We all know Thanksgiving is incomplete without a good turkey. But not everyone enjoys cooking a turkey for hours. Moreover, there might be a need to switch things up. To solve this problem, I have curated for you a list of delectable turkey alternative recipes for Thanksgiving, for which you can surely thank me!
A Thanksgiving dinner table is all about indulging in great food. It is certainly the highlight of the year for all foodies. So, if food is your life, then a well-laid table with an exciting variety of food is always under your radar.
To help you lay one of the best Thanksgiving tables for your friends and family, I have curated a special list of food for you. They include hand-picked sumptuous recipes that are sure to earn you a lot of compliments.
Now you can surely serve turkey on turkey day, but a mix of great food harmed no nobody. In the list below, you will find some amazing chicken, ham, lobster, rib, and steak main course options. If you are on the lookout for some meatless options, we’ve got some delicious vegetarian options too!
Did I tell you that the list also includes Thanksgiving recipes by some famous chefs? Yes, yes, that’s true! So, take down notes to make the best turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving this year and make the most of Thanksgiving Day by relishing amazing food.
1. Paula Deen’s Chicken And Dressing
Chicken is an excellent alternative to turkey precisely because both are birds! So, roasting or baking a whole chicken for the main course is definitely a great idea. But what if I tell you that you can do a lot more with it using Paula Deen’s Chicken And Dressing recipe?
This dish brings with it delectable classic Southern flavors combined with an array of textures. If you haven’t tried chicken dressing before, this will definitely make you guilty.
Paula Deen’s chicken and dressing recipe is a perfect match of veggies and meat in a single dish. This dish is made with shredded chicken, veggies, bread, biscuits, and a delicious mix of aromatic spices.
Paula Deen’s chicken and dressing recipe is a baked dish that can be served topped with chicken gravy.
2. Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese
A Thanksgiving menu is incomplete without meat. But it isn’t even complete without some veggies. While green beans and mashed potatoes are staples on the Thanksgiving menu, Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese is an interesting twist.
By the name of the dish, it is quite clear that Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese contains cauliflower and cheese. It’s a healthier option than the famous mac and cheese.
3. Bobby Flay’s Mac And Cheese Carbonara
Sure, different meats turn out to be an amazing option as an alternative to turkey, but a Mac And Cheese Carbonara is also a great main course. Bobby Flay’s mac and cheese carbonara brings the iconic flavors of meat, cheese, and macaroni.
This special recipe features three types of cheese, pancetta, eggs, and herbs to deliver the most flavorful dish. Bobby Flay’s mac and cheese carbonara turns out to be creamy and full of umami flavors.
4. Fish Tacos
Move over, meats, and try out a Mexican dish with fish in it. Fish Tacos are prepared using a mix of spices, sauces, and toppings. This dish featured warm tortillas stuffed with grilled fish, spicy and tangy salsa, and colorful, crunchy vegetables.
It also features smooth sour cream and hot sauce. You can serve this dish with fresh condiments and sides. Some Mexican rice, nachos, and guacamole would be a great match.
5. Fajitas
Another spectacular tex-mex dish that you can try this Thanksgiving season is the flavorful Fajitas recipe. This dish is made with dry rub chicken breast, sauteed vegetables, and a warm tortilla.
The chicken breast is marinated in flavorful spices, and a mix of bell peppers is sauteed with onion and garlic. Finally, the tortilla is topped with tangy salsa and cotija cheese.
6. Bobby Flay Fried Chicken Recipe
Fried chicken is one of the most wonderful dishes to indulge in a hearty meal. Crisp, savory, and all things good, you can never go wrong with it. So, skip the turkey this season for Fried Chicken using Bobby Flay’s recipe.
This dish features chicken marinated in a buttermilk mixture. It is deep-fried until golden brown. The chicken turns out to be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. I don’t think you need any more introduction or explanation for this dish.
7. Bobby Flay Cornell Chicken
If you are on the lookout for that one recipe that comes very close to how you make turkey, then your search stops right here. Bobby Flay’s Cornell Chicken is made by bringing the chicken first. Then comes the preparation of the spice mixture and sauce.
The chicken is brined with flavorful herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Next, a spice rub is made using selected spices and herbs. Lastly, a sweet and spicy sauce is prepared to cook the chicken.
8. Ratatouille Recipe
Ratatouille needs no introduction. This dish is already made quite famous by the entertaining namesake movie. So, you already know what goes inside it.
But for those who haven’t tried making it yet, you can try out this Ratatouille recipe. This dish features colorful layers of fresh vegetables with garlic-infused tomato sauce. This dish delivers sumptuous flavors derived from dried herbs.
This vegetarian dish can be served as a main course this Thanksgiving with rice, bread, or quinoa.
9. Thomas Keller Roast Chicken
A full roast chicken is the next best thing to turkey. So, to make the tastiest use of whole chicken, you should try Thomas Keller’s Roast Chicken recipe.
Just like turkey, roast chicken is brined in the recipe to bring out the best flavors. It is then roasted with a flavorful mix of vegetables and butter. The end result is a fragrant and mouth-watering roast chicken waiting to be devoured.
10. Gordon Ramsay Chicken And Mushroom Pie
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken And Mushroom Pie is the kind of dish that makes your Easter meal feel instantly special—like the savory centerpiece hiding among all the chocolate eggs. It’s made with tender pieces of chicken and earthy mushrooms cooked in a rich, creamy sauce, all tucked beneath a golden, flaky pastry crust.
When it comes out of the oven, the top is crisp and buttery, while the inside stays warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s comforting but still feels elegant enough for a proper Easter gathering.
Conclusion
So, these were some of the turkey alternatives that you can try this Thanksgiving Day. Whichever recipe you plan to make, don’t forget to drop a comment below telling us how it turned out for you. Have a great Thanksgiving Day, guys!
