Thanksgiving mains are all about hearty, flavorful dishes that make everyone excited to dig in. This list is packed with everything from classic roasts to fresh ideas that bring something new to the table without over-complicating things. Each main is designed to make a big impact and give guests a reason to go back for seconds, whether they’re looking for the comfort of a traditional roast or ready to try a creative spin on holiday flavors. These recipes will make your Thanksgiving meal feel complete, creating a feast that’s both memorable and easy to love.
Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey
Roasting turkey with fresh herbs and green apples results in a tender, juicy bird that’s simple to prepare and packed with holiday flavor. This foolproof Thanksgiving main guarantees a crowd-pleasing centerpiece with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Wrapped in flaky pastry and filled with savory mushrooms and fragrant herbs, this vegan mushroom Wellington brings elegance and depth to any Thanksgiving menu. This meat-free crowd-pleaser is a delicious, eye-catching addition to the holiday table that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast
Garlic herb prime rib roast is seasoned to perfection, providing a tender, succulent main for Thanksgiving that’s sure to impress. This flavorful turkey alternative is both crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare, making it a holiday staple for gatherings of all sizes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast
Vegan Turkey Roast
This vegan turkey roast, made with chickpeas and seitan, delivers a wholesome and delicious alternative to traditional turkey. With flavors that fit right into the Thanksgiving spread, this crowd-pleasing main keeps everyone happy, whether they’re vegan or not.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Holiday Beef Wellington
Holiday beef Wellington, featuring tender beef, prosciutto, and mushrooms wrapped in golden puff pastry, brings sophistication to Thanksgiving. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a memorable and flavorful main that makes a big impression on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Whole roasted gochujang cauliflower, coated in a tangy Korean-inspired sauce, brings bold flavor and vibrant color to the Thanksgiving spread. This dish is a crowd-pleasing meat-free main that pairs well with other holiday favorites, adding a fresh twist to the table.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Smoked sweet onion honey-glazed ham, prepared on a pellet grill, offers a sweet-savory flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. This juicy, crowd-pleasing main comes together with minimal effort and is bound to impress guests as a standout option for the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This savory sweet potato casserole, featuring garlic and a honey walnut topping, brings a unique twist to traditional Thanksgiving dishes. As a crowd-pleasing main or hearty side, it adds seasonal flavor that fits right in with the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak combines sweet and savory flavors for a refined Thanksgiving main that’s simple to prepare. The cream cheese and cranberry filling make this crowd-pleasing dish a standout option that adds elegance and flavor to any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Easy Veggie Lasagna
This easy veggie lasagna, layered with pasta, ricotta, and roasted vegetables, is a satisfying, meat-free Thanksgiving main that everyone can enjoy. It’s a hearty and flavorful choice that brings together the best of seasonal ingredients in a crowd-pleasing way.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast brings moist, tender turkey to the table with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy Thanksgiving hosts. The apple cider brine infuses the meat with seasonal flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing main that’s both simple and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy green bean casserole offers crispy beans topped with a golden, savory crust, providing a comforting dish for Thanksgiving gatherings. This classic, crowd-pleasing side dish is easy to make and pairs well with any main on the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
An air fryer whole chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat brings convenience and flavor to Thanksgiving, perfect for a no-fuss holiday main. Its rich herb seasoning creates a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy guests while freeing up oven space.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Carrot Casserole
Carrot casserole with creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping provides a cozy addition to any Thanksgiving spread. This comforting, crowd-pleasing main has a familiar yet unique flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole
Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Cherry cranberry glazed turkey, with its sticky-sweet glaze, adds a festive touch to the Thanksgiving table, blending seasonal flavors beautifully. This crowd-pleasing main combines the tartness of cranberries and sweetness of cherries to make a memorable holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese combines creamy cheddar with tender broccoli, creating a delicious and comforting dish perfect for Thanksgiving. This crowd-pleasing main or hearty side offers a warm, familiar flavor that’s sure to enhance any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Apple butter roasted chicken combines sweet and savory notes for a tender roast perfect for Thanksgiving. This crowd-pleasing main offers a juicy, flavorful option with a caramelized finish that’s sure to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf, topped with walnuts and pomegranate seeds, brings vibrant colors and textures to the Thanksgiving table. This seasonal, crowd-pleasing dish works as a meat-free main or flavorful side, adding freshness and depth to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Braised Veal Brisket
Braised veal brisket, slow-cooked for a tender, flavorful roast, makes an excellent turkey alternative for Thanksgiving. This crowd-pleasing main brings a hearty, satisfying option to the table, perfect for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Braised Veal Brisket
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Red Wine
This slow-cooked pot roast with red wine develops rich, deep flavors that make it a memorable Thanksgiving main. A true crowd-pleaser, this dish pairs tender beef with vegetables in a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Red Wine
Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi pot roast, slow-cooked until tender, delivers rich, flavorful meat for a Thanksgiving main everyone will want seconds of. This crowd-pleasing option is simple to prepare, making it a convenient yet flavorful addition to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast
Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoked turkey breast, cooked with wood chips or pellets, transforms a classic Thanksgiving main into a flavorful centerpiece with added depth. This juicy, crowd-pleasing dish adds a smoky aroma that will make your holiday meal truly memorable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast
Sirloin Tip Crock Pot Roast
Slow-cooked sirloin tip roast with vegetables provides a tender, flavorful main that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. This crowd-pleasing turkey alternative is easy to make and offers a hearty addition to the holiday table that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Sirloin Tip Crock Pot Roast
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore, slow-cooked with bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes, is a robust option for Thanksgiving that fits perfectly in a holiday spread. This flavorful, crowd-pleasing main is a hearty alternative to turkey, making it a great option for those who want a twist on tradition.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Coq au Vin
Coq au vin, braised in red wine with herbs and vegetables, adds elegance and depth to the Thanksgiving table. This crowd-pleasing main is a rich, flavorful alternative to turkey, bringing a touch of French cuisine to the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Coq au Vin
Holiday Roasted Chicken
A holiday roasted chicken with garlic, lemon, and rosemary brings timeless flavors to the Thanksgiving table. This crowd-pleasing alternative to turkey offers a simple, flavorful main that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with traditional holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Roasted Chicken
Pan Seared Duck Breast with Cranberry Maple Sauce
Pan-seared duck breast with cranberry maple sauce is a refined choice for Thanksgiving, bringing a touch of elegance to the table. This crowd-pleasing turkey alternative offers a tender roast with seasonal flavors, ideal for special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast with Cranberry Maple Sauce
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This slow cooker pot roast delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for Thanksgiving mains. With tender, fall-apart beef and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a crowd-pleasing holiday option that’s comforting, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Buttermilk brined turkey brings rosemary, thyme, and sage into the mix, adding depth and moisture to this Thanksgiving classic. The buttermilk creates a crowd-pleasing main that’s both tender and flavorful, ensuring a memorable holiday centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Garlic Braised Short Ribs
Garlic braised short ribs offer tender, fall-apart beef in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This crowd-pleasing turkey alternative brings comforting flavors to the holiday table, providing a satisfying main for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Short Ribs
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
German pot roast, slow-cooked to perfection and served with a rich gravy, offers a comforting Thanksgiving main that’s hard to resist. This crowd-pleasing turkey alternative delivers satisfying flavors, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
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