Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Not Turkey

Tired of the same old turkey and searching for new Thanksgiving main dishes? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to explore different recipes and impress your family with something unexpected. While turkey is traditional, I’ve put together plenty of exciting ideas to cook for Thanksgiving that will break away from the norm and keep the holiday spirit alive.

Honey-Glazed Ham

A classic choice for the holiday season, honey-glazed ham offers a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving sides. With its rich, caramelized crust it makes an impressive centerpiece that will definitely charm your guests.

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

You can never go wrong with prime rib. Coated with a fragrant blend of herbs and roasted to perfection, it provides a luxurious alternative to turkey. 

Whole Stuffed Chicken

Chicken can be served on Thanksgiving, too! Make it special by stuffing it with bacon and celery. Here is the recipe:

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

For a hearty vegetarian option, roasted vegetable lasagna layered with creamy ricotta and rich marinara sauce is a delicious holiday choice. It’s a satisfying dish that even meat-eaters will enjoy! 

Beef Stew

What about juicy beef in sweet and sour sauce? Sounds delicious, right? Serve it with pumpkin or sweet potato gnocchi, and enjoy!

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa, cranberries, and nuts offers a seasonal and visually appealing dish. This nutritious option is perfect for those looking to add more plant-based items to their holiday table, while still retaining the holiday festive richness and appeal.

Seafood Paella

If you want to give a Mediterranean twist to your Thanksgiving, seafood paella is your safest bet. This vibrant dish, filled with shrimp, mussels, and saffron-infused rice, adds an exotic twist to your holiday menu.

Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Another seafood recipe that I make for special occasions. It’s just so tasty and comforting that I love to share it with others.

Chicken Roulade

Chicken roulade, stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, provides a flavorful and elegant alternative to turkey. Even though it is not as wholesome and traditional as turkey, it will bring a note of sophistication to your holiday table. 

Turkey Breast Stew

I know, I know… I said no turkey. But for this recipe, you don’t need to buy a whole turkey; just turkey breast.

Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Glaze

Pork tenderloin, glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction, combines the gloomy autumn vibe with the festive holiday flavors in this tender and juicy dish. It’s a delightful option that complements classic Thanksgiving sides.

Chicken Thigh Piccata with Pasta

This is one of the simplest recipes on this list: tangy and lemony chicken piccata that comes straight from the Italian kitchen.

Vegan Mushroom Wellington

For a vegan centerpiece, mushroom Wellington with a flaky puff pastry crust and a savory mushroom filling offer a rich and satisfying alternative. This dish will definitely impress both vegans and non-vegans with its reach and savory notes.

Beef Bourguignon

This French classic made with tender beef, red wine, and aromatic vegetables, brings a gourmet touch to your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the holiday season and even better when shared with your favorite people.

Duck à l’Orange

For a unique and flavorful option, duck à l’Orange combines the richness of duck with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This elegant dish adds a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving table if you want to go for a classy holiday experience.

Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce

This baked salmon topped with a creamy dill sauce provides a light and flavorful alternative to traditional Thanksgiving meats. It’s a quick and easy dish that still feels special, but without all the messiness Thanksgiving dinner can create. 

Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut squash risotto, with its creamy texture and rich, earthy flavor, makes for a luxurious vegetarian main course. Classic, yet unconventional, it will definitely lighten up your already festive table.

Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic

Lamb chops seasoned with rosemary and garlic are a flavorful and elegant main dish for Thanksgiving. Meaty, fatty, and very satisfying, this dish will make a delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan, layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese, is a hearty vegetarian option that will satisfy even the most devoted meat-eaters. Many consider it a side dish, but in the right amount served with the right sides, it is just as much of a main dish, as a meaty meal. 

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Moroccan chicken tagine, with its fragrant spices, dried fruits, and tender chicken, brings an exotic flair to your Thanksgiving meal. If you want to add a bit of an exotic twist to a traditional holiday, don’t think twice before you give it a shot.

Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

Pumpkin sage gnocchi combines the flavors of fall into a delicious pasta dish. Festive and hearty, this dish will gather your guests for a holiday dinner they will talk about long after.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers, filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and ground meat or lentils, offer a colorful and nutritious main dish. You can tailor the filling any way you like, add your favorite seasoning, and enjoy a rustic Thanksgiving dinner.  

Vegetarian Pot Pie

Vegetarian pot pie, filled with a creamy mixture of vegetables and topped with a flaky crust, is a hearty and satisfying main dish. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a meat-free alternative or are simply after a different kind of Thanksgiving meal.

Grilled Pork Chops with Cranberry Chutney

Grilled pork chops served with a tangy cranberry chutney bring together the flavors of fall in a delicious and festive dish. This is the pork alternative to the classic turkey Thanksgiving dinner and is just as satisfying.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells offer a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for vegetarians. If you are looking for a nutritious, delicious, satisfying, and unusual Thanksgiving dinner, this could be just the thing you are after. 

Grilled Vegetable Platter

A beautifully arranged grilled vegetable platter featuring a variety of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, combined with sauces, dips, and various cheeses, offers a colorful and healthy main dish. Perfect for those who prefer a plant-based diet, this dish is also a chance for meat eaters to take a break from meat and enjoy a lighter, yet very satisfying dish. 

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie, with its layers of ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, is a hearty and comforting dish. Perfect for a cozy holiday meal, this dish will delight you with its warmth welcoming your guests with open arms around your holiday table. 

Oven-Baked Salmon with Vegetables

This Oven-Baked Salmon with Vegetables is a perfect alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, providing a lighter yet flavorful main dish. Health-conscious guests will appreciate the nutritious mix of vegetables and salmon, making it an elegant and delicious option for a holiday dinner.

Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash brings rich Hungarian flavors to your Thanksgiving table, offering a warm and comforting meal without the turkey. The creamy paprika sauce and tender chicken make it an inviting dish that will appeal to anyone looking for a cozy holiday meal.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

This Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving gathering, bringing a hearty and creamy dish that feels festive without the need for turkey. Its savory flavors and tender beef are sure to be a hit, offering a touch of comfort and nostalgia to the holiday.

Crisp Cornmeal Fish from the Oven

Crisp Cornmeal Fish offers a unique twist for Thanksgiving, with a crunchy coating and light, flavorful fish that’s a great alternative to heavier meats. Perfect for guests who prefer something different, this dish provides a delightful balance of texture and flavor.

Irresistible Octopus and Potato Salad

Irresistible Octopus and Potato Salad adds a Mediterranean flair to Thanksgiving, ideal for those who want something fresh and unexpected. Seafood lovers will enjoy this flavorful dish that brings a light, refreshing option to the holiday table.

Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon

Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon is an excellent compromise for those who want a taste of turkey without the whole bird. The addition of bacon brings a smoky richness, making it a comforting and satisfying dish that will stand out on the Thanksgiving spread.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is an easy yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, bringing a crispy, cheesy crust with juicy chicken underneath. Ideal for a casual, family-oriented holiday, this recipe offers a delicious alternative that’s sure to impress.

Beef Cannelloni Bolognese

Beef Cannelloni Bolognese offers a hearty Italian twist to Thanksgiving, featuring pasta filled with a savory beef mixture and topped with creamy sauces. Pasta lovers will enjoy this rich and satisfying dish, making it a festive main course with a unique flair.

Boiled Beef with Vegetables

Boiled Beef with Vegetables is a comforting and wholesome option that brings simplicity and heartiness to Thanksgiving. This dish is perfect for guests looking for a classic, flavorful meal without the heaviness of turkey, offering a satisfying blend of beef and vegetables.

Slow-Roasted Veal with Potatoes

Slow-Roasted Veal with Potatoes makes for a sophisticated Thanksgiving centerpiece, with tender meat and perfectly roasted potatoes. This luxurious dish will impress guests and provide a comforting, elegant alternative to the traditional turkey feast.

Dear recipe creators, thank you for sharing these recipes with us! You make out holidays tastier!