Top Thanksgiving Alternatives For Those Who Can't Cook a Turkey
Cooking a turkey can be challenging with all the thawing, seasoning, and hours it takes to roast. Many tasty alternatives can still make your Thanksgiving meal feel special if you prefer to skip the turkey this year.
Opting for easy, crowd-pleasing alternatives is a fantastic way to create a memorable Thanksgiving without the hassle. From savory to sweet, these dishes are guaranteed to delight your guests and bring all the festive flavors to your table—no turkey required. Here’s our list of dishes to make your Thanksgiving with friends and family unforgettable.
Chicken Marsala
Cook and Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ease: Easy. Simple steps like slicing chicken and mushrooms make it beginner-friendly.
This Italian-American classic features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. It’s quick to prepare, elegant to serve, and pairs beautifully with baked potatoes for a cozy holiday vibe.
Ribeye Steak
Cook and Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ease: Easy to Medium. Season, sear, and finish in the oven if desired. Quick and flavorful!
Ribeye steak delivers a rich flavor thanks to its juicy, marbled texture, making it an excellent choice for a special meal. Consider this delicate, mouthwatering substitute for turkey: just season, sear, and bake.
Honey-Glazed Ham
Prep and Heat Time: 2-3 hours (depending on ham size)
Ease: Easy. Brush on glaze and bake—minimal effort for an impressive result. The oven does most of the work.
A honey-glazed ham from the grocery store is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that creates an impression with little effort. All you need to do is warm it up, serve it, and savor its soft slices and caramelized exterior.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Cook and Prep Time: 40 minutes
Ease: Easy. Simple seasoning and a quick sear are all it needs before finishing in the oven, which does most of the work.
This elegant dish showcases tender lamb encrusted with a delightful blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, resulting in a rich, savory crust. A brief sear seals in the flavors, and then the oven roasts it to perfection.
Roast Duck
Cook and Prep Time: 2 hours
Ease: Medium. A crispy skin and soft meat are guaranteed by basting, but it’s manageable with care.
Roast duck makes an impressive centerpiece and is surprisingly easy to prepare, thanks to its crispy skin and rich flavor. A delightful mix of sweet and salty emerges from the unique combination of spices, providing a savory richness that pairs beautifully with fruity accompaniments like cranberry sauce.
Lasagna
Cook and Prep Time: 1 hour
Ease: Easy. Perfect for making ahead of time; simply bake it after prep.
Lasagna is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare in advance. Layered with pasta, rich marinara, and cheese, this hearty meal brings a warm, inviting touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Baked Salmon
Cook and Prep Time: 25 minutes
Ease: Easy. Just season and bake, making it a quick and low-maintenance choice.
Baked salmon is a festive option, providing a delicate texture and fresh flavor that seafood lovers will enjoy. Add a splash of lemon and some fresh herbs for flavor to create a vibrant, energizing centerpiece that feels both healthy and satisfying.
Cajun Shrimp
Cook and Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ease: Easy. Simply toss with seasoning and cook in a skillet or oven for a quick, flavorful dish.
Spice things up with Cajun shrimp, a dish full of vibrant flavors that add a touch of Southern charm. It cooks quickly, is packed with zest, and pairs wonderfully with sides like rice or mac and cheese.
Unique Sides to Prep for Thanksgiving
While mashed potatoes, fresh fruit, salads, and mac and cheese are classic side dish staples, why not add flair this year? Here’s a list of side dishes that can be paired perfectly with a festive meal and will wow your guests—keeping the holiday vibe alive!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, these crispy Brussels sprouts can be elevated with a sprinkle of parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, creating a simple yet delightful side dish.
Baked Potatoes
Whether you serve them simply or turn them into a delicious casserole, these potatoes add a wonderful flavor and a satisfying texture to your Thanksgiving feast.
Cornbread
This dish is easy to prepare with a pre-packaged mix that only needs a few ingredients, or you can save time by buying ready-made cornbread from the store.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Roast or sauté carrots with a delicious homemade maple glaze made from maple syrup, butter, and a touch of seasoning for a perfect sweet and savory side dish.
Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberry sauce made with sugar and a splash of water offers a vibrant flavor, and you can enhance it by incorporating orange zest or a hint of cinnamon for extra richness.
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Easier with Alternative Meals
Plan Ahead: You can prepare many alternative meals the day before. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, or assemble casseroles the night before, then pop them in the oven on Thanksgiving Day.
Delegate the Load: Don't hesitate to reach out for help! Ask your guests to bring an alternative meal or a dessert to help ease your workload and let them pitch in.
Embrace Simplicity: Keep the meals simple yet delicious. You don’t need fancy ingredients—think about comforting dishes like baked ham, roasted chicken, or a hearty lasagna.
Mix Up the Sides: Explore unique side dishes that complement your alternative meals perfectly. Options like roasted vegetables, maple-glazed carrots, or mashed potatoes can add festive flavor without the turkey.
Be Flexible: It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. Use seasonal ingredients and what you can easily find at your local grocery store. Thanksgiving is about enjoying time with family and friends, not stressing over every detail.
And If You Still Want Turkey…
You can find pre-cooked turkeys at different places, depending on your location, and they are available in most states. Here are some popular options:
Grocery Stores:
Whole Foods Market: They provide fully cooked turkeys that are seasoned and ready to heat. You can order in advance, and they are available in various sizes.
Costco: Known for their large portions, Costco offers fully cooked, ready-to-eat turkeys in various sizes, often pre-seasoned.
Walmart: Many Walmart locations offer cooked turkeys in their deli section. You can place your order either online or in-store.
Specialty Stores:
HoneyBaked Ham: Although famous for its hams, HoneyBaked Ham also offers pre-cooked turkeys for the holidays with a selection of glazes.
Local Butcher Shops & Delis: Local butcher shops and Delis provide pre-cooked turkeys that emphasize quality and local sourcing, guaranteeing a fresher and superior choice for your holiday meal.
Online Services:
Harry & David: Provides gourmet options, such as fully cooked turkeys, available for home delivery.
Goldbelly: This online retailer collaborates with local and national restaurants and chefs to deliver cooked turkeys straight to your doorstep.
Make sure to check ahead of time to ensure your turkey is available, particularly as Thanksgiving gets closer!
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, making memories that last a lifetime. You can craft a unique and enjoyable holiday feast by selecting alternative main course meals and creative side dishes. Imagine serving up hearty ribeye steaks and tasty honey-glazed ham alongside flavorful sides like roasted Brussels sprouts and maple-glazed carrots—your Thanksgiving table will be bursting with flavor. Whether you cook everything from scratch or opt for pre-cooked options, these dishes provide a fresh take on tradition—ensuring that Thanksgiving is as memorable as the company you keep!