Main Dish Ideas for Christmas Without Ham

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Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Share My Kitchen

You don’t need to make your Christmas menu the same as every other holiday. Try something new and different. No matter if your family is fond of meat, poultry, or none at all, you can create a stunning centrepiece for Christmas without ham.

1. Eggplant Rollatini

Learn how to cook eggplant. You can find some tips and tricks to help you cook it. Although these authentic eggplant rolls-ups can take some time, the final result is excellent and restaurant-quality. This recipe will be a family favorite.

2. Duck with Orange Hazelnut Stuffing

This elegant entree has been part of the family’s holiday table for over 60 years. The zesty stuffing and its pleasant nutty crunch complement the moist duck slices, while the hint of orange in the gravy makes it stand out.

3. Crown Roast with Apricot Dressing

Although you may have been making crown roasts for years, you won’t be happy with the results until you combine several recipes to create this delicious and guest-pleasing recipe. It is beautifully roasted with an apricot glaze and nicely browned stuffing.

4. Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops

Slow cooker lamb chops are, without second guessing, definitely the most delicious lamb dish. It needs to be cooked on simmer on low heat for hours. They are so fragrant, and the meat will melt in your mouth!

5. Grilled Lobster Tails

If you have never tried to make lobster at home, it is a good time to try now as this recipe is convenient and delicious. This recipe turned out fantastic, and you won’t have any reason to order lobster from a restaurant ever again. If the marinated lobster tails are too cold to grill, you can place them on a foil-lined 15x10x1 pan. Then, broil for 5-6 in from the heat until the meat becomes opaque. It takes 5-8 minutes. This makes a wonderful “surf” portion in a “Surf & Turf” dinner!

6. Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin

This tender beef with a golden horseradish crust is the perfect choice for the second half of your “surf & turf” holiday celebration. The robust flavor is further enhanced by roasted garlic.

7. Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey

This juicy herb-roasted turkey adds great flavor to any big meal. For a delicious gravy, make sure to use the drippings!

8. Roasted Veggie Strudel

This gorgeous main is perfect for vegetarians this holiday. For this shortcut strudel, the roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts well with bacon and Brie. For extra flavor and texture, you can leave the potato skin on.

9. Orange Pomegranate Salmon

This festive, colorful salmon dish is a great addition to any holiday table. It is also delicious as it is beautiful. You won’t believe how easy it is to prepare. You can serve it with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus to make a spectacular meal, which is perfect for special occasions.

10. Apple & Herb Roasted Turkey

You can have a child as a helper in making this delicious moist apple turkey. They can be responsible for handing you the ingredients – if they don’t eat them first!

11. Standing Rib Roast

This recipe for standing rib roast is basically foolproof. Enjoy tender slices of rib roast with your family or use the seasoning mix on another beef roast to make a delicious main dish. This recipe is perfect for special occasions.

12. Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin

This is a stunning main course that will definitely impress. It features wild rice and apricot stuffing, all wrapped in a tender pork roast. When you serve it, watch the eyes light up!

13. Mushroom-Stuffed Flank Steak Roll

If you have guests who have lived in Hong Kong, they love flank steak. It will remind them of home. This is a classic combination of beef, mushrooms, and rich sauce, which makes it a wonderful meal for company.

14. White Seafood Lasagna

As part of the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes, you can make lasagna with shrimps and scallops. Every bite is a “jewel” from the sea.

15. Chicken Cordon Bleu

This cordon bleu version includes bacon, which makes it one of the most comforting recipes. It will definitely become a favorite of yours, and friends and family.

16. Veggie Lasagna

This all-encompassing lasagna is a great main course for a holiday meal that doesn’t include meat. This hearty, vegetable-rich lasagna will not disappoint. It is full of fresh, rich flavor, and no one will miss the meat. Preparing the spinach and carrot layers ahead of time will save you time.

17. Herb-Brined Cornish Game Hens

Why not have individual Cornish game hens instead of turkey or a big roast for the holidays? They take less time to make and are easy to cook, and it will impress your guests!

18. Stuffed Salmon

Stuffed salmon can be bought at big-box stores, but these filets have a lot of flavors thanks to cream cheese, crab, and savory herbs. They are delicious.

19. Beef Tenderloin with Pomegranate Chutney

To show your family and friends that you care about food, you can roast a tenderloin. Then, serve it with sweet-tart pomegranate and apple chutney.

20. Herb-Stuffed Pork Loin

When entertaining guests, this stunning pork roast is a wonderful recipe to whip out. It is particularly amazing if you use garden-fresh herbs, but it also works well with dried herbs.

21. Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings

This recipe was made a few years back. It was delicious! The first time it was made, there wasn’t even a bit of food left on the platter.

22. Flounder with Shrimp Stuffing

This fish recipe is special enough to share with friends because of the delicious shrimp-herb stuffing. It’s easy to make, and it will be a definite winner if your family loves fish.

23. Plum-Glazed Lamb

This delicious glaze is easy to make. It’s fruity and flavorful, and the hint of garlic goes great with the lamb. This recipe makes enough glaze to be used to baste the lamb while you are roasting. It also leaves enough to serve when it is served.

24. Crab-Topped Fish Filets

This recipe is simple and elegant, and it’s perfect for when you have company. Toasting the almonds adds a wonderful crunch, which makes a great topping for the fish filets. This will win your husband and family over.

25. Roast Chicken with Creole Stuffing

If you are planning to make your first roasted my chicken, you can use this recipe. Your entire family will look forward to it next year! It’s a unique combination of shrimp, sausage, ham, vegetables, and seasonings that makes this stuffing delicious.

26. Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola

Gnocchi is a thick, soft dumpling like pasta created from potatoes. It can be purchased in the freezer section. But, for special occasions, homemade is the best. This special pasta dish features tender pasta pillows with rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach, and Gorgonzola cheese.

27. Holiday Beef Bourguignon

This bourguignon recipe was from a French cookbook, which was discovered over 40 years ago. It is still a classic, and it can still be served during special occasions.

28. Pepper-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

You will have a spicy stuff that balances the delicate flavor of pork when you make this dish. It looks amazing on the plate, and it tastes great! This simple and elegant main dish, which can become a holiday tradition.

29. Spicy Seafood Stew

What about a seafood stew for Christmas dinner? There’s no reason not to make some! Many families have a tradition of eating fish dishes, especially those from Italy or other Mediterranean countries. This recipe is easy to make, but it’s the rich flavors and ingredients that make this dish special.

30. Stuffed Turkey with Mojo Sauce

This recipe is inspired from Latin food, which is a combination of delicious spices and fresh ingredients. You can make this traditional turkey recipe with chicken sausage in place of chorizo, which makes it healthier.

31. Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce

You can make this impressive vegetarian entree for more formal dinners. Make these homemade tortellini with wonton wrappers rather than fresh pasta dough for easier preparation.

32. Shrimp & Crab Casserole

You can try this easy and quick recipe that is delicious. This elegant comfort food has succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and wonderful textures. You can make it ahead, just assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate. Then, bake it as soon as you are ready.

33. Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash

You can make each guest’s holiday special with something a little different, like their own deliciously prepared squash and stuffed with all the festive flavors: turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce. You can make as many servings as you like with this recipe.

34. Tomato-Poached Halibut

Halibut is a costly fish, so it is understandable if you save it for special occasions. The simple, elegant, and delicious preparation with a lemon can be made in one pan. Then, pair it with angel hair pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a unique holiday meal.

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