Just because turkey is traditional doesn’t mean you have to serve it. These alternative Thanksgiving dinner recipes offer fresh mains and inventive sides.
Turkey might be the star of many holiday tables, but sometimes it’s nice to change things up. An alternative Thanksgiving dinner works perfectly if you’re planning a vegetarian spread, craving something outside the norm or preparing Thanksgiving recipes for two. Whatever the reason, these dishes show how the meal doesn’t need turkey to feel special.
Our Thanksgiving dinner alternatives include options like stuffed Cornish hens, herbed pork roasts, racks of lamb and salmon fillets. And if you are leaning toward a nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner, there are also cozy vegetarian Thanksgiving main dishes, like pumpkin lasagna layered with fall flavors or sweet potato tortellini.
Pair any of these mains with your favorite Thanksgiving sides and you’ll have a spread that feels festive, hearty and a little different. These unique Thanksgiving meal ideas prove that the holiday is really about gathering together, no matter what’s on the table.
1/30
Braciole
From the Recipe Creator:
In our family, braciole was served as a special treat for holidays. It was Grandma’s specialty and the preparation was time-consuming. When the meat and sauce were fully cooked, Grandma called us into the kitchen to watch her lift the roll from the sauce to the cutting board to slice it. The pinwheels of meat laid side by side on the platter, topped with delicious sauce, made a colorful picture. —Cookie Curci, San Jose, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 332 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1057mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
This Italian roulade dish is so festive and comforting for the holidays. Serve it with old-fashioned green beans, mashed cauliflower or red roasted potatoes.
2/30
Baked Spiral Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite spiral ham recipe. It will feed a crowd, or use what's remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when this item is on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces ham: 195 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
If you have any leftovers after the big feast, treat ham just like turkey. Make Hawaiian pizza, split pea soup, cheesy ham omelets and even more recipes using leftover ham all week long. You can even freeze ham for up to two months.
3/30
Cheese-Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I'm happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 397 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
These stuffed shells are filled with mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan and cottage cheese. Spinach gives them a bright splash of color.
4/30
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 lamb shank with 1 cup shallot mixture: 438 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
D’Anjou pears are available from November through late spring, so they’ll be readily available during the holidays. Want to make the dish even more elegant? Use fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought.
5/30
Pumpkin Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 310 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat.
This creamy, cheesy pumpkin lasagna perfectly marries the traditional layered pasta dish with rich fall flavors, resulting in a hearty dish that you won’t stop eating.
6/30
Glazed Cornish Hens
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner table, our Test Kitchen experts suggest these Cornish game hens topped with a sweet apricot glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 hen: 402 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
If you’ve never cooked Cornish game hens at home, the idea might seem daunting. But it’s not that different from roasting a chicken. Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, the dish is bound to be a showstopper.
7/30
Crawfish Etouffee
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Cajun sensation when I entertain. Etouffee is typically served with shellfish over rice and is similar to gumbo. This dish has its roots in New Orleans and the bayou country of Louisiana. —Tamra Duncan, Lincoln, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 251 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
Counted among Louisiana’s most famous recipes, crawfish etouffee is a fragrant, flavorful, buttery seafood dish you can make in just about one hour.
8/30
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
From the Recipe Creator:
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup pumpkin: 318 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Here’s a festive dish that doubles as a colorful centerpiece. If you can’t find Sugar Baby pumpkins at the grocery store, swap in a 5- to 6-pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
9/30
Sweet Potato and Butternut Ravioli
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet ravioli recipe is filled with butternut squash and sweet potato. The fall dinner comes together in a snap with a light butter sauce. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ravioli: 359 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
Instead of sheets of pasta, this recipe envelopes the creamy butternut squash and sweet potato mixture in wonton wrappers. With maple and cinnamon coursing through the dish and a cider sauce making up the foundation, this ravioli has fall flavors at its core.
