63 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas (Because Not Everyone Loves Turkey)
If you’re a diehard turkey/stuffing/sweet potato casserole kind of person, we salute you. But if you’re not? Hey, that’s cool too. Nothing against the classic Turkey Day menu, but there are so many other vegetables, side dishes and desserts that deserve a little holiday love. Might we suggest that you ditch the status quo in favor of alternative Thanksgiving dinner recipes? From bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts to butternut squash upside-down cake, here are 63 non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas to spice up your spread.
35 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes Even First-Time Hosts Can Handle
Appetizers
1. Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, gluten free
They’re glazed with honey and topped with chives. You might want to make a double batch.
2. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
Just think of these cheesy bites as a classed-up, less-spicy version of jalapeño poppers.
3. Crispy Halloumi ‘Fries’ with Roasted Tomato Dip
Yum Creative/I Heart Cheese
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: low sugar, vegetarian, kid-friendly
Hello, adult mozzarella sticks. Pair them with a medium acidity white wine, like a Chenin Blanc, to get really fancy.
4. Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pomegranate
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, <500 calories
Face it: No one's turning down a plate of melted cheese.
5. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Super-traditional relatives might not approve of cocktail wieners wrapped in crescent dough at Thanksgiving…but these are made with carrots, so they’re kinda fancy. Watch how many get devoured.
6. Roasted Winter Vegetable Platter with Miso Aioli and Romesco Sauce
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, dairy free, beginner-friendly
The roasted veg are pretty standard; the dipping sauces are anything but. Both the traditional Spanish romesco and savory miso aioli come together quickly in a blender.
7. Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Make a second batch on Black Friday topped with shredded leftover turkey.
8. Goat Cheese, Apple and Honey Tarts
Jacqui Melville/Apple
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
Tangy goat cheese is just the thing to pair with tart, crisp, sweet apples. The crusts are made with store-bought puff pastry, so you don’t have to stress.
9. Spicy Pineapple Prosciutto Tarts
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
What does pineapple have to do with Thanksgiving? We’re not sure. All we know is these tartlets are delicious and you should make them every holiday.
10. Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Nothing against regular cheese and crackers, but we’re upping the ante this year. (Once again, store-bought pie crust saves the day.)
11. Pull-Apart Bread with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, low sugar
Betcha can’t eat just one piece. Serve it warm straight from the oven, and everyone will feel the same.
Main Courses
12. Skillet Roast Chicken with Shmaltzy Potatoes
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 5 hours, 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
The trick to a gorgeously golden brown chicken is part buttermilk marinade and part knowing your oven’s hot spots. The potatoes are optional, but they’re an easy way to knock out an extra side dish.
13. Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad
Paul Brissman/Antoni: Let's Do Dinner
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, gluten free
If you knew how easy it is to cook steak at home, you’d never make turkey for Thanksgiving again.
14. Hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free
You don’t have to be vegetarian to appreciate the beauty of these gourds. To make them vegan, just skip the Gruyère cheese.
15. Spicy Orange-Honey Glazed Ham
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
It’s just as good for leftovers on sandwiches, plus it’s easier to make and ready in less time than a turkey.
16. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: one pan, dairy free, special occasion–worthy
It’s almost entirely hands-off, thanks to that trusty cast iron skillet. Use frozen or fresh cranberries, just don’t skimp on the herbs.
17. Turkey Roulade with Cherry and Sausage Stuffing
Let's Stay In
Time Commitment: 11 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Yep, it’s turkey. It’s just presented in a non-traditional format. The inside is stuffed with, well, stuffing, and the outside is slathered in a mix of harissa and Dijon mustard—yum.
18. Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, sheet pan recipe
The pretty pistachio crust is both festive and tasty, and best of all, the dish cooks from start to finish on a single baking sheet.
19. Pomegranate-Maple Glazed Lamb Chops
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein, gluten free
We promise, lamb chops are as simple to cook as chicken (and way simpler than turkey). Pomegranate molasses is a Middle Eastern ingredient that adds sweetness and tang.
20. Pomegranate-Sumac Chicken with Roasted Carrots
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
The chicken is brined in buttermilk for extra tenderness and a golden-brown crust. Sheet pan dinner for Thanksgiving? You bet.
21. Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, gluten free, vegetarian
It’s dramatic, delicious and surprisingly effortless to make.
22. Butternut Squash Carbonara
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion–worthy
We have a good feeling that no one will complain about pasta instead of turkey.
23. Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, special occasion–worthy, gluten free
Proof that a one-skillet dinner can be as gorgeous and holiday-ready as it is easy to make.
24. Ina Garten’s Tuscan Turkey Roulade
Quentin Bacon/Modern Comfort Food
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
According to the contessa herself, this main is actually better if you assemble it in advance, because the filling flavors—prosciutto, fennel seeds, garlic, fresh sage and rosemary—all permeate the meat. Genius, if you ask us.
25. Buttermilk-Battered Pan-Fried Fish Fillets
Robert S. Cooper/A Real Southern Cook
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Frying fish at home is daunting, right? Don't worry. It’s actually really simple to pan-fry fish to crisp, flaky deliciousness.
26. Bacon-Wrapped Black Cod with Spinach and Capers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
Wrap a piece of fish in bacon and suddenly it’s holiday-ready. (It’s also done in 40 minutes, no big deal.)
Side Dishes and Vegetables
27. Pommes Anna
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
This classic Française recipe requires little more than butter, salt and spuds once you grasp the technique, but is sure to garner all the compliments from your dinner guests.
28. Balsamic-Brown Sugar Carrots
Colin Price/Dinner Then Dessert
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Instead of the usual sweet, sticky mush, these carrots are steamed until *just* tender and coated in a balsamic vinegar reduction for tangy flavor.
29. Green Bean Casserole Galette
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, vegetarian
All the nostalgic flavors, none of the canned cream of mushroom soup.
30. Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, ready in <30 minutes
It’s like mac and cheese in vegetable form. We’ll take seconds, please and thank you.
31. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha and Lime
Amanda Frederickson/Simple Beautiful Food
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, vegetarian, gluten free, <10 ingredients
In our humble opinion, the Turkey Day feast could benefit from something zingy and spicy. Enter these taters.
32. Delicata Squash Rings with Garlic-Lemon Sauce
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Onion who? Swap in this stripy gourd for a seasonal twist on a classic.
33. Cauliflower Stuffing with Pomegranate Seeds and Almonds
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
It tastes a lot like traditional stuffing, but without the bread. Try it, you’ll like it.
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34. Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories, kid-friendly
We know someone will ask where the Brussels sprouts are. Surprise them with these crispy-crunchy latkes.
35. Charred Sweet Potatoes with Pistachio-Chili Pesto
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, gluten free, vegetarian
The typical marshmallow-studded casserole has nothing on these gorgeously complex charred sweet potatoes.
36. Radicchio, Lentil and Apple Salad with Vegan Cashew Dressing
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga
Time Commitment: 35 minutes (plus soaking time)
Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, gluten free
Wait, this creamy dressing is dairy free? You had us fooled—cashews will do that. The bitter greens will be a welcome addition to your mega-rich menu.
32 Fall Salad Recipes That You’ll Actually Look Forward to Eating
37. Pumpkin Soup in Mini Pumpkin Bowls
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free, vegetarian
Don't toss the pumpkin seeds: If you bake them for a few minutes in the oven, they'll turn into a great crunchy topping.
38. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Horseradish and Sea Salt
Emily Dorio/The Saltwater Table
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, ready in <30 minutes, gluten free
Mashed potato lovers, consider this your invitation to join team crispy. The horseradish cream is spicy and pungent, so serve it on the side if you’re joining picky eaters.
39. Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe, gluten free, vegetarian
Cabbage isn’t just for coleslaw—it happens to make an excellent side dish of its own. Bonus, this recipe requires just five ingredients.
40. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Ranch
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Want to know a little secret? We’ll take any excuse to serve ranch at a fancy holiday dinner. This version is made with tahini for a twist on the bottled stuff.
41. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Barley Risotto
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, gluten free
They look like a dish you’d spend all day working on. But would you believe they’re ready in a little over an hour?
