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Theres no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesnt mean there isnt room at the table for other main courses, too. If you’re having a lot of people over for Thanksgiving this year, you’ll need another main dish, like ham or beef, to go with your favorite turkey recipe. Of course, people who don’t like turkey will be glad you thought of making a chicken recipe or a vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe like the stuffed acorn squash instead.
All of these ideas are a great way to switch things up for a change. Not at all. Ree Drummond’s citrus-brined turkey is a great holiday recipe if you have the time and room in the oven. But many of the main dishes on the list for Thanksgiving are even faster to make, which is an added bonus. The chicken and stuffing casserole or the herb-roasted pork tenderloin are quick and easy recipes that are ready in 20 minutes or less. That means more time for the holiday pies!.
Looking for something meatless? Try the vegetarian pot pie. You could also host Friendsgiving this year and want to keep things simple with our chicken-fried turkey or hearty Thanksgiving casserole recipe. Of course, any of these holiday hits will go great with your mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other sides. You can enjoy some traditions while also trying something new. Now that’s something to be thankful for!
This twist on a Southern favorite is perfect for a more casual Thanksgiving feast. While you’ll still get your turkey and gravy fix, you’ll be making crispy fried turkey cutlets instead of a whole bird.
This classic is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. Its made with chuck roast, carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions, and richly flavorful red wine sauce.
That’s what I call comfort food! Manicotti is cheesy, meaty, saucy, and impressive—all things I’m grateful for! Serve it with garlic bread and you’ll wonder why you not served baked pasta sooner.
When you butterfly a chicken, it cooks more evenly and faster. Plus, you can cook it on a bed of vegetables and potatoes, making it a one-pot meal.
Dressing also known as stuffing is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish. With its savory blend of bread, vegetables, herbs and spices, it’s the perfect complement to roasted turkey. However, more households are opting for alternative main dishes on Thanksgiving. If you’re skipping the bird, what can you serve alongside dressing? You have delicious options!
Oven-Baked Ham
Nothing says “holiday feast” like a glistening baked ham. The salty smoky meat pairs wonderfully with traditional cornbread dressing. Offer a spiraled ham studded with cloves and pineapples, or opt for brown sugar or honey glazed.
Roast Beef
For a classic meat-and-potatoes meal, serve sliced roast beef with dressing and gravy. Opt for rarer cuts like ribeye, tenderloin or prime rib. Or choose an economical chuck or rump roast cooked to tender perfection.
Pork Tenderloin
The lean, elegant shape of pork tenderloin looks beautiful on a platter. Roast it simply seasoned or with a flavorful spice rub to complement the dressing. For easy elegance, wrap pork tenderloin in bacon before roasting.
Cornish Hens
Individual Cornish hens offer built-in portion control. These petite birds cook quickly compared to a large turkey. Roast them traditionally seasoned or try fun flavors like lemon-pepper or Cajun spice.
Rack of Lamb
For a gourmet Thanksgiving centerpiece, oven-roasted rack of lamb is sure to impress. The rich, meaty racks pair wonderfully with savory dressing and mint sauce. Encrust the lamb with mustard, herbs and breadcrumbs for a fancy touch.
Salmon
If you want to go lighter, roasted salmon fillet makes a refreshing alternative to heavy meats. Salmon offers protein and healthy fats to balance hearty dressing. Roast it simply with lemon and herbs, or top with pesto or other savory sauces.
Root Vegetable Gratin
For a vegetarian main dish, try a seasonal root vegetable gratin bubbling with cheese. Options like sweet potato, butternut squash, carrot or parsnip marry beautifully with cornbread dressing. Add crispy fried shallots or onions for texture.
Mushroom Wellington
This impressive dish gets a flavor boost from porcini mushrooms and thyme nestled in puff pastry. The earthy notes and richness complement dressing much like roast turkey would. Bake the Wellington until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Eggplant Parmesan
With its savory tomato sauce and melting cheeses, eggplant Parmesan makes a satisfying meatless main. For a lighter option, ditch the frying and opt for a baked version. The soft eggplant soaks up the rich sauce and complements the dressing.
