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food

15 Alternative Thanksgiving Meals (That Just Might Be Better Than Turkey)

By: Rachel Gulmi
Published: October 21, 2021

You know us—we’re all about rankings. So when it comes to Thanksgiving, stuffing tops our list. No questions asked. Turkey, however? Ehh, it’s a bit further down. If you are like us and would rather skip the “star” in favor of another serving of sweet potato casserole, then this roundup is for you. Here, alternative Thanksgiving meals that are so good you’ll forget all about the traditional bird.

 
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

1. Spicy Orange-honey Glazed Ham

Yes, it really is as delicious as it sounds. With just eight ingredients, this recipe is basically foolproof. And did we mention the amazing sandwiches you can make with the leftovers?

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nicolesy/Getty Images

2. Rosemary-glazed Cornish Hens

Here’s a thought: Go mini. Cornish hens retain all the comforts of a classic Thanksgiving table, but their size is perfect if you’re just making a meal for two. Try grilling them with onion and a rosemary glaze.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

3. Pomegranate-maple Glazed Lamb Chops

The secret here? Glazing the chops with pomegranate molasses to add flavor and ensure deep caramelization. This aromatic dish is served alongside a pomegranate-mint relish. Oh, you fancy.

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The Mediterranean Dish

4. Braised Lamb Chops With Cranberry-harissa Chutney

Not nearly as overwhelming as a 16-pound turkey, these little guys make for perfect Thanksgiving portions. As in, you’ll still have room for pumpkin pie (and every other dessert).

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Katherine Gillen

5. Skillet Roast Chicken With Shmaltzy Potatoes

Don’t let this one fool you. It may look like a small turkey, but it most definitely doesn’t taste like one. Served on a bed of crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside potatoes, this dish is pretty enough to serve as your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

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Half Baked Harvest

6. Brussels Sprout Mushroom Pizza

We’d invite ourselves over to any house serving pizza at their holiday table. The dough is covered with sweet apple butter, while the crispy prosciutto and cheese add the right amount of salty and savory flavor.

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Ambitious Kitchen

7. Vegetarian Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna

You didn’t think we’d make this whole list without at least one pumpkin dish, did ya? Ideal for vegetarians (or simply anyone who enjoys flavor), this lasagna packs a punch with its smooth and creamy filling. If you’re serving this for dinner, don’t count on leftovers.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Foolproof Cheater’s Confit

Slow-cooked in fat and then browned, these duck (or chicken) legs are super crispy yet fall-off-the-bone tender. Pair them with a refreshingly bitter endive salad to offset all the richness. And to top it off, a simple lemon-mustard dressing. Yes, please.

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How Sweet Eats

9. Butternut, Apple And Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This stuffed pork tenderloin is essentially your entire Thanksgiving meal wrapped in one. It’s filled with wild rice, butternut squash, bacon, spinach, sage and goat cheese. All that’s missing is the mashed potatoes and gravy.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

10. Stuffed Butternut Squash

We don’t know about you, but this sounds like heaven to us. Not to mention, it’s healthy and hearty, so you won’t feel guilty about going back for a second helping.

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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell

11. Butternut Squash Risotto With Crispy Leeks

Risotto is comforting and luxurious, even when plain. This version adds pureed butternut squash in the cooking process to infuse every grain of rice with creamy, autumnal flavor. And that crispy leek garnish? Swoon.

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Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen

12. French Onion Brisket

Tons and tons of caramelized onions provide the same sweetness as the tomatoes in a more traditional brisket recipe, and a glug of sherry wine adds the acidity you need to cut through the richness of the meat.

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The Modern Proper

13. Spatchcocked Roast Chicken With Shredded Brussels Sprouts And Bacon

A bed of hearty, rich, bacon-laced shredded Brussels sprouts makes this roast chicken worthy of a special occasion. The spatchcocking technique—where the bird is flattened before cooking—ensures it’s ready in no time.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. Pistachio-crusted Pork Tenderloin With Apple And Escarole Salad

Forget everything you know about pork. This recipe makes for tender, delicate and buttery slices that practically melt in your mouth. A crust of bright-green ground pistachios and spices adds a special, festive touch.

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Katherine Gillen

15. Winter Squash Galette With Caramelized Onions And Gruyère

We made this savory pie with Kabocha squash, but any varietal would work. The squash is pre-roasted so it’s ultra-tender, then paired with savory caramelized onions, melty cheese and an impossibly flaky crust.

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