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.
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Caribbean Style Shepherd’s Pie
You should try this Caribbean Style Shepherd’s Pie for Thanksgiving if you’re craving a non-traditional feast with a vibrant twist! It blends English comfort with jerk-spiced Caribbean flair, perfect for a memorable holiday dinner.
Caribbean Style Shepherd’s Pie
Enjoy the beautiful creation of English and Caribbean cuisine with this Caribbean style shepherd’s pie. This meat dish is a must try!
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.
Honey Glazed Ham
This honey glazed ham is easy to prep; bake and baste until it’s tender and caramelized for a delicious holiday centerpiece — without the famous name price tag!
Chicken can be served on Thanksgiving, too! Make it special by stuffing it with bacon and celery. Here is the recipe:
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
This delicious stuffed roast chicken with its crispy skin and flavorful, moist interior paired with hearty vegetables makes for a delightful meal that brings comfort and joy to any table. Enjoy the process and the feast!
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!
Vegetarian Lasagna
The best veggie lasagna recipe! This homemade vegetarian lasagna is filled with roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese.
What about juicy beef in sweet and sour sauce? Sounds delicious, right? Serve it with pumpkin or sweet potato gnocchi, and enjoy!
Croatian Beef Stew Pasticada
This Croatian Beef Stew Pasticada is a labor of love that brings together rich flavors and traditional cooking techniques, making it a memorable meal that's worth every bit of effort.
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.
Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash with orange-infused quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and a simple sauce drizzle. Perfect for vegetarians at Thanksgiving!
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.
Gorgeous Seafood Paella
This saffron-infused paella recipe is loaded with mussels, clams, and shrimp. Grill it in your biggest skillet for best flavor (no special pan required). Paella serves a crowd for your next cookout!
Another seafood recipe that I make for special occasions. It’s just so tasty and comforting that I love to share it with others.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
This is an American recipe for tiger shrimp in a sweet and spicy tomato and cream sauce. It's so creamy and delicious that you won't even have time to talk while enjoying this meal, which is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana. I didn't use store-bought cajun seasoning, but rather homemade.
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.
Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Roulade
Check out this amazing Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Roulade recipe! Try it tonight and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
I know, I know… I said no turkey. But for this recipe, you don’t need to buy a whole turkey; just turkey breast.
Turkey Breast Stew
This Turkey Breast Stew with Lots of Vegetables is a simple, nourishing one-pot dish brimming with tender turkey and a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a cozy and healthy meal. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this hearty, wholesome stew as much as I do. Happy cooking!
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.
Apple Cider Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Apple cider is the secret ingredient that makes the most incredible moist pork tenderloin! The marinade does double duty as an incredible glaze / sauce, which means few ingredients are required to make this Apple Cider Glazed Pork Tenderloin that’s worthy of a posh dinner party!
This is one of the simplest recipes on this list: tangy and lemony chicken piccata that comes straight from the Italian kitchen.
Chicken Thigh Piccata
Chicken Thigh Piccata is the best meal I had lately! The meat is super juicy, crusty, and drenched in hearty chicken stock-based sauce. The special touch are definitely capers, that add the signature briny note, while lemon adds tang and tenderizes the chicken. Piccata is a simple, one-pot meal, so I couldn't gatekeep this amazing recipe!
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.
Vegan Mushroom Wellington
Juicy mushrooms take center stage in this vegan wellington. My vegan mushroom wellington is a fun spin on the classic beef wellington.
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.
Beef Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy)
Considered by many to be the mother of all stews, Beef Bourguignon is a magnificent French dish with a rich red wine sauce. Chef recipe.
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.
Duck à l’Orange
Jacques Pépin prepares his whole roast duck with plenty of oranges to make classic French duck à l’orange. Serve it with salad, a side of greens, or sweet potato puree.
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.
Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
A quick and easy dinner that’s healthy and delicious! Yogurt based dill sauce is so bright and fresh- your family will love you for this one.
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.
Butternut Squash Risotto
This butternut squash risotto recipe is so creamy and comforting! The sweet, tender squash and fresh sage fill it with delicious flavor.
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.
Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops
When you want to make a romantic dinner without spending 5 hours in the kitchen, it doesn’t get any better than Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops.
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.
Classic Eggplant Parmesan
Learn how to make the best eggplant parmesan! This tried and true classic version can either be fried or baked depending on your preference.
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.
Chicken Tagine the Moroccan Way
Chicken tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish of chicken pieces slow-cooked with spices, herbs and aromatics, olives, and preserved lemons.
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.
Pan fried gnocchi with pumpkin and brown butter
Pan fried gnocchi with pumpkin and brown butter is the ultimate Autumnal love letter. With crisp sage and balsamic glaze for a perfect dish.
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, 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.
Vegetarian Pot Pie
This rustic vegetarian pot pie is loaded with a creamy and hearty vegetarian filling tucked in between two crunchy flaky pie crusts.
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.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Cranberry Chutney
These pork chops are thick-cut and juicy, cooked to a perfect golden brown, with a sweet and sharp cranberry chutney.
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.
Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe
Discover the delightful flavors of our Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells, a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled in tender pasta shells. Join us in savoring this heartwarming dish that promises a taste of Italian comfort with every bite!
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.
Grilled Vegetables Platter
Grilled Vegetables makes a great healthy meal OR colourful starter – it’s like your own homemade vegetable antipasto, but it costs a fraction of what you pay at delis, tastes much better and it’s preservative free!
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.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
This easy shepherd’s pie checks all the boxes for a classic comfort food dinner that goes far beyond St. Patrick’s Day.
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.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Vegetables
This oven-baked salmon with vegetables is not just a dish; it's a quick, healthy, and delicious solution to your mealtime dilemmas. It's perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Why not give it a try this weekend? Your taste buds will thank you!
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 Chicken Paprikash Recipe
This Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash is a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavors. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner, and the Instant Pot makes the cooking process a breeze. Try it out, and enjoy a taste of traditional Hungarian flavors in a fraction of the time!
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.
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
This Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce makes it a classic favorite that never goes out of style. Try it out the next time you want a quick and delicious dinner that feels like it’s been slow-cooked for hours!
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.
Crisp Cornmeal Fish from the Oven
This crisp cornmeal fish from the oven is a fantastic way to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful fish without the extra oil from frying. It’s simple to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Try it out the next time you’re craving a light and healthy dinner!
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.
Irresistible Octopus and Potato Salad
This octopus and potato salad is a delightful way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table. Give it a try—you'll love how fresh and satisfying it is, perfect for family meals or special occasions!
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.
Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon
This Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon is a must-try if you're looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, it brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to the table. Give it a go tonight and enjoy a healthier take on a traditional favorite!
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.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo
This Air Fryer Mayo Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a must-try for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
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.
Beef Cannelloni Bolognese
This Beef Cannelloni recipe, also known as Cannelloni Bolognese, features tubes of pasta stuffed with a savory ground beef mixture, layered between rich red and creamy béchamel sauces, then topped with melted mozzarella. It's a hearty, comforting meal that perfectly blends the robust flavors of a traditional Italian dish.
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.
Boiled Beef with Vegetables
This hearty boiled beef with vegetables is the perfect Easter meal when you want something comforting without the fuss. Give it a try—you'll love how easy it is, and it's great for a cozy family dinner or when you have guests over!
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.
Slow-Roasted Veal with Potatoes
This Slow-Roasted Veal with Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try for your next special dinner—you’ll love how the tender veal and roasted vegetables come together in this comforting meal!
Laura Bais is the owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery food blog. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking, and at the age of 13, she made her first meal. After finishing high school, she undergraduates in Cultural Studies at the University of Rijeka, and graduates in Journalism at the University of Zagreb. At that time she honed her cooking skills, but also worked in marketing. Since her love for cooking never faded, in 2021 she finally decided to share her recipes with the world. Laura turned her hobby into a career and loves every moment of it. Now she writes about common mistakes in the kitchen and how to avoid them, about adding twists to traditional meals, etc. Her love for trying new foods often leads her to visit restaurants and attempt to recreate the meals at home. She has been featured on F and B Recipes and BOXROX, to name a few.
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