As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gathering with friends and family fills the air. It’s the perfect time to whip up dishes that not only warm the heart but also tantalize the taste buds. Let’s explore some easy yet spectacular entrée recipes that will have your guests asking for seconds!
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Mustard and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe from Serious Eats
Ingredients: 1 h 5 min Total Time: 1 h 5 min.

Garlic Herb-Crusted Roast Rack Of Lamb Recipe by Tasty from Tasty.co
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
This stunning rack of lamb is coated in a blend of fresh herbs and breadcrumbs, creating a crispy, flavorful crust. The savory notes from the garlic and rosemary make it a true holiday centerpiece. Impress your guests with this elegant dish that’s easier to prepare than it looks!
Maple-Glazed Salmon
Sweet, sticky, and simply delicious, this maple-glazed salmon is a delightful combination of flavors. With just a few ingredients—maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard—you can create a dish that glistens on the plate. Its balance of sweet and savory will have everyone raving!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground turkey, and spices make for a vibrant holiday dish. Topped with melted cheese, these stuffed peppers are not only beautiful but also packed with flavor. They’re a fun and healthy option that can be made ahead of time!
Cranberry-Orange Glazed Chicken

Cranberry-Orange Chicken from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.
This chicken dish is bursting with the flavors of the season, thanks to a zesty cranberry-orange glaze. The tangy sweetness perfectly complements the juicy chicken, creating a dish that’s both festive and comforting. It’s a great way to bring a pop of color to your holiday table!
Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington

Vegan Mushroom Wellington recipe from Oh My Veggies
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Vegan puff pastry, brown rice syrup, large portobello mushrooms, chickpea water, cashew milk Total Time: 1 hr.

Vegan Mushroom Wellington with Rosemary and Pecans from Feasting At Home
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Goat cheese, vegan puff pastry, truffle oil, king oyster, red wine Total Time: 1 hr 20 min.

Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Puff pastry, large portobello mushrooms, apple cider, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce Total Time: 3 hr.
For a show-stopping vegetarian option, try this Mushroom Wellington, where earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs are enveloped in flaky pastry. It’s rich, hearty, and absolutely satisfying, making it a hit with vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Your guests won’t believe how tasty it is!
Honey Garlic Shrimp
These honey garlic shrimp are quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious! With a sweet and savory sauce that clings to the shrimp, each bite is bursting with flavor. Perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction

Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce from How To Feed A Loon
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 Std. 43 Min. Total Time: 1 std. 43 min..

Rosemary Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce from Whole and Heavenly Oven
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 50 Min. Total Time: 50 min..

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce from Cooking For My Soul
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 Std. 5 Min. Total Time: 1 std. 5 min..
Rich, tender, and cooked to perfection, this beef tenderloin is a classic holiday dish that never fails to impress. The red wine reduction adds a depth of flavor that elevates the beef. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a meal that’s as fancy as it is comforting!
Spicy Sriracha Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts from Healthyish Appetite
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

Sriracha Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts from Spend With Pennies
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts from – Grilled Cheese Social
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 22 min Total Time: 22 min.
These Brussels sprouts are roasted to crispy perfection and tossed in a spicy sriracha honey glaze. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and heat, making them a fun side to any holiday entrée. Your guests will be surprised at how delicious Brussels sprouts can be!
Classic Beef Stroganoff
This creamy beef stroganoff is a warm hug on a plate. Tender strips of beef sautéed with mushrooms and onions in a rich sauce, served over egg noodles, make for a comforting meal that feels indulgent. It’s a family favorite for a reason!
Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta – A Quick and Easy Recipe from Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Pine nuts, basil pesto, skinless chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, italian seasoning Total Time: 31 mins.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken from Feel Good Foodie
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Skinless chicken breast, pesto, lemon, parmesan cheese, butter Total Time: 20 mins.

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta from One Balanced Life
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Chicken breast, yellow squash, pasta, pine nuts, basil pesto Total Time: 15 mins.
This vibrant pesto pasta is a burst of flavor with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Tossed with grilled chicken, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients. Serve it warm for a cozy holiday dinner!
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Warm Quinoa Roasted Veggie Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette from Dude That Cookz
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Whole sweet potatoes, red wine vinegar, feta cheese, zucchini, baby carrots Total Time: 50 min.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Roasted Summer Vegetables from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Yellow squash, eggplant, feta cheese, pine nuts, grape tomatoes Total Time: 50 min.