10/30
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti squash, like zucchini, can take over a garden. This is an excellent way to put that abundance to good use. I got the original spaghetti squash casserole recipe at a cooking class, and I've made it many times since. It's unique and tasty. —Mina Dick, Boissevain, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 411 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
On Thanksgiving, oven space is at a premium. Pop the spaghetti squash in the microwave or slow cooker instead of baking it before adding it to the casserole. You can even make the whole dish in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for three to four days.
11/30
Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't know one family that doesn't have some crazy, hectic evening. This recipe is a quick and easy fix for a busy weeknight dinner. —Christy Addison, Clarksville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 379 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
There’s no wrong time to eat baked ziti, and Thanksgiving is no exception. If your family would rather eat carbs and cheese than turkey, this filling no-stress dish will be a winner.
12/30
Salmon Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
After our children were married and gone, I prepared salmon steaks often for my husband and myself, especially on our anniversary. It was one of our favorites. We found that one of the nicest ways to enjoy each other's company was to have a lovely meal together. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon steak: 461 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this special salmon steak is flavorful and easy to make.
13/30
Moist Cranberry Pork Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 289 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
Cranberry sauce, honey, orange zest, cloves and nutmeg come together for a tangy and colorful glaze that makes the meal extra-special. While it might be tempting to slice into the roast as soon as it’s done, make sure to let it rest for 10 minutes for maximum tenderness.
14/30
Warm Squash & Quinoa Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I see butternut squash at the supermarket, I buy one. It's amazing tossed with earthy quinoa, Italian spices and crunchy pine nuts. And don't get me started on the browned butter! Yum. —Carly Taylor, Libertyville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein.
Everything about this hearty, warm grain bowl feels cozy and decadent, from the toasted pine nuts to the cumin-spiced quinoa.
15/30
Grandma’s Roasted Duck
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up, my grandma always served roast duck for the holidays and for other family events throughout the year. I always thought it was better than turkey! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked duck: 649 calories, 51g fat (18g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
If you’re up for a challenge, impress your guests by cooking a roast duck. Serve it alongside cranberry wild rice or roasted root vegetables, which complement the slightly gamey flavor of the duck.
16/30
Sheet-Pan Pork Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family's needs. It's so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 354 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1186mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
This Asian-inspired meal cooks in one pan, so there’s practically no cleanup (which is much appreciated on Thanksgiving). Spend less time doing dishes and more time sipping wine and eating dessert.
17/30
Louisiana Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Green peppers and mint add a surprise to this Louisiana chicken recipe. A roasting bag keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. —Jill Werle, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken with vegetables: 496 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 32g protein.
Meet your new secret weapon: an oven-roasting bag. Here it keeps the bird moist and juicy. Just don’t forget the flour, which is essential to the process. The flour keeps the bag from bursting and absorbs excess moisture.
18/30
Roasted Cornish Game Hen
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for an elegant dinner for two? Try these delightful Cornish game hens. As a bonus, crisp and tasty potatoes cook right alongside the meat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 984 calories, 68g fat (22g saturated fat), 381mg cholesterol, 1239mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 64g protein.
If your Thanksgiving is perfectly intimate, pair these individual Cornish hens with rice pilaf, dinner rolls and glazed carrots for an elevated celebration.
19/30
Easy London Broil
From the Recipe Creator:
A mild marinade prepared with lemon juice, thyme and oregano seasons this easy London boil recipe. It feeds a family of four with lots left over to enjoy in satisfying second-day dishes later in the week. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 247 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
This no-frills main is about as straightforward as it gets. Onion, butter, lemon juice, oil and a few spices come together to make the top sirloin shine.
20/30
Holiday Crown Pork Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Crown roast makes a regal Christmas dinner. Flavored with rosemary, sage and thyme, it’s elegant and simple—a real blessing during the hectic holidays. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 rib: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
Here’s a holiday showstopper that looks tricky but is actually surprisingly simple to make. Just rub the pork crown roast with herbs, roast for two hours, then garnish with rosemary and sage.
21/30
Citrus-Herb Roast Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is one of my all-time favorites. The flavorful, juicy chicken combines with the aromas of spring in fresh herbs, lemon and onions to form the perfect one-pot meal. I make the gravy right in the pan. —Megan Fordyce, Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 561 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 47g protein.
