The holidays are a time for family gatherings, festive feasts, and, of course, exceptional food. While many people rely on grocery stores for their holiday meat, there’s a special appeal to shopping at your local butcher shop for premium cuts, expert advice, and a personalized experience. From succulent roasts to perfect cuts for grilling, your butcher is your secret weapon for a memorable holiday meal.

If you’re planning a holiday gathering, here are the top 5 holiday purchases you should make at your local butcher shop to ensure a delicious, stress-free celebration.

1. Prime Rib Roast (Standing Rib Roast)

For many, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a roast beef at the center of the table, and the prime rib roast is the star of the show. This cut is well-marbled, tender, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect choice for a special occasion.

  • Why Buy from a Butcher Shop? Prime rib is an impressive and luxurious cut that requires precision in preparation. Butchers can expertly select and trim the roast, ensuring you get the perfect balance of fat and lean meat. They can also give you advice on the ideal cooking method, whether you prefer to slow-roast or sear the meat first for a crispy crust.
  • Cooking Tip: For an unforgettable prime rib, consider seasoning it with a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and fresh thyme, and let it rest before slicing to preserve juiciness.

2. Turkey (or Heritage Breed Turkey)

Turkey is a classic holiday centerpiece, but why settle for a mass-produced bird from the grocery store when you can enjoy a heritage breed turkey or locally raised turkey from your butcher? These turkeys are typically more flavorful, have a firmer texture, and often come from small, sustainable farms with a focus on animal welfare.

  • Why Buy from a Butcher Shop? A butcher can help you select a turkey that suits your gathering size and cooking preferences. Many butchers also offer the option to pre-order a turkey, ensuring you get the right size and quality. They can also prepare the bird for roasting, such as trussing it or even spatchcocking (removing the backbone for quicker, more even cooking).
  • Cooking Tip: Try brining your turkey overnight to keep it moist and enhance its flavor. A mixture of salt, sugar, herbs, and aromatics like garlic, citrus, and bay leaves will infuse the meat with richness.

3. Rack of Lamb

For a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress your holiday guests, consider a rack of lamb. This cut is tender, flavorful, and looks stunning when served, making it ideal for a festive dinner.

  • Why Buy from a Butcher Shop? Butchers can help you find the perfect rack of lamb, whether you prefer French-cut (where the bones are exposed and cleaned for a dramatic presentation) or unsplit racks for a more rustic approach. If you’re feeling adventurous, some butchers even offer lamb with an herb crust or can prepare a marinated version to save you time.
  • Cooking Tip: A classic preparation involves coating the lamb with a mixture of Dijon mustard, garlic, and rosemary before roasting. Serve it with mint jelly or a red wine reduction for extra flavor.

4. Ham (Bone-In or Boneless)

Ham is a holiday staple that can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast or serving something hearty for a New Year’s brunch, a high-quality ham will add both flavor and drama to your meal.

  • Why Buy from a Butcher Shop? Buying from a butcher gives you access to higher-quality hams, often from small, local farms that use traditional methods of curing and smoking. You’ll also find options like bone-in hams, which tend to be more flavorful, or boneless hams for easier carving. Butchers can provide tips for glazing or preparing the ham in a way that highlights its natural sweetness.
  • Cooking Tip: Try glazing your ham with a combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of bourbon or orange juice. Roast the ham at a low temperature to ensure it stays moist, and finish with a caramelized glaze.

5. Beef Tenderloin (or Filet Mignon)

For those looking to serve something truly luxurious this holiday season, beef tenderloin is a must-have. Known for its tenderness and mild flavor, this cut is often served at upscale holiday dinners, especially on occasions like New Year’s Eve or Christmas dinner.

  • Why Buy from a Butcher Shop? Beef tenderloin is a prime cut, and butchers are experts in trimming it perfectly, whether you want it as a whole roast or sliced into individual filet mignon steaks. They can also provide you with the right weight for your gathering and offer advice on how to cook it to perfection.
  • Cooking Tip: Beef tenderloin is best when cooked to medium-rare (about 125°F). Consider searing the outside for a golden crust before finishing it in the oven. Serve with a rich béarnaise sauce or roasted garlic butter for an extra special touch.

Bonus: Sausages, Stuffings, and Charcuterie

While the main event is important, the sides and appetizers are often what elevate a holiday meal. Butchers offer a variety of house-made sausages, stuffings, and charcuterie boards that are perfect for holiday celebrations.

  • Why Buy from a Butcher Shop? Many butchers prepare seasonal sausages with festive spices and flavors that make a great addition to your holiday menu. You can also find ready-to-cook stuffings made with sausage, herbs, and bread—perfect for roasting alongside your turkey or chicken.
  • Charcuterie Tip: Pick up a selection of cured meats, pâté, and artisanal cheeses from your butcher to create a beautiful charcuterie board. Add some fresh fruit, olives, and nuts for a festive and easy appetizer spread.

Why Shop at Your Local Butcher for the Holidays?

When you buy meat for the holidays at a butcher shop, you’re not just getting high-quality cuts; you’re also supporting a small business that prioritizes freshness, customer service, and ethical sourcing. Butchers offer expert advice, can help you select the right cuts for your menu, and often provide personalized services like custom portioning or marinating. Plus, the experience of shopping at a local butcher shop can add to the joy and tradition of holiday meal prep.

So this holiday season, skip the supermarket meat aisle and head to your local butcher. Whether you’re roasting a prime rib, grilling lamb chops, or glazing a ham, your butcher can help you create the perfect holiday feast that will leave your guests talking long after the meal is over. Happy holidays—and happy cooking!