Roasted Veggie, Chickpea & Pesto Quinoa Salad from Ambitious Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sweet potato, pesto, pumpkin seeds, lemon, red bell pepper Total Time: 45 min.
This colorful quinoa salad is filled with roasted seasonal vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s not only healthy but also a beautiful addition to your holiday table. Everyone will appreciate a lighter option amidst all the hearty dishes!
Stuffed Acorn Squash
These acorn squashes are filled with a delightful mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and nuts. They’re not only visually stunning but also pack a punch of flavor with every bite. It’s a perfect vegetarian centerpiece that celebrates the season!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are bathed in garlic butter, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, making it a go-to for busy holiday hosts. Serve with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will love!
Eggplant Parmesan

Classic Eggplant Parmesan from A Simple Palate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min Total Time: 1 h 20 min.
This eggplant parmesan is a delicious twist on the classic, featuring layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s comforting, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy holiday gathering. Even non-vegetarians will be asking for this recipe!
Herbed Chicken and Rice Casserole

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice from Creme De La Crumb
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: White rice, skinless chicken breasts, lemon, chicken broth, butter Total Time: 30 min.

How To Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Green beans, skinless chicken thighs, grain white rice, hot sauce, cheddar cheese

One Pan Roasted Herb Chicken and Wild Rice from Half Baked Harvest
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: Wild rice, chicken thighs, orzo, apple cider, gouda cheese Total Time: 1 hr 20 min.
This all-in-one dish combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a medley of herbs for a comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for holiday entertaining. Your guests will love the homey feel of this hearty casserole!
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, corn tortillas, hot sauce, red pepper flakes Total Time: 1 hr.

Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe from JoyFoodSunshine
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, sour cream, honey, flour tortillas Total Time: 50 mins.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Roasted sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatillo salsa verde, black beans, apple cider vinegar Total Time: 40 mins.
These tacos are stuffed with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans, topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. They’re a delicious and colorful option that brings a burst of flavor to your holiday spread. Everyone will love these tasty, meat-free bites!
Spiced Pork Tenderloin

How to Make Spiced Pork Tenderloin from nocrumbsleft
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
This pork tenderloin is coated in a blend of warm spices, making it juicy and full of flavor. Paired with a tangy apple chutney, it’s a dish that balances sweet and savory beautifully. It’s an easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites from Feel Good Foodie
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Blue cheese dressing, hot sauce, butter, lemon juice, garlic powder Total Time: 50 min.

Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Blue cheese dip, cauliflower, red hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder Total Time: 1 hr.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings from Love and Lemons
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Ranch dressing, cauliflower, buffalo sauce, sea salt, garlic powder Total Time: 50 min.
These buffalo cauliflower bites are spicy, crispy, and utterly addictive! They’re the perfect finger food for holiday gatherings, served with a creamy dipping sauce. Even those who don’t usually enjoy veggies will be reaching for these!
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
This grilled chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture that makes it incredibly juicy and flavorful. It’s simple yet elegant, making it an easy choice for a holiday meal. Serve with seasonal vegetables for a refreshing dinner option!
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip Stuffed Chicken

Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken from Joyous Apron
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 45 Min. Total Time: 45 min..

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Stuffed Chicken from SideChef
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 30 Min. Total Time: 30 min..

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken from Jessica Gavin
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 Min. Total Time: 40 min..
This chicken dish takes the beloved dip and turns it into a main course! Stuffed with creamy spinach and artichoke filling, it’s comforting and decadent. Your guests will be amazed by the flavors packed into each bite!
Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Stir-Fry

Quick Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry from Plant-Based on a Budget
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Stir fry sauce, tofu, green bell pepper, chopped broccoli, canola oil Total Time: 20 min.

30-Minute Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry from Lauren McNeill, RD, MPH
Ingredients: Udon noodle, snap peas, homemade teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil Total Time: 30 min.

30-Minute Teriyaki Tofu from From My Bowl
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Soy sauce, brown sugar, sweet rice, toasted sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds Total Time: 40 min.
This stir-fry features crispy tofu coated in a sweet teriyaki glaze, tossed with colorful veggies. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Perfect for serving a crowd or for a cozy dinner at home!
Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus from Ahead of Thyme
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus from Eat Yourself Skinny
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.

Roasted Lemon Butter Shrimp and Asparagus from Carlsbad Cravings
Ingredients: 22 min Total Time: 22 min.
This dish is a bright and fresh combination of shrimp and asparagus, roasted with lemon and garlic. It’s light yet flavorful, making it an elegant choice for holiday entertaining. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Classic Lasagna

LASAGNA CLASSICA al ragù bolognese from GialloZafferano Blog
Ingredients: 1 h 10 min Total Time: 1 h 10 min.
This classic lasagna is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that brings everyone together around the table. Perfect for feeding a crowd during the holiday season!
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops

Pork Chops with Balsamic Glaze from Kalyn's Kitchen
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
These pork chops are seared to perfection and then drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction. The combination of flavors is irresistible, making it a standout dish for any holiday gathering. Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious glaze!
Butternut Squash Risotto
This creamy risotto features roasted butternut squash and a hint of sage, making it a warm and comforting dish. It’s perfect for special occasions and can be made ahead of time. Your guests will be impressed by its rich flavor and creamy texture!
Chicken Marsala
This classic Italian dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s elegant yet easy to prepare, making it a great choice for holiday dinners. Serve it over pasta for a complete and satisfying meal!