Sitting down to an incredible dinner on Christmas Day is like getting an extra present. And thanks to our best recipes, you can be sure to serve up a crowd-pleasing meal—but only if you plan ahead. When you’re brainstorming Christmas dinner ideas, start with the main dish: A Christmas ham, prime rib or roast is always a solid choice. Round out your menu with mouthwatering side dishes, and don’t forget to include some vegetables! While easy recipes can be quite satisfying, at least one showstopping dish is a must when it comes to the holidays. This classic crown roast of pork is sure to wow family and friends. Season the pork overnight with salt, pepper and aromatic spices for the most tender and juicy roasted meat. Glazed apples and onions will serve as a sweet and tangy counterpoint.

Shake things up this holiday season and replace your Christmas ham with Christmas ribs slathered with triple pomegranate flavor. First, we brush the ribs with sticky pomegranate molasses and rub them with a smoky warm spice blend. Second, we slow-roast them with pomegranate juice to keep things moist, along with some jalapeño for heat. After roasting, we use the pan juices to make a sticky-sweet and slightly spicy BBQ sauce. Finally, we garnish the ribs with fresh pomegranate seeds, for jewel-tone flecks of color and a tangy crunch in every bite.

Ham dressed in pineapple rings and maraschino cherries is a holiday classic, and this dish will definitely steal the show.

Who says Christmas roast has to be prime rib? This much more affordable roast (made with eye round) will impress everyone at the holiday table. The crisp, spicy peppercorn crust pairs beautifully with the bright horseradish cream and leftovers make amazing sandwiches—so hold on to any extra sauce.