20 Savory Thanksgiving Mains That Include Turkeys and Irresistible Alternatives

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This Thanksgiving, diversify your feast with 20 savory mains that feature not only traditional methods of preparing turkey, but also some pretty compelling and irresistible alternatives! From the wood-fired flavor of Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe to the sweet and savory notes a fabulous Ham Glaze can add to a store-bought spiral, there’s a delightful array of options to satisfy every palate. Discover the joy of serving Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction alongside a perfectly roasted Whole Tandoori Chicken, ensuring your table is filled with memorable flavors that go beyond the bird!

Ham Glaze Recipe

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A glazed ham is beautifully sliced and arranged on a platter, garnished with figs, orange slices, grapes, and herbs. A golden fork and a knife are placed beside the ham. In the background, there's a bowl with a black basting brush and a bright orange persimmon.
Ham Glaze Recipe. Photo credit: Photo credit: Baking A Moment.

Making a glazed ham is incredibly easy with this 3-ingredient recipe! The glaze is sticky-sweet and incredibly mouthwatering, adding a deliciously glossy finish that elevates your ham to a whole new level of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ham Glaze Recipe

Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

Sliced, roasted turkey breast seasoned with herbs and spices is presented on a wooden cutting board. A sharp knife and a carving fork are placed next to it. Fresh sage leaves and orange slices are used as garnish.
Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked Turkey Breast is a classic choice for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. The smoking process gives the turkey a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with traditional sides. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will wow your guests. With this recipe, you get juicy and tender turkey breast every time. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the method, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers excellent results.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner

A sheet pan meal with roasted chicken breasts, stuffing, green beans, and twice-baked sweet potatoes topped with melted marshmallows. Lemon slices and herbs garnish the dish. All ingredients are arranged on a baking sheet on a light countertop.
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner is perfect for those seeking the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes with minimal effort. Everything cooks on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The turkey breast is seasoned and roasted alongside vegetables, creating a complete meal in one go. This dish is ideal for smaller gatherings or anyone looking for a no-fuss Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this all-in-one recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner

The BEST Holiday Roasted Chicken

A roasted whole chicken garnished with lemon slices and fresh rosemary is placed on an oval white plate. The table setting includes a green and white striped cloth napkin beside the plate, and there are additional lemon slices arranged near the chicken.
The BEST Holiday Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The BEST Holiday Roasted Chicken is a great alternative for your Thanksgiving main dish. This recipe promises a juicy and flavorful chicken with crispy skin that everyone will love. It’s seasoned with herbs and spices that bring out the best in the bird. This roasted chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for those who prefer poultry other than turkey. Pair it with your favorite sides for a memorable Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Holiday Roasted Chicken

Puerto Rican Style Thanksgiving Turkey (Pavochón)

A plate of sliced roast turkey topped with gravy is served with a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a side of seasoned rice mixed with peas and olives. The background features a green and white table setting.
Puerto Rican Style Thanksgiving Turkey (Pavochón). Photo credit: A Latin Flair.

Puerto Rican Style Thanksgiving Turkey, or Pavochón, brings vibrant flavors to your holiday table. This recipe features a turkey marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, giving it a unique and tasty twist. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking to add a bit of Latin flair to their Thanksgiving main dish. The result is a juicy and aromatic turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. Enjoy a taste of Puerto Rican tradition this Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Puerto Rican Style Thanksgiving Turkey (Pavochón)

Easy Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

A plate with a sliced, seasoned roast turkey breast, garnished with lettuce leaves and accompanied by roasted vegetables including potato wedges and carrots. The presentation suggests a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Easy Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe. Photo credit: Ask Chef Dennis.

Easy Smoked Turkey Breast is a fantastic option for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. This recipe gives you all the smoky flavor without the hassle of a whole bird. The turkey breast is seasoned and smoked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main course. It’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Pair it with your favorite sides for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast arranged on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley, bright yellow lemon wedges, and red cranberries. The juicy, golden-brown turkey slices are beautifully presented, ready for serving.
Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: A Southern Soul.

Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast is perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving main dish. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a tender and flavorful turkey breast. This recipe requires minimal preparation, freeing up your oven for other dishes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious turkey breast ready without much effort. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed and tasty Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Turkey Breast

A white rectangular dish displays sliced, seasoned roast turkey garnished with fresh rosemary and lemon slices. The dish is set on a marble countertop with a blue and white checked cloth napkin nearby. A cup of gravy and whole lemons are in the background.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Turkey Breast. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Turkey Breast is a great choice for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. The lemon and herb seasoning infuse the turkey with fresh and vibrant flavors. Cooking it in the slow cooker ensures the meat stays moist and tender. This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delightful and hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Turkey Breast

Stuffed Cornish Hens

A perfectly roasted golden-brown chicken is placed on a bed of savory wild rice, garnished with fresh herbs. The dish is presented on a white platter with hints of rosemary and other green foliage around it, ready to be served.
Stuffed Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

Stuffed Cornish Hens make an elegant and flavorful Thanksgiving main dish. Each hen is stuffed with a savory filling, providing a unique and personal touch for each guest. The hens are roasted to golden perfection, offering a juicy and tender meat that’s sure to impress. This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it a great addition to your holiday table. Enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving with these delicious stuffed hens.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cornish Hens

Instant Pot Turkey Breast

A perfectly roasted whole chicken on a dark green plate, garnished with fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme. The chicken's skin is golden brown and crispy. In the background, a striped cloth napkin is partially visible.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Eating in an Instant.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast is a quick and easy option for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. The pressure cooker ensures the turkey breast cooks quickly and stays juicy. This recipe is perfect for those short on time but still want a delicious and traditional main course. The turkey is seasoned with herbs and spices, creating a flavorful and tender meat. Serve it with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe

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Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Perfect for holiday feasts or a special Sunday dinner, my 3-ingredient Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe is a top choice for impressing your guests. Simple yet elegant, it’s a standout main dish that’s both easy to prepare and sure to wow.

Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb Recipe

Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

A white plate holds a roasted turkey breast, sliced into pieces. The meat shows a mix of crispy golden-brown skin and tender white flesh. Small sprigs of herbs and an orange slice garnish the plate, adding a touch of color to the presentation.
Roast Turkey Breast Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This Roast Turkey Breast Recipe is a classic choice for Thanksgiving main dishes. The turkey breast is seasoned and roasted to perfection, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers great results every time. Ideal for smaller gatherings or those who prefer white meat, this roast turkey breast will be a hit at your holiday table. Pair it with traditional sides for a comforting Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Slices of grilled meat, medium rare, arranged on a plate.
Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

During preparation, an otherwise plain pork tenderloin is coated with a flavorful herb-sugar-Dijon paste that turns into a sweet and sticky crust as it roasts. The result is a deliciously standout pork roast that’s far from ordinary and sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe – Easy Method

A golden-brown roasted turkey on a wooden platter, surrounded by roasted potatoes and garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. The turkey has crispy skin and is the centerpiece of the dish.
Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe – Easy Method. Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

The Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe is a must-have for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. This method ensures a juicy and flavorful turkey with crispy skin. It’s easy to follow, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. The turkey is seasoned with simple ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Serve it with gravy and your favorite sides for a classic Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe – Easy Method

Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

A white plate contains roasted meat, green leafy vegetables, and three crispy potatoes. To the left, there's a white gravy boat filled with brown gravy. Above the plate, a dish of mashed potatoes with a golden crust is partially visible on a wooden surface.
Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder. Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder offers a rich and flavorful option for your Thanksgiving main dish. The lamb is cooked slowly until it’s tender and juicy, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something different this holiday season. It’s simple to prepare and results in a delicious and hearty main course. Pair it with your favorite sides for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken

A roasted, spatchcock chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin, garnished with lemon slices, sitting atop a bed of fluffy yellow rice. The dish is presented on a metal baking tray.
Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken. Photo credit: Masala & Chai.

Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken brings exciting flavors to your Thanksgiving table. The chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, giving it a bold and delicious taste. Roasting the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender with a crispy skin. This recipe is perfect for those wanting to add a bit of spice to their holiday meal. Serve it with traditional sides for a unique and flavorful Thanksgiving main dish.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken

Juicy Cast-Iron Roast Chicken

A roasted chicken is served in a black dish. The chicken is golden brown and seasoned with herbs, and its cavity is stuffed with what appears to be fruits and vegetables, including dark purple olives.
Juicy Cast-Iron Roast Chicken. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

Juicy Cast-Iron Roast Chicken is an excellent choice for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. Cooking the chicken in a cast-iron skillet ensures it stays moist and flavorful. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations. Seasoned with herbs and spices, this roast chicken offers a delicious and comforting main course. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cast-Iron Roast Chicken

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables

A roasted chicken garnished with fresh herbs sits in a pan surrounded by an array of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. The chicken is golden-brown and seasoned with herbs, creating an inviting and hearty meal presentation.
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables is a convenient and tasty main dish. The slow cooker method ensures the chicken stays juicy and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. This all-in-one recipe simplifies holiday cooking, freeing up your oven for other dishes. With minimal preparation, you can have a delicious and hearty main course ready for your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a great option for a stress-free holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables

Maple and Sage Brown Butter Roasted Turkey

A golden-brown roasted turkey garnished with fresh herbs, cranberries, and sliced apples is displayed on a white platter. In the background, there are festive autumn decorations including pumpkins and a blue-striped dish towel.
Maple and Sage Brown Butter Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Baking A Moment.

This Thanksgiving turkey recipe turns out incredibly juicy, featuring a golden, crispy skin glazed with a sweet, seasonal maple and sage brown butter. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this turkey delivers everything you could wish for: juicy, tender meat, seasonal savory flavors, and a perfectly crispy, golden skin.
Get the Recipe: Maple and Sage Brown Butter Roasted Turkey

Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy

A close-up of a roasted chicken garnished with fresh herbs, including rosemary and thyme, placed on a white decorative plate. The chicken has a golden-brown, crispy skin and is partially sliced, revealing the juicy, tender meat inside.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy. Photo credit: Flavor Mosaic.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy is a quick and flavorful choice for the best Thanksgiving main dish recipes. The pressure cooker ensures the turkey breast cooks quickly and stays tender. The recipe also includes a delicious gravy made from the cooking juices, adding even more flavor to the dish. It’s perfect for those short on time but still want a traditional and tasty main course. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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