Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to revolve around turkey. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, cooking for guests who don’t eat turkey, or simply want to try something different this year, there are plenty of delicious Thanksgiving main dishes besides turkey to put in the center of your holiday table.

From glazed ham and roast chicken to beef tenderloin, pork loin, salmon, stuffed squash, and comforting vegetarian dishes, these recipes offer something for every kind of Thanksgiving celebration.

Below are 21 easy Thanksgiving main dish ideas, with ingredients and step-by-step instructions for each.

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1. Honey Glazed Thanksgiving Ham

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A glazed ham is one of the easiest alternatives to turkey. A sweet honey-brown sugar glaze creates a beautiful holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 6–8 lb fully cooked ham
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
3. Cover tightly with foil.
4. Heat according to the package instructions.
5. Combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
6. Remove the foil toward the end of heating.
7. Brush the glaze generously over the ham.
8. Continue heating uncovered so the glaze caramelizes.
9. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
10. Slice and serve.

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2. Garlic Herb Roast Chicken

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A beautifully roasted chicken can give you the same cozy centerpiece experience as turkey while being easier to manage.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, 4–5 lb
• 4 tbsp softened butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon
• 1 onion

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken dry.
3. Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture under the skin and over the chicken.
5. Place lemon and onion inside the cavity.
6. Place chicken in a roasting pan.
7. Roast until the appropriate thickest portions reach a safe internal temperature.
8. If needed, cover loosely with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
9. Rest for 15 minutes.
10. Carve and serve.

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3. Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin

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For a more elegant Thanksgiving dinner, beef tenderloin makes an impressive centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 2½–3 lb beef tenderloin
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Pat the beef dry.
3. Rub with olive oil.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Mix butter with garlic and herbs.
6. Spread herb butter over the tenderloin.
7. Roast until it reaches your preferred safe doneness.
8. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
9. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
10. Slice and serve with pan juices or gravy.

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4. Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin

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Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with fall flavors.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb pork tenderloin
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season pork with salt and pepper.
3. Combine maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
4. Brush the mixture over pork.
5. Place in a baking dish.
6. Roast until the center reaches a safe internal temperature.
7. Brush with additional glaze near the end.
8. Rest for 10 minutes.
9. Slice and serve.

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5. Cranberry Orange Glazed Pork Loin

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Cranberry and orange bring classic Thanksgiving flavors to a tender pork roast.

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork loin
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. Season pork loin.
3. Combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, zest, maple syrup, Dijon, and thyme.
4. Place pork in a roasting pan.
5. Roast until nearly cooked.
6. Brush generously with cranberry glaze.
7. Continue roasting until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
8. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
9. Slice and serve with extra cranberry sauce.

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6. Herb Crusted Prime Rib

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Prime rib is a luxurious option when you want to make Thanksgiving dinner feel extra special.

Ingredients

• 4–5 lb prime rib roast
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp rosemary
• 2 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring the roast closer to room temperature before cooking as appropriate.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F.
3. Mix garlic, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub mixture over the roast.
5. Place roast fat-side up.
6. Roast at high heat initially to brown the exterior.
7. Reduce oven temperature and continue cooking.
8. Use a thermometer to monitor doneness.
9. Rest for at least 15–20 minutes.
10. Slice and serve with horseradish or gravy.

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7. Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

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For a smaller gathering, pork chops are an easy main dish that cooks much faster than a large roast.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season pork chops.
3. Beat egg in a shallow bowl.
4. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
5. Dip each pork chop in egg.
6. Coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Place on a greased baking sheet.
8. Drizzle with olive oil.
9. Bake until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
10. Rest briefly before serving.

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8. Garlic Butter Salmon

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Salmon is a lighter alternative for guests who don’t want turkey or a heavy roast.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb salmon fillet
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp parsley
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon slices

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place salmon on a lined baking sheet.
3. Melt butter.
4. Mix with garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme.
5. Brush mixture over salmon.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Arrange lemon slices on top.
8. Bake until the salmon flakes easily and reaches a safe internal temperature.
9. Rest for a few minutes.
10. Serve with roasted vegetables.

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9. Apple Cider Pork Roast

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Apple cider and pork are a perfect combination for an autumn Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork loin
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 onion
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season pork with salt and pepper.
3. Brown the pork in a skillet.
4. Transfer it to a roasting dish.
5. Add apples and onion.
6. Pour apple cider around the pork.
7. Add butter and herbs.
8. Roast until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
9. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
10. Slice and serve with apples and pan juices.

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10. Stuffed Acorn Squash

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This colorful vegetarian main dish can be the centerpiece of a meat-free Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup diced apple
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut squash in half and remove seeds.
3. Brush with olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast cut-side down until tender.
6. Mix quinoa, cranberries, pecans, apple, cinnamon, and thyme.
7. Turn squash cut-side up.
8. Fill each half with the mixture.
9. Return to oven.
10. Bake until the filling is hot.
11. Serve warm.

