As the holiday season approaches, it’s hard not to feel the magic in the air. The soft glow of twinkling lights, the warmth of a crackling fire, and the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the kitchen all conspire to get you in the festive spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned culinary pro or just starting to explore the world of cooking, I’m excited to share with you my collection of top-notch roast recipes that are sure to be the star of your holiday meal.
From classic comfort food to adventurous twists and turns, these scrumptious roasts offer something for everyone. And if you’re looking for even more recipe inspiration to round out your Christmas Eve spread, be sure to check out our curated lists of festive appetizers and international sweets for a truly unforgettable celebration.
CHEF JOHN’S PERFECT PRIME RIB
Savor the perfect prime rib experience with ease! By employing Chef John’s ‘mathematical method’, achieving a mouthwatering blend of tender interior and crunchy exterior becomes a breeze. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to confidently serving up restaurant-quality prime rib, just like a seasoned pro.
BONELESS ROASTED LEG OF LAMB
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering garlic herb crusted roast lamb recipe. A true showstopper, this dish boasts tender and succulent meat that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. The crowning glory? That incredible crust, which is a masterclass in savory goodness. With each delicious morsel, you’ll be treated to a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
DIJON AND GREEN PEPPERCORN–CRUSTED STANDING RIB ROAST
Elevate your holiday gatherings by serving a show-stopping rib roast that’s sure to impress. This impressive dish combines the rich flavors of an aromatic mustard mixture with the subtle crunch of cracked peppercorns and the sophisticated taste of white wine and shallot pan sauce, resulting in a meaty masterpiece that will be the talk of the table this Christmas.
THE ULTIMATE ROAST TURKEY
Experience the quintessential taste of the holidays with this timeless roasted turkey recipe from The Spruce Eats. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a festive gathering, or simply craving a comforting weekend meal, this mouthwatering dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Fresh herbs and rich butter come together in perfect harmony, creating a culinary celebration that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
SUCCULENT HONEY GLAZED HAM
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of sweet and savory as you savor dinner at the zoo – quite literally! Our star dish is a showstopper: spiral-cut ham smothered in a sticky honey glaze, infused with an array of aromatic spices. The result? A culinary masterpiece that will leave your loved ones singing its praises.
BEEF BRISKET WITH RED WINE & SHALLOTS
Jamie Oliver’s beef brisket with red wine and shallots is a unique Greek-inspired dish that showcases the potential of this affordable cut of meat. While traditional Greek recipes often feature diced brisket, Oliver suggests an alternative approach: cooking whole briskets to create a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion. With its bold flavors and tender texture, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning guests.
CHRISTMAS ROAST DUCK WITH CRANBERRY-ORANGE GLAZE
Indulge in the essence of the holiday season by presenting a majestic Christmas roast duck with cranberry-orange glaze to your guests. The succulent duck is elevated to new heights with its crispy skin and rich, fruity glaze that’s bursting with festive flavors, making it a true showstopper on any table.
CRISPY SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF
Indulge in the unbridled flavor of slow-cooked corned beef, where tender and crispy textures harmonize to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Savor each succulent slice, perfectly balanced between juiciness and crunch, leaving you craving more.
MAPLE DIJON CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience as chicken leg quarters, potatoes, and carrots harmoniously converge on one pan. The sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce elevates this dish to new heights, making it a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s easy to prepare and devours in no time.
SALMON ROASTED IN BUTTER
While the idea of cooking a fish dish may not seem particularly complex, this salmon recipe belies its simplicity with an explosion of flavor. Regardless of whether you opt for wild or farmed salmon, this recipe is remarkably quick to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes from start to finish. The result is a refined and delectable meal that’s sure to impress.
ROAST PORK WITH CRISPY CRACKLING
Experience the joy of cooking on-the-go with this mouthwatering roast pork recipe. Forget compromising on flavor when away from home – this dish yields a beautifully crispy, golden crackling that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. With its tender and juicy interior, this ultimate portable pork roast is a culinary game-changer for those who crave a satisfying meal anywhere, anytime.
GORDON’S CHRISTMAS ROAST GOOSE
As the holiday season approaches, iconic British chef Gordon Ramsay reveals his recipe for a show-stopping, golden-brown Christmas main course that’s sure to impress friends and family. Join us as we delve into the world-renowned chef’s secrets for crafting a truly unforgettable festive feast.
HERB-CRUSTED PRIME RIB
Elevate your holiday celebrations by serving a show-stopping prime rib that’s both effortless to prepare and bursting with flavor. Fresh herbs bring an aromatic twist to this tender roast, guaranteeing a memorable dining experience for all.
