Non Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas – It Doesn’t Have to Be Turkey!

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These non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas are sure to inspire you to think outside the box!

Usually, I’m tucked away in Eastern Kentucky surrounded by family celebrating Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and the works. This year, I’ve pulled the lucky straw and I’m on call. There won’t be any Eastern KY holler for me this year.

So, I’ll be home with my boys. And don’t feel too sad for me – I’m going up to my Eastern KY home a little earlier for our traditional dinner and a visit. (We all say we are “going up… to visit”. I don’t know why. It’s really … like 3 hours over .. and no up to it.)

Since I don’t want the traditional meal twice, I thought I’d make something non-traditional on the day of Thanksgiving. So what can you have for Thanksgiving besides turkey? I’ve put together a few ideas.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Ham

I’m not sure if you consider ham non-traditional, but it’s definitely an alternative to turkey. Ham doesn’t have to be difficult or take forever to make either. You can easily make a ham in your instant pot! Sustain My Cooking Habit has an easy Instant Pot Ham Recipe with Vegetables!

Prime Rib

I know a lot of people like to have Prime Rib on special occasions. I know several who prepare it at Christmas, so why not Thanksgiving?

Cornish Hens

I’ve always liked cornish hens. They seem extravagant and fancy to me. You get your own small chicken to yourself, too. I like it when I don’t have to share!

I found a delicious recipe for Cornish Hens with a Rosemary Wine Sauce from Food Meanderings. She gets a bonus because it is Weight Watchers friendly!

Pork Loin

Another pressure cooker Thanksgiving recipe I found was for a Pork Loin Roast at Low Carb Yum. 

Pork Chops

Staying with the pork idea, these Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops from Dancing Through the Rain sound absolutely delightful.

Turkey Meatloaf

Ok, so it’s still turkey, but in a totally different way than your traditional turkey dinner! My turkey meatloaf has gorgeous chunks of pepper jack cheese baked throughout! It’s a family favorite here!

A few other non-traditional turkey recipes I’ve found along the way:

• Turkey Shepherd’s Pie from Hello Creative Family
• Instant Pot Turkey Legs from Berry & Maple

Lasagna

I love lasagna. My favorite is Trisha Yearwood’s Instant Pot Sausage Lasagna. I make it ALL the time. It’s a regular around here!

Soup Beans and Cornbread

If I find I’m really missing my Eastern KY home the day of Thanksgiving, I could always whip up some soup beans (pinto beans) and some cast iron skillet cornbread. We always serve these with some fried potatoes to complete the meal. 

Do you have any suggestions for a non-traditional Thanksgiving main dinner? I’d love to hear them! 

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