42. Sweet and Spicy Cornbread
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser
No feast is complete without some kind of bread on the table. This one has a little heat from Fresno chiles. (If you can’t find Fresnos, feel free to swap with another hot pepper, like jalapeños.)
43. Baked Feta with Dill, Caper Berries and Citrus
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
Get ready for the oohs and ahhs when you set a tray of baked cheese on the table. Serve it with toasted pita or any crispy cracker of choice.
44. Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Leeks
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
It’s dreamy and creamy like macaroni and cheese, only without the cheese. You could even make it dairy-free by skipping the butter and Parmesan.
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45. Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly
Perfect for when you’re in need for a simple, quick side that adds a punch of greens. Scatter it with sliced apple, pomegranate seeds or fresh figs to give it a sweet-tart edge.
46. Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccolini & Cheddar
Quentin Bacon/Modern Comfort Food
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients, ready in <30 minutes, gluten free
Best of all, it takes less than 20 minutes to make and calls for just five ingredients. This is—dare we say?—genius.
Desserts
47. Three-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles
Colin Price/Dinner Then Dessert
Time Commitment: 4 hours, 25 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Whether you forgot to make dessert or save room for dessert, these impossibly simple, just-rich-enough truffles have your back.
48. Crème Caramel
Uyen Luu/Vietnamese
Time Commitment: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, gluten free
The ingredient list is short, but the outcome is a silky custard that decorates itself with caramel as it makes its way to the table.
49. Cardamom Crème Brûlée
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Steeping cardamom in the cream before you begin the process adds a warm, seasonal flavor to the custard.
50. Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies with Marshmallow Topping
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, ready in <30 minutes
These are so good, no one will wonder where that aforementioned casserole went. (It’s more of a dessert anyway.)
51. Texas Sheet Cake
Matt Armendariz/Eat What You Want
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, kid-friendly
There’s no rule that says you have to love pumpkin or pecans (or apples, for that matter). This chocolate cake, however, is impossible not to love.
52. Pumpkin Angel Food Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
If you do crave a pumpkin dessert, why not make it in the form of this fluffy, cream-cheese glazed masterpiece?
53. Caramelized Butternut Squash Upside-Down Cake
Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Yep, those are vegetables on top of this cake. Yep, you’re going to make this one a new Thanksgiving tradition.
54. Sticky Toffee Honeycomb Cake
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
The more napkins required, the more satisfying the dessert…right? Serve it slightly warm for maximum effect.
55. Miniature Banoffee Cobblers
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
They’re ridiculously simple (just 20 minutes of prep!) and taste like a toffee-banana dream.
56. Chocolate Semifreddo Seduction
Matthew Septimus/Rose's Ice Cream Bliss
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
It’s rich and silky like chocolate pudding, but as refreshing as a scoop of ice cream. Are you convinced yet?
57. Cinnamon Sheet Cake with Cider Frosting
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
A sheet-pan cake that’s ready in less than an hour will always beat out a complicated pie recipe. Plus, who can deny that apple cider frosting?
58. Sweet Potato Pots de Crème with Toasted Marshmallow
Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, gluten free
It looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant dessert (not to mention the inside of a pumpkin pie) but is secretly foolproof.
59. Caramel-Chocolate Macadamia Tart
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
This tart tastes like a candy bar and features a simple press-in crust. Pecan pie doesn’t know what’s coming.
60. Fig Tarte Tatin
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, one pan
Store-bought puff pastry does it again. Aside from that, you’ll love that this is a one-skillet situation that looks impressive, but is surprisingly easy to make.
61. Broiler S’mores
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
The ’mallows will be toasty and the chocolate melted just enough—without the need for an entire campfire. (The kids will go wild.)
62. Apple Tart with Soft-Pretzel Crust
Photo Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
This new take on the classic apple tart is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s definitely a project, but the results are delish.
63. Giant Cinnamon Roll
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: one pan, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
The only thing better than a freshly baked cinnamon roll? A giant freshly baked cinnamon roll. Go ahead, dig in.
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Katherine Gillen is PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City restaurants. She used to sling sugary desserts in a pastry kitchen, but now she’s an avid home cook and fanatic baker.