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11. Mushroom Wellington

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A golden puff pastry crust surrounds a savory mushroom filling in this impressive vegetarian main.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 16 oz mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Chop mushrooms finely.
3. Sauté onion in butter.
4. Add garlic and mushrooms.
5. Cook until most moisture has evaporated.
6. Add thyme, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Cool the filling.
8. Place filling onto puff pastry.
9. Fold pastry around the filling.
10. Seal the edges.
11. Brush with beaten egg.
12. Cut a few small vents.
13. Bake until deeply golden.
14. Rest briefly before slicing.

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12. Rosemary Garlic Lamb Roast

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Lamb gives Thanksgiving dinner a sophisticated alternative to traditional poultry.

Ingredients

• 3 lb lamb leg or roast
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub mixture over lamb.
4. Place in a roasting pan.
5. Roast to your preferred safe doneness.
6. Use a meat thermometer to check the center.
7. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
8. Slice thinly.
9. Serve with roasted vegetables and mint sauce if desired.

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13. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

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Chicken thighs are flavorful and budget-friendly, making them ideal for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season chicken thighs.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet.
4. Brown chicken skin-side down.
5. Flip the chicken.
6. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and thyme.
7. Brush mixture over chicken.
8. Transfer skillet to oven.
9. Bake until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
10. Rest briefly before serving.

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14. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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For an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving, baked stuffed shells make a hearty vegetarian centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup mozzarella
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
2. Drain and cool.
3. Mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread marinara in a baking dish.
5. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture.
6. Arrange shells in the dish.
7. Cover with remaining sauce.
8. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
9. Cover with foil.
10. Bake at 375°F until bubbling.
11. Remove foil.
12. Bake until cheese is golden.

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15. Maple Glazed Salmon

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Maple and mustard create a sweet-savory glaze that feels perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb salmon
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place salmon on a baking sheet.
3. Mix maple syrup, Dijon, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
4. Season salmon.
5. Brush generously with glaze.
6. Bake until the salmon flakes easily and reaches a safe internal temperature.
7. Brush with additional glaze before serving.
8. Garnish with parsley.

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16. Sausage and Apple Stuffed Pork Loin

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Apples and savory sausage create a hearty stuffing for pork loin.

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork loin
• ½ lb cooked sausage
• 1 apple, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Butterfly the pork loin.
3. Season the inside.
4. Mix sausage, apple, onion, breadcrumbs, sage, and thyme.
5. Spread filling over the pork.
6. Roll tightly.
7. Tie with kitchen twine.
8. Rub with olive oil.
9. Roast until the center reaches a safe internal temperature.
10. Rest for 15 minutes.
11. Remove twine.
12. Slice and serve.

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17. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

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This creamy skillet chicken is perfect for a cozy, smaller Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or cutlets
• 8 oz mushrooms
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet.
3. Brown chicken on both sides.
4. Remove chicken.
5. Add mushrooms.
6. Cook until browned.
7. Add garlic and thyme.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Add cream and Parmesan.
10. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
11. Return chicken to the skillet.
12. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
13. Spoon sauce over the chicken.
14. Garnish with parsley.

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18. Butternut Squash Risotto

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Creamy butternut squash risotto is a comforting vegetarian main dish with beautiful fall flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup Parmesan
• ½ tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Roast squash until tender.
2. Warm broth in a saucepan.
3. Sauté onion in butter.
4. Add Arborio rice.
5. Stir for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add warm broth gradually.
7. Stir frequently.
8. Continue adding broth as the rice absorbs it.
9. Add roasted squash.
10. Stir in Parmesan and sage.
11. Season with salt and pepper.
12. Serve immediately.

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19. Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops

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Simple pork chops can become a festive Thanksgiving main dish with garlic and rosemary.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Season pork chops.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
3. Sear pork chops until browned.
4. Add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
5. Spoon the butter over the pork.
6. Transfer to the oven if needed to finish cooking.
7. Cook until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
8. Rest for several minutes.
9. Serve with mashed potatoes.

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20. Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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Stuffed portobello mushrooms are an easy individual vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup spinach
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Clean the mushrooms.
3. Remove the stems.
4. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, spinach, olive oil, and seasoning.
5. Season mushrooms.
6. Fill each mushroom cap.
7. Place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake until tender and the filling is golden.
9. Rest briefly.
10. Serve with a green salad and roasted potatoes.

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21. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast

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Let the slow cooker handle the main course while you prepare Thanksgiving sides.

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork shoulder or pork loin
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Season pork with salt and pepper.
2. Place pork in the slow cooker.
3. Mix honey, garlic, Dijon, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Spread mixture over pork.
5. Add broth around the meat.
6. Cover and cook according to the cut and your slow cooker’s instructions.
7. Check the pork with a thermometer.
8. Transfer to a serving platter.
9. Rest before slicing or shredding.
10. Spoon cooking juices over the meat.