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie gets a healthy makeover with protein-packed lentils instead of ground meat. Borrow seasoning from your dressing to add sage, thyme, onions, celery and carrots to the filling. Top with fluffy mashed potatoes and bake until bubbly and golden.
Portobello Mushroom Caps
Grilled portobello caps make great vegetarian “steaks” with their hearty, meaty texture. Stuff them with a mixture of cornbread dressing before grilling for a Thanksgiving twist. Baste the stuffed caps with brown butter as they cook for deeper flavor.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Cut a head of cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks, then roast or grill with olive oil, salt and pepper. The charred, caramelized cauliflower makes a stunning centerpiece and pairs perfectly with dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs or zhoug sauce.
Perfect Pairings
While not required, roasted white or dark turkey meat can still accent the meal nicely alongside these alternatives. Dress up your plates with sauces like turkey gravy, cranberry relish and pan drippings. And round out the meal with classic Thanksgiving sides, from mashed potatoes and green beans to roasted veggies. With so many possibilities, you can easily ditch the bird but keep the dressing you know and love. Get creative with your Thanksgiving main course while still enjoying time-honored tradition with a side of cornbread dressing.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Want to cook something else besides turkey? This pot roast won’t take up any oven space and will get melt-in-your-mouth tender in your handy kitchen appliance.
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
A pot of braised short ribs is the most comforting thing in the world. They’ll fall off the bone, so you’ll need a pile of mashed potatoes to catch them.
Get Rees Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Lasagna might just be the easiest way to feed a crowd. And this version made with seasonal squash and sausage is hearty and flavorful. Make it up to two days ahead for easy holiday planning!.
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Turkey and Biscuits Casserole
Another idea that can be used for more than one thing is to make a casserole! This one is like a pot pie; it has a creamy base of vegetables and turkey and herbed biscuits on top.
Get the Turkey and Biscuits Casserole recipe.
You can still have gravy even if you’re not serving turkey. This chicken thigh recipe has the most delicious gravy we’ve ever seen, and it goes great with mashed potatoes.
Get the Smothered Chicken recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Heres an elegant way to serve turkey without cooking a whole bird. The turkey breast is rolled filled with a stuffing made from bacon, apple, and cornbread.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Should You Cook Your Stuffing Inside or Outside Your Turkey?
FAQ
What meat goes with dressing besides turkey?
What can I eat with stuffing?
What to serve for Thanksgiving dinner besides turkey?
What can I serve for Christmas dinner besides turkey?
How do you serve a turkey without cooking a whole bird?
Here’s an elegant way to serve turkey without cooking a whole bird. The turkey breast is rolled filled with a stuffing made from bacon, apple, and cornbread. Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe. Chicken cordon bleu is a retro dish that we’ve made even easier!
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.
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.
Are slow cooked turkey legs good for Thanksgiving?
Slow-cooked turkey legs are this year’s ultimate Thanksgiving hack. No basting, no inevitable dry meat—no fuss at all. All you have to do is make an easy festive herb butter, wrap everything in foil, and let them roast unsupervised. Get the Roasted Turkey Leg recipe. Don’t let turkey have all the fun!
Can you eat a turkey if it’s overcooked?
“Once a turkey is overcooked, it becomes merely a vessel to get gravy and stuffing into your mouth.” If you still want the theatrics of a large table centerpiece that can be carved (just not a turkey), Chef Andrew Zimmerman of Michelin-starred Sepia + Proxi has a suggestion. “I would likely go with a roast rack of pork,” he says.
Is Ree Drummond’s Turkey good for Thanksgiving?
Don’t get us wrong, Ree Drummond’s citrus-brined turkey is a tasty idea for the holidays if you have the time and oven space. But many of the Thanksgiving main courses on the list have the advantage of being even quicker to make.