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Home » 30+ Alternative Thanksgiving Dinners that Aren’t Turkey

30+ Alternative Thanksgiving Dinners that Aren’t Turkey

July 30, 2020 by aseasonedgreeting Leave a Comment

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Looking for alternative dinner ideas for Thanksgiving this year? In this recipe roundup I’ve collected over 30 recipes for Thanksgiving that don’t include the turkey!

Whether you’re looking for roasts, chicken, casseroles, soups, pastas or vegan…there’s something here for everyone!

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Chicken piccata meatballs in a stainless steel pan with a lemon wedge.

Chicken Piccata Meatballs are a delicious chicken meatball seasoned with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese, then smothered with a lemony piccata sauce and fried capers. This is an easy dinner that would look beautiful on a Thanksgiving table! From A Seasoned Greeting

Marry Me Pasta

spirals of marry me pasta in a dark non-stick pan

How can you go wrong with a dish named after a proposal? Marry Me Pasta is pasta dish inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken dinner. Serve with some broccoli, bread, and a salad and you’ve got an impressive Thanksgiving dinner. From A Seasoned Greeting

French Onion Pasta

French onion pasta on  round white plate.

While we’re on the subject of pastas, let’s look at this Creamy French Onion Pasta! This elevated pasta dish would be delightful for Thanksgiving. From A Seasoned Greeting

Creamy Chicken Marsala

creamy chicken marsala in a black pan with a silver spoon

Marsala is one of my favorite savory cooking wine flavors. This Creamy Chicken Marsala uses an easy pan-seared chicken, lots of thinly sliced mushrooms, and a creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese and Marsala wine. From A Seasoned Greeting

Jalapeño Popper Chicken

jalapeno popper chicken in a skillet

Make sure there’s no shortage of spices and flavor on your table with Jalapeno Popper Chicken! Seasoned chicken thighs in a mixture of corn, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese and a crunchy Panko topping. From A Seasoned Greeting

Crab Stuffed Vidalia Onions

overhead view of a stuffed vidalia onion in a white casserole dish.

Sweet and flavorful Vidalia onions are baked and then filled with a delicious crab meat stuffing and are finished to a golden-brown perfection in the oven. If you love crab meat stuffing, you must try this scrumptious recipe pairing! From Sizzling Eats

Stuffed Butternut Squash

overhead view of the stuffed butternut squash with a napkin and two forks.

Stuffed butternut squash is filled with only four ingredients, but packed with flavor. This makes the perfect alternative to a Thanksgiving turkey! From Homebody Eats

Classic European Stuffed Bell Peppers

overhead shot of the stuffed peppers in sauce in a white casserole dish.

Firm and savory seasoned meatballs nestled inside tender and juicy peppers make this classic European stuffed peppers recipe the best you will ever make! From Sustain My Cooking Habit

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

overhead shot of the braised short ribs on a plate of mashed potatoes

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs is the best recipe for tender fall apart bone-in beef short ribs slow cooked in a Dutch Oven. This is a perfect comfort meal you can make at home for your friends and family! From Veronika’s Kitchen

Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

chicken pesto pasta bake in a white casserole dish

This chicken pesto pasta bake is a fun spin on a traditional baked ziti. Baked ziti is one of those crowd-pleasing meals. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it serves a large group of people. But it can also be a little predictable. Surprise everyone with a pesto pasta bake instead! From A Seasoned Greeting

Creamy Chicken Piccata

creamy chicken picatta in a black pan with parsley and a grey napkin

A bright and citrusy Creamy Chicken Piccata would be a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving table. Topped with fried capers, you can serve this with a green veggie and stuffing! From A Seasoned Greeting

Easy Instant Pot Ham

instant pot ham with potatoes and carrots.

This savory instant pot ham recipe with potatoes and carrots is an easy and delicious meal idea. From Sustain My Cooking Habit

Cornish Hens with Stuffing for Two

overhead shot of the cornish hen in a baking dish with stuffing on a wood surface.

Make Thanksgiving for two special with these Cornish Hens with Homemade Stuffing! A perfect dinner for when hosting a Thanksgiving for two. From Homemade in the Kitchen

Spicy Sausage Stuffed Onions

overhead shot of sausage stuffed onions in a cast iron skillet with parsley and garlic cloves behind the skillet.

A fun and creative Thanksgiving dinner idea, this onion recipe is stuffed with sausage, mushrooms and cheese! From Desocio in the Kitchen

Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf

a vegan loaf with a slice.

A hearty plant-based dinner idea that will satisfy even meat-eaters! A Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf that mimics the classic meatloaf with no meat, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free! Get all your protein and veggies in this healthy recipe! From Strength and Sunshine

Chicken Pot Pie with Tator Tot Crust

a chicken pot pie with tator tots on top with a scoop taken out.

