As much as you love a traditional Thanksgiving meal, sometimes you want to try something new. If you wonder where to begin, look no further – this selection of amazing non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas is exactly what you need. From Spinach Dip Puff Bites to Instant Pot Turkey Breast With Garlic-Herb Butter, these unconventional Thanksgiving dinner recipes are the perfect way to take your Thanksgiving menu from boring to the most memorable dinner your guests will ever have. Enjoy!


Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
These super festive cheese balls won't last long on your table - definitely a crowd pleaser!


Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
These super festive bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls make for a real crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Spinach Dip Puff Bites
These spinach dip puff appetizers made into a muffin tin are the perfect party appetizer for the holidays


Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These bacon and Brussels sprouts bites are a perfect addition to your snack table for a festive dinner!

Cheddar Corn Dog Mini Muffins
Super cute and adorable - A great brunch snack or the perfect appetizer for the big Thanksgiving dinner coming up!

Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Appetizers
Crispy Shrimp and Chorizo drizzled in an irresistible Roasted Pepper sauce so easy and incredibly delicious. This is one MUST make appetizer for any special occasion!

Shrimp Shooters with Mango Sauce
This grilled shrimp shooters appetizer is the easiest and flavor-packed shrimp tapas!

Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Trust us, these tiny bacon wrapped dates and cheese will disappear from the buffet table before you can say "Come on in."

Spicy Deviled Eggs
This spicy deviled eggs recipe is a classic, bite-size hors d'oeuvre for an elegant Easter buffet.

Garlic Herb Butter Steak in Oven
A thick, juicy rib-eye steak with a beautifully browned crust and a buttery garlic herb sauce — what's not to love? This Juicy oven-roasted steak is packed with flavor, with just a little kick from Sriracha and chili flakes!

Perfect Roast Beef & Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter
Nothing beats a juicy and tender roast beef with golden, buttery potatoes! This easy roast beef recipe brings together tender beef, garlic, fresh herbs, and deliciously roasted fingerling potatoes. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or a special holiday meal!

Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef
Tender and juicy Roast Beef - Your guests will go crazy for this garlic butter herb roast sirloin!

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
This slow cooker pork shoulder recipe is a crowd pleasing dinner with very little effort that will yield leftovers for days.

Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast
This roasted pork tenderloin is rich with holiday flavor - Incredibly tender, juicy and delicious. The best baked pork tenderloin recipe ever!

Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
No need to roast a whole turkey to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner! This garlic herb butter turkey breast is juicy, flavorful, and a wonderful option for a smaller holiday gathering.

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Loin
An easy, comforting and tender crockpot pork recipe everyone will love.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
These individual chicken pot pies are the best comfort food ever. They're ideal for both a cozy evening or a larger dinner party!

Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter SpatchCock Chicken
This roasted spatchcock chicken is crisp and juicy at the same time.

Pork Stew
The rich flavor of this braised pork stew recipe is going to become a new family favorite!

Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Crisp and tender, this roasted chicken leg recipe is packed with spicy flavors.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore
This easy chicken cacciatore is full of rustic Italian flavors! Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, garlic, red wine, and fresh herbs. Serve it over pasta with