Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, fantastic food! While turkey often takes center stage, there are countless delicious main dishes that can elevate your holiday feast.
The short answer: more than 65 Thanksgiving mains that are not turkey, from ham and beef to vegetarian centrepieces. Useful whether you are cooking for a small table or someone who simply does not like turkey.
I've gathered over 65 of the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes beyond turkey in this collection.
From succulent prime rib, tender pork roast to flavorful ribs and casseroles, these dishes will impress your guests and add variety to your holiday table.
Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes
Get ready to inspire your Thanksgiving menu with mouthwatering options everyone will love!
If you're looking to add some turkey recipes to your dinner table, be sure to scroll through these mouthwatering Thanksgiving Turkey recipes.
Stuffed Pork Chops (Quick & Easy!) - Wholesome Yum
This juicy baked stuffed pork chops recipe is elegant, easy, and takes less than 30 minutes. You’ll love the cheesy mushroom filling!
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Photo credit: wholesomeyum.com
Sheet Pan Ham Dinner
This sheet pan ham dinner recipe is perfect for special holiday dinners and a delicious, busy weeknight meal.
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Photo credit: xoxobella.com
Authentic Italian Manicotti Recipe
This authentic homemade Italian manicotti recipe is one of the best out there! Made with crepes and a rich ricotta cheese filling, these manicotti is perfect for the holidays!
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Photo credit: scarlatifamilykitchen.com
Dutch Oven Pork Roast with Root Vegetables
With a delicious dijon herb crust and roasted root vegetables, this dutch oven pork roast is made with pork loin and a delicious one-pan dinner. Perfect for holidays, Christmas, or a dinner party. It’s a cozy recipe that’s gluten free and also easy to make dairy free, paleo, and whole30.
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Photo credit: thedizzycook.com
Baked Ham with Cherry Ham Glaze
Easy baked ham cooked with cherry ham glaze. This sweet and sour glaze is made with cherry preserve, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices.
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Photo credit: willcookforsmiles.com
Looking for more inspiration? See our Cast Iron New York Steak With Chimichurri Sauce.
Baked Trout In Oven (With Lemon and Honey Soy Sauce!)
Preparing this baked trout with lemon and sauce couldn't be simpler. Fish fillets glazed in honey mustard, soy, and sesame sauce, turns tender and flavorful in our quick 20-minute trout recipe.
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Best Baked Cod In Foil With Vegetables and Chimichurri Sauce
Delicious baked cod fillets, seasoned to perfection and wrapped in foil with a variety of colorful and tender vegetables.
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Pork Sirloin Roast
This Pork Sirloin Roast is easy to make a super flavorful thanks to the garlic herb butter. It’s tender, juicy, & perfect for family dinners.
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Photo credit: getinspiredeveryday.com
Creamy Tuna & Sun-Dried Tomato Casserole - In the Kitch
Tuna casserole with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, shell pasta and a creamy, tomato-pesto Alfredo sauce.
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Photo credit: inthekitch.net
Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce. A simple and wildly delicious way to prepare and serve this tender, flakey, and popular white fish.
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Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
Grilled Chuck Roast {with Garlic & Onion Dry Rub}
Grilled Chuck Roast made with a quick garlic and onion dry rub and grilled with hardwood smoke for the best roast beef you have ever tried.
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Photo credit: missinthekitchen.com
Baked Ranch Chicken
This chicken is so easy to make and it’s packed with flavor! The shredded Italian cheese gives it a delicious cheesy taste, while the cornflakes add a nice crunch.
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Photo credit: crystalandcomp.com
Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin - Caramelized Onion Filling
If you are looking for a way to dress up a simple pork tenderloin, you need to try this recipe for Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.
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Photo credit: aredspatula.com
Pork Tenderloin With Mustard Sauce
This dish features perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with a creamy mustard sauce that is absolutely amazing! Tastes fancy but so easy to make!
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Photo credit: mapleandmango.com
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the best creamy chicken casserole recipe. Chicken is coated in a rich creamy sauce, and topped with a buttery layer of Ritz crackers. This chicken bake is the perfect party dish and an easy base to add more ingredients t customize it further.
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Grilled New York Strip Roast (with Garlic Herb Crust)
NY Strip Roast makes a great holiday dinner on the grill. Tender and juicy roast for an impressive presentation for celebration dinners.
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Photo credit: outgrilling.com
Moroccan-Inspired Jewish Braised Brisket
This Moroccan-Inspired Jewish Braised Brisket recipe is UNREAL. I receive endless complements every time. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
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Photo credit: snackingemily.com
Cast Iron New York Steak With Chimichurri Recipe
Here is how to make perfectly tender cast iron New york steak with Chimichurri. This recipe gives you restaurant quality steak with a summery pop of herbs and seasonings from the Chimichurri sauce.