ROASTED CAPON WITH CITRUS-SHERRY JUS
When it comes to roasted poultry, capons are an often overlooked but excellent option. For the uninitiated, capons are essentially castrated roosters, but their unique characteristics make them well-suited for a special occasion. With their tender and flavorful flesh, as well as a size that falls neatly between larger turkey or goose and smaller chicken, capons offer a perfect balance for those seeking a show-stopping bird that’s neither too big nor too small.
GARLIC-CRUSTED ROAST RACK OF LAMB
Elevate your cooking game without breaking a sweat! With just five essential ingredients and a dash of simplicity, this roast rack of lamb recipe showcases that impressive doesn’t have to mean difficult. The result is a mouthwatering feast that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
ROASTED VEGETABLE MEATLOAF WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE
Indulge in a flavorful and nutritious twist on the traditional meatloaf by embracing the vegetables in this innovative recipe. By harmoniously blending savory meat with a medley of roasted vegetables, this dish not only satisfies your palate but also provides a healthy boost for your holiday gathering.
PHEASANT WITH WILD RICE
Elevate the flavors at your next gathering by introducing an unexpected twist to your menu. This pheasant and wild rice dish is a bold departure from traditional fare, guaranteed to spark curiosity and delight in those who partake.
GOCHUJANG ROASTED PORK SHOULDER
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Korea with our mouthwatering gochujang roasted pork shoulder. This tender and juicy cut is slow-cooked to perfection with caramelized onions, transporting your taste buds to a cozy corner of Seoul. Experience the true essence of Korean comfort food at its finest.
CRISP-SKINNED SPATCHCOCKED (BUTTERFLIED) ROAST TURKEY WITH GRAVY
What sets spatchcocking apart from other turkey cooking methods is the unparalleled speed at which it achieves evenly cooked results. When done correctly, this technique yields a magnificent presentation of crispy skin alongside perfectly cooked white and dark meat.
PORCHETTA PORK ROAST
This Christmas, transport the flavors of Italy to your doorstep with a mouthwatering porchetta pork roast. The dish’s winning combination of rich flavor, satisfying crispy crackling, and an irresistible aroma infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
ROAST QUAIL WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION
Indulge in the savory delight of this easy-to-prepare roasted quail recipe, elevated by the rich flavors of a slow-cooked balsamic glaze. This delectable dish promises to leave you craving for more.
SLOW COOKED MOROCCAN LAMB
Transforming ordinary lamb into an extraordinary culinary experience is as easy as simmering it in a rich and aromatic Moroccan-inspired sauce infused with the warmth of spices. This slow-cooked Moroccan lamb recipe is a game-changer, where the subtle nuances of the meat are elevated by the creamy zip of Moroccan spiced butter. Every tender morsel will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just craving something new and exciting, this recipe is sure to impress.
PORK TENDERLOIN ROAST WITH HONEY AND HERBS
The Cookie Rookie’s pork tenderloin roast is a surprisingly simple yet impressive dish that will leave you wanting more. The harmonious blend of honey and herbs creates a symphony of sweet and savory notes in each delicious bite, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary game.
HERB AND BUTTER ROASTED TURKEY
When it comes to holiday cooking, some traditions are hard to beat. One such stalwart is the classic herb and butter roasted turkey, a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. It’s a reliable choice for those who enjoy sticking with tried-and-true favorites.
BROWN SUGAR MUSTARD GLAZED HAM
Indulge in a culinary delight with this exceptional brown sugar mustard glazed ham recipe. The result is a tender, juicy masterpiece that will be the crowning glory of your Christmas feast, boasting a richly flavored, sticky and sweet crust that will leave everyone craving more.
BUTTER-BASTED RIB EYE STEAKS
In the realm of culinary perfection, simplicity often reigns supreme. Case in point: these delectable butter-basted rib eye steaks that showcase the beauty of uncomplicated cooking. By searing them to perfection in a trusty cast-iron skillet alongside aromatic herbs like garlic, rosemary, and thyme, each bite is a masterclass in full-bodied flavor, expertly balanced and bursting with savory delight.
SLOW-ROASTED COD WITH RED CHERMOULA
Transforming the notion that cod is dull, this delectable slow-roasted dish, infused with the vibrant flavors of red chermoula, offers a delightful seafood experience perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday gathering. The resulting culinary masterpiece is not only aromatic and full-bodied but also surprisingly light, making it an ideal choice for impressing your guests.
ROASTED RACK OF VEAL
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece this holiday season with this show-stopping marinated rack of veal. The harmonious fusion of flavors is just the beginning – the visually stunning presentation, achieved by crisscrossing the two racks before roasting, is sure to leave your guests in awe. As you prepare these delectable festive roasts, remember that they’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also a thoughtful gesture to make your holiday gathering even more memorable.
So, put on your favorite apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some cheer with these mouthwatering recipes!
