Why resort to having stuffed turkey every year when you can serve one of these thanksgiving turkey alternatives? To break the mold and have a new exciting centerpiece, check out our top picks for your holiday feast.
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11 Thanksgiving Turkey Alternatives that are Just as Indulgent
1. Instant Pot Pork Roast
is a festive alternative to your typical Thanksgiving fare. This recipe uses an Instant Pot, so you’re guaranteed that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture on your first bite.
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2. Cheesy and Delicious Lasagna
No matter what time of the year it is, cheesy, indulgent lasagna is always a crowd hit. If meat isn’t your jam, you can replace the meat with various vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and fresh sage.
3. Honey Glazed Ham
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Bring out your crockpot and whip up some timeless honey glazed ham. Tender, juicy, and oozing of flavor – there’s nothing else that screams “Holiday Spirit” louder than this.
Tip: Using a spiral-cut ham gets you the best results when you use the crockpot.
4. Spinach Stuffed Chicken
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If you want Thanksgiving turkey alternatives that come closest to eating turkey, look no further than some stuffed chicken. Grab a bite and taste the marriage between chicken, cheese, and spinach in your mouth.
We especially love this with some mashed potatoes.
5. Stuffed Pumpkin
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Just carved a bunch of pumpkins out? Why not spare some and serve some stuffed pumpkins during Thanksgiving dinner?
The beauty with making stuffed pumpkins is you can make it as light or as rich as you like depending on what you choose to stuff them with.
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6. Rib of Beef with Bashed Celeriac, Braised Shallots & Horseradish Gremolata
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We love a good rib, especially one that falls right off the bone. The horseradish gremolata gives this traditional fare a new twist.
7. Georgian Garlic Chicken (Chkmeruli)
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This traditional Georgian (the country, not the state!) dish consists of roast chicken bathing in creamy garlic sauce. It’s best served with a heaping serving of mashed potatoes.
8. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
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This sweet potato shepherd’s pie recipe screams “comfort food”, which is what we exactly want during the Thanksgiving season. Add some mushrooms for an extra-special touch.
9. Roasted Leg of Lamb
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Roasting a whole lamb leg may seem intimidating at first, but they’re surprisingly forgiving even for a first-timer. When done correctly, you wouldn’t even need to use a knife because of its tenderness.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to measure if your lamb’s done.
10. Tandoori Chicken
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This tandoori chicken dish is perfect for those who want a more intense kick. Not only does it come chock full of flavorful spices, but it also boasts less than 20 minutes’ worth of cooking time.
11. Stuffed Portobellos
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Vegetarians rejoice because you don’t need to settle with side dishes. With its meat-like texture and a generous serving of stuffing, you wouldn’t feel like you’re missing out on Thanksgiving dinner.
No need to have the same thing every year with these Thanksgiving turkey alternatives. Hope you enjoy and have a happy Thanksgiving!
What’s are your favorite Thanksgiving turkey alternatives? Share your favorite recipes in the comments section below!
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