g protein.
16/31
Beef Tenderloin with Pomegranate Chutney
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want to show family and friends some culinary love, I roast a tenderloin and serve it with a sweet-tart pomegranate and apple chutney. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat with 1/4 cup chutney: 381 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
17/31
Herb-Stuffed Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This stunning pork roast is one of my favorite recipes when I’m entertaining company. It’s especially good with garden-fresh herbs, but dried ones work nicely as well. —Michele Montgomery, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 199 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
18/31
Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked duck: 373 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
19/31
Flounder with Shrimp Stuffing
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious shrimp-herb stuffing makes this fish recipe special enough for company. But it really isn’t hard to make, and since our family enjoys fish, we eat it often. —Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed fillet: 357 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
20/31
Plum-Glazed Lamb
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruity and flavorful, this wonderful glaze is simple to prepare, and its hint of garlic really complements the lamb. The recipe makes enough glaze to baste the lamb during roasting and leaves plenty to pass when serving.
—Ann Eastman
Greenville, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked lamb: 338 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
21/31
Fish with Crabmeat Topping
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Elegant but truly no bother, this recipe is perfect for company. Toasting the almonds gives them a little more crunch, which is a delightful way to top the fish fillets. This special dish is one of my husband’s favorites. —Mary Tuthill, Ft. Myers Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 429 calories, 31g fat (6g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
22/31
Roast Chicken with Creole Stuffing
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings (8 cups stuffing)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've used this recipe ever since I roasted my first chicken. Our whole family looks forward to it. The combination of shrimp, sausage, ham, vegetables and seasonings makes the stuffing unique and delicious.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
23/31
Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Gnocchi are thick, soft dumplinglike pasta made from potatoes. You can get them from the freezer section, sure—but for special occasions, there’s nothing like homemade. In this special dish, the tender pillows of pasta are treated to a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola cheese. —Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups gnocchi with 3/4 cup spinach mixture: 1195 calories, 31g fat (15g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1460mg sodium, 201g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 19g fiber), 33g protein.
24/31
Holiday Beef Bourguignon
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When we married four decades ago, I found this bourguignon recipe in a French cookbook. My husband and I still serve it for very special occasions. —Lyn Robitaille, East Hartland, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without egg noodles): 407 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
25/31
Pepper-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy stuffing balances the delicate flavor of pork in this dish that looks great on the plate—and tastes even better! Our holiday traditions always include this simple, elegant main course. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 slices: 201 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/31
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
27/31
Stuffed Turkey with Mojo Sauce
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (about 1 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Latin food so I created this recipe that combines wonderful spices and fresh ingredients. This is a traditional turkey recipe with a healthier twist because it uses chicken sausage instead of chorizo. —Melissa Lauer, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons sauce: 719 calories, 46g fat (9g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 66g protein.
28/31
Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For more formal dinners, this is an impressive vegetarian entree. Using wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easier to prepare. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
9 tortellini with 2 tablespoons sauce: 662 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
29/31
Shrimp & Crab Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
30/31
Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For something a little different, why not present each guest with their own beautifully prepared squash, stuffed with all the flavors that make the holidays bright—turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. This recipe makes it easy to make just as many servings as you need. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed acorn squash half: 502 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 875mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 9g fiber), 27g protein.
31/31
Tomato-Poached Halibut
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Halibut can be a pricey fish, so it makes sense to save it for special occasions. This simple and elegant preparation with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan. For a delicious and unusual holiday meal, pair it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread—and break out the good wine! —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup sauce: 224 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
