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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Thanksgiving Mains That Will Steal the Spotlight From the Turkey

Published: Oct 30, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving mains can be the star of your holiday table, and this collection of recipes is sure to impress. Whether you're looking for something comforting, fresh, or packed with flavor, these dishes bring excitement and variety to your Thanksgiving feast. Say goodbye to the same old turkey and get ready to explore some great alternatives that everyone will love. From hearty vegetarian options to standout meats, each recipe is designed to bring joy to your gathering and make it truly memorable.

A close-up image of Smoked Turkey Breast.
Smoked Turkey Breast. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A tater tot casserole with creamy vegetables and crispy tots on top. Quick and easy to make, this cozy dish works well for busy weeknights or as a simple main for a Meatless Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A Vegan Shepherd’s Pie that combines lentils, mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Ready in about an hour, this filling dish makes a hearty Meatless Thanksgiving main, bringing satisfying flavors without meat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This budget-friendly vegan turkey roast, made from chickpeas and seitan, uses pantry staples for quick preparation. A wholesome, homemade option to bring to the Thanksgiving table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

A close up view of whole roasted cauliflower.
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang cauliflower, coated in tangy, spicy Korean gochujang sauce, adds a bold option to your Thanksgiving table. Serve it as tacos or alongside rice for a vibrant, meat-free main dish.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

Easy Mushroom Wellington

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A vegan mushroom Wellington featuring savory mushrooms and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in flaky pastry. This eye-catching dish adds a memorable touch to a Meatless Thanksgiving meal while packing in robust flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Lemon Greek potatoes, a tangy, comforting side dish, brighten up the table with little effort. Perfect for Thanksgiving, they bring a refreshing contrast to richer dishes without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This Slow Cooker Pot Roast is tender enough to pull apart with a fork, full of flavor, and straightforward to prepare. Whether for a lazy Sunday or Thanksgiving dinner, this pot roast is a reliable choice for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast . Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoking turkey breast with wood chips or pellets imparts rich, layered flavors to this holiday favorite. With a juicy finish, this smoked turkey breast recipe is a standout for Thanksgiving, perfect for those looking to elevate the classic turkey experience with a bit of extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast

Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi

Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

A fried halloumi salad with arugula, cabbage, and mushrooms in an Asian-inspired sauce. This fresh option pairs well as a side or main for a Thanksgiving feast, adding a lighter, flavorful choice to the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This vegetarian lasagna is layered with flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving gatherings where you want to impress. Hearty and packed with flavor, it’s great for cozy holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Moroccan Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pearl couscous salad with feta, pumpkin, peppers, and tomatoes in a tahini lemon dressing with turmeric makes a refreshing starter or side. This dish introduces bright flavors and a unique twist to a Meatless Thanksgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Couscous Salad

Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak brings sophistication to the Thanksgiving table while being easy to prepare. This combination of sweet cranberry and savory filling makes it an impressive choice that’s simple enough to put together.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken comes out with crispy skin and juicy meat, seasoned with a perfect mix of herbs and spices. While great for any weeknight, it also brings crowd-pleasing flavor and simplicity to a Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham

Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked sweet onion honey-glazed ham on a pellet grill adds a touch of sweetness to a special occasion meal. Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter are all ideal times for this juicy honey ham, where the glaze and smoke combine for a truly memorable dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham

Easy Turkey Casserole

Easy Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turkey Casserole transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, flavorful dish. Simple to make, it makes the most of leftover turkey, veggies, and cheeses, ensuring nothing goes to waste while delivering a delicious meal for post-holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Casserole

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a hearty, one-pan meal, ideal for Thanksgiving week when you want something substantial with minimal effort. A stress-free dish that also keeps cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, cozy rice, and fresh broccoli with a bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish is both flavorful and easy to make, offering a hearty main that’s ready in no time for a Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut squash wild rice with walnuts and pomegranate seeds brings vibrant colors and textures, creating a standout Thanksgiving main or side. With seasonal flavors, it’s an excellent Meatless Thanksgiving choice for a fresh and festive dish.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turkey roasted with fresh herbs and green apples brings classic holiday flavors with ease. A foolproof way to prepare a tender turkey, perfect as a Thanksgiving centerpiece that balances flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized beets and parsnips, tossed with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, blue cheese, and balsamic vinegar, make this roasted winter root vegetable salad a vibrant choice. With seasonal flavors, it’s a fitting addition to a Thanksgiving table as a fresh and festive side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Vegan Ham

Overhead photo of vegan ham with pineapple slices placed on a white serving dish. 
Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan ham, crafted from vital wheat gluten, brings the familiar flavors of traditional ham to the table without the meat. A savory and satisfying alternative, it’s a strong choice for a Meatless Thanksgiving main that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Pot Pie combines juicy chicken, vegetables, and a crispy puff pastry crust for a classic comfort meal. This easy-to-follow recipe brings heartwarming flavors, making it a great choice for a filling and tasty Thanksgiving main or a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Vegetarian moussaka layers roasted eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes with a lentil tomato sauce, topped with a gluten-free béchamel. Hearty and satisfying, this dish fits seamlessly on a Meatless Thanksgiving menu, bringing depth and richness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak and squash salad, dressed with apple maple vinaigrette, adds a fresh alternative to traditional Thanksgiving mains. With seasonal ingredients like squash and cranberries, this salad is a vibrant choice for those seeking a lighter, festive option.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A vegetable lasagna with layers of pasta, ricotta, and roasted vegetables. This hearty Meatless Thanksgiving option is perfect for adding a variety of vegetables to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Lasagna al Forno

Lasagna al Forno. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lasagna al forno, a classic Italian baked lasagna with pasta, meat sauce, vegetables, and creamy béchamel, creates a rich and comforting dinner. With layers of textures and flavors, this dish is perfect for a Thanksgiving gathering that calls for an inviting, hearty main course.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna al Forno

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole with garlic and a honey walnut topping makes a wholesome alternative to traditional casseroles. This dish works beautifully as either a side or main for a Meatless Thanksgiving gathering, offering balanced flavors with seasonal touches.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast is an easy way to prepare moist, flavorful turkey. This autumn-inspired recipe brings a balance of seasonal flavors and simplicity, making it a top choice for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Vegetable Pot Pie

An image of vegetable pot pie in a baking dish, with a portion missing.
Vegetable Pot Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A vegetable pot pie featuring tender vegetables in a rich, savory sauce beneath a flaky crust. This hearty dish makes an excellent Meatless Thanksgiving main, letting seasonal flavors shine in each slice.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Holiday Beef Wellington

Holiday Beef Wellington. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Holiday Beef Wellington, with tender beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry, creates a showstopping Thanksgiving main. Featuring flavors from prosciutto, rosemary, thyme, and mushrooms, this elegant meal is surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A close up view of three stuffed acorn squash placed in a serving plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa combines sweet and savory elements for a flavorful Thanksgiving dish. With straightforward preparation, it’s a meat-free option that adds color and taste to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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