70 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas (Because Not Everyone Loves Turkey)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, gluten free
• Serves: 8

They’re glazed with honey and topped with chives. You might want to make a double batch.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6 to 8

Just think of these cheesy bites as a classed-up, less-spicy version of jalapeño poppers.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why We Love It: low sugar, vegetarian, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

Hello, adult mozzarella sticks. Pair them with a medium acidity white wine, like a Chenin Blanc, to get really fancy.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, <500 calories
• Serves: 6 to 8

Face it: No one's turning down a plate of melted cheese.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 40 pieces

Super-traditional relatives might not approve of cocktail wieners wrapped in crescent dough at Thanksgiving…but these are made with carrots, so they’re kinda fancy. Watch how many get devoured.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: gluten free, dairy free, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

The roasted veg are pretty standard; the dipping sauces are anything but. Both the traditional Spanish romesco and savory miso aioli come together quickly in a blender.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

Make a second batch on Black Friday topped with shredded leftover turkey.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 10

Tangy goat cheese is just the thing to pair with tart, crisp, sweet apples. The crusts are made with store-bought puff pastry, so you don’t have to stress.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

What does pineapple have to do with Thanksgiving? We’re not sure. All we know is these tartlets are delicious and they make an excellent addition to your non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
• Serves: 14

Nothing against regular cheese and crackers, but we’re upping the ante this year. (Once again, store-bought pie crust saves the day.)

• Time Commitment: 3 hours, 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, low sugar
• Serves: one 12-inch loaf

Betcha can’t eat just one piece. Serve it warm straight from the oven, and everyone will feel the same.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, keto-friendly, gluten free
• Serves: 12

Bringing ~spice~ to the family gathering in more ways than one.

• Time Commitment: 5 hours, 45 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 4 to 6

The trick to a gorgeously golden brown chicken is part buttermilk marinade and part knowing your oven’s hot spots. The potatoes are optional, but they’re an easy way to knock out an extra side dish.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, gluten free
• Serves: 4

If you knew how easy it is to cook steak at home, you’d never make turkey for Thanksgiving again.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free
• Serves: 4

You don’t have to be vegetarian to appreciate the beauty of these gourds. To make them vegan, just skip the Gruyère cheese.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 20 to 25

It’s just as good for leftovers on sandwiches, plus it’s easier to make and ready in less time than a turkey.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours
• Why We Love It: one pan, dairy free, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 4

It’s almost entirely hands-off, thanks to that trusty cast iron skillet. Use frozen or fresh cranberries, just don’t skimp on the herbs.

• Time Commitment: 11 hours, 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 12

Yep, it’s turkey. It’s just presented in a non-traditional format. The inside is stuffed with, well, stuffing, and the outside is slathered in a mix of harissa and Dijon mustard—yum.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, sheet pan recipe
• Serves: 4

The pretty pistachio crust is both festive and tasty, and best of all, the dish cooks from start to finish on a single baking sheet.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein, gluten free
• Serves: 4 to 6

We promise, lamb chops are as simple to cook as chicken (and way simpler than turkey). Pomegranate molasses is a Middle Eastern ingredient that adds sweetness and tang.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes (plus marinating)
• Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 8

The chicken is brined in buttermilk for extra tenderness and a golden-brown crust. Sheet pan dinner for Thanksgiving? You bet.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, gluten free, vegetarian
• Serves: 6

It’s dramatic, delicious and surprisingly effortless to make.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 4

We have a good feeling that no one will complain about pasta instead of turkey.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: one pan, special occasion–worthy, gluten free
• Serves: 4 to 6

Winner, winner, non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Proof that a one-skillet dinner can be as gorgeous and holiday-ready as it is easy to make.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: 10

According to the contessa herself, this main is actually better if you assemble it in advance, because the filling flavors—prosciutto, fennel seeds, garlic, fresh sage and rosemary—all permeate the meat. Genius, if you ask us.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Frying fish at home is daunting, right? Don't worry. It’s actually really simple to pan-fry fish to crisp, flaky deliciousness.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 4

Wrap a piece of fish in bacon and suddenly it’s holiday-ready. (It’s also done in 40 minutes, no big deal.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6 to 8

This classic Française recipe requires little more than butter, salt and spuds once you grasp the technique, but is sure to garner all the compliments from your dinner guests.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4 to 6

Instead of the usual sweet, sticky mush, these carrots are steamed until *just* tender and coated in a balsamic vinegar reduction for tangy flavor.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours, 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, vegetarian
• Serves: 10

All the nostalgic flavors, none of the canned cream of mushroom soup.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, ready in <30 minutes
• Serves: 6 to 8

It’s like mac and cheese in vegetable form. We’ll take seconds, please and thank you.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, vegetarian, gluten free, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6

In our humble opinion, the Turkey Day feast could benefit from something zingy and spicy. Enter these taters.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
• Serves: 8

Onion who? Swap in this stripy gourd for a seasonal twist on a classic.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: gluten free, ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

It tastes a lot like traditional stuffing, but without the bread. Try it, you’ll like it.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

We know someone will ask where the Brussels sprouts are. Surprise them with these crispy-crunchy latkes.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, gluten free, vegetarian
• Serves: 8

