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20 Impressive Thanksgiving Mains That Go Beyond Turkey

Updated on October 20, 2023

Whether you’re tired of turkey or looking for an alternative main that better suits your individual celebration, these delicious recipes are sure to impress.

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Photo: Renee Comet

Start a New Tradition

Turkey may be popular, but it's not the only main dish worthy of a spot on your Thanksgiving table. You could be hosting a smaller gathering and sticking to a budget. Perhaps you follow a meatless diet and are planning to cook up a vegetarian or vegan feast. Or maybe you’re just plain bored of turkey. Whatever your reason, you’ll find that there are plenty of alternative main dishes that are every bit as special as the classic. We love all the recipes in this roundup for different reasons but this pork roast is one of our favorites. Pork and apple are always a winning combination — and this take (seasoned with fragrant spices like sage and thyme) is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Thanksgiving Chicken Over Roasted Vegetables

If you're hosting a smaller group on Thanksgiving and can't commit to a turkey, or just want to create a holiday vibe on short notice, this one-pan roasted chicken is just the thing. Homemade poultry seasoning, filled with classic flavors like sage, rosemary and thyme, makes your whole kitchen smell just like the holidays.

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Photo: Renee Comet

Apple Picking Braised Pork Tenderloin

A duo of sliced apples and apple cider give this dish undeniable fall flavor. Either Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples work well in this recipe—they hold their shape nicely while cooking and are the perfect mix of sweet and tart.

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Photo: KATE MATHIS

Stuffing-Stuffed Whole Cauliflower

This roasted cauliflower is filled with classic stuffing and makes for a holiday-worthy, meatless main.

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