Cooking for Thanksgiving can be overwhelming especially if you have a group of people you are hosting. There is the perfect main dish of turkey (or an alternative), then multiple side dishes, desserts, and drinks. If you are adventurous you may even have appetizers and finger foods to start the meal. There is a lot that goes into cooking this meal and making sure everything is perfect. Today, I am going to share recipes for the perfect main dish on Thanksgiving – Turkey and a few alternatives if you don’t like turkey.
I am teaming up with other bloggers from around the internet to share recipes with you that will inspire you to cook the perfect main dish on Thanksgiving. Whether you are traditional with a turkey or try one of the alternatives I will be sharing, your Thanksgiving is sure to shine!
Finding the perfect turkey recipe can prove to be difficult. There are so many different ways to cook the bird and different seasoning blends to use. How should I cook my turkey? I think that is totally up to you and your cooking preference. You may even want to skip cooking altogether and order a premade dinner that you just need to heat up! I am going to share with you a few different ways to prepare a turkey though – from the instant pot to the barbeque grill. There are so many different ways to prepare your feast!
Start planning your holiday early and maybe even practice ahead of time if you have the time and resources. It will make your day go that much smoother!
Turkey – The Main Dish on Thanksgiving
SHEET PAN THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR TWO
Rather than cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving this sheet pan allows you to cook for two by using turkey breasts. The best part is everything cooks together so you’ll have less clean up and everything will be done at the same time.
SIMPLE AIRFRYER TURKEY DINNER
Cooking a turkey breast is a great option for an intimate get-together. A turkey breast is also a great option for a smaller group. The airfryer takes the guesswork out of cooking your dinner and the best part is you can use the airfryer for multiple dishes.
INSTANT POT TURKEY – COOKING A WHOLE TURKEY
The instant pot has taken us by storm the past few years. Cooking a whole turkey in the instant pot is a great way to reduce the amount of time needed to cook and to free up some valuable real estate in your oven!
EASY ROASTED TURKEY
Sometimes simple is better when it comes to cooking a turkey. This easy roasted turkey is about as simple as it gets!
HOW TO EASILY GRILL A WHOLE TURKEY OR CHICKEN
If the weather is still warm where you are firing up the grill is a great way to cook your whole turkey.
APPLE CIDER-BRINED TURKEY
To brine or not to brine – that is the question. Brining is a great way to add extra moisture so your bird doesn’t dry out. It even packs a punch of flavor.
Turkey Alternatives
SLOW COOKER WHOLE CHICKEN
A chicken is a great alternative to a turkey. Chicken is flavorful and much smaller than a traditional turkey on Thanksgiving. This is perfect for a small family or as a second main dish for anyone who does not enjoy the turkey.
Stuffed Pumpkins with Wild Rice Stuffing
This dish is both beautiful and edible! I love the presentation of the pumpkins and the meatless alternative for your vegan or vegetarian guests.
Glazed Ham with a Honey Orange Glaze
Ham is always a great alternative during the holiday season. This recipe is both sweet and savory which is the perfect combination for dinner!
Hosting Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. From finding the perfect recipe for the main dish on Thanksgiving to timing the meal to be completed at the same time. There is a lot of work that goes into hosting this holiday meal. I hope these recipes gave you a few ideas of how to cook a turkey or what you can serve alongside the bird. If you are vegetarian the Stuffed Pumpkins is the perfect option to bring a festive flair to the dinner table.
What is your favorite way to cook the turkey? Do you normally host dinner or go somewhere? Let me know in the comments below!
