37 Alternative Thanksgiving Meals for a Unique Celebration in 2024

These alternative Thanksgiving meals flip the script on the usual centerpiece of most tables, the turkey. Typical Thanksgiving sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. You may find yourself, however, looking for other alternatives and new ways to impress your holiday guests or struggling with ways to make the holiday a culinary experience or experiment.

Wondering what to eat for an alternative Thanksgiving meal? Or what you can have at Thanksgiving instead of turkey? We’ve rounded up a few great suggestions for fun ideas for Thanksgiving dinner that throw out the old standards or put new and innovative spins on old classics.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving, all of these Thanksgiving food ideas will have your guests leaving with full bellies and fond memories of the occasion. These are also great if you are going solo this holiday and are wondering “How do you make Thanksgiving special without family?”

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• Unique Alternative Thanksgiving Meals
• Non-Traditional Alternative Thanksgiving Meals to Impress
• Easy Non-Traditional Alternative Thanksgiving Meals
• Best Alternative Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Not Turkey
• Non-Traditional Alternative Turkey Meals

Unique Alternative Thanksgiving Meals

1. Artichoke Hearts Gratin

A great alternative to regular sides or as a Thanksgiving appetizer pre-meal, these cheese-drenched artichoke hearts are sure to be a new favorite alternative Thanksgiving meal. Make them with canned artichoke hearts, black pepper, olive oil and parmigiano-reggiano cheese.

2. Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish

This sweet and spicy relish is a great alternative to regular cranberry sauce to add a little kick to your table. To create this relish, mix lime, jalapenos, frozen cranberries and lime together. You can also add orange for a citrusy twist. 

3. Carrot Gnocchi

Gnocchi are an Italian favorite. This twist adds sweet and flavorful carrots to the interior then stuffs them in butter and herbs. Add a few pistachios for texture and a nutty flavor. Eat them with a savory pumpkin sauce or add them to skillets or casseroles for a great alternative Thanksgiving meal. 

4. Sweet Potato Rolls

An alternative to your average potato roll on every holiday table, this alternative Thanksgiving meal swaps regular potato for sweet potato puree for a sweeter spin and a little bit more fiber and nutritional value to each buttery bite. 

5. Green Beans with Feta and Bacon

A new spin on an old favorite, as well as a more luxe alternative to the famous canned green bean casserole, this alternative Thanksgiving meal sauteed beans with flavorful feta and the saltiness of bacon. You can also add cranberries for a little more tartness to the mix. 

6. Upside-Down Pumpkin Cake

Mix a yellow cake mix that includes pudding with a bit of pumpkin puree for this dessert favorite and alternative Thanksgiving meal that serves as a great alternative to the ubiquitous pumpkin pie. 

7. Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Fennel Salad

While salad is not necessarily the first dish you think of when contemplating Thanksgiving dinner, this crisp and delicious alternative Thanksgiving meal will make you want it as a yearly staple. Made with fennel, citrus, olives, pine nuts and creamy goat cheese, it's delicious topped off with a flavored or plain vinegarette for a unique Thanksgiving recipe. 

8. Polenta With Wild Mushroom Ragu

You have a vast choice of mushrooms available in the fall, including cremini, button or truffles. For the ragu, mix olive oil, your choice of vegetables, red wine and garlic together with the mushrooms for a delicious savory flavor that is a perfect complement to polenta. You can also pour it over pasta or potatoes. 

Non-Traditional Alternative Thanksgiving Meals to Impress

9. Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Crostini

The perfect appetizer for your holiday meal that will win points with your guests, try these small baguettes toasted and topped with olive oil, garlic, goat cheese and roasted pumpkin, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

For this and other amazing alternative Thanksgiving meal, try taking a cooking class, where you can pick up kitchen skills and new ideas. Look for cooking classes near you, including cooking classes in Ann Arbor, cooking classes in Milwaukee or cooking classes in Vancouver.

10. Fancy Crusted Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes

Always a classic potato dish for any holiday, this alternative Thanksgiving meal adds a spin on the creamy potato slices by adding rosemary, parmesan and garlic for an herbaceous and flavorful alternative to your usual Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. 

11. Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

For another potato-focused alternative Thanksgiving meal, try mixing your regular mashed potatoes with a bit of mascarpone cheese to kick them up to the next level. The cheese makes them creamier and richer than the usual recipe and will have guests asking for more. 

12. Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting

These can be served either as a side or a dessert. Swap them for your usual Thanksgiving dessert or add them to the plate as a spin on the usual sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows. You can also cover them in cream cheese frosting. 

13. Roquefort Pear Salad

Another great spin on salad, this one combines blue cheese, pears, glazed caramelized pecans and a mustard vinaigrette for a flavorful mix of greens that is a great way to start off a meal that is both sweet and savory. 

14. Lobster Risotto

Lobster is not often thought of as Thanksgiving fare, but you may be reconsidering after sampling this creamy mix of white wine, lobster, cheese and rice. This alternative Thanksgiving meal is perfect for upscale celebrations where you want to impress your guests with your skills in creating the perfect risotto. 

15. Cheese Soufflé

Another dish that takes a little maneuvering and skill to master, souffléinstantly adds a feeling of luxury, especially when created from gooey and delicious mixed cheeses and eggs. The presentation of a towering souffle will impress guests and serve as a perfect alternative to soup or a side alongside other Thanksgiving favorites. 

Easy Non-Traditional Alternative Thanksgiving Meals

16. Roasted Pumpkin Soup

If you plan on starting off your courses with a soup, this makes a great easy alternative Thanksgiving meal that has all the flavors of fall at your disposal. Make it with fresh or canned pumpkin puree mixed with olive oil, onion, garlic and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. This creamy soup also makes a great accompaniment for next-day leftover sandwiches. 

17. Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuff acorn squashes with apples, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon and your favorite cheese. Cover with ground walnuts. You can also add sausage for a savory dish that makes a great main course or side for other alternative Thanksgiving meals.

18. Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus

If you're looking for a great appetizer that is easy to make this Thanksgiving, look no further than hummus, which is perfect for dipping bread, crackers and veggies into. Make the hummus seasonal by adding roasted garlic and pumpkin puree to the usual chickpea base. It is also great with poultry when smeared on your leftover sandwiches. 

19. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Instead of dowsing them in gravy, fry your mashed potatoes in a mix of oil, spices and cheese to make them crispy and delicious. Add green onions or bacon bits over the top and serve with sour cream as a side dish for an easy alternative Thanksgiving meal.

20. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Add creamy pumpkin puree to your usual mac and cheese recipe for instant fall flavors. Make it in a pan or bake it topped with more cheese and garlic butter breadcrumbs for a hearty side that makes a great alternative Thanksgiving meal.

21. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

A great alternative to dinner rolls, this alternative Thanksgiving meal mixes butter, garlic and parmesan with a gooey pull-apart bread that your guests will keep reaching for. Serve it with the meal or as an appetizer you can dip in a herb-infused butter on a charcuterie board. 

Best Alternative Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Not Turkey

22. Tangy Honey-Glazed Ham

While ham is often considered more of a Christmas or Easter dinner standard, why not ditch the bird and try a sweet and salty ham instead? It makes a great alternative Thanksgiving meal.

Mix your honey with citrus or cranberry juice to achieve the tanginess and cover the outside of the ham before baking topped with pineapple slices. It works great combined with sides for dinner or on sandwiches for a Thanksgiving brunch or lunch. 

23. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions

If you are looking for a turkey alternative this holiday, try serving pork instead. Fry your pork medallions in a pan with butter, garlic, onions and herbs, then pop them into the oven for a few minutes wrapped in cooked bacon strips. 

24. Pork Chops With Apples

Another way to make pork a part of your Thanksgiving meal, this simple combo of fried or baked pork chops is a delicious alternative to turkey main courses. Coat them in apple cider, butter and garlic while cooking. Bake apples and onions with the meat or fry them up with vegetable oil in the pan for a delicious side and unique alternative Thanksgiving meal.

25. Chicken Pot Pie

If you love poultry, but would rather avoid the traditional turkey, try this spin that uses chicken. Create a creamy sauce underneath a buttery crust filled with chicken, onions, carrots and mushrooms. Use a pie crust, puff pastry or canned biscuits to create the crispy top. 

26. Prime Rib

For a luxe alternative to turkey, try serving the perfect prime rib as the centerpiece to everyone’s plate. This is a great chance to grill it for the holiday if the weather allows it. Great sides included scalloped or mashed potatoes, rolls and a crisp salad. 

27. Classic Lasagna

Always a classic favorite for any family meal, create this luscious layered dish with gooey layers of cheese, meat and noodles. You can also add in a little fall flavor by including pumpkin puree or other fall veggies like squash in your layers. This makes a great dish to prepare before the big day and refrigerate overnight.

28. Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

Glaze chicken pieces in a mic of cider, herbs and butter for this delicious turkey alternative that has all the flavors of fall. Make it in one pat with sweet potatoes, onions and apples. 

29. Beef Wellington

A perfect accompaniment to mashed potatoes and sauteed carrots, this alternative Thanksgiving meal has all the hardiness of a Thanksgiving favorite. Wrap beef tenderloin in flaky puff pastry and your choice of wrappings, including paté, prosciutto and duxelle mushrooms. Beef Wellington is one of the best Thanksgiving main dishes that are not turkey.

30. Vegetable Torte

A great vegetarian meal alternative to the usual Thanksgiving spread, this torte mixes butternut squash, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, kale and other veggies with layers of various cheeses. Other great additions include eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes. 

31. Seafood Paella

If you love seafood, this paella is full of flavors of the ocean, including clams, shrimp, fish and squid mixed with delicate rice. It makes a great soup course, main dish or side, depending on what you serve it with. It’s a great alternative to turkey and a unique alternative Thanksgiving meal for a more coastal celebration of autumn’s bounty. 

32. Chimichurri Cauliflower Steaks

Another great plant-based alternative for your holiday table, this alternative Thanksgiving meal takes ordinary cauliflower and roasts it with garlic before topping it with a chimichurri made from parsley, olive oil, lime juice and spices.

33. Pumpkin Chili

A perfect meal all on its own, this chili is perfect for potlucks, single meals for one or as a starter for a larger meal. A perfect unique Thanksgiving dish, you can make it vegetarian or meat-filled depending on your needs by combining your regular chili recipe with the fall flavor or pumpkin puree with a dash of cinnamon.

Non-Traditional Alternative Turkey Meals

34. Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breasts

If you are cooking for one, for two or a smaller group than necessitates an entire bird, this alternative Thanksgiving meal idea gives you all the same flavors with much less labor, cook time and leftovers. Whip up a savory cranberry stuffing with berries, bread cubes, spices and celery and stuff it inside the breasts before you bake them. 

35. Chicken Fried Turkey

For another great whole-bird alternative for smaller dinners and celebrations, fry up turkey cutlets in a rich egg and flour batter. Serve it with turkey gravy over mashed potatoes for the same great flavors without all the work. This recipe makes a unique Thanksgiving dinner idea. 

36. Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey

This alternative Thanksgiving meal adds just a little heat and kick to your usual main course. You can even add chiles and chipotle in adobo sauce to your gravy to carry the heat through the entire meal. 

37. Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

For an easy alternative Thanksgiving meal, add a subtle bacon flavor to the exterior and keep the inside of the turkey nice and moist while cooking. Wrap your turkey in a latticework of bacon strips before cooking that will crisp up in the oven. The dippings make a perfect salty and smoky gravy for your mashed potatoes and sides. 

These fun ideas for Thanksgiving dinner are perfect if you're looking for a way to impress your guests or shake up the usual holiday offerings. These alternative Thanksgiving menu items are also perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions or unusual palates.

For even more great things to try this Thanksgiving, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!