Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Not Turkey

In addition to being a joyous time and a wonderful reason to gather your family in the same room, Thanksgiving is a holiday that inspires the chefs in all of us. However, sometimes things can get a bit dull because turkey is probably what comes to mind first, and cooking the same meal every Thanksgiving can steal away the beauty of the holiday. So, in this article, I’ll give plenty of ideas on what to cook for Thanksgiving other than turkey. 

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.

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!

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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. 

Best No-Fail Prime Rib

Are you ready for the best Prime Rib recipe? This is a no-fail, meltingly tender and juicy, garlic-crusted prime rib that everyone will love!

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Whole Stuffed Chicken

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!

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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! 

Vegetarian Lasagna

The best veggie lasagna recipe! This homemade vegetarian lasagna is filled with roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese.

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Beef Stew

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.

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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.

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!

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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.

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!

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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.

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.

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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. 

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.

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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.

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!

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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.

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!

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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.

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!

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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. 

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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. 

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.  

Stuffed Bell Peppers

They’re filled with beef, rice, and veggies!

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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. 

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!

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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. 

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!

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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. 

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.

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