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Pork Tenderloin With Sauce (So Juicy!)
This tender Pork Tenderloin recipe is sure to win over any crowd! Experience the succulence of juicy pork slices, delicately coated in a flavorful mix of herbs and spices before being expertly pan-seared. Pair it with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce for a delightful serving.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Italian Pork Roast
This rich and savory Italian Pork Roast combines tender pork shoulder roast with earthy mushrooms in a luscious tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is cooked low and slow in the oven for a memorable and
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Photo credit: fromvalerieskitchen.com
Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
Create juicy and tender beef with this Traeger smoked chuck roast recipe that’s perfect for beginners. You’ll love the smoky flavor infused into the meat
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Photo credit: quichemygrits.com
If you love this recipe, you'll also want to try our Kielbasa and Sauerkraut.
Chicken And Mushroom Pasta Bake (Chicken Tetrazzini)
Learn how to make the best chicken casserole with creamy cheese sauce, juicy chicken bits, and utterly buttery mushrooms. And don’t get me started on the crunchy top layer, it is one of my best creations. You gonna love this!
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Easy Slow Cooker Rump Roast
Easy Slow Cooker Rump Roast is a rich and flavorful weeknight dinner. Made with a juicy rump roast that’s slowly cooked along with veggies over several hours until the meat is fork-tender.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese is taken up a level with butternut squash, bacon, and a breadcrumb topping, perfect for Thanksgiving.
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Photo credit: evolvingtable.com
Tender Bottom Round Roast (Oven Recipe)
This bottom round roast is coated in a savory, tangy wet rub and slow roasted until it is a tender and delicious medium rare.
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Photo credit: enzasquailhollowkitchen.com
5-Ingredient Baked Honey Ham Recipe
This honey baked ham is the most delicious easy honey ham recipe for any occasion. No need to spend much on a restaurant-quality ham.
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Photo credit: chewoutloud.com
Easy Chicken & Pasta Bake With Alfredo Sauce
Chicken & Pasta Bake With Alfredo Sauce will become your staple one-pot pasta dish. Cheesy creamy pasta is loaded with simple ingredients like penne pasta, chicken, and creamy alfredo sauce. Customize it even further by adding veggies such as broccoli, peas, and spices. It is easy to throw together which makes sit a great weeknight meal.
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Slow Cooker Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs - They're juicy, sticky, and absolutely delicious. I served them over fluffy rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
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Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe - Evolving Table
Traditional stuffing gets a flavor upgrade with loads of ground sausage, fresh herbs, and the perfect balance of soft bread cubes and a crispy top!
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Photo credit: evolvingtable.com
5-Ingredient Barbecue Slow Cooker Ribs
Learn how to make these foolproof Barbecue Slow Cooker Ribs that come out fall-apart-tender each time. The secret to perfect ribs is to cook them in a slow cooker first, baste generously with the sauce and transfer to the oven just for a couple of minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs charred beautifully.
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Smoked Prime Rib Recipe
This smoked prime rib is the the best way to elevate your next holiday meal. It’s a perfect medium rare, juicy, and pink from edge to edge.
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Photo credit: sweetteaandthyme.com
THE BEST QUICK Steak Fajitas
This recipe delivers juicy, perfectly seasoned beef fajitas with pops of tender bell peppers.
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Citrus and Herb Cornish Hens
These Citrus and Herb Roasted Cornish Hens are my go-to Cornish hen recipe for the holiday season. These game hens are seasoned with herbs and orange zest and served with a rich pan sauce. Perfect for an elegant dinner at home or a unique alternative for Thanksgiving dinner.
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Photo credit: peelwithzeal.com
How To Make Pork Chops In Air Fryer
These air fryer pork chops are incredibly tender and flavorful and will only take you 9 minutes to make! Each seasoned pork chop is cooked to a crispy golden brown exterior and can be paired with mashed potato, roasted broccoli, or green salads - perfect for busy weeknights!
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake
Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake is a healthy, filling, and budget-friendly dish. It also happens to be delicious! You can have this one-dish meal on the table in a quick 20 minutes which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Easy Meatloaf
The best meatloaf recipe! It’s tender, moist & flavorful with a delicious glaze. This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic that your family will love! Watch the video to learn how to make meatloaf!
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Photo credit: joyfoodsunshine.com
Lemon Butter Chicken
Lemon Chicken is an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes! A hearty yet low-carb dish made of tender and juicy chicken fillets doused in a zesty buttery sauce that your whole family will love.
