Alternative Thanksgiving Main Dishes

Tired of Turkey? Switch Things Up With These Modern Mains

Not a fan of dry and dull turkey? Despite it being the star of Thanksgiving, turkey tends to be a deeply lack-luster main. Thankfully, it’s never too late to do away with tradition and make a more flavorful choice. From flavorful filet mignon to a savory salmon Wellington, these enticing entrees are the perfect replacement for your holiday feast.

1. Salmon Wellington from Well Plated by Erin

Salmon Wellington is a lighter and fresher take on the English beef staple. The flaky and golden puff pastry surrounds a tender and tasty salmon filet, resulting in crispy exterior and a buttery center. Despite being luxe and indulgent, this dish won’t leave you feeling too full, ensuring that you have plenty of room for all of your favorite fixings and sides.

2. Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon from Amanda’s Cookin’

Nothing beats filet mignon…except a bacon-wrapped filet mignon. When cooked to medium-rare perfection, filet is tender but not tough, and the surrounding bacon becomes melt-in-your mouth soft. Best of all, this lavish main course is actually pretty easy to whip up and can be done in less than 20 minutes. Talk about a time-saver when compared to a traditional turkey.

3. Picanha Roast from Wendy Polisi

A picanha roast is a popular Brazilian dish that is juicy, fatty and flavorful. Since the roast is so naturally full of flavor, the seasonings for this recipe are pretty simple. All you need is some salt, pepper, garlic powder and a bit of avocado oil to make it perfect. When cooked properly, the interior of your picanha roast should be succulent and tender, while the exterior should have a nicely charred crust that adds a bit of savory flavor and texture.

4. Seared Duck Breast from A Spicy Perspective

Put a French twist on Thanksgiving by preparing a seared duck breast. Though the meaty part of duck breast is beautiful, it’s the thick, fatty side that shines when seared. As it cooks, the fat renders away and becomes melt-in-your-mouth crisp, resulting in a delectable texture in every bite. On top of that, duck is a relatively low-maintenance poultry, and the prep work is surprisingly simple. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes and a citrus glaze for the perfect pairing.

5. Roasted Cornish Hens from Jo Cooks

Roasted Cornish hens may look like mini turkeys, but they taste ten times better. When it comes to serving, a Cornish hen couldn’t be more straightforward. Simply slice your roasted hen in half, and voila! This recipe in particular uses fresh lemon, rosemary and thyme to create an herbaceous and citrus-forward entrée that your guests will not soon forget. For an extra kick, sprinkle on some paprika along with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.

6. Standing Ribeye Roast from Chef Billy Parisi

Though it’s not much easier to prepare than a turkey, a bone-in standing ribeye roast is a true showstopper. That said, while cooking the roast takes some skill, the ingredients list is pretty simple. In addition to a stick of unsalted butter, all you need is some thyme, rosemary, garlic, shallots, salt and pepper.

7. Lamb Stew from Natasha’s Kitchen

Enjoy a cozier holiday when you whip up this hearty lamb stew. The tender chunks of lamb fall apart the second you take a bite, while the soft potatoes and carrots maintain that nostalgic, deep flavor that everyone loves in a solid stew. Though this stew takes more than two hours to cook, it takes only 20 minutes to prep, making it an easy go-to for your main course. Serve it alongside some fresh bread for dipping and let your taste buds soar.

8. Savory Stuffed Pumpkins from The Kitchn

These savory stuffed pumpkins are one of the most festive entrées in existence. Though the filling is the most flavorful part, the roasted pumpkin becomes decadently tender and soft after some time in the oven. The Gruyère cheese complements the sausage wonderfully, while the Parmesan cheese topping creates a crisp layer that will make your mouth water. Think of this dish as the whole package that can work both as a main course and side.

9. Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin from The Recipe Rebel

This honey garlic pork tenderloin is sweet and savory, giving you the best of both worlds this Thanksgiving. Since it’s baked in the oven, the tenderloin retains its moisture and soaks up all of the bold flavors from the honey garlic sauce. Apple cider vinegar adds contrast to the honey, resulting in a tangy sauce that you’ll want to douse your entire feast in.

10. Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops from Delish D’lites

Nothing screams “holiday season” like grilled lamb chops. This recipe uses the bold flavors of garlic and rosemary to enhance the natural richness of lamb while adding a hint of holiday spice. From creamed corn to stuffing, this timeless entrée pairs well with all of your Thanksgiving favorites.

Tired of Turkey? Switch Things Up With These Modern Mains