Wouldn’t it be lovely to treat your Thanksgiving dinner guests to one of these turkey substitute recipes? TABLE Magazine loves to break with tradition almost as much as it loves tradition itself. Under the right circumstances, the unexpected can be absolutely delightful. Dream of the possibilities for sides with a new palette of flavor profiles. We have, and now we’re really hungry!
Turkey Substitutes to Mix Up Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Cider-Glazed Pork Loin with Roasted Apples and Potatoes
Pork is an easy substitute for those who aren’t too keen on turkey. While you may be thinking this dish belongs to New Year’s Day, the simple cider glaze might just change your mind. Plus, the roasted apples and potatoes add some of fall’s best flavors.
Rack of Lamb with Traditional English Mint Sauce
This delicious rack of lamb will impress your special holiday guests. It’s simple to make and starts with fresh ingredients that’ll make a turkey green with envy. This is the kind of Sunday dinner your grandmother used to make, so there is bound to be a glow of nostalgia around the table.
Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Leaf Oil and Red Wine Cherry Sauce
Hearty cauliflower steaks are an excellent turkey substitute. The curry leaf oil and red wine cherry sauce bring a savory and sweet taste that’s much more interesting than the same old cranberry sauce you’ve had since childhood. A vegetarian option on the sideboard means that everyone at your table will have an opportunity to feast no matter their food preferences.
Pollo in Umido (Braised Chicken with Potatoes)
This home-cooked Braised Chicken with Potatoes make for a great meat dish to set the stage for a unique Thanksgiving table. Ditch the American traditions and go Italian this Thanksgiving with a Venetian way of enjoying meat.
Beef Wellington with Crosshatched Potatoes and Roasted Carrots
This Beef Wellington is an elegant upgrade to your holiday main course…with a British touch. Tender steak filets combined with a crispy puffed pastry make for a decadent new tradition. Not to mention the potatoes and roasted carrots which give this dish a hearty and homey feel.
Seared Salmon with Borscht Risotto and Horseradish Crème Fraîche
Pair salmon with borscht risotto and horseradish crème fraîche for an earthy and tangy knockout dish. This fish is delicate and often takes on the taste of whatever it’s cooked with, so the addition of earthy, beet-y risotto and sharp horseradish crème fraîche takes the salmon to a whole different level.
Seared Pork Chops with Cranberry-Bourbon Sauce
These Seared Pork Chops offer an elegant alternative for your Thanksgiving table. Unlike turkey, pork chops are quick to prepare, guaranteeing a juicy, tender result without hours of labor. The dish also maintains all the essential holiday flavor notes with a Cranberry-Bourbon Sauce.
Crispy Roasted Lemon Chicken
Our Crispy Roasted Lemon Chicken guarantees moist, tender meat beneath a beautifully crisp, golden-brown skin every time. The bright, zesty lemon and aromatic herbs infuse the entire bird for a modern main that all your guests will love regardless of age.
An Elevated Meatloaf Recipe
For a Thanksgiving main course that promises comfort without the risk, turn to an Elevated Meatloaf Recipe as a surprisingly sophisticated turkey substitute. This dish guarantees moist and deeply savory centerpiece, providing a satisfying, hearty alternative. Plus, this recipe uses pâté for a rich flavor you won’t soon forget.
Story by Kylie Thomas and Gabe Gomez
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition
