A succulent roast is the ultimate showstopper around the holidays. More often than not, though, roasts take too much time, too much energy, and ultimately underwhelm on the flavor front. Have no fear because we’ve compiled a stunning list of roast recipes that are beautiful to look at AND delicious to eat. So tie up that apron and get those carving tools sharpened because it’s time for some serious meat.
Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream
It doesn’t get more festive than a standing Prime Rib come December, and, surprisingly, they’re much easier to prepare than you’d think. This recipe starts with a wet herb rub of olive oil, rosemary, dried oregano and loads of garlic. After marinating for about an hour, the roast hits the oven for just over an hour. Served alongside a horseradish-and-herb-spiked sour cream sauce, you’ve got a holiday entree fit for a king. Get the recipe on NeighborFood Blog
Maple-Glazed Turkey with Bacon and Sage Butter
A Christmas turkey is hard to beat, especially when it’s glazed with maple syrup, rubbed down with a generous amount of sage butter, oh, and topped with copious strips of bacon of course. Blogger Samantha Skaggs is the mastermind behind this luxurious preparation and at only two hours of cook time, dinner will be on the table faster than you can say Maple-Glazed Turkey with Bacon Sage Butter! Get the recipe on Five Heart Home
Pork Loin with Sauerkraut and Apples
If simple is the name of the game this holiday season, consider pork loin your roast of choice. Not only is it incredibly affordable and simple to prepare, it also serves as a beautiful blank canvas for all sorts of festive flavor combinations. Take this recipe, which pairs pork with a medley of sautéed apples and onions, sauerkraut, lots of garlic and even juniper berries for a wintery, woodsy treat that will warm your soul. Get the recipe on Imagelicious
Garlic Roast Beef
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Case in point: Garlic Roast Beef. Life Tastes Good prepares a round roast with a rub of garlic and fresh thyme before searing it on the stovetop and finishing it off in the oven. A dousing of homemade au jus takes the dish to the next level and puts all of those charred, meaty pan drippings to very good use. Get the recipe on Life Tastes Good
Sirloin Tip Roast
Although it may not be the most conventional holiday feast offering, I don’t think any of your friends will object to a Sirloin Tip Roast for dinner. This recipe from BS’ in the Kitchen starts the day before with a dry salt brine that not only helps flavor the meat, but also helps to ensure a luxuriously tender final texture. After resting in the fridge overnight, the steak gets a quick sear and a low-temperature roast in the oven. Serve alongside some crispy roasted potatoes and veggies of your choice and turn your kitchen into a full-blown steakhouse. Get the recipe on BS’ in the Kitchen
Orange Marmalade Ginger Ham
When debating the merits of holiday roast recipes, a spiral-glazed ham would definitely win the popularity contest. And with a recipe like this Orange Marmalade Ginger Ham from A Dish of Daily Life, it’s not hard to see why. The recipe couldn’t be easier, taking a traditional spiral-cut ham and glazing it with a combination of orange marmalade, orange juice, grated ginger root and Dijon mustard. An elegant play on the classic that hits all the best flavor bases. Get the recipe on A Dish of Daily Life
Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken
If I had to choose one dish that encapsulates true comfort food, roast chicken would take the award every time. Come holiday time, it’s always nice to find some easy tweaks on the classic like this Apple Cider Glazed number from Spicy Southern Kitchen. Blogger Christin Mahrlig’s recipe turns to the flavors of fall and winter by stuffing the bird with quartered apples and onions before patting it down with softened butter and basting it in apple cider syrup. Doesn’t sound half bad, does it? Get the recipe on Spicy Southern Kitchen
Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb
For all of you adventurous foodies always looking to eat outside of the box come holiday time, rack of lamb is just for you. For a simple starter recipe that’s full of flair, try this Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb from What’s Gaby Cooking. It gets the royal treatment from a smear of Dijon mustard and a quick rub of herbes de provence, ground pistachios and panko bread crumbs. After baking in the oven for just 20-25 minutes, the lamb will take on a golden brown hue on the outside and an enticing rare center that should be a perfectly rosy pink. Pair with a robust red wine for the classiest Christmas around. Get the recipe on What’s Gaby Cooking
Maddie LaKind is a personal chef, caterer and writer living in Ravenswood. For more information about her services, visit her website, madonfood.com.
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