On Your Table Blog

December 23, 2025

Christmas Mains: holiday centerpieces for every table

Christmas Mains: holiday centerpieces for every table

by Justin Segelstrom

From slow cooked comfort to classic roasts, these Christmas main dishes are designed to work for gatherings of all sizes. Whether you’re feeding a full house or keeping things simple you'll still be serving something special.

Classic pot roast

Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast with Pan Gravy

(Serves 6-8 | 4 lb chuck roast)

Ingredients

  • 4 lb beef chuck roast

  • 3 lb Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved or quartered

  • 6-8 large carrots, cut into chunks

  • 2 large yellow onions, thickly sliced

  • 6 cups beef broth

  • 4 tbsp tomato paste

  • 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1½ tsp dried)

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

  • 3 tbsp neutral oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Season the chuck roast generously on all sides with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned.

  3. Place potatoes, carrots, and onions into the slow cooker.

  4. Set the roast on top of the vegetables.

  5. Whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Pour around the roast.

  6. Add thyme and bay leaves.

  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4½-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Pan Gravy from the Cooking Liquid

Ingredients

  • 4 cups strained cooking liquid

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and discard solids.

  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce slightly for deeper flavor.

  3. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

  4. Gradually whisk in the hot cooking liquid.

  5. Simmer until thickened. Season to taste.

Holiday ham glaze recipes for the win!

Holiday Ham Glaze Recipes

(Use with any baked or smoked ham)

Maple-Brown Sugar Dijon Glaze

  • ½ cup maple syrup

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Warm together and brush during the final 30 minutes of baking.

Molasses Orange-Spice Glaze

  • ½ cup molasses

  • ¼ cup orange juice

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • 1 tsp ground cloves

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Simmer gently until glossy and slightly thickened.

Honey Mustard Pineapple Glaze

  • ½ cup honey

  • ¼ cup pineapple juice

  • 2 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

Great for spiral-cut hams.

Herb crusted prime rib

Classic Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Crust

A classic holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

  • 1 standing rib roast (5-7 lb)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Remove roast from refrigeration 1-2 hours before cooking.

  2. Preheat oven to 450°F.

  3. Mix garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

  4. Rub generously over the roast.

  5. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes, then reduce oven to 325°F.

  6. Continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium-rare.

  7. Rest at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

For a smaller slow cooker main, you can find my tried-and-true turkey recipe here:
Cozy up with my favorite slow-cooker recipes

Whether you’re slow-cooking the pot roast, glazing a holiday ham, or serving a show-stopping prime rib, the Christmas table is about more than just the food. It’s about gathering, slowing down, and sharing a special meal. Choose what fits your household, your schedule, and your traditions, and let the rest fall into place. Hope you all have a great one!

Justin of My Complete Cooking and daughters

 

Justin's posts for On Your Table appear on the third Friday of each month. Visit this page to view some of the recipes he has shared with us.