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It’s time to plan out the main dish recipes for Thanksgiving; this guide is going to cover a variety of options beyond turkey and ham. Some years, we go with a classic big bird; other years, we choose a ham instead. Honestly, part of the fun is just deciding which direction you’ll go each year for the main course. Thanksgiving dinner is more than just turkey, even though it certainly gets most of the attention.
I’ve learned over the years that having a few reliable main dish options to choose from makes planning a big meal much less stressful. Whether you’re sticking with tradition or mixing things up this year, these 12 main dish recipes cover turkey, ham, chicken, salmon, pork, and beef, so you can pick the flavors and effort level that fit your family.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Thanksgiving Main Dish?
A great Thanksgiving main dish is reliable, feeds a crowd, and gives you enough variety to suit everyone at the table. The best lineups mix a classic turkey or ham option with an easier alternative like chicken or a slow-cooker roast, for anyone who wants something a little different.
Key Takeaways
- Mix of turkey, ham, chicken, salmon, pork, and beef options.
- Several slow cooker recipes that free up your oven for sides.
- Great for traditional dinners or smaller gatherings.
- Many of these recipes can be prepped in advance to save time on Thanksgiving Day.
- Simple, approachable recipes that don’t require advanced skills.
12 Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes
Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Mains
- Dry brine the turkey ahead of time. Starting the brine 1 to 3 days before gives the best flavor and texture without an extra day of work.
- Let the slow cooker mains do the heavy lifting. Pork tenderloin, pulled pork, and pot roast all free up your oven for sides and desserts.
- Baste glazed hams regularly. Brushing on the glaze every 30 to 45 minutes builds flavor and helps it caramelize beautifully.
- Use a meat thermometer for every protein. Turkey, chicken, pork, and ham all have different safe temperatures, so don’t rely on time alone.
- Make the gravy last. It comes together quickly from pan drippings, so save it for right before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Turkey Swap – Instead of cooking a huge turkey, swap it out for a smaller gathering idea with this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast.
Smaller Gatherings – For a smaller gathering, if you do not want to use turkey breast, choose a whole roasted chicken, which gives you an easier small-scale alternative.
Hands-Off Options – Utilize the slow cooker for a variety of main dish recipes and for sides too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most tables do well with one main protein, though offering a second option alongside turkey or ham is a great option for varied tastes.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, Whole Roasted Chicken, or a Slow Cooker Pot Roast are the perfect alternatives to turkey.
The dry-brine turkey needs 1 to 3 days of advance prep, and slow cooker mains like pulled pork and pot roast can be made a day ahead and reheated.
Oven-baked salmon is a light, elegant alternative to the usual turkey or ham.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Mains
Classic Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
Storage and Reheating
Each recipe will include its own storage details, but in general, leftover turkey, chicken, and ham keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth to help retain the moisture, or use in leftover soups, stews, or casseroles.
More Holiday Recipes
From Scratch Recipes
21 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
From Scratch Recipes
15 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
Dessert Recipes
Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
No matter which Thanksgiving main dish recipe you choose, your table is sure to have a hearty, satisfying centerpiece this year utilizing these recipes. Choose your favorite or a variety and enjoy time around the table with family and friends.