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Best Thanksgiving Main Dish Alternatives to Turkey

Main Dish	Best For	Flavor
Honey Glazed Ham	Large gatherings	Sweet & savory
Roast Chicken	Small families	Herb & garlic
Beef Tenderloin	Elegant dinner	Rich & savory
Pork Tenderloin	Easy dinner	Maple & herb
Salmon	Lighter meal	Lemon & butter
Stuffed Acorn Squash	Vegetarians	Sweet & savory
Mushroom Wellington	Vegetarian centerpiece	Earthy & savory
Prime Rib	Special occasion	Rich & beefy
Pork Chops	Small gathering	Herb & garlic
Lamb Roast	Elegant meal	Rosemary & garlic

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How to Choose a Thanksgiving Main Dish

Choosing a turkey alternative depends mainly on your guest count, dietary preferences, cooking time, and desired leftovers.

For a Large Family

Try:

• Honey glazed ham
• Prime rib
• Pork roast

For a Small Family

Try:

• Chicken
• Turkey tenderloin
• Pork tenderloin
• Salmon
• Pork chops

For Vegetarians

Try:

• Stuffed acorn squash
• Mushroom Wellington
• Stuffed portobello mushrooms
• Butternut squash risotto
• Stuffed pasta shells

For an Elegant Thanksgiving

Try:

• Beef tenderloin
• Prime rib
• Lamb roast
• Mushroom Wellington

17 Honey Baked Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Serve

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Whatever main dish you choose, you can still serve your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole

Vegetables

• Green beans
• Brussels sprouts
• Roasted carrots
• Corn casserole
• Roasted squash

Traditional Sides

• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Dinner rolls
• Mac and cheese
• Gravy

Salads

• Apple walnut salad
• Cranberry spinach salad
• Autumn harvest salad
• Pear and arugula salad

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Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Without Turkey

Keep the Main Dish Simple

If you’re skipping turkey, there’s no reason your replacement needs to be complicated.

A glazed ham, pork tenderloin, or roast chicken can be prepared relatively easily.

Match the Sides to the Main

Sweet ham pairs well with tart cranberry sauce and savory stuffing.

Rich beef works well with creamy potatoes and roasted vegetables.

Vegetarian mains pair beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, and cranberry dishes.

Plan Your Oven Space

If your main dish needs the oven, remember that Thanksgiving sides may need oven space too.

Slow-cooker recipes and stovetop dishes can help reduce competition for oven space.

Use a Thermometer

For meat and poultry, cooking time varies with size and preparation. A food thermometer is more reliable than appearance alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make for Thanksgiving instead of turkey?

Popular alternatives include ham, roast chicken, beef tenderloin, prime rib, pork loin, pork chops, salmon, lamb, and vegetarian dishes such as stuffed squash or mushroom Wellington.

What is the easiest Thanksgiving main dish besides turkey?

A fully cooked glazed ham can be particularly convenient because it mainly needs reheating and glazing according to the product’s instructions.

What is a good Thanksgiving main dish for a small family?

Pork tenderloin, roast chicken, salmon, pork chops, or stuffed squash are all practical options for smaller gatherings.

What vegetarian main dish can I serve for Thanksgiving?

Stuffed acorn squash, mushroom Wellington, stuffed portobello mushrooms, butternut squash risotto, and spinach-ricotta stuffed shells are hearty choices.

Can I serve ham instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ham is a classic holiday main dish and pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving sides.

Can I make Thanksgiving dinner without meat?

Yes. A vegetarian centerpiece such as mushroom Wellington or stuffed acorn squash can anchor the entire meal.

What meat cooks faster than a whole turkey?

Smaller cuts such as pork tenderloin, chicken pieces, pork chops, and salmon generally require less cooking time than a whole turkey. Exact times vary by size and method.

What should I serve with a Thanksgiving ham?

Try mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted carrots, and dinner rolls.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need turkey to create an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner. These 21 Thanksgiving Main Dishes Besides Turkey give you plenty of delicious alternatives, whether you’re looking for something traditional, elegant, vegetarian, budget-friendly, or easy to prepare.

For a classic holiday table, Honey Glazed Ham is a wonderful choice. For a smaller family, try Garlic Herb Roast Chicken, Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin, or Garlic Butter Salmon.

If you’re planning a vegetarian Thanksgiving, Stuffed Acorn Squash, Mushroom Wellington, and Butternut Squash Risotto can provide hearty, festive centerpieces.

Choose the main dish that fits your gathering, add a few favorite sides, and finish with a seasonal dessert such as pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or pecan pie.

Save these 21 Thanksgiving main dish ideas for your holiday menu and share them with anyone looking for a delicious turkey-free Thanksgiving! 🍂🥧