Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and share a bountiful meal and we know for sure that a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of choice for any holiday dinner. But if you’re looking to add more variety to your Thanksgiving dinner, we have got you covered. We are sharing 24 of our most popular and best Thanksgiving main dishes, with turkey of course, but also chicken, pork, lamb, and beef. From classic roasted turkey to unique twists on traditional Thanksgiving dishes, our list of Thanksgiving main courses has something for everyone to enjoy. All of these Thanksgiving main dish ideas are a great way to switch things up for a change. Enjoy!
24 Creative Main Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner
1. Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
While roasting a whole turkey can be a daunting task, especially if your oven is smaller, cooking a turkey breast is much more manageable–and cost-effective if you host a smaller gathering.
Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box2. Perfect Roast Beef & Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter
A tender roast beef on top of rich fingerling potatoes with incredible flavors. This roast beef recipe is a perfect weekend or Holiday dinner!
Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box3. Garlic Herb Butter Steak in Oven
We can't argue that steak is not a Thanksgiving staple, for sure. But if you're looking to inject a new twist to a traditional menu, this reverse-seared steak in the oven is a foolproof recipe everyone will love!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box4. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Using the Instant Pot is the best way to save time preparing Thanksgiving dinner! This turkey breast is tender, juicy and infused with wonderful holiday flavors.
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box5. Baked Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables and Spiced Butter
Our baked pork tenderloin is a flavorful and nourishing dish made with simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and vegetables. This pork tenderloin recipe is easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds!
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box6. Juicy and Tender Roast Turkey
This is the best roasted turkey recipe you'll ever need for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner!
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box7. Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Easy and healthy whole chicken recipe with fantastic Italian flavors!
Cooking time: 65 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box8. Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey
Our easy Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey recipe will Impress your Thanksgiving guests! This mouth-watering roasted turkey is sure to be the star of your holiday dinner with its fragrant rosemary and zesty orange flavors.
Cooking time: 180 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box9. Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast
A creative twist on the classic Thanksgiving recipe!
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box10. Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce
Easy Rack of Lamb Recipe - This Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb is the most elegant family holiday dinner ever!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box11. Pork Stew
The rich flavor of this braised pork stew recipe is going to become a new family favorite!
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box12. Slow Cooked Turkey Leg with Honey Glaze & Garlic
This slow-roasted turkey leg is definitely what you want if you're feeling like eating Thanksgiving dinner anytime!
Cooking time: 240 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box13. Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef
Tender and juicy Roast Beef - Your guests will go crazy for this garlic butter herb roast sirloin!
Cooking time: 75 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box14. Oven-Roasted Cornish Hens with Grapes
Cornish hen is a smaller, flavor packed version of your regular chicken. Serving a whole bird to each guests makes them feel special and the presentation is amazing. Perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner with a twist!
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box15. Mayonnaise Roasted Whole Chicken
Crisp and juicy, roasted to perfection with an incredible mayonnaise rub everyone will love.
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box16. Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy garlic chicken is ready in less than 30 minutes and perfect for any weeknight dinner… Even on special occasions! This chicken breast recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box17. Easy Crockpot Lamb Shank
While lamb is often associated with Christmas or Easter, it is definitely a festive choice for Thanksgiving. Let the slow cooker work its magic and you'll get rave reviews form your guests!
Cooking time: 480 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box18. Roasted Duck a l’Orange
Roasted duck a l'orange has the crispiest skin and best flavor, with an incredible savory-sweet orange sauce. This orange duck recipe is perfect for a memorable Holiday dinner!
Cooking time: 100 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box19. Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
How to make pork tenderloin cooked with the most incredible honey garlic sauce! The best easy pork tenderloin recipe for an easy dinner idea.
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box20. Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter SpatchCock Chicken
This roasted spatchcock chicken is crisp and juicy at the same time.
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box21. Tuscan Baked Chicken
Crisp and juicy, these Tuscan baked chickens make for a marvelous main course that is sure to impress on your holiday table.
Cooking time: 50 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box22. Baked Ham with Honey Garlic Glaze
This baked ham is dripping with flavor and perfect for the holidays or a Sunday supper!
Cooking time: 100 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box23. Cilantro Salt Crusted Salmon
Looking for a creative Thanksgiving main dish? Look no further than our salmon baked in salt crust. The fish stays super moist and fork-tender with incredible flavor.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box24. Orange Roasted Chicken
This orange roasted chicken recipe is another healthy, beautiful, vibrant dis, perfect to prepare on Holidays for a family dinner.
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe boxDid you make one of these Thanksgiving main courses? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!