This one-pot meal is easy enough to cook anytime, but it looks fancy enough to be front and center at the Thanksgiving table. Best of all, it serves eight, so you’ll feed the whole family and maybe have leftovers to spare.
22/30
Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this tender beef roast. The mild blend of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 198 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
Sometimes you just have to keep things simple. Here, a 3-pound beef tenderloin roast is seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, basil and … that’s it.
23/30
Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked duck: 373 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
Soy sauce, ginger and orange marmalade really make this marinade something special. Use the leftover cranberries you have on hand to whip up a tasty cranberry sauce from scratch.
24/30
California Roast Lamb
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is very easy to make and requires little attention. It goes well with any rice dish, and it's perfect for just about any occasion. —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked lamb with 1 artichoke wedge: 152 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
With fresh artichokes and lemon, this low-maintenance dish will impress your guests. Add fresh oregano and thyme for an extra touch of elegance.
25/30
Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Using wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
9 tortellini with 2 tablespoons sauce: 662 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
While making tortellini from scratch might sound time-consuming, this recipe has a secret weapon: store-bought wonton wrappers. Once you get the hang of folding them, you’ll be a pasta-making pro. Try this flavorful Turkish pasta too.
26/30
Duck Breasts with Apricot Chutney
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving this entree as part of a buffet, try using a chafing dish to keep it warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 duck breast half with 1/4 cup chutney and 1 tablespoon sauce: 525 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
Dried apricots, cherries and golden raisins take this dish into special occasion territory. Plus, you’re going to want to drizzle the orange sauce (made with Marsala wine, orange zest and basil) on everything.
27/30
Baked Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
I often make this very moist and flavorful baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This salmon with lemon is well-complemented by rice and a green vegetable or tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 209 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
We know a sheet-pan meal sounds more like a weeknight dish, but hear us out. It’s delicious, it feeds a crowd, and aside from the sheet pan, there’s almost no cleanup. Sounds like a Thanksgiving win to us.
28/30
Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone
From the Recipe Creator:
When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don't have a lot of time to cook, this dish is a lifesaver. It is fast and yummy and starts with a premade jarred sauce. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order. —Gerry Vance, Millbrae, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 637 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1040mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
A pretty pasta dish on the table won’t make anyone complain. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of cooking water to complete the sauce.
29/30
Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. It’s a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 733 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.
As a 30-minute pasta recipe, this dish is perfect when you want to cook your guests something special without being stuck in the kitchen for hours on end.
30/30
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mushroom Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
With this easy surefire recipe, you don't have to be afraid to prepare a rack of lamb for a holiday dinner. Rice pilaf and roasted asparagus are a lovely way to round out the meal. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 rack with 1/4 cup sauce: 532 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
It doesn’t get more festive (or delicious) than a tender rack of lamb. Serve it with rice pilaf and lemon broccolini.
Alternative Thanksgiving Dinner FAQ
What can I serve instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?
While turkey remains the showstopper at any Thanksgiving table, there are many other options that feel just as festive. Consider serving juicy roast chicken, a well-seasoned rack of lamb, flaky baked salmon steaks, or even a big pot of gumbo or etouffee that everyone can share. Each dish makes a flavorful centerpiece for the holiday spread.
What are some vegetarian alternatives for Thanksgiving dinner?
Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the feast, as there are many meat-free alternatives for Thanksgiving dinner. You can make stuffed shells with your choice of veggie filling, a cheesy baked ziti, a layered pumpkin lasagna or spaghetti squash casserole. With hearty dishes like these, a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner feels just as abundant as a traditional one.
What unique Thanksgiving dinner ideas can I make ahead?
Plenty of Thanksgiving dinner alternatives can be prepared in advance. You can cook baked ziti in the slow cooker or assemble other casseroles the night before and then refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Dishes like crawfish etouffee, stuffed Cornish hens or even vegetarian lasagna also hold up well when made ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the celebration.
