11 Turkey Alternatives For Your Thanksgiving Feast

Turkey is the ultimate symbol of Thanksgiving. This is proven by the reality that you can’t enter a grocery store in November without seeing towers of these frozen birds stacked high in the freezer aisle. While turkey is the most popular main course and centerpiece on Thanksgiving dinner tables, it doesn't have to be. Whether you are a vegetarian, or simply don’t like the taste of turkey, there are many delicious alternatives to turkey you can prepare this Thanksgiving.  

Instead of cooking a turkey for your Thanksgiving feast, consider a different type of bird including duck, individual cornish hens, chicken, or even tofu-based turkey. You can opt for a roasted meat dish like a standing rib roast, prime rib, lamb, ham, or even pork loin. If you or others in your family don’t eat meat or prefer seafood, consider roasted king salmon, pumpkin lasagna, or a vegetable minced pie. 

If you don’t want to cook a turkey on Thanksgiving, you shouldn’t have to. It might be traditional, but it is by no means your only option. Below is a list of 11 great alternatives to turkey that you and your guests will love. This list has something for everyone, regardless of whether you are a meat lover or a vegan.

11 Thanksgiving Main Course Options That Don’t Involve Turkey 

1. Leg Of Lamb

If you don’t like turkey, but instead want a different showstopping piece of meat at the center of your Thanksgiving spread, consider a roasted leg of lamb. Lamb is not as commonly cooked as other meats, but its unique and rich taste and juicy consistency make it a great option for those looking for a more exotic main course for Thanksgiving. 

A whole leg of lamb weighs over five pounds, and can easily feed eight people. This makes it a great alternative to turkey for those hosting up to 10 people. It can also be a great additional meat option if you cook a smaller turkey and have one additional meat for those interested in something other than fowl. 

2. Glazed Ham Or Suckling Pig

If lamb seems too exotic or is otherwise unappealing, then you may want to prepare a juicy cut of pork this Thanksgiving. Glazed ham is a great piece of meat to choose for those feeding 8 to 15 people. 

Hams are also very easy to cook. You can purchase a pre-sliced cured ham. These hams are mostly cut and include a glaze, which is a great option if you are short on time or not a big fan of cooking. Alternatively, you can buy a fresh ham and create a glaze and rub.

If you are hosting a large party for Thanksgiving and want to wow your group, then you may want to order a suckling pig. An entire sucking pig is arguably the most jaw-dropping main course you can imagine, and they are great not only for luau’s but also as a Thanksgiving main course.

Suckling pigs are pricey, but if you are feeding more than 20 people, and upwards of 50, this is a great timesaver and is bound to impress your guests.

3. Whole Roasted Duck

If you don’t like turkey because you think it tastes dry, then opt for duck this Thanksgiving. Duck is often considered the juiciest bird. Furthermore, it can be prepared in all sorts of delicious and tender ways. You can cook just duck legs, or roast breasts. For a great centerpiece, however, you should roast an entire duck.

Ducks are much smaller than turkey, however, so you may want to cook multiple or have additional protein options on your Thanksgiving spread. You can often purchase cooked ducks from many authentic Chinese restaurants, many of which are open on Thanksgiving day.

4. Tofurky Or Baked And Marinated Tofu

If you aren’t cooking a turkey because you don’t eat meat of any kind, then you may be familiar with Tofurky. Tofurky is a tofu-based loaf that is completely vegan and has both the look and taste of a roasted Thanksgiving bird. It is an easy vegetarian solution for those looking for a safe, healthy, and easy-to-prepare vegetarian option this fall holiday.

If you prefer a more simple and natural approach, you can also opt for baked tofu, instead of a name-brand meat substitute. Combine the tofu with roasted pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, or even sweet potatoes to give it a more traditional autumn flavor.