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Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe
Stuffed Butternut Squash is a hearty and nutritious dish made with sausage, vegetables, fruit, spices and protein! A comforting meal that combines sweet butternut squash and tart apples with savory ground beef and warm cinnamon.
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Stuffed Shells
Cheese and spinach stuffed pasta shells draped in marinara sauce and then sprinkled with even more cheese make these Stuffed Shells a family-favorite, comforting dish.
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Red Wine Pot Roast Recipe
Red Wine Pot Roast just melts in your mouth! The beef is braised for hours in a savory red wine sauce for tender, flavorful shreds with a slight crisp.
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Photo credit: sweetandsavorymeals.com
ROASTED HALF CHICKEN RECIPE
This roasted half chicken recipe creates the most delicious, golden brown, juicy result you've ever tasted. It has crisp skin lightly seasoned with garlic and thyme and tender, succulent meat. Best of all, this half roasted chicken is elegant enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a stress-free weeknight meal.
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Photo credit: twocloveskitchen.com
Another favorite worth bookmarking: our 21 High Protein Crunchy Cabbage Recipes.
Vegan Mushroom Wellington
Vegan Mushroom Wellington stuffed w/ sweet potato, caramelized onions & fresh rosemary. A fabulous spin on traditional Beef Wellington.
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Photo credit: oohlalaitsvegan.com
Ina Garten Pot Roast
This Ina Garten Pot Roast recipe is a company-ready, impressive, and savory dish that’s perfect to serve for your next dinner party. In this helpful guide, we’ll teach you how to make it in the oven and in your slow cooker!
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Photo credit: foolproofliving.com
Honey Glazed Baked Ham
Honey Glazed Baked Ham is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, this incredibly delicious dish is sure to please everyone. The
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Photo credit: cookingorgeous.com
Texas Style Smoked Beef Chuck Roast
Learn how to make the best ever Smoked Beef Chuck Roast for slicing or pulling! Very similar to smoked brisket, but done much quicker!
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Photo credit: littlesunnykitchen.com
HERBES DE PROVENCE ROASTED CHICKEN
This Herbes de Provence roasted chicken recipe has golden brown, crispy skin with juicy, tender meat. It's seasoned simply with Herbes de Provence and roasted in the oven with garlic cloves and lemon for a fragrant, delicious meal that's easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a special occasion.
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Photo credit: twocloveskitchen.com
Juicy Mediterranean Chicken Recipe (In Oven!)
Dig into the tasty flavors of this easy Mediterranean Chicken recipe! Just bake these chicken thighs and veggies until they’re tender and golden brown. This chicken dinner is easy to make and brings out all those great Mediterranean flavors. It is extra delicious with a tasty marinade and roasted cherry tomatoes! They add a pop of color and flavor.
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Roasted Cabbage Steaks
These Roasted Cabbage Steaks are so easy and delicious. Made with only five ingredients, this simple recipe makes a flavorful snack or side that you’re going to just love!
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Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Ready in under 30 minutes, sweet and savoury bacon wrapped chicken thighs are made with brown sugar and paprika.
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Photo credit: livinglou.com
Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops With Herbs
Pan-Seared Pork Chops are the best way to achieve succulent and tender pork chops with a crispy golden crust on either side. The simple seasoning and dried herbs provide umami flavor to these moist pork chops and a gluten-free alternative to bread!
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Photo credit: theyummybowl.com
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables
This easy slow cooker Thanksgiving chicken is perfectly tender thanks to the long cooking time and will free up your oven for all your sides!
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Photo credit: hauteandhealthyliving.com
Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin - Mixin Mamas
This chicken & walnut stuffed pumpkin is perfect for fall! It’s a delightful dish that is unique and tasty. Great option for a dinner party.
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Photo credit: mixinmamas.com
Mexican Stuffed Peppers Is The Dinner I Make All The Time
These perfectly baked peppers are loaded with enchilada chicken, rich red enchilada sauce, seasonings, plenty of cheese, rice, and of course beans.
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Roasted Vegetable Wellington ~ This Wife Cooks
Make room on the holiday table for this hearty and flavorful veggie roast!!
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Photo credit: thiswifecooks.com
Best Ever Beyond Meat Meatloaf (Vegan)
Beyond meat meatloaf is meaty, juicy & topped with a sweet and tangy glaze! Perfect as a main course on Thanksgiving or served for dinner.
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Photo credit: sunglowkitchen.com
Vegan Chickpea Ratatouille Without Eggplant
This Vegan Chickpea Ratatouille Without Eggplant is easy and delicious! It is made in one pot and full of plant protein.
