11+ Meat for Christmas Recipes

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in flavors that are both comforting and festive. Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, the aroma of delicious dishes filling the room.

Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Tangy Honey-Glazed Ham

Tangy Honey-Glazed Ham from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (958 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 35 min.

Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham

Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham from WonkyWonderful

Rating: 4.6 (111 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 35 min.

Pineapple Honey Baked Ham

Pineapple Honey Baked Ham from Immaculate Bites

Rating: 5 (27 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 30 min.

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This classic holiday dish carries a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy ham is bathed in a glaze made with honey, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard, then adorned with rings of pineapple that caramelize beautifully in the oven.

The magic of this recipe is its simplicity and the way it brings a festive flair to the table. Each slice of ham is tender and filled with the rich, sweet taste of the glaze, while the pineapple adds a refreshing burst of flavor. This dish is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a popular centerpiece for Christmas feasts.

Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter

Tom Colicchio's Herb-Butter Turkey from 'The Epicurious Cookbook'

Tom Colicchio's Herb-Butter Turkey from 'The Epicurious Cookbook' from Serious Eats

Total Time: 5 h 25 min.

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy.

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy. from Half Baked Harvest

Rating: 4.3 (1704 reviews).

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey from A Cedar Spoon

Rating: 4.5 (46 reviews). Total Time: 3 h 30 min.

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There’s nothing quite like a perfectly roasted turkey to make your Christmas dinner feel special. This recipe features a succulent turkey coated in a rich herb butter made with rosemary, thyme, and sage. As it roasts, the butter melts, infusing the meat with a fragrant, buttery flavor.

The secret to this turkey’s irresistibility lies in the herb butter, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful. As the turkey roasts, the butter creates a golden, crispy skin that everyone will want to fight over. Plus, the aroma of fresh herbs wafting through your home is bound to set the mood for a joyful gathering.

Pair this turkey with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a holiday meal that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at a turkey for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.

Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington from Simply Recipes

Rating: 4.9 (27 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 45 min.

Mushroom Duxelles

Mushroom Duxelles from Be Inspired – Food Wine Travel

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (7 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 20 min.

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For those who seek a little extravagance in their Christmas meal, Beef Wellington offers a luxurious dining experience. This dish features a tender beef tenderloin wrapped in flaky puff pastry, with a savory mushroom duxelles and prosciutto layer adding depth to each bite.

The beauty of Beef Wellington lies in its combination of textures and rich flavors. The crisp pastry contrasts with the juicy beef, while the earthy mushroom duxelles and salty prosciutto elevate the flavors to new heights. This recipe is a showstopper, perfect for creating an unforgettable Christmas dinner.

Though it may seem daunting, with careful preparation and attention to detail, making a Beef Wellington can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also adds a touch of sophistication to your holiday table.

Stuffed Pork Loin with Apple and Cranberry

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Pork Loin

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Pork Loin from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6 (87 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 35 min.

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Pork Loin

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Pork Loin from Simply Recipes

Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 25 min.

Stuffed Pork Loin with Apples, Cranberries and Pecans

Stuffed Pork Loin with Apples, Cranberries and Pecans from Laughing Spatula

Rating: 5 (21 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 55 min.

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This dish brings together the comforting flavors of apple and cranberry, making it a festive choice for Christmas. A juicy pork loin is butterflied and filled with a stuffing made from breadcrumbs, diced apples, dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs, then rolled and roasted to perfection.

The magic happens when the pork loin absorbs the sweet-tart flavors of the apples and cranberries, creating a melody of tastes that sing of the holidays. Each slice promises a burst of juicy, flavorful stuffing nestled within tender pork, making it a joy to eat.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of flavors and its beautiful presentation. It’s a versatile dish that can be the star of your Christmas meal or a delightful addition to a festive buffet.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Christmas Meat Dishes

Christmas Eve Beef Stew

Christmas Eve Beef Stew from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.4 (178 reviews). Total Time: 6 hr 20 min.

Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast from Not Entirely Average

Rating: 4.6 (47 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 20 min.

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Master the Glaze

To achieve a perfectly glazed ham, start applying the glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will prevent the sugars from burning and ensure a shiny, flavorful finish.

Butterfly with Care

When preparing the stuffed pork loin, take your time to butterfly the meat evenly. This ensures an even cook and allows the stuffing to be distributed perfectly across each slice.

Chill the Beef

For Beef Wellington, let your tenderloin cool in the fridge after searing. This helps the pastry adhere better and prevents the beef from overcooking while the pastry bakes to golden perfection.