Who doesn’t love chicken pot pie and tater tots? The tater tots in this recipe replace the traditional pie crust keeping it grain-free and gluten-free. This recipe is also dairy-free. Instead of cream which you would typically find in a pot pie, it is thickened using a pureed potato! Enjoy this chicken pot pie for Thanksgiving! From Love Chef Laura

Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

overhead shot of the apple stuffed pork tenderloin on a bed of cabbage.

Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin comes out of the oven tender and juicy. You won’t believe our easy secret. My recipe for Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is slow cooked in an oven bag for a tender, juicy and tasty meal. From Intelligent Domestications

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

overhead shot of eggplant parm with parsley.

This easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan recipe is gluten-free, allergy-free, and quick to prepare! Crispy eggplant slices made without oil or eggs in the air fryer, then layered and baked with homemade Italian tomato sauce and dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free cheese! A quick and healthy dinner for the whole family! From Strength and Sunshine.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash

stuffed squash on a white round plate.

This easy stuffed kabocha squash is perfect for your vegetarian or vegan friends. It is easy to customize for a delicious homemade dinner. From Fearless Dining

Chinese Roast Chicken

Chinese roast chicken on a plate.

This Chinese Roast Chicken recipe is so easy to make and only requires 5 ingredients! The Chinese five-spice powder does all of the work to create an amazingly flavorful chicken with juicy meat and crispy skin. From The Mini Chef

Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

vegan stuffed Portobello mushrooms on a white dish

These vegan, gluten free stuffed portobello mushrooms are the perfect entree for your guests with dietary restrictions. These mushrooms are filling, festive, and can be prepared in advance. From A Sweet Alternative

Baked Chickpeas and Butternut Squash

Baked Chickpeas and Butternut Squash in a glass dish

An amazing vegetarian option for Thanksgiving – this baked chickpeas and butternut squash dish has a super tasty sauce made with roasted butternut squash and herbs and is a very satisfying main dish for the holiday. From Babaganosh

30-Minute Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

herb roasted drumsticks on a plate with green beans and lemons.

This speedy herb-roasted chicken drumsticks recipe is packed with lemon and herb flavor and is guaranteed to be gobbled up in no time! It’s a sure crowd pleaser for Thanksgiving. From Appetite for Energy

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

creamy sun dried tomato pasta in a silver pan on a wood pattern surface.

Sun-dried tomatoes blend until smooth to create a creamy sauce that’s all sun-dried tomatoes. Need a dinner recipe that both adults and kids will love? This is it! From A Seasoned Greeting

Mushroom Tart

overhead view of a mushroom tart

This mushroom tart is the perfect appetizer, light lunch, or even a main that you can make all year round. Garlicky, buttery mushrooms are piled on flaky puff pastry with cheese. It’s utterly and mouth-wateringly delicious, and you won’t be able to stop yourself at just one slice! From Little Sunny Kitchen

Butternut Squash with Orzo and Feta

butternut squash and orzo in a white casserole dish

Butternut Squash with Orzo and Feta Fall flavors in one easy dish. Add chicken for a complete meal or keep this pasta dish vegetarian! From Mighty Mrs

Baked Penne Vodka

baked penne vodka in a white casserole dish on a wood board

A plate of comfort food! Baked Penne Vodka is easy and quick, but is a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a gathering as well. Homemade vodka sauce and lots of Burrata cheese! From A Seasoned Greeting

Vegan Mushroom Wellington

mushroom wellington with a knife on parchment paper.

Juicy mushrooms are the star of the show in this delicious mushroom wellington. It’s a fun, vegan-friendly twist on the classic beef wellington. From Delicious Everyday

Perfect Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast

prime rib with rosemary sprigs

The ultimate guide to perfect prime rib roast! Includes how to cook prime rib (with cooking time per pound chart), my delicious garlic butter prime rib recipe, how much to serve, and more. From Wholesome Yum

Sherry Cream Sauce Ravioli

sherry cream sauce ravioli on a white plate.

A rich sherry cream sauce over ravioli. The sauce is loaded with sauteed mushrooms and spinach for a filling and comforting meal! From A Seasoned Greeting

Easy Baked Salmon in Foil

overhead shot of a large salmon filet covered in dill and lemon slices in foil.

What a beautiful spread this would be on a Thanksgiving table! Pass on the turkey, and serve this gorgeous Baked Salmon! From Little Sunny Kitchen

Mexican Corn Chowder

two bowls of creamy corn chowder

One of my favorite chowder recipes! This Mexican Corn Chowder is blended roasted corn with cheeses, cilantro, lime juice, and Cotija cheese. Great on it’s own or serve with tortilla chips!

And there you have it! Over 30 recipes of great dinner ideas for Thanksgiving that aren’t a turkey! Maybe you’ll find a new tradition this year, and find something that makes it onto your Thanksgiving menu year after year.

Next, hop over to my Thanksgiving Sides post to get some side dish inspiration.

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