5. Cedar Roasted King Salmon

Seafood is not typically a staple on Thanksgiving menus, but it certainly can be if you want to eat something other than turkey. Salmon is arguably the best seafood option for Thanksgiving for several reasons. One king salmon filet can serve up to five people, making a cedar-roasted salmon filet a great choice for smaller Thanksgiving celebrations.

Further, the unique flavor lends itself well to all sorts of vegetables, including root vegetables like yams, carrots, beets, and turnips. All of these vegetables are common side dishes on Thanksgiving.

6. Prime Rib Roast

If you don’t want to make a turkey and you are cooking for meat lovers, then a prime rib roast is a great way to go. Prime rib is often considered the pinnacle of all meat dishes and can have a price tag to match. 

While this is not a budget-friendly Thanksgiving option, a little goes a long way. One ten-pound prime rib can easily feed 15 people. If you want a show-stopping piece of beef, then opt for a standing rib roast, which looks like a wreath made of delicious juicy beef.

7. Individual Cornish Hens

If you want to have a more elegant and plated Thanksgiving dinner, rather than the traditional buffet, then individual Cornish hens are a good option. Cornish hens look like baby chickens and are relatively easy and fast to cook. 

You roast these birds in the oven like other poultry, and thanks to their size, they cook easily in less than one hour. The beauty of a Cornish hen is you can serve a complete bird on every plate, making everyone’s dish photo-worthy. 

8. Roasted Chicken

If you don’t want to cook a turkey in your oven but love chicken, don’t overthink things on Thanksgiving — just have chicken. Roasted and rotisserie chickens are delicious, and achieve a similar taste and effect as turkey. 

A chicken cooks faster than a turkey, and it is also easier to produce a juicy chicken than it is a large juicy turkey. Best of all, chickens don’t have tryptophan, which means you won’t feel like taking a nap right after having a Thanksgiving feast that has chicken instead of turkey.

9. Vegetarian Mince Pie

If you’re cooking a vegetarian Thanksgiving, you might find it hard to prepare a main course with the towering “wow” factor a turkey has. If you need a vegetarian dish that is also a photogenic centerpiece, then try making a mince pie with vegetables and cheese. 

A minced pie can be upwards of six inches tall (or taller if your baking skills are on point), and the flakey crust is an indulgent juxtaposition to the healthy vegetables. This is a dish that is likely to look just as good as it tastes and will make all the vegetarians at your Thanksgiving table happy.

10. Pumpkin Lasagna Or Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin is one of the most emblematic flavors of Thanksgiving. Some may argue that this holiday gathering isn’t complete until you’ve had a slice of pumpkin pie. But you can make more than just pie with pumpkin. You can even make a delicious main course like pumpkin lasagna or pumpkin ravioli to impress your vegetarian guests this Thanksgiving.

Whether you are not a fan of turkey or love all things pasta, pumpkin ravioli or lasagna are a great option. Best of all, you can prepare pumpkin lasagna in advance and simply heat it on the big day, making it easier to prepare your Thanksgiving feast in a smaller kitchen.

11. Herb Roasted Pork Loin

Pork loin, while not traditionally served on Thanksgiving, can easily be made with various herbs, spices, and even stuffings to make it taste like it was born to be served on this popular autumn holiday.

Season your pork loin with rosemary, and fill it with stuffing, and you have yourself a pork-based Thanksgiving meat that even traditionalists will love. A pork loin tends to only be a few inches thick and fairly lean, making it quick and easy to cook.

Summing Up Turkey Alternatives For Your Thanksgiving Feast

Just because turkey is the most traditional meat served on Thanksgiving, doesn't mean you need to cook it. If you aren’t a fan of turkey, don’t eat meat, or don’t want to spend hours cooking a bird, then you have many delicious alternatives to choose from. 

Opt for duck, roasted chicken, or individual Cornish hens if you want to stick to poultry. As far as meat dishes, consider a ham, suckling pig, leg of lamb, or prime rib. If you want a vegetarian option, bake a vegetable mince pie, or a homemade pumpkin lasagna.

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