Who’s ready for turkey dinner? I can tell you one thing, this girl is! But what did you say? You don’t like turkey? Well, that’s a little crazy but it’s ok. Here are some alternative Thanksgiving dinner ideas for all of you turkey haters out there.
Ham
Ham is a staple for people at Christmas time. At least I know it was for my family. But who’s to say you can’t have it at Thanksgiving time? Ham with an orange juice, honey, and cinnamon glaze will wow any crowd. And once you throw it in the oven, (and make sure to check it,) it pretty much cooks itself. For a dinner party, these kinds of main entrees are the best.
Cornish Hen
Have you ever had Cornish hens? They are these personal-sized game hens and the best part about them is everyone gets their own. You can roast a bunch of them together in the oven so they aren’t as time intense as they may sound.
Meatballs
Who doesn’t love meatballs? Plus with a dish like this, you could make 4-5 different flavors and a bunch of sides, too. It’d be like a meatball bar. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a Thanksgiving dinner party like that? Make sure to have a bunch of different sauces or gravy, too. Yum.
Roasted Chicken
Roasted Chickens are easy and delicious. They are easy enough to make during the week but also great around the Thanksgiving table. Stuff your chicken with lemons and pepper for a fresh and light-tasting chicken. Or use herbs like oregano and basil, along with salt, black pepper, a little cayenne pepper, tons of garlic and butter all over the skin. Either way is delicious. Make sure not to cook it too long (just like the turkey,) so that you and your guests can enjoy a savory and moist roast chicken.
Italian Beefs
If there is anything easier than a crock pot, tell me about it now! I even prefer a crock pot to an instant pot. Plus, when you walk in the door your whole place smells amazing from whatever you’ve been cooking all day. Oh ya, and using a crock pot for a dinner party? Genius. But to the Italian Beefs! All you need is a beef chuck roast, spices, sliced onion and green peppers, garlic, and beef stock. You add it all to the crock pot and 8 (or 4) hours later, you have a delicious shreddable meat that can be added to rolls, salads, potatoes, over rice or however you want to eat and serve it.
Meatloaf
I know some people hate on it, but meatloaf can be truly delicious! Plus, you could use ground turkey and add onions, carrots, zucchini, celery, garlic, rosemary, sage and thyme, and you can have your “Thanksgiving dinner,” turkey meatloaf style! You could also make a classic meatloaf with ground beef, onions, spices, and a rich and delicious ketchup and brown sugar topping. Have sides like mac and cheese, green beans with butter, salt, and pepper, rolls, green salad with lots of toppings, and a crisp for dessert. It will be delicious and feel more like a Sunday dinner than Thanksgiving, but who cares? Thanksgiving is nothing if not friends and family coming together to talk and feast over good food.
If these ideas aren’t what you want either, consider doing a themed dinner. Think Italian, Mexican, or even Chinese food. At the end of the day, err dinner, eating and spending time with your people is the best part about Thanksgiving anyhow.