Food & Recipes
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 WellingtonChef 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. |
![]() Savory Stuffed Pumpkin with Sausage and GruyèreThis 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 |
![]() Standing Rib RoastMany 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 |
![]() Baked SalmonYes, 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 |
![]() Cuban Roasted Cornish HensThis 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 |
![]() Vegan Turkey RoastGoing 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 |
![]() Roasted Leg of LambThis 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 |
![]() Slow Roasted Duck With Crispy SkinThis 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 |
![]() Grilled Lobster TailsLobster 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 |
![]() Rosemary Garlic Pork RoastThis 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 |
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