I Used to Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving Like Most Americans – but These 10 Alternatives are Just Plain Better

Thanksgiving is a great holiday for many reasons. Most people are off from work, there are sports on TV, you get to spend time with family, and best of all, you get to eat amazing food. Many people enjoy the staples of stuffing, potatoes and gravy, and, of course, the turkey. However, turkey isn’t for everyone, and sometimes, you may want something different. It may be because you don’t like the taste of turkey, or perhaps you just need a change. Personally, I couldn’t agree more. I used to eat turkey on Thanksgiving, like most Americans. However, I believe that these 10 alternatives are just plain better.

There are many different tasty options on this list. There are tasty, meaty options, such as fried turkey, ham, and roast beef. Some people like seafood, so we have a fish option here as well. Then there are those who don’t like meat at all. Luckily, there are many meatless options you can try. Check out this list of Thanksgiving alternatives and start a new tradition with your family this year.

Chicken Fried Turkey

You can still have turkey on Thanksgiving but add a twist. Chicken fried turkey is fried and covered with gravy. It’s just as tasty, just a bit different. You can also get creative with your side dishes.

How Best to Serve

You’ll also save money with this dish because instead of a full turkey, you can get smaller cutlets and cook them as they are. Fried turkey is great with a side of green beans, mashed potatoes, or whatever else you enjoy.

Ham

Many people choose to eat ham at Thanksgiving instead of turkey. It provides a completely different flavor profile, and it’s not quite as filling, which allows you more room for side dishes. There are also many different ways to prepare ham.

How Best to Serve

Many cooks like to prepare a glazed ham with honey and Dijon mustard. It adds a lot more flavor than traditional ham. Pair it with deviled eggs and green beans for a well-rounded meal. Plus, there are no additives that make you fall asleep!

Roast Beef

Another filling and tasty alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving is roast beef. It’s a tasty meal straight out of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It’s a festive treat that will leave your family full and satisfied. Granted, it’s not for everyone, so survey your family before surprising them by putting it on the table.

How Best to Serve

You have many options for how you prepare your roast beef. Many people like it when it’s prepared with garlic and onions because it provides a flavor pop. Pair the roast beef with savory beef gravy to make it mouth-watering and delicious.

Prime Rib

You can make your Thanksgiving celebration extra fancy by serving prime rib. You have many options for how you prepare this meal, and they’re all amazing. A prime rib meal is better than turkey and it will have your family returning to your home year after year.

How Best to Serve

When serving this dish instead of turkey on Thanksgiving, we recommend preparing a peppercorn-crusted prime rib. Make it just right, and it will be tender enough to melt in your mouth. Plus, it can be cooked in just over an hour. Add potatoes and green beans to make a perfect meal.

Beef Wellington

It may seem like something out of Chef Ramsay’s kitchen, but beef wellington is a tasty dish that isn’t difficult to make. In fact, with the right recipe, it’s rather easy. Plus, you’ll really impress your guests with this amazing meal.

How Best to Serve

The best way to serve beef Wellington is to create a beef and mushroom stuffing and wrap it in a buttery puff pastry. Create the stuffing with a food processor. Choose filet mignon for the perfect dish.

Roasted Goose

This one will take a bit more prep time, but it’s worth it. Your guests will sit in awe as you cut into a tasty roasted goose. This type of bird has juicy and tender meat and super crispy skin. Goose also provides a great meal presentation.

How Best to Serve

There are many different recipes for roasted goose. The one we recommend uses a teaspoon of hot sauce and red or white wine. Keep in mind that you’ll want to cook this for three hours and then let it cool and rest for 12 hours before serving.

Lamb

Many cultures enjoy lamb for big meals. Cook it just right, and it can be the perfect dish for your Thanksgiving meal. Lamb is great on its own, but it can be made even better with the right sides. This is another dish that is amazing, but you may want to mention it to the family just in case they don’t like it, and you need to make them something different. 

How Best to Serve

There are many tasty lamb recipes out there. Find one that works for you. However, elements you should certainly add include leeks and fingerling potatoes, which make the perfect sides. A good rub for the lamb might consist of rosemary, parsley, oregano, and garlic.

Salmon

You can go in a completely different direction on Thanksgiving and have a fish dinner instead of turkey. Salmon is a great choice. The meal will be light and tasty and there are many options when it comes to preparing it. Just about any fish makes a great meal, so cook what you like best.

How Best to Serve

One of the many options for preparing salmon is to create one that is pomegranate-glaze and add in olives, oranges, and a nice selection of herbs. Serve your salmon with some vegetables, and you’ll feel good after dinner instead of feeling bloated.

Cornish Game Hen

A final alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving is eating roasted Cornish game hen. Find a good recipe online and cook away. The great thing about this dish is that everyone can get their own hen, so there’s less sharing across plates.

How Best to Serve

There are many tasty recipes available online. Find what you like best. In many cases, hen is great when combined with garlic, rosemary, citrus, paprika, and other herbs. Add a nice sauce and butter, and you’ll have an award-winning dinner.

Mushroom Steaks

Many people choose not to eat turkey during Thanksgiving because they’re vegetarians. The good news is that there are many different meat-free options you can try, from tofu to mushroom steaks. We prefer mushroom steaks because they provide a meaty texture without the hassle.

How Best to Serve

There are many different ways to cook and accent mushroom steaks. Many people use the method of taking two cast-iron skillets. Use one for cooking and searing the mushroom. The other skillet is used to weigh down the mushroom as it cooks. Add some pesto and almonds for the perfect bite.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©"cornish game hen" by stu_spivack is licensed under BY-SA 2.0..