Posted on by Cleverona Kitchen

10 Turkey Alternatives to Cook for Thanksgiving

The classic roast turkey has been the traditional centerpiece for most Thanksgiving dinners. And though it is the standard for most Americans, it certainly isn’t required every single year. Whether a big turkey dinner isn’t quite to your taste or maybe you just don’t have enough time and strength to create such a dish, there are plenty of amazing and delicious alternatives out there that can stand as the pièce de résistance of your thanksgiving dinner.

Here's the list of our favorite dishes that can stand in place of the classic turkey on thanksgiving. From excellent Prime Rib to the tastiest vegan options, there’s definitely something here for you to choose from.

 

beef wellington

Beef Wellington

Chef Gordon Ramsay popularizes the traditional Beef Wellington dish by giving the beef fillet more depth, color, and flavor. The filet mignon is tenderized, marinated, and given a light kick by dijon mustard. Puff pastry, a mushroom combination, prosciutto, and savory chive crepe complete the dish. making sure that it impresses your guests.

[Get the recipe here]

stuffed pumpkin

Savory Stuffed Pumpkin with Sausage and Gruyère

This stunning savory stuffed pumpkin is bound to be the pièce de résistance on thanksgiving. It's stuffed with bread, delicious Italian sausage, and grated Gruyere cheese. It's a great alternative to your traditional turkey and it won’t give you nearly as much trouble as a turkey dinner.

Photo by: The Kitchn

[Get the recipe here]

prime rib

Standing Rib Roast

Many people consider the standing rib roast the best roast beef in the world. It is a beef cut that is exceptionally succulent with superior flavor.

This recipe makes sure the beef is blushing pink all the way through by using a simple yet effective roasting method.

Photo by: Recipe Tin Eats

[Get the recipe here]

baked salmon

Baked Salmon

Yes, you can have fish on thanksgiving.

This Easy Healthy Baked Salmon is seasoned with lemon and garlic for incredible flavor and baked in the oven for flaky tenderness. It's the perfect thanksgiving meal for those tired of eating meat and want to eat something a little bit healthier.

Photo by: Creme de la Crumb

[get the recipe here]

cornish hens

Cuban Roasted Cornish Hens

This Cuban Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is the perfect dish to replace the classic turkey.

It's made by marinating Cornish game hens overnight in lime juice, garlic, and fresh oregano-based marinade and roasting them in the oven low and slow for almost 2 hours.

Photo by: Foolproof Living

[Get the recipe here]

turkey roast

Vegan Turkey Roast

Going vegan on thanksgiving is no problem with this Vegan Turkey Roast recipe.

This vegan turkey roast is succulent, meaty, packed full of flavor, and comes with delicious vegan stuffing.

Photo by: School Night Vegan

[Get the recipe here]

leg of lamb

Roasted Leg of Lamb

This Roasted Leg of Lamb recipe is juicy and delicious, perfect for special occasions, and a great substitute for turkey if you want something meatier. The leg of lamb is roasted over a bed of baby potatoes which is seasoned as they bake.

Photo by: Tatyana’s Everyday Food

[Get the recipe here]

roast duck

Slow Roasted Duck With Crispy Skin

This is a simple recipe that will give your roasted duck tender meat and crispy skin. 

Slow roasting the duck at a low temperature allows all the fat to render out leaving behind crispy skin and tender meat.

Photo by: Just a Little Bit of Bacon

[Get the recipe here]

grilled lobster tails

Grilled Lobster Tails

Lobster is a seafood lover's dream, and it tastes even better when it's covered with butter, garlic, and herbs. Despite being rather easy to prepare, these grilled lobster tails taste and look as if they were served at a high-end restaurant.

Photo by: Dinner at the Zoo

[Get the recipe here]

pork roast

Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast

This recipe includes a lot of rosemary, thyme, and garlic. It is then topped off with the most delicious gravy that allows the dish to just melt in your mouth.

Photo by: Jo Cooks

[Get the recipe here]

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