Chances are you’re a tax-paying, lawn-mowing, shower-taking adult. You have your life together, and you’ve heard that some people put meat and cheese between two pieces of bread.
When I was a lifeguard years ago, most of the other people there were pretty young and didn’t have their lives totally together. We were tax-paying for sure, but mowing lawns and taking showers were few and far between.
People would go “ooh” and “ahh” over these sandwiches every time I brought them to work on my break. Maybe you’re in the same kind of season in your life and could use some sandwich suggestions. Well I’m here to help!.
Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t feel complete without a golden roasted turkey taking center stage on the table However, not everyone is a fan of turkey, and when you’re feeding a crowd, it’s smart to offer a little variety Luckily, there are plenty of delicious meats that pair perfectly with turkey.
Why Serve Other Meats With Turkey?
While turkey may have traditional significance, it’s certainly not everyone’s favorite. If you have picky eaters or vegetarians joining your Thanksgiving feast, an additional entrée ensures that all your guests have something tasty to enjoy.
Serving another meat alongside turkey is also a great strategy if you’re hosting a large gathering A 12-15 pound turkey feeds about 10-12 people. For bigger parties, turkey alone probably won’t be enough Offering ham, beef or another crowd-pleasing protein makes sure you have plenty of food to go around.
Finally part of the fun of Thanksgiving is sampling a little bit of everything. Giving your guests more options allows them to customize their plates and enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.
7 Delicious Meats To Serve With Turkey
From classics like glazed ham to creative additions like duck or salmon, here are 7 delicious ideas for what other meat to serve alongside turkey on Thanksgiving:
1. Baked Ham
Nothing compliments turkey quite like ham. The classic combo of turkey and ham has graced Thanksgiving tables for decades. Choose a bone-in smoked or spiral sliced ham, brush with a sweet glaze, and pop it in the oven alongside your turkey. Baked ham is easy, budget-friendly, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
2. Roast Beef Tenderloin
For an elegant and tender alternative to turkey, try beef tenderloin. Season the beef with salt, pepper and herbs, then quickly sear and roast to medium-rare doneness. Slice the tenderloin into thick pieces and serve with horseradish sauce and au jus for dipping. Beef tenderloin offers a more upscale take on the typical Thanksgiving spread.
3. Pork Roast
A pork roast like pork loin or pork shoulder makes a succulent and wallet-friendly accompaniment to turkey. Choose a boneless or bone-in cut, rub it with aromatic spices, and roast low and slow until fall-off-the-bone tender. Pair sliced pork with your favorite barbecue sauce or chutney. The mild flavor won’t overpower the turkey.
4. Leg of Lamb
For a gourmet alternative to turkey, roast a leg of lamb with garlic and herbs. Lamb offers a richer, meatier flavor that contrasts nicely with turkey’s delicate notes. Serve slices of rosy medium lamb alongside turkey breast, stuffing and all the fixings for a memorable feast.
5. Cornish Game Hens
Mini Cornish game hens offer an elegant and interactive opportunity to supplement turkey. Give each guest their own petite hen to season and roast. The presentation of perfectly bronzed Cornish hens is sure to impress. Game hens have a slightly gamier flavor than turkey, making them an interesting change of pace.
6. Duck
If you want to get adventurous, opt for roasted duck as your additional entrée. Duck has a deeper, richer taste compared to turkey. Make sure to score and prick the fatty duck skin so it crisps up in the oven. Serve sliced duck breast with a flavorful sauce like cherry, orange or lingonberry. The contrast between duck and turkey makes for a dynamic duo.
7. Salmon
Finally, poached salmon filets present a lighter, healthier alternative to turkey. Salmon offers a blast of omega-3s plus vitamin D and protein. Poach salmon in broth, wine or citrus juice, then top with fresh dill. Flaky, tender salmon balances out the heavier casseroles and sides.
Tips For Cooking Multiple Meats
When tackling two proteins for Thanksgiving dinner, timing and oven space are key considerations:
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Check cook times. Make sure meats you plan on roasting together have similar cooking times and temperatures. For instance, roast beef and turkey breast cook quickly compared to pork shoulder or ham.
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Stagger cooking. You can always start one meat early, let it rest, then pop another in the oven. For example, roast the turkey first, let it rest tented in foil, then bake the ham.
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Use both ovens. If one protein can handle a lower temp (e.g. 275 ̊F for ham), make that your oven’s default and cook the turkey at a higher temp (325 ̊F).
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Use the grill or smoker. Take advantage of outdoor cooking options by grilling or smoking one meat.
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Sous vide. Cook meats like pork shoulder or beef tenderloin in a sous vide water bath for perfect doneness, then quickly sear.
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Poach. Poached salmon cooks stovetop, freeing up oven space.
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Serve room temp. Roasted meats like beef tenderloin are delicious served room temperature. Roast ahead of time, then simply slice and arrange on a platter just before serving.
Favorite Thanksgiving Meat Combos
Ideally, your two proteins should offer different flavors and textures to create a balanced plate. Here are some of my favorite meat pairings for turkey:
- Turkey + Ham: The classic combo
- Turkey + Roast Beef: Elegant option for a small gathering
- Turkey + Pork Loin: Budget-friendly picks
- Turkey + Lamb: Hearty, gourmet flavors
- Turkey + Cornish Hens: Fun, interactive meal
- Turkey + Salmon: Provides a lighter contrast
- Turkey + Duck: Adventurous choice for daring palates
The possibilities are endless when it comes to what other meat to serve in addition to turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Get creative and choose meats that appeal to you and your guests. Offering more than just turkey ensures that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal.
The best turkey sandwich
I believe quality of ingredients is what really makes a sandwich. I use a whole wheat hoagie roll for this because it keeps its shape well and can handle having a lot of ingredients stacked on top of it. Regular sandwich bread could be used, but I can’t promise that the right amounts would be used or that the bread wouldn’t get soggy from the filling.
I also used deli turkey off the bone, but a smoked turkey breast would also be great. You can toast this turkey sandwich in the oven for a few minutes or in a panini press, and it tastes great either way.
Do you put mayo on a turkey sandwich?
Of course, this is a sandwich, so everything I use is optional. I actually don’t eat mayonnaise, so I always leave that off, but can appreciate its value for others.
Ground Meat and Veggies Recipe! Do this with your Ground Beef or Turkey. Absolutely Delicious!!!
What goes well with turkey meat?
There is stuffing, or dressing (it’s stuffing if it actually is stuffed into the turkey, but dressing if you fix it on the stove) rolls, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean salad, cranberry salad or sauce, olives and/or pickles, and pumpkin pie ( I prefer a little pie with my whipped cream).
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What is a good side dish for a roast turkey?
This easy steakhouse-style creamed spinach dish is the perfect rich side dish to lean roast turkey. Made with frozen spinach, it is quick, easy, and make-ahead. Get the recipe. Enriched with eggs, challah cubes make a deliciously rich base for stuffing.
What goes well with turkey stuffing?
When it comes to serving options for stuffing, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that can complement a turkey dinner. Classic choices like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables all pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the main dish, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
What can you put in a turkey burger?
Stuffing baked inside the turkey gets all those delicious pan juices. Or you can bake it separately in a casserole dish for even browning and texture. Aromatic ingredients like onion, celery, sage, thyme, and broth give stuffing amazing flavor. Add sausage, mushrooms, or nuts for even more variety. 3. Green Bean Casserole
Should you eat a roasted Thanksgiving turkey?
There’s no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room at the table for other main courses, too. If you’re hosting a crowd this year, you’ll most certainly want another Thanksgiving main dish, like ham or beef, to serve alongside your favorite turkey recipe.