15 Festive Holiday Dinner Recipes

By Jenn Segal

Celebrate the holidays with a main dish that will dazzle. Don’t be afraid to try something different and start a new tradition. Happy Holidays!

Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

Wow your guests with ease! My roasted beef tenderloin paired with a rich red wine sauce is simple, sophisticated and—bonus—foolproof.
Classic Lasagna

Comforting, familiar flavors but refined—my all-time favorite lasagna layers oven-ready noodles, a rich meat sauce, veggies, and plenty of cheese.
Moroccan-Style Brisket with Dried Fruit & Capers

This Moroccan-style brisket is so abundant and impressive looking, you can keep the sides super simple.
Cioppino (Fisherman’s Stew)

Cioppino, a hearty Italian-American stew made with a medley of fresh seafood in a rich tomato and wine broth, perfectly captures the taste of the sea.
Rack of Lamb with Dijon & Panko Crust

Rack of lamb is special occasion-worthy but quick and easy enough to prepare any night of the week.
Spanish Paella

Bring the taste of Spain to your table with a festive paella, an aromatic rice dish that combines the best of land and sea.
Dry Brine Turkey

Discover the secret to a perfectly juicy and flavor-packed bird with this easy dry-brined turkey recipe—it’s a holiday game-changer!
Stuffed Turkey Breast with Sausage & Herbs

A delicious (and make-ahead!) alternative to traditional holiday turkey, this rolled turkey breast never fails to impress.
Chicken Marbella

One of the most popular dishes from the Silver Palate Cookbook, Chicken Marbella has been a family favorite for decades. Loved it back then; still love it now!
Braised Short Ribs

Savor the fork-tender goodness of red wine braised short ribs—the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening.
Sweet & Spicy Roast Chicken with Carrots, Dates & Pistachios

This sheet-pan roast chicken dinner is the perfect no-fuss dish for company. Everything can be prepared and assembled a day in advance, so all that’s left to do at dinnertime is pop it in the oven.
Sear-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Glaze

Sear-roasted pork tenderloin with a sweet mustard glaze—your ticket to an effortlessly chic dinner, any night of the week or for special occasions.
Chicken Cordon Bleu

While not a traditional holiday dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu—juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty Gruyère cheese, all bundled up in a crispy golden crust—makes an festive and elegant meal for a small dinner party.
Slow-Roasted Salmon with French Herb Salsa

This slow-roasted salmon with an elegant fresh herb salsa is wonderful at room temperature, making it perfect for a holiday brunch or buffet.
Julia Turshen’s “A Nice Lasagna”

This light and elegant lasagna comes from Julia Turshen’s lovely cookbook, Small Victories—it’s perfect if you’re hosting vegetarians.