If turkey, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie are among your favorite foods, then you are probably thrilled that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. But if you are tired of the same meal year after year and interested in eating anything but turkey, it’s time to break the tradition! There are plenty of alternatives you can make that still bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to your kitchen, yet haven’t been done before.
Add pineapple, jalapeños, and Oreos to your grocery list instead of cranberries and sweet potatoes. These ideas will appease children, grandparents, and even vegetarians! Here are 12 alternatives to your average turkey, sides, and desserts for Thanksgiving.
Turkey Alternatives
Pomegranate-Maple Glazed Lamb Chops
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/pomegranate-maple-glazed-lamb-chops
Throw them on the grill for eight minutes and call it a day. These lamb chops are a delicious alternative to turkey and take a fraction of the time to prepare.
Vegetarian Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna
https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/vegetarian-spinach-pumpkin-lasagna/
This lasagna is smooth, creamy, and filling while not straying too far from tradition with the pumpkin puree. The vegetarians in your family will be thrilled that they can finally eat the main course!
French Onion Brisket
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/french-onion-brisket
No family from the South will be missing the turkey this year when brisket is the alternative. This dish is rich and sweet like some more traditional meals but brings a ton of new flavors to your holiday.
Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/pistachio-pork-tenderloin-apple-escarole-salad
Forget everything you know about pork. This recipe makes for tender, delicate and buttery slices that practically melt in your mouth. A crust of bright-green ground pistachios and spices adds a special, festive touch.
Side Alternatives
Cranberry Brussels sprouts and Brew Skillet Nachos
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/cranberry-brussels-sprouts-brie-skillet-nachos
I know…this sounds crazy. But when you pair these flavors with extremely melty Brie cheese and a bit of sharp white cheddar, you get the most addictive (not to mention seasonal) salty-sweet combination imaginable. Bonus points if you feel like topping these cranberry, brussels sprouts and Brie skillet nachos with leftover shredded turkey.
Spicy Pineapple Prosciutto Tarts
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-pineapple-prosciutto-tarts
This will certainly be the least traditional dish of them all but it is sensational. They have a little bit of protein, a little bit of richness and plenty of tartness from the pineapple. Serve as an appetizer or side and they will be gone before you know it.
Jalapeno – Cheddar Corn Pudding
https://tasty.co/recipe/chrissy-teigen-s-jalapeno-cheddar-corn-pudding
Chrissy Teigen created this recipe which is sure to delight. This cheesy, creamy, crispy, side will bring some spice to your Thanksgiving meal. Use only one jalapeño if you prefer your dishes mild.
Pork Sausage Apple Stuffing in Pancetta Cups
https://www.recipetineats.com/pork-sausage-apple-stuffing-pancetta-cups/#wprm-recipe-container-25834
Enjoy your stuffing in a pancetta cup rather than inside a turkey this year. These are fantastic made on the day but even better the day after because the flavours meld together even more. They reheat very well in the oven – both the pancetta and the tops crisp up again in the oven.
Dessert Alternatives
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
https://inspiredbycharm.com/cinnamon-roll-apple-pie/
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a unique take on a classic apple pie. Made with a cinnamon roll inspired crust it looks as delicious as it tastes! And don’t worry. For those of you who don’t (want to) make pie crust, this recipe calls for a store-bought one.
No Bake Mint Oreo Cheesecake Pie
https://backforseconds.com/recipe/easy-no-bake-mint-oreo-pie/
No-Bake Mint Oreo Cheesecake Pie is an easy dessert recipe you will make over and over again. One cool, creamy bite and everyone will be begging for more!
Cranberry Baklava Bites
https://peasandcrayons.com/2015/11/cranberry-bliss-baklava-bites.html
Dipped and drizzled in chocolate, these Cranberry Bliss Baklava Bites are easy to make and even easier to devour! These pint-sized no-bake phyllo cups are perfect for the holidays!
Eggnog Texas Sheet Cake
https://backforseconds.com/eggnog-texas-sheet-cake/
End your Thanksgiving in preparation for Christmas with some eggnog. This sheet cake feeds a crowd and is delicious!