The typical marshmallow-studded casserole has nothing on these gorgeously complex charred sweet potatoes.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes (plus soaking time)
• Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, gluten free
• Serves: 6

Wait, this creamy dressing is dairy free? You had us fooled—cashews will do that. The bitter greens will be a welcome addition to your mega-rich menu.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free, vegetarian
• Serves: 4

Don't toss the pumpkin seeds: If you bake them for a few minutes in the oven, they'll turn into a great crunchy topping.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: <500 calories, ready in <30 minutes, gluten free
• Serves: 4

Mashed potato lovers, consider this your invitation to join team crispy. The horseradish cream is spicy and pungent, so serve it on the side if you’re joining picky eaters.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe, gluten free, vegetarian
• Serves: 6

Cabbage isn’t just for coleslaw—it happens to make an excellent side dish of its own. Bonus, this recipe requires just five ingredients.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: gluten free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 8

Want to know a little secret? We’ll take any excuse to serve ranch at a fancy holiday dinner. This version is made with tahini for a twist on the bottled stuff.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, gluten free
• Serves: 4

Looking for a show-stopping alternative Thanksgiving meal? These beauties look like a dish you’d spend all day working on, but they’re actually ready in a little over an hour.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 9

No feast is complete without some kind of bread on the table. This one has a little heat from Fresno chiles. (If you can’t find Fresnos, feel free to swap with another hot pepper, like jalapeños.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 4

Get ready for the oohs and ahhs when you set a tray of baked cheese on the table. Serve it with toasted pita or any crispy cracker of choice.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 6

It’s dreamy and creamy like macaroni and cheese, only without the cheese. You could even make it dairy free by skipping the butter and Parmesan.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

Perfect for when you’re in need for a simple, quick side that adds a punch of greens. Scatter it with sliced apple, pomegranate seeds or fresh figs to give it a sweet-tart edge.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients, ready in <30 minutes, gluten free
• Serves: 4

Best of all, it takes less than 20 minutes to make and calls for just five ingredients. This is—dare we say?—genius.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, ready in <30 minutes, gluten free
• Serves: 6

Short, savory, and filling up everyone's plates.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6

Seriously, who wouldn't want fries? Regardless if it's a traditional or non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner, they'll be a hit.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd pleaser, vegetarian
• Serves: 6 to 8

Creamy, crunchy, and secretly kind of healthy.

• Time Commitment: 4 hours, 25 minutes
• Why We Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 30

Whether you forgot to make dessert or save room for dessert, these impossibly simple, just-rich-enough truffles have your back.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, gluten free
• Serves: 6 to 8

The ingredient list is short, but the outcome is a silky custard that decorates itself with caramel as it makes its way to the table.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 6 to 8

Steeping cardamom in the cream before you begin the process adds a warm, seasonal flavor to the custard.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, ready in <30 minutes
• Serves: 15

These are so good, no one will wonder where that aforementioned casserole went. (It’s more of a dessert anyway.)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, kid-friendly
• Serves: 12+

There’s no rule that says you have to love pumpkin or pecans (or apples, for that matter). This chocolate cake, however, is impossible not to love.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
• Serves: 10

If you do crave a pumpkin dessert, why not make it in the form of this fluffy, cream-cheese glazed masterpiece?

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 12

Yep, those are vegetables on top of this cake. Yep, you’re going to make this one a new Thanksgiving tradition.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: one 9-inch cake

The more napkins required, the more satisfying the dessert…right? Serve it slightly warm for maximum effect.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 6

They’re ridiculously simple (just 20 minutes of prep!) and taste like a toffee-banana dream.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 2

It’s rich and silky like chocolate pudding, but as refreshing as a scoop of ice cream. Are you convinced yet?

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
• Serves: one 9 by 13-inch cake

A sheet-pan cake that’s ready in less than an hour will always beat out a complicated pie recipe. Plus, who can deny that apple cider frosting?

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, gluten free
• Serves: 6

It looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant dessert (not to mention the inside of a pumpkin pie) but is secretly foolproof.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 12

This tart tastes like a candy bar and features a simple press-in crust. Pecan pie, who?

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, one pan
• Serves: 8

This one-skillet situation looks impressive, but is surprisingly easy to make (store-bought puff pastry does it again).

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 4 to 6

The ’mallows will be toasty and the chocolate melted just enough—without the need for an entire campfire. (The kids will go wild.)

• Time Commitment: 2 hours, 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: one 12-inch tart

This new take on the classic apple tart is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s definitely a project, but the results are delish.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why We Love It: one pan, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
• Serves: one 9-inch cinnamon roll

The only thing better than a freshly baked cinnamon roll at your non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner? A giant freshly baked cinnamon roll at your non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Go ahead, dig in.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 10

Pumpkin? Good. Cheesecake? Good. Meringue? Good. This triple threat is guaranteed to win over a crowd.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: no bake, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: one pound

These seasonal sweets feature pumpkin spice and everything nice (think: not having to turn on your oven).

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 8 to 10

Ready thy Instagram because this delicious dessert is practically guaranteed to be the most gorgeous offering at your Thanksgiving feast.