Tired of Turkey? These 20 Chef-Approved Thanksgiving Alternatives Impress
Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
It might be time to consider another protein alternative for your Thanksgiving feast. Especially if you have any turkey naysayers in your guest group, or are just in the mood for something a little less traditional for Thanksgiving.
With these 20 easy and quick non-turkey Thanksgiving dinner ideas—including easy to more elaborate recipes—you'll be sure to find what you need here: pork recipes fit for entertaining, beef recipes that are as simple as can be and even a simple chicken recipe for those who want to stick with an old reliable.
Related: Best Thanksgiving Desserts
Chef Recommendations for Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Recipes
According to Chef Aaron Cuschieri at The Dearborn in Chicago, a whole roasted duck is a great alternative to turkey. "While smaller than a turkey, a whole duck cooks up much easier, and is much more delicious than a turkey," he explains. "Especially since you can get very crispy skin on duck, you have the advantage of many different textures and a sweeter and more game-y meat than your traditional turkey." Another bonus? Since duck has a very high-fat content, you're less likely to ruin a duck if you overcook it. "Once a turkey is overcooked, it becomes merely a vessel to get gravy and stuffing into your mouth."
If you still want the theatrics of a large table centerpiece that can be carved (just not a turkey), Chef Andrew Zimmerman of Michelin-starred Sepia + Proxi has a suggestion. "I would likely go with a roast rack of pork," he says. "Brining the pork rack in an apple cider and sage brine will deliver on the autumnal flavors we crave and help keep the meat moist and juicy, plus the drippings in the pan can be used to create a good jus or gravy."
Being from the Midwest, Chef John Manion of El Che Steakhouse & Bar prefers duck, quail and pheasant, in addition to turkey. “Grilled quail is a really easy time saver," he shares. "You can season and sear it, or try grilling it for 7-8 minutes. Quail also lends itself really well to all the flavors that come with Thanksgiving, such as sage and stuffing."
Related: 30 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Be Thankful For
Are Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Recipes Easier?
Some of these recipes in this roundup take a little more time, like the prime rib or the stuffed pork loin, but don't be intimidated. Each recipe has detailed step-by-step instructions to make sure you succeed when you cook them yourself.
Other recipes in this list are on the easier side. Like the slow cooker roast beef or the dijon peppercorn steaks. These recipes are super easy or have minimal prep. Even though some of these recipes have longer cook times, they are still very simple with easy prep and lots of downtime while cooking. Perfect for a relaxing holiday!
Cheaper Thanksgiving Recipes
Another great thing about all of these recipes is they will work with a variety of budgets. Some are more affordable and others are more extravagant. Regardless of what your holiday budget is, you'll find something in this list that will work! Here is a list of some of the more budget-friendly holiday recipes:
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs
Grandma's Stuffed Pork Loin
Are Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Recipes as Good as Turkey?
One thing all of these recipes have in common is that they taste amazing and are sure to impress your guests! They are all packed with flavor and perfect for a feast.
Alternatives to Turkey For Thanksgiving
Longbourn Farm
Succulent, juicy perfection.
Get the recipe: The Best Prime Rib
Ben Rayl
Looking to serve the perfect roast beef? This easy roast beef recipe has all the cooking time tips and temperature tricks you need.
Get the recipe: Perfect Roast Beef
Longbourn Farm
This garlic and herb beef tenderloin recipe is easy to prepare, flavorful, and incredibly tender. Wow your holiday guests with this perfect beef tenderloin!
Get the recipe: Garlic and Herb Beef Tenderloin
I Just Make Sandwiches
Meet your new go-to holiday main dish.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Porchetta Roast
Longbourn Farm
This sage and brown sugar glazed whole ham is perfect for the holidays and every day in between.
Get the recipe: Sage and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
House of Nash Eats
This rosemary and garlic oven-roasted lamb is a perfect centerpiece for an elegant holiday dinner without requiring any fussy or difficult skills! Juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked to a medium-rare with a crusty exterior made with garlic, herbs, and lemon zest, this is one of the best cuts of lamb and makes an easy and impressive main dish for entertaining!
Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb
Longbourn Farm
These meatballs are easy to throw together, taste amazing in a variety of dishes, freeze well, and uses a surprising ingredient that takes things up a notch.
Get the recipe: Homemade Italian Lamb Meatballs
Cooking with Karli
Set it and forget it ham.
Get the recipe: Best-Ever Crock Pot Ham
I Just Make Sandwiches
Stuffed lamb breast is easier to make than you think. Just follow this simple recipe.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Lamb Breast
Longbourn Farm
This pork loin recipe is tender, juicy, and flavorful every time! Made in the oven and wonderfully seasoned with herbs and white wine, this is one roast that’s perfect for Sunday dinner and holidays.
Get the recipe: Pork Loin Recipe
Cooking with Karli
The savory gravy drizzled over the fall apart meat and perfectly cooked veggies will be a new family favorite meal!
Get the recipe: Best-Ever Instant Pot Pot Roast
Longbourn Farm
Making a rotisserie chicken in the oven is so easy! Tender juicy meat plus ultra-flavorful seasonings make this one amazing dinner.
Get the recipe: Rotisserie-Style Chicken
Devour Dinner
Don’t be fooled by the fancy presentation with just a little preparation you can be eating this mouthwatering delicious pork loin in no time.
Get the recipe: Grandma's Stuffed Pork Loin
Related: 16 Best Pork Tenderloin Recipes
Longbourn Farm
Tender, juicy, packed with smokey flavor – this smoked prime rib is sure to be a total hit!
Get the recipe: Smoked Prime Rib
The Foreign Fork
This Thanksgiving, consider the chicken thigh. Here, the protein is cooked in a cast iron skillet alongside vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, and plantains and then coated in a luscious parsley sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe
Longbourn Farm
Each piece of this steak is packed with flavor and an added kick from the chile cilantro butter.
Get the recipe: Dijon Peppercorn Steaks
Longbourn Farm
A comfort food classic with an Italian twist.
Get the recipe: Homemade Meatloaf
Devour Dinner
Easy marinade, this tri tip whips together in minutes makes this easy dinner recipe perfect for any level holiday cook.
Get the recipe: Marsala Grilled Tri Tip
Longbourn Farm
Sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a creamy sauce make this quick holiday dish simply irresistible.
Get the recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Related: 40 Best Chicken Breast Recipes
Longbourn Farm
Learning how to make roast beef is easy and makes a delicious meal for any day of the week. Make it in the slow cooker or oven for a hands-free Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Roast Beef
