society and community | February 21, 2026

What can I serve instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?

What can I serve instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?

Seven Delicious Alternatives to Turkey to Serve on Thanksgiving

  • Crown Roasts. For a centerpiece that rivals a whole bird, consider a crown roast.
  • Roasted Tenderloin. Just as its name implies, tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef and pork.
  • Beef Wellington.
  • Vegetable Centerpieces.
  • Seafood.
  • Other Birds.

What can I do instead of Thanksgiving dinner?

20 Thanksgiving Dinner Alternatives

  • Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes.
  • French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups.
  • My Mom’s Chicken Marsala with Almond Green Beans.
  • Cacio e Pepe Pie.
  • Espresso Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Risotto.
  • Cider Braised Pot Roast with Butternut Squash.

What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?

  1. Stuffing. Stuffing is, without doubt, the one side dish without which no Thanksgiving dinner is complete iStock/Getty Images Plus.
  2. Macaroni And Cheese.
  3. Green Bean Casserole.
  4. Mashed Potato.
  5. Rolls.
  6. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  7. Cranberry Sauce.
  8. Brussel Sprouts.

What goes with dressing besides turkey?

Breakfast Stuffing Cakes. It makes the most sense to start with a breakfast idea, as the first meal after a turkey dinner is this one.

  • Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup.
  • Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Balls.
  • Leftover Casserole.
  • Leftover Sandwich.
  • Stuffing Muffins.
  • Stuffed Squash.
  • Mozzarella Stuffing Balls.
  • What is the most popular Thanksgiving main dish?

    Turkey
    The Most Popular Thanksgiving Dish Among Americans Is Turkey, a New Survey Says. Respondents are least excited about dinners rolls, green beans, and salad. Respondents are least excited about dinners rolls, green beans, and salad.

    How many sides should a Thanksgiving dinner have?

    How many side dishes should you have at Thanksgiving? Lots of them! Of course it depends on how many people you will have at dinner, but the more options you can provide, the better. You want to have at least 2 of each type of side – 2 vegetable sides, 2 starches, 2 desserts.

    Why is turkey bad for you?

    There Is a Risk of Ingesting Salmonella With Your Turkey Recently, a salmonella illness outbreak linked to raw turkey products has spread to 35 states and made 164 people seriously ill. The outbreak has sent 63 people to the hospital and one person in California died.

    Why you shouldn’t have turkey on Thanksgiving?

    Experts warn that a virulent new strain of bird flu could spread to humans. Cooking a turkey can adequately kill bacteria and viruses, but even a little of what makes you ill can lurk on cutting boards and utensils and thus spread to hands or foods that won’t be cooked.

    How many yams do you need per person?

    Quantity planning for soups, sides, main courses, and desserts

    Side DishPer PersonCrowd of 50
    Corn on the cob (broken in halves when serving buffet-style)1 ear45 ears
    Pasta (cooked)2 to 3 ounces7 pounds
    Potatoes and yams1 (medium)12 pounds
    Rice and grains (cooked)1 1/2 ounces5 pounds

    What can turkeys not eat?

    Processed Human Food: Processed foods, especially those that are greasy, salty, or sweet, should be avoided. These foods are not healthy for turkeys. Our junk food is also junk food for them. Too much salt, sugar, or fat can cause health problems.