Ready to switch things up this Thanksgiving? These 47+ Non Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas are easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that bring fresh flavor to your holiday table. This list includes easy main dishes, family friendly sides, and desserts proving that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be traditional to be delicious. Perfect for small gatherings, Friendsgiving, or anyone craving a stress-free holiday meal.
Easy Main Dishes for a Non-Traditional Thanksgiving
Swap the turkey for something new! These easy Thanksgiving dinner ideas are flavorful, family-friendly, and perfect for a modern Thanksgiving menu.
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken with Broccoli
- Lasagna Stuffed Peppers or Italian Stuffed Peppers
- Rustic Braised Chicken Breast
Slow Cooker and One Pan Holiday Meals
Keep it simple this season with crockpot and one pan Thanksgiving recipes that let your kitchen do the work. These dishes will make hosting stress-free!
- Southern Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
- Crockpot Cranberry Chicken
- Crockpot Southern Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans
- One Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Thanksgiving Pasta and Casserole Recipes
These non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes prove that pasta belongs at the holiday table! Try creamy casseroles, baked mac and cheese, or lasagna for a hearty, crowd-pleasing twist.
- Grandma’s Mac n Cheese or my White Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Baked Tomato Ricotta Pasta
- Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
- White Lasagna with Spinach
- Creamy Pesto Tortellini
- Oven Baked Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Chicken and Pork Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner
No turkey? No problem! These easy chicken and pork recipes are juicy, flavorful, and festive enough for any holiday dinner and without the long prep time!
- Baked Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
- Creamy Chicken Piccata
- Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – always a crowd pleaser
- One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops
Fresh and Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Simple side dishes like roasted fall vegetables, colorful salads, and grain bowls are quick to make, full of flavor, and a great balance to heavier mains.
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Classic Cucumber Salad
- Tomato Salad with Basil and Mozzarella – You can make this with any tomato, but I love cherry tomatoes!
- Kale Salad
- Arugula Salad
- Best Ever Garlic Bread or if you prefer rolls, try these No Yeast Dinner Rolls
Easy Potato and Veggie Sides for Thanksgiving
These potato and vegetable side dishes are perfect for your holiday dinner. Crispy roasted veggies, cheesy potato casseroles etc will have your guests coming back for more.
- Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Sautéed Spinach
- Oven Roasted Vegetables – a mix of broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion
- Baked Asparagus
- Parmesan Broccoli – My favorite way to get my kids to eat veggie
- Brown Butter Broccoli – Roasted broccoli is always a crowd favorite around here!
- Garlic Green Beans
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Sweet Potatoes
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Sautéed Mushrooms – The garlic butter is irristable on these mushrooms.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables – The BEST recipe!
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Non Traditional Thanksgiving Desserts
Who says pie has to be the star? These easy Thanksgiving desserts are simple to make and impossible to resist while still feeling “special” for the holidays!
- Fudge Brownies – a dessert to follow any meal
- Cinnamon Glaze Butter Cookies – topped with warm spices and sweet frosting
- Crockpot Peach Cobbler
- White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
- Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Holiday Appetizers
Kick off your unique Thanksgiving dinner with shareable appetizers. These are great for casual gatherings or Friendsgiving parties.
- Baked Brie in Pie Crust – perfect for the holidays with crackers, baguette slices, fruit, veggies, you name it.
- Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
- Honey Whipped Feta Dip
- Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip
- Cold Spinach Feta Dip
If you’re looking for some non-traditional holiday recipes, this list will be a keeper. If you need more ideas, check out this list of dinner ideas.
If you have a tried and true recipe that you make during the holiday season, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What is a good turkey alternative at Thanksgiving?
Alternatives to turkey for Thanksgiving include various roasts like ham, beef tenderloin, or pork loin, poultry options such as roast chicken or duck. Other options are seafood or vegan/vegetarian.
What meal could I serve instead of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?
A non-traditional Thanksgiving meal can involve a different main course like roast chicken or prime rib, a themed dinner such as Spanish or Cajun, or even a potluck. Other ideas include focusing on a different cuisine like Italian or Middle Eastern. Anything goes!
Why are turkeys associated with Thanksgiving?
Turkey is the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal in the United States and is tied to early American history and practicality. When Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the 1800s, turkey was widely available and large enough to feed a family. It eventually came to represent gratitude and togetherness.
Holiday Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Pot Roast
- 3 pounds chuck roast
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 3 potatoes, cut into 2 inch chunks
- 8 ounces baby carrots
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients for the pot roast seasoning together until combined.
- Add the onion, potatoes, and carrots to the bottom of the slow cooker. Rub roast on all sides with seasoning mixture and place the roast on top of the vegetables.Note: no additional liquid needs to be added to the slow cooker. The pot roast and veggies will release liquid as they cook.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-9 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be.
- Once done, shred the roast, discarding ing any extra fat as your shred. The meat can be mixed back in with the juices, or served as is with the potatoes, onions and carrots.
Equipment
- 8 qt Slow Cooker
Recipe Notes
- Beef Roast – Beef brisket, top round, rump roast, or bottom round cuts can all work.
- Potatoes – Any potato will work as long as they’re cut into uniform, large chunks.
- Carrots – You can also use larger carrots instead of baby carrots. Cut them into large rounds around the same size as your potato chunks, or into strips that are similar to a baby carrot.
- Onions – Any onions will work just as well. White, sweet, or even whole pearl onions would all be tasty too!
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
- Dice the potatoes and onions and place in a large freezer bag or container with the carrots.
- Season the beef chuck roast with the spices and place it in with the veggies.
- Freeze together.
- When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
- Cook as directed.
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