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20 Recipes To Make For Thanksgiving If You Hate Turkey
As Thanksgiving approaches, it might be tempting to think outside the box and ditch the traditional turkey and gravy. And we don’t blame you. In a world full of delicious alternatives, why not try something new? From mouthwatering seared tenderloins to duck gastriques—trust us, nobody will miss the turkey.
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas & inspo for your Thanksgiving feast!
One Pot Chicken With Cranberries
Nothing speaks to the season like chicken thighs seared to a golden crisp and simmered in a savory-sweet sauce brimming with cranberries, honey and rosemary. What sets this recipe apart from the beloved bird is its simplicity—everything is cooked in a single pot, making it an absolute breeze to prepare.
Instant Pot Lamb Chops with Creamed Cauliflower
Impeccably tender, bathed in a rosemary-infused sauce, and paired with a velvety cauliflower mash, these lamb chops are unlike anything you’ve ever tried. Made in a multicooker, this recipe is quick—in just under an hour, you’ll have your main on the table with an aroma that’s nothing short of enchanting.
Get the Instant Pot Lamp Chops with Creamed Cauliflower recipe!
Walnut Pesto Stuffed Pork Roast
This herby, garlic-infused pork roast is as juicy as they come. The preparation might seem intricate, but it’s worth a few extra steps for a crispy, herb-crusted entrée with a succulent, walnut pesto interior.
Roast Rack of Lamb with Rosemary, Basil and Parsley Pesto
While a rack of lamb seems like a gourmet endeavor, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. And the visual appeal is undeniable, dressed with a vibrant, rosemary pesto that beautifully complements the richness of the lamb.
Beef Tenderloin Roast
Beef tenderloin embodies both elegance and comfort, making it a great choice for the holiday. Infused with garlic, thyme and rosemary, this recipe is nothing short of mouthwatering, seared and braised to a pink perfection.
Beef Wellington with Potato Crust
This isn’t Gordon’s, but it’s a good one.
Draped in a velvety mushroom duxelles and encased in a crispy potato crust, our beef Wellington has a certain tenderness, umami richness and wildly satisfying crunch. The steps to get there might be meticulously detailed, but it’s nothing you can’t do.
Porcini Crusted Tenderloin with Chocolate Port Sauce
Lovingly encrusted in a fragrant porcini crust and a chocolate-infused port sauce, this isn’t your typical tenderloin. All you need is a coffee grinder, skillet and whisk to demystify the process, and you’ve got a showstopper.
Get the Porcini Crusted Tenderloin with Chocolate Port Sauce recipe!
Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Cranberries
This beautifully browned, rustic pork dish encapsulates the very essence of autumn, glistening with a savory pan sauce that’s complemented by the tartness of cranberries and natural sweetness of sautéed apples. Cooking lean, thin pork in a pressure cooker can be tricky, but we’ve got a hack.
Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
Who wouldn’t want a buttery, flaky salmon with a crispy pistachio crust and delightful crunch?! Served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, this earthy, sweet entrée is an easy swap.
Mixed Seafood Paella
Adopt the traditions of the Mediterranean by highlighting morsels of shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari on a bed of saffron-infused rice, chorizo and bell peppers.
Paella’s not only a rewarding dish to make, but it’s a visual masterpiece that will transport your guests to the bustling markets of Barcelona.
Sweet Potato Baked Ziti with Mushrooms and Spinach
Trust us, this irresistible medley of creamy, cheesy goodness is worthy of “main entrée” status.
Golden, bubbling ziti, complemented by the earthy depth of sautéed mushrooms and spinach with the subtle sweetness of sweet potato, this is elevated comfort food defined.
Get the Sweet Potato Baked Ziti with Mushrooms and Spinach recipe!
Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash with Kale Chips
Unlike typical risotto, this dish has a distinct bite. Nutty, chewy farro mixed with caramelized squash, sage and Parmesan give this dish its savory depth with a kale crunch we’ve perfected.
Get the Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash with Kale Chips recipe!
Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese
No longer the side piece, this bubbling, golden casserole has real main character energy.
Effortlessly combining a cult classic with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash, it’s a creamy, cheesy indulgence fit for the holiday.
Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
A testament to the beauty of simplicity, you can’t go wrong with a perfectly roasted chicken with a little lemon zest and fresh herbs.
A quick twine and braise might feel amateur, but it’s exactly that unpretentiousness that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Braised Chicken with Artichokes
Take your braised bird to the next level by infusing it with the rustic charm of the Mediterranean, nestled in a bed of artichokes, olives, basil and capers.
Pan Roasted Chicken Breasts with White Wine Herb Sauce
Seared to golden perfection and enveloped in a velvety white wine herb sauce, this one-skillet dish packs a ton of flavor.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Capers, Olives and Roasted Lemons
Punctuated by the briny pop of capers, the savory richness of olives and the zesty brightness of roasted lemons, these thighs are all you need to set the stage this Thanksgiving.
Duck Cassoulet
Take a cue from the south of France, where duck confit, aromatic herbs and hearty white beans meld together to create a rich, flavorful meal for the books.
Duck with Rosé Cherry Gastrique
The epitome of French cuisine, this duck prep isn’t for the weary, but it’s worth it.
Seared and scored with a luscious rosé cherry gastrique, this is an elegant swap for a more intimate, elevated meal.
Seared Duck Breast with Figs and Pinot Noir Shallot Sauce
It’s not a real holiday unless you’re cooking with wine. And these crisped duck breasts are tastefully embraced by figs and a deep, velvety pinot noir-shallot sauce you won’t be able to get enough of.
Get the Seared Duck Breast Recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas & inspo for your Thanksgiving feast!
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