I’ve got your Thanksgiving dinner alternatives right here!
And they are ridiculously DELISH!
With 2020 being the crazy year that it is, I know this is the first time many of you will be cooking at home on Thanksgiving! And I also know that it’s a huge undertaking of a meal to make, especially if you’re by yourself or cooking for a small family.
Also, I know some of you don’t even care for Thanksgiving dinner! So I’m here to rescue you with some DELICIOUS meals that can still make the day feel special. They don’t take anywhere near as long as an entire Thanksgiving spread, but they still feel slightly fancy and holiday-worthy. It means that you can easily keep the day feeling special with a meal like this!
20 Thanksgiving Dinner Alternatives
Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes.
This meal is incredible and tastes fabulous, plus you still get your mashed potatoes. I love to serve it with my cacio e pepe brussels. It’s complete!
French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups.
One of the most popular recipes here on the site – and one that’s a bit time consuming. It’s worth every minute because this tastes like heaven. Serve this with some parmesan roasted broccoli or a house salad.
My Mom’s Chicken Marsala with Almond Green Beans.
This is a classic in my family. We adore it! I suggest serving it with rice, baked potatoes or even crispy smashed potatoes.
Cacio e Pepe Pie.
This show stopper is indulgent and so delicious. Serve with a parmesan pistachio kale salad.
Espresso Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Risotto.
This meal is HEAVEN! We usually reserve this for Christmas time, but heck – now is as good a reason as any. This is another one that I serve with cacio e pepe brussels or parmesan broccoli.
Cider Braised Pot Roast with Butternut Squash.
This is pure comfort food. Serve with the cauliflower rice in the recipe or make it extra delicious served on top of mashed potatoes.
Gouda Grits with Smoky Brown Butter Shrimp.
A nice of change of pace in all the holiday flavors! This is a bowl meal that everyone loves.
Bacon Meatballs with Bucatini.
Grab a loaf of sourdough and toast it to make garlic bread. Serve with a house salad!
Lasagna Bolognese.
This is such an indulgent incredible meal. We adore it! It’s another great meal to serve with a big greens salad.
Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Cauliflower Mash.
A meal in one – or of course you could do mashed potatoes!
Coconut Curry Meatballs.
If you want to go really wild with flavor, make these coconut curry meatballs! Serve with jasmine rice and maybe even bread for dipping. All that sauce is divine.
Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs.
These rich short ribs have lovely fall flavor! Serve them with mascarpone polenta. It’s a hug in a bowl.
Pumpkin Lasagna Roll Ups.
To keep the seasonal flavor, try these pumpkin roll ups! Another option I love to serve with my house salad. It’s just my fave.
Butter and Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish.
This is some of the best beef I’ve ever had in my life. Serve this with my twice baked sweet potatoes with pumpkin.
French Onion Meatballs.
These lovers are over the top. Serve them open-faced on sourdough (my fave), serve them on buns as sandwiches, or serve as a main entree with this green bean salad.
Pan Crisped Salmon with Dijon Cream and Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs.
And oldie but a goodie, this is wildly flavorful. Serve this with rice on the side, along with my brussels sprouts gratin.
Smothered Skillet Chicken with Thyme Buttered Mushrooms.
Major comfort food coming in! Make this with mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal.
Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese.
This bolognese can be made on the stove and simmered all day (or in the slow cooker!) – serve it with a house salad and garlic bread.
Butternut Apple and Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.
This is another great way to keep the flavors of the season in your meal. Serve this with baked potatoes and parmesan roasted broccoli.
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna with Burrata.
Make this cozy dish and you can enjoy it the day of and have leftovers! There is so much flavor here.