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Photo credit: avocadoskillet.com
Vegan Pot Roast ~ This Wife Cooks
Vegan Pot Roast ~ Hearty plant-based seitan roast with the savory flavor of traditional pot roast. Perfect for holidays and Sunday dinner.
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Photo credit: thiswifecooks.com
If you love this recipe, you'll also want to try our 15 Family-Friendly Pasta Recipes Everyone Will Love.
One Pan Butternut Squash and Chickpea Casserole (vegan)
This One Pan Butternut Squash and Chickpea Casserole (vegan) is the perfect plant based thanksgiving dish.
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Mayo Baked Salmon
Mayo Baked Salmon always comes out juicy, tender, flavorful. No one will guess that the topping is mayo! This recipe has air fryer and oven instructions.
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Photo credit: babaganosh.org
Deliciously Hearty Lentil and Mushroom Bake Recipe
This lentil and mushroom bake is utterly delicious and packed with flavour. It is a total comfort dish and a real contender for your weekly staple meal plan.
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Photo credit: yumveganlunchideas.com
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Air fryer honey garlic chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for those who want a quick and easy meal.
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Photo credit: goldengracekitchen.com
Picnic Ham (with Orange Glaze)
"That was great ham, by the way!" he said. "What?" I replied, "You ate some of the ham? The one in the beige container?" It couldn't be - he never eats anything 'new' in the fridge without asking me first! And usually, I'm flattered when he tells me how good a meal was, but my perfectly cooked Picnic Ham Recipe (with Orange Glaze) wasn't quite ready for consumption...
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Photo credit: foodmeanderings.com
Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
When you put this apple walnut stuffed pork tenderloin on the table, everyone will think it took hours to make but it’s quick & easy to make!
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Photo credit: mixinmamas.com
BEST Pineapple Glaze for Ham (Easy & Classic Recipe!)
This is the best ever Pineapple Glaze for Ham! Made in just 10 minutes, this easy glaze is packed with brown sugar, pineapple juice, and simple spices. Slather over a moist, tender ham for an addictive holiday meal with tons of flavor and sticky, caramelized edges.
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Photo credit: borrowedbites.com
Gluten-free Vegan Eggplant Lasagna • Happy Kitchen
This vegan eggplant lasagna is a hearty yet healthy gluten-free dish full of flavor and nutrients and is just perfect for a family dinner.
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Photo credit: happykitchen.rocks
Bottom Round Roast
This bottom round roast is a favorite family recipe! Crusted in sea salt, fresh garlic, and herbs, this juicy roast is delicious!
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Photo credit: allergyfreealaska.com
Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner
Classic prime rib for Christmas dinner, perfect every time. Step-by-step instructions on how to roast, cook, and season your prime rib!
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Photo credit: whatagirleats.com
Marmalade Glazed Ham
Easy Marmalade Glazed Ham is a great addition to a festive table. The sticky glaze is sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy - so delicious.
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Photo credit: itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com
How to Cook a Spiral Ham + Honey Glaze Recipe
Ready to heat in minutes, I will show you how to cook spiral ham (we love Costco ham) and make a quick honey ham glaze perfect for any special occasion! Crockpot, oven, or electric roaster.
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Photo credit: thefreshcooky.com
Best-Ever Honey Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard
This easy honey-glazed ham is quick, healthy-ish, and perfect for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. Learn how to cook and glaze a fully cooked ham with a simple brown sugar honey mustard glaze.
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Dry Brined Roasted Turkey (Extra Juicy with Rosemary & Garlic)
This dry brined roasted turkey is extra juicy with rosemary, garlic, and wine pan drippings. Learn how to dry brine a turkey for the juiciest Thanksgiving turkey.
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FAQ
Do I need to serve turkey at all if I make several of these mains?
Not at all. Many hosts skip the whole bird entirely and build the table around 2-3 of these dishes instead, it's actually a great option if you're cooking for a smaller group or just want less oven juggling on the day.
Can I make any of these ahead of time?
Yes, most casseroles, braises, and roasts on this list can be assembled a day ahead and either refrigerated or partially cooked, then finished in the oven while your sides are going. Check each recipe's own storage notes for specifics.
What's a good way to pick which mains to serve together?
Try to balance textures and flavors, pair something rich and saucy with something lighter or brighter, and think about oven space and timing so everything can realistically be ready around the same time.
Whichever mains you land on, the goal is the same: a table that feels full and thought out without you being stuck in the kitchen all day. Mix and match a couple of these with your usual sides and you've got a Thanksgiving spread that doesn't revolve around the turkey at all.
And once the big meal is over, put any extra turkey to good use with our 25 Leftover Turkey Recipes to Make After Thanksgiving.
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