Everyone loves Thanksgiving, but turkey can be a total snooze-fest. Dry, bland, and somehow always requiring a gallon of gravy to be edible, it’s the dish we all pretend to love because tradition says so. But who says you have to stick with the same old bird this year? Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just keeping it low-key, there are plenty of other options that are way more exciting (and probably tastier). From bold and juicy duck to ham dripping with sweet glazes, these recipes will have you wondering why you ever bothered with the turkey in the first place.
Butterflied Leg of Lamb
A butterflied leg of lamb stuffed with cranberry goat cheese sounds fancy but is actually simple to prepare. It roasts quickly and brings a festive, flavorful option to your Thanksgiving lineup.
Get the Recipe: Butterflied Leg of Lamb
Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
Lamb stuffed with cranberry pesto made from fresh basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts delivers a festive, flavorful centerpiece. It’s bold enough for Thanksgiving but refreshingly different from the standard bird.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
Stuffed Cornish Hens
These little hens are filled with cranberries and apples, roasted alongside red potatoes for an all-in-one dish that’s as charming as it is practical. A great way to serve Thanksgiving in personal portions.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cornish Hens
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
A combination of sweet apple butter and savory roasted chicken makes this dish a winner for those looking to ditch the turkey. The crispy skin and tender meat seal the deal for a Thanksgiving showpiece.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Pan Seared Duck Breast
Duck breast seared to perfection with minimal effort turns into an impressively elegant main. Perfect for an intimate Thanksgiving meal that skips the turkey drama.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast
Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin
This beef tenderloin, coated in balsamic and Dijon, brings a level of sophistication without being fussy. The Meyer lemon gremolata on the side adds a fresh, festive touch that’s great for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin
Roasted Duck with Sweet + Sour Sauce
Skip the turkey and serve up this slow-roasted duck that practically melts off the bone after a four-hour cook. The homemade sweet and sour sauce adds just enough flair to make everyone forget about the bird. It’s the perfect “why-didn’t-we-do-this-sooner” kind of dish for your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Duck with Sweet + Sour Sauce
Prime Rib
Want something that screams celebration without the stress? This prime rib is rubbed down with garlic and roasted to juicy, tender perfection. Whether you toss it on the grill or slide it into the oven, this recipe makes sure your centerpiece is nothing short of great. Turkey who?
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Ham takes the spotlight with this sweet-meets-spiced creation. Basted with pineapple juice and crusted with brown sugar and warm spices, this spiral-sliced beauty is the kind of dish that’ll have your guests sneaking seconds—and maybe thirds. A fantastic break from the turkey routine.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Instant Pot Cranberry Pork Loin
Leftover cranberry sauce gets a second life as it tops this tender pork loin, cooked up quickly in your trusty Instant Pot. It’s a no-brainer dish for anyone wanting a Thanksgiving centerpiece that’s a little different but still nods to tradition.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Pork Loin
Roasted Cranberry Chicken
Herb-seasoned chicken thighs roasted until crispy and paired with tangy cranberries make this dish a standout. It’s an easy yet impressive option for Thanksgiving, with all the flair and none of the hassle of turkey.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Chicken
Roasted Chicken with Pears and Butternut Squash
Chicken gets a seasonal upgrade with roasted pears and butternut squash. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfectly captures the fall vibe—no turkey required. Great for anyone craving something different but still festive.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken with Pears and Butternut Squash
Juicy Cast-Iron Brie Stuffed Roast Chicken
A chicken stuffed with Brie and roasted in a cast-iron skillet? Yes, please. The creamy Brie, seasoned juices, and crispy skin make this dish feel fancy without the stress. Perfect for showing off at Thanksgiving without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cast-Iron Brie Stuffed Roast Chicken
Sous Vide Pheasant with Cranberry Sauce
This sous vide pheasant turns heads with buttery meat and a cranberry sauce that screams Thanksgiving. It’s a smaller, punchier centerpiece for those who don’t want to commit to a giant turkey. Classy and clever.
Get the Recipe: Sous Vide Pheasant with Cranberry Sauce
Pernil
Puerto Rican roasted pork shoulder steals the show here. Juicy, tender, and full of bold flavors, Pernil is the answer to “what should I make instead of turkey?” It’s rich, festive, and guaranteed to be the highlight of the table.
Get the Recipe: Pernil
Best Damn Chuck Roast
Sometimes you just need a hearty, no-nonsense roast, and this chuck roast does the job perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for Thanksgiving or any day when you’re done with the turkey hype.
Get the Recipe: Best Damn Chuck Roast
Balsamic Herb Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Let the slow cooker do the work with this pork tenderloin infused with balsamic vinegar, herbs, and fresh veggies. It’s the ultimate stress-free Thanksgiving main, perfect for anyone ditching the turkey tradition.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Herb Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Skillet Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
Spiral-cut ham gets a bold upgrade with a honey mustard glaze and fresh thyme. Simmered in a skillet, it’s as easy as it is impressive—a sweet-and-savory centerpiece ready to rival any turkey.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
Ham with Pineapple
Pineapple and ham make a great team in this slow cooker recipe that frees up your oven for all the sides. Tender, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, it’s a must for anyone switching up their Thanksgiving game plan.
Get the Recipe: Ham with Pineapple
Cuban-Style Air Fryer Roasted Chicken
This juicy, flavorful roasted chicken is packed with Cuban spices and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. It’s ready in under an hour, making it a fast, flavorful choice for a Thanksgiving table looking to break away from tradition.
Get the Recipe: Cuban-Style Air Fryer Roasted Chicken
Roasted Duck Legs with Black Pepper Sauce
Juicy duck legs paired with a bold black pepper sauce bring an edge to your Thanksgiving spread. This dish works just as well for an intimate dinner or a showstopper main that skips the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Duck Legs with Black Pepper Sauce
Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions
Pork tenderloin meets caramelized apples and onions in this one-pan wonder. It’s simple yet flavorful, giving off all the cozy fall vibes without going anywhere near a turkey.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions
Prime Rib Roast
If you’re going for a high-impact centerpiece, this prime rib is a no-fail choice. With expert tips for getting it perfectly cooked, it’s a bold and confident swap for the usual Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib Roast
Cinnamon Honey Glazed Baked Picnic Ham
This picnic ham combines juicy, honey-glazed goodness with a hint of cinnamon spice. Affordable and packed with flavor, it’s a smart way to make your Thanksgiving stand out.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Honey Glazed Baked Picnic Ham
Mini Meatloaves
Individual servings of classic meatloaf with a tangy glaze make these mini versions fun and practical. Great for a smaller gathering or as a casual, approachable alternative to a massive turkey.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaves
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
