17 Sunday Roast Recipes That Make the Weekend Worth Waiting For

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Sunday meals are slower, louder, and usually worth the wait. That’s probably why people keep coming back to old-school roasts that actually feel like an occasion. These sunday roast recipes are built for big flavor and minimal fuss—nothing trendy, just solid meals that work. Some take a little planning, others come together faster than expected, but all of them earn their spot at the table. If your weekend could use something better than leftovers or takeout, this is a good place to start.

Slow Cooker Keto Pot Roast Recipe

Sliced roast beef with herbs, surrounded by cooked carrots and celery in a white dish.
Slow Cooker Keto Pot Roast Recipe. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Even though it cooks slow, you can slice leftovers into bite-sized pieces and flash-grill them for smoky char. Plus, a quick sear brings rich flavor—perfect for a grilled appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Keto Pot Roast Recipe

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

A plate of pistachio-crusted salmon garnished with chopped herbs, served alongside lemon slices and spinach leaves.
Pistachio Crusted Salmon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Firm salmon holds up beautifully on the grill and the nut crust crisps to golden perfection. As a bite-sized starter, it offers crunchy texture and a burst of protein.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Easy Roasted Turkey Recipe

Roasted whole turkey garnished with a sprig of rosemary on a white plate, surrounded by herbs and garlic on a wooden table.
Easy Roasted Turkey Recipe. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Turn leftover turkey into grill-ready skewers and char them lightly. It gives you that smoky edge without fuss, and works like a charm as a grilled appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Turkey Recipe

Low Carb Instant Pot Pot Roast

A plate of pot roast with mushrooms, red potatoes, carrots, and garnished with parsley, next to a textured beige cloth.
Low Carb Instant Pot Pot Roast. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Once tender from the Instant Pot, cubes get a second life with quick grill marks. They’re simple, juicy, and ideal for guests who want something hearty upfront.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Instant Pot Pot Roast

How To Cook Melt In The Mouth Roast Beef

Shredded pot roast garnished with chopped parsley, served next to a bowl of brown gravy.
How To Cook Melt In The Mouth Roast Beef. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

After cooking, slice the beef and grill it just long enough to warm and crisp edges. These savory bites stack up perfectly as grilled appetizers at any backyard bash.
Get the Recipe: How To Cook Melt In The Mouth Roast Beef

Roasted Half Chicken Recipe

Two roasted chicken halves with herbs on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon halves, set on a marble surface.
Roasted Half Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chop that roasted bird into winglets or strips and toss them on the grill. They pick up lovely char and make for easy, crowd-ready grilled appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Half Chicken Recipe

Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe

Sliced roasted chicken with a glossy, browned skin is arranged on a white plate with a fork, spoon, lime wedge, rice, and green sauce on the side.
Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Slice into strips and slip them onto skewers before hitting the grill. With sweet-savory notes, they become irresistible grilled appetizers that pop with char.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe

Lemon Roasted Chicken

A whole roasted chicken with browned skin sits in a white Dutch oven on top of chopped potatoes.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest And Truly.

Bright lemon juice from the original roast caramelizes when grilled, giving a tangy crunch on the outside. It’s a zippy, fun way to start a grill party.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Garlic Fennel Roast Rack of Lamb

A plate with two herb-crusted lamb chops resting on mashed potatoes, surrounded by creamy sauce, with a glass of wine in the background.
Garlic Fennel Roast Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cut small chops, grill them for crisp edges, and bring bold flavor in each bite. These make gorgeous grilled appetizers that taste fancy but take minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Fennel Roast Rack of Lamb

Tender Sirloin Tip Roast w/ Veggies

A plate of pot roast with slices of beef, whole potatoes, carrots, celery, and gravy.
Tender Sirloin Tip Roast w/ Veggies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slice the cooked sirloin and skewer with veggies before grilling. This dish becomes a smart grilled appetizer thanks to its tender texture and charred punch.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sirloin Tip Roast w/ Veggies

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Winter Veggies

A blue baking dish contains sliced roast beef, cooked medium-rare, surrounded by roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Roast Beef Tenderloin with Winter Veggies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

After slicing beef, throw it back on the grill for quick warmth and color. It’s an upscale grilled appetizer that feels special even on relaxed summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Tenderloin with Winter Veggies

Roasted Lamb Breast Recipe

A cooked, herb-crusted rack of lamb sits on a white plate garnished with fresh sprigs of thyme, with a red cloth in the background.
Roasted Lamb Breast Recipe. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Once roasted, cut into strips and grill them until they crisp. They deliver bold flavor and meaty bite perfect for your grilled appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lamb Breast Recipe

Roasted Apricot Chicken

Six browned chicken thighs in an orange sauce with cooked apricots, served in a white skillet with a silver serving spoon.
Roasted Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grill sliced chicken lightly to caramelize the apricot glaze. That sweet-savory combo makes it a standout grilled appetizer with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Apricot Chicken

Herb‑Infused Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs is on a platter, surrounded by dishes including pie, green beans, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Herb‑Infused Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

After brining and roasting, dice it and grill for crunchy edges. These morsels soak up smoke and serve beautifully on a grilled appetizer board.
Get the Recipe: Herb‑Infused Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Lemon Chicken Tray Bake

Roasted chicken thighs with lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and herbs on a baking sheet.
Lemon Chicken Tray Bake. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cube the cooked chicken, thread onto skewers, then grill to caramelize the lemon marinade. It creates bright, easy grilled appetizers in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Tray Bake

Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast

A plate of pot roast with brown gravy, surrounded by whole potatoes, carrots, celery, and garnished with parsley.
Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Chop up the roast and grill small chunks until char appears. These smoky bites give you a simple yet hearty grilled appetizer option everyone will crowd around.
Get the Recipe: Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast

Herbes de Provence Roasted Chicken

A whole roasted chicken garnished with herbs, surrounded by lemon slices and roasted garlic on a white platter.
Herbes de Provence Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Strip the chicken, toss on herbs, and grill till they get a crisp hit. This makes a fragrant, herbal grilled appetizer that still feels easy.
Get the Recipe: Herbes de Provence Roasted Chicken

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Sarita Harbour has been stretching her food dollars to feed her family for over 30 years. As a former banker and current freelance writer, she's written boatloads of articles about budgeting, homesteading, gardening, personal finance and more. Her food-related articles have been widely syndicated through AP and MSN. Look for her food features at NBC, The Seattle Times, Yahoo! Life, Chowhound, Tasting Table and MSN.