13 Holiday Dinner Favorites That Make Every Bite Feel Special

If you want to create a holiday meal that feels both elegant and comforting, this roundup brings together all the best dishes for a memorable celebration. You will find impressive mains like classic beef Wellington, pepper crusted prime rib, smoked beef tenderloin and perfectly juicy turkey made with a simple butter roasting trick. There are delicious options for every diet too, including vegan stuffed acorn squash and a hearty lentil Wellington. Add fresh sides like asparagus tomato salad, herb stuffing, soft yeast rolls and slow cooked baked potatoes to complete your spread. These recipes make holiday cooking easier and more delicious than ever.

The butter roasting trick for perfectly juicy turkey

Roast chicken with herbs and lemon wedges in a glass baking dish, garnished with fresh rosemary. — The butter roasting trick for perfectly juicy turkey. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Coating the turkey with butter under and over the skin helps lock in moisture. The skin browns attractively during roasting. The meat stays soft and tender. The technique adds flavor without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: The butter roasting trick for perfectly juicy turkey

Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe (Roasted)

Sliced roast meat and golden roasted potatoes are served on a wooden cutting board with a knife and herbs in the background. — Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe (Roasted). Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

This lamb roasts to a tender interior with a caramelized outside. Herbs complement the natural richness of the meat. The roast slices smoothly for serving. It suits both festive and everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe (Roasted)

Roasted Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Two acorn squash halves filled with a lentil, onion, and cranberry stuffing, served on blue and orange plates with leafy greens and cranberries scattered around. — Roasted Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

Acorn squash halves roast until soft, then hold a seasoned grain or vegetable filling. The edges caramelize slightly in the oven. The filling adds texture and color. Each portion serves as an individual entrée.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squashly.

Classic Beef Wellington

Sliced beef Wellington on a white platter, garnished with rosemary and surrounded by festive greenery and berries. — Classic Beef Wellington. Photo credit: Mommy Evolution.

This dish features beef encased in pastry with a savory mushroom layer. The pastry turns flaky and golden as it cooks. Inside, the beef remains tender. Each slice reveals impressive layered textures.
Get the Recipe: Classic Beef Wellington

Pepper-Crusted Roast Prime Rib

A sliced roast beef with a pink center is served on a platter, with creamy sauce being spooned over the meat. Sides are visible in the background. — Pepper-Crusted Roast Prime Rib. Photo credit: Mommy Evolution.

A pepper crust seasons the roast while forming a flavorful exterior. The interior stays tender and rosy. Slow roasting ensures even cooking. It makes a strong centerpiece for a special meal.
Get the Recipe: Pepper-Crusted Roast Prime Rib

Three Cheese Eggplant Italiano

Close-up of a baked lasagna with layers of melted cheese, tomato sauce, and visible pieces of eggplant. — Three Cheese Eggplant Italiano. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

Slices of eggplant bake with layers of cheese that melt into a smooth, rich filling. The tomato sauce adds brightness and ties the ingredients together. The top browns lightly in the oven. Each serving cuts cleanly and holds its shape.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Eggplant Italiano

Asparagus Tomato Salad

A bowl of green bean salad with halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, placed on a table with a striped napkin and a fork nearby. — Asparagus Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

This salad combines crisp asparagus with juicy tomatoes. A light dressing coats the vegetables without overpowering them. Fresh herbs add aroma and color. It works well as a refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Tomato Salad

Grilled Filet Mignon – The Perfect Steak

Two grilled steaks with herb butter on top, served with green beans and a baked potato, placed on newspaper. A knife, fork, and blue napkin are beside the food. — Grilled Filet Mignon – The Perfect Steak. Photo credit: Jerkyholic.

Filet mignon cooks quickly over high heat to achieve a deep sear. The interior stays soft and even in texture. Simple seasoning keeps the focus on the beef. It is an elegant choice for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Filet Mignon – The Perfect Steak

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Sliced roast beef tenderloin garnished with herbs, served on a wooden board with roasted carrots and potatoes. — Smoked Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Jerkyholic.

The tenderloin absorbs smoky flavor during slow cooking. The outside forms a seasoned crust while the inside stays juicy. A rest period before slicing ensures clean cuts. The result is rich and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Oven Roasted Turkey With Butter and Fresh Herbs

A roasted turkey garnished with fresh rosemary is served on a white plate, surrounded by glasses of white wine and an apple on a table. — Oven Roasted Turkey With Butter and Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: The Moody Blonde.

Butter and herbs create a fragrant coating for the turkey. The skin develops a warm golden color. The meat stays soft and juicy. Pan juices can be spooned over each slice for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey With Butter and Fresh Herbs

The BEST Herb Stuffing Recipe

A white oval baking dish filled with baked bread cubes, celery, onions, and herbs, forming a savory casserole. — The BEST Herb Stuffing Recipe. Photo credit: Made In A Pinch.

Bread cubes mix with herbs and aromatics for a comforting texture. Baking yields a crisp top and soft interior. Broth adds depth and keeps it moist. It pairs well with poultry and roasts.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Herb Stuffing Recipe

Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe

A plate of round bread rolls, with one roll cut open and topped with a slice of butter. Eggs, a butter stick, and a jar are in the background. — Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe. Photo credit: Made In A Pinch.

These rolls rise into soft, pillowy rounds. The interior stays fluffy and light. They bake into evenly browned tops. They pull apart easily, making them ideal for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe

Perfect Baked Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

Baked potatoes on a tray with toppings including butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a small bowl of salt. — Perfect Baked Potatoes in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

Potatoes cook evenly in the slow cooker until tender. The skins stay intact while the centers become soft. They can be finished briefly in a hot oven for extra crispness. They serve well with a variety of toppings.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potatoes in the Slow Cooker