What To Have for Thanksgiving if You Hate Turkey

We often think of Thanksgiving like a Norman Rockwell painting, a golden turkey at the head of the table, relatives leaning in, and stuffing spilling over the edge of a casserole dish. But let’s be honest, not everyone likes turkey. Some find it dry. Some find it bland. Some simply refuse to spend six hours babysitting a bird. And that’s okay! Thanksgiving isn’t about poultry, it’s about gathering, gratitude, and gloriously good food.

What to Have for Thanksgiving if you Hate Turkey

If you’re ready to skip the turkey this year, here’s a feast-worthy lineup of alternative mains, creative sides, and fun twists to make your holiday memorable and delicious.

Glazed spiral ham 

This holiday classic is tender, sweet, savory, and easy to prepare. Pair it with a maple-bourbon glaze or keep it simple with brown sugar and mustard. Ham feels festive, feeds a crowd, and reheats like a dream.

Herb-crusted beef tenderloin 

Juicy, elegant, this beef tenderloin is ready in under an hour. Coat it with rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and a thick layer of cracked pepper. Serve with horseradish cream for a steakhouse-at-home feel. Guests who usually complain about “dry turkey” will be very thankful.

Roast chicken

Roast chicken gives you the poultry vibe without committing to a giant turkey. It cooks faster, tastes richer, and gives you that classic roasting-pan aroma. For variety try this: Roast two chickens with different seasonings, one lemon-herb, one paprika-honey. 

Vegan wellington

A showstopper centerpiece, the vegan wellington is great for plant-based guests or anyone who loves great food. Layers of mushrooms, nuts, herbs, and vegetables tucked into puff pastry create a rich, hearty main. Add roasted beets or sweet potatoes for color and depth. 

Stuffed acorn squash

Halve and roast acorn squash, then fill with quinoa, cranberries, chickpeas and pecans. It’s beautiful, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free. For meat lovers: Add sausage to the filling. 

Seafood feast

If your family loves a coastal vibe, swap the turkey for baked salmon with lemon-dill cream, shrimp scampi linguine, or crab legs and garlic butter. Thanksgiving, but make it seaside. 

Thanksgiving sides to go with your non-trikey

Even if your main is untraditional, Thanksgiving sides hold everything together. Here are dishes that fit the day, no matter what’s at the center of the table. 

Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic, chives, cream cheese, or bacon. Mashed potatoes are the warm, comforting hug of Thanksgiving.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Prepared with marshmallows, it’s a dessert disguised as a vegetable. 

Autumn Harvest Salad: Mixed greens with apple slices, candied walnuts, cranberries, goat cheese, and apple-cider vinaigrette.

Fancy Green Beans: Try almondine (with toasted almonds) or sesame-soy green beans if you want an Asian-inspired twist.

Mac and Cheese: Creamy, melty, crowd-pleasing. Add breadcrumbs on top for crunch. 

Cornbread Stuffing: All the flavor of stuffing without the bird. Add sausage, apples, mushrooms, or dried cherries to level it up.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized, and irresistible with bacon and tossed with balsamic glaze. 

Theme your Thanksgiving gathering

If you’re already ditching tradition, why not go all in? Try hosting Thanksgiving with a theme.

• Italian Thanksgiving (lasagna, garlic knots, tiramisu)
• BBQ Thanksgiving (ribs, mac & cheese, cornbread)
• Mediterranean Thanksgiving (lamb, couscous, roasted vegetables) 

It’s a fun twist that people will remember for years to come. Who knows, you might even start a new tradition!

Make a fun drink station

Whether it’s cocktails or mocktails, set up a “Mix Your Own” bar with:

• Spiced apple cider
• Cranberry juice
• Sparkling water
• Cinnamon sticks
• Fresh herbs
• Holiday spirits (if you’re including alcohol)

It keeps everyone entertained and reduces your hosting workload.

Make a "gratitude tablecloth"

Buy a plain, light colored tablecloth and set out permanent markers. Let guests write what they’re grateful for throughout the day. It becomes a conversation starter and a keepsake for years to come.

Make a Thanksgiving board

A cheese and charcuterie board — or even a veggie or dessert board — feels festive and eliminates last-minute prep chaos. Bonus points for little signs that label each item.

Make a dessert station

Sure, pumpkin pie is classic, but you can also add:

• Apple crumble
• Pecan pie bars
• Chocolate mousse
• Caramel cheesecake

By having a dessert station, guests can sample a little bit of everything.

Thanksgiving is what you make it

Thanksgiving doesn’t require turkey, stuffing, or even a traditional menu at all. At its heart, the holiday is about slowing down, gathering close, and appreciating those around you. So whether you serve beef tenderloin, seafood, or a table full of creative sides, you’re still creating a warm and memorable holiday with no turkey needed.

Celebrate your way. Eat what you love. And enjoy every bite. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Photo courtesy Pixabay/buffetcrush