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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does pineapple have to do with Thanksgiving? We’re not sure. All we know is these tartlets are delicious and you should make them every holiday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They look like a dish you’d spend all day working on. But would you believe they’re ready in a little over an hour?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This tart tastes like a candy bar and features a simple press-in crust. Pecan pie doesn’t know what’s coming.

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

Store-bought puff pastry does it again. Aside from that, you’ll love that this is a one-skillet situation that looks impressive, but is surprisingly easy to make.

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

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

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

The only thing better than a freshly baked cinnamon roll? A giant freshly baked cinnamon roll. Go ahead, dig in.