Unique Thanksgiving mains are the way to shake up your holiday spread and make it one to remember. If you’re ready to break free from the usual suspects, this is your chance to bring something unexpected and great to the table. These dishes stand out, not just because they’re different, but because they’re packed with flavor and excitement. Get ready to impress your guests and maybe even start a new holiday tradition.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.
Stuffed Pepper Soup
This stuffed pepper soup transforms classic flavors into a hearty, tomato-based dish, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving. It's easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for warming up a holiday evening.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup
Potato And Sausage Chowder
Potato and sausage chowder is a quick, one-pot meal that balances savory flavors and simplicity. Its heartiness makes it a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving table for those seeking comfort.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan
Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan combines sweet and tangy glaze with crispy bacon and roasted vegetables. This straightforward meal pairs bold flavors with easy preparation, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Spaghetti squash lasagna offers layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs for a rich meatless option that’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it an excellent Thanksgiving main for guests seeking a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Vegan Turkey Roast
This vegan turkey roast uses chickpeas and seitan for a budget-friendly, homemade main dish. With quick prep and pantry staples, it fits right into a Thanksgiving spread that’s inclusive for all diets.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Squash casserole with stuffing combines roasted squash, hatch chiles, and mushroom soup into a dish that’s sure to complement Thanksgiving mains while pleasing everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Vegan Shepherd's Pie features lentils, mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and wholesome main course that comes together in just an hour, perfect for a Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa blends sweet and savory elements with an easy-to-follow recipe. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for showcasing the bounty of fall flavors at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Cherry cranberry glazed turkey highlights the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of cherries, creating a festive centerpiece that pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving sides.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak pairs festive sweetness with savory flavors for an elegant yet approachable Thanksgiving main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Vegan sweet potato casserole combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping. It’s easy to make and adds a memorable dish to the Thanksgiving lineup.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta
Fall pasta with roasted butternut squash and broccoli rabe, topped with a garlic cracker crumble, delivers hearty, seasonal flavors perfect for Thanksgiving, balancing simplicity with flair.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Homemade sweet potato gnocchi with roasted garlic sauce brings a comforting balance of tender texture and rich flavor, making it a standout side or main for any Thanksgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Kabocha Squash Chili
Kabocha squash chili, prepared in the slow cooker, is a filling vegetarian option that showcases seasonal squash in a way that fits effortlessly into a Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili
Holiday Beef Wellington
Holiday beef Wellington presents tender beef encased in puff pastry with mushrooms and prosciutto, creating an elegant Thanksgiving centerpiece that’s straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington
Easy Turkey Casserole
Turkey casserole repurposes Thanksgiving leftovers into a hearty new meal. Easy to assemble, it’s an excellent option for enjoying holiday flavors after the big day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Casserole
Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Smoking a honey-glazed ham on a pellet grill imparts deep flavors with minimal effort, making it a standout main for Thanksgiving that will impress with its sweet and savory balance.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Buttermilk brined turkey uses herbs and tangy buttermilk to create a tender, flavorful main course. This recipe enhances the holiday centerpiece with depth and ease.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
Cranberry holiday beef brisket brings a festive twist to the Thanksgiving table. With garlic, herbs, and cranberries, it’s a flavorful entrée that complements classic sides.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
This vegetarian lasagna layers vegetables and cheese for a hearty Thanksgiving main course. Its flavor-packed profile ensures it will impress guests and hold its own on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast combines tender, juicy turkey with subtle autumn spices, offering a balanced approach to a traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash, wild rice, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds come together in this vibrant dish that serves as a festive Thanksgiving main or side, full of seasonal flair.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup
Creamy mushroom kale turkey soup transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting dish with rich flavors, perfect for making the most of holiday turkey.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Vegetarian moussaka layers roasted vegetables, lentil tomato sauce, and béchamel for a robust Thanksgiving main dish that highlights seasonal produce.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole
Cool ranch turkey taco casserole blends turkey, vegetables, and taco seasoning for a fun, Thanksgiving-inspired dish that adds variety to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole
Asparagus Casserole
Asparagus casserole pairs fresh asparagus with creamy cheese, creating a flavorful addition to Thanksgiving that’s sure to disappear before the main course is served.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken pot pie casserole layers flaky pastry over a creamy chicken and vegetable filling, creating a hearty dish that complements Thanksgiving while being easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole
Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta, feta, and pomegranate bring a bold, seasonal flair to Thanksgiving, combining textures and flavors that will stand out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted cubed butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon is a filling, nutritious side dish that complements Thanksgiving mains with ease and balanced flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
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