The National Turkey Federation reports that 88% of Americans consume turkey on Thanksgiving.
If you want to be one of the 12% who would rather have a well-done steak than another turkey, we’ve gathered our favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving meals.
Contents
- Best Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
- 1. Smoked Prime Rib Roast
- 2. Twice Smoked Spiral Ham With Pineapple Maple Glaze
- 3. Smoked BBQ Brisket
- 4. Grilled Steak Pinwheels
- 5. Smoked Whole Duck with Maple Bourbon Glaze
- 6. Big & Meaty Smoked Beef Ribs
- 7. Hot & Fast Smoked Baby Back Ribs
- 8. Smoked Rack of Lamb With Pistachio Crust
- 9. Double Smoked Ham with Maple-Mustard Glaze
- 10. Smoked Lamb Shoulder
- 11. Smoked Lobster Tails
- 12. Smoked Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Prosciutto
- 13. Rotisserie Porchetta Pork Belly
- How to keep that stubborn turkey lover happy
- FAQs
- What can I serve for Thanksgiving besides turkey?
- What traditional main course do most eat on Thanksgiving?
- What are the top 3 Thanksgiving dishes?
- What are good main courses?
- What are 4 other traditional Thanksgiving foods 17?
- What are 4 other traditional Thanksgiving foods?
- What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes?
- What other meat can you serve on Thanksgiving?
- What are the top 10 Thanksgiving foods?
- What is the perfect Thanksgiving menu?
Best Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
1. Smoked Prime Rib Roast
This prime rib is a Christmas staple for a reason, and it tops our list of the greatest turkey substitutes. A herb and garlic compound butter coats the prime rib with taste.
2. Twice Smoked Spiral Ham With Pineapple Maple Glaze
A double-smoked spiral ham with your choice of BBQ seasoning and a sweet pineapple and maple glaze is the ideal Christmas main course.
I promise that even the most ardent turkey enthusiasts will want seconds of this smoked ham.
You may still use this recipe with a nonspiral cut, such as a ham leg.
3. Smoked BBQ Brisket
While brisket is typically served as a main entrée on Jewish festivals, it is not a popular choice for the rest of us during Thanksgiving.
This one cooks quickly and hot, making it ideal for the holidays when you’re pressed for time.
4. Grilled Steak Pinwheels
Stuffed flank steak with cream cheese, baby spinach, and mozzarella, then wrapped up into pinwheels and cooked till medium-rare. Guests will believe you worked hard on it, but this dish is deceptively easy to prepare.
5. Smoked Whole Duck with Maple Bourbon Glaze
Smoked duck has long been regarded as a sumptuous holiday dish. With a sweet maple bourbon frosting, this dish packs a powerful flavor punch. It fulfills the poultry requirement while being more interesting than dried turkey.
6. Big & Meaty Smoked Beef Ribs
Many lists of turkey alternatives do not include smoked beef ribs, but as barbecue fans, we believe these Texas Style beef short ribs are huge, assertive, and suitable for the center of your Thanksgiving table.
7. Hot & Fast Smoked Baby Back Ribs
These, like the beef ribs, aren’t traditionally considered Thanksgiving fare, but who wouldn’t want succulent and meaty ribs slathered in sweet, sticky BBQ sauce?
No one.
8. Smoked Rack of Lamb With Pistachio Crust
This complete lamb rack is breaded with pistachios and smoked till a lovely crumbly crust emerges. If you want to spice up your Christmas cuisine this year, serve it with a drizzle of apricot-balsamic sauce.
9. Double Smoked Ham with Maple-Mustard Glaze
Because smoked ham is a Christmas staple, we believe it merits two slots on our list of turkey substitutes.
This is another quick and easy dish with a festive maple-mustard glaze. If you want a more alcoholic glaze, we also offer hot honey and bourbon glazed ham.
10. Smoked Lamb Shoulder
If you enjoyed the appearance of the lamb rack but need to feed more people, a complete shoulder (or leg) is the way to go.
As the centerpiece of your Christmas feast, a whole smoked lamb looks fantastic.
11. Smoked Lobster Tails
We had to add a seafood option, and smoked lobster tails are the perfect celebratory treat. The sweet and buttery aromas of lobster tails are heightened with a hint of smoky flavor.
12. Smoked Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Prosciutto
Pork encased in even more pork? Please, yes. The pork tenderloin is a less expensive turkey option for your Thanksgiving main course.
A single tenderloin is ideal for a small party, and it’s simple to increase the quantity by cooking additional.
13. Rotisserie Porchetta Pork Belly
This porchetta dish is a holiday hit if you have a rotisserie on hand.
Furthermore, the aroma that will permeate your home as the juices from the pig gently contact hot coals will put your visitors in a festive spirit.
How to keep that stubborn turkey lover happy
You now have a plethora of great main dish options for your Christmas feast.
The main issue is keeping that one individual happy who believes that Thanksgiving isn’t complete without turkey.
I’d like to advise that you smoke a token turkey breast. It’s simple to make and inexpensive. Once sliced, there will be plenty for everyone to have a taste of turkey without having to cook an entire bird.
To keep them satisfied, you may even opt for wings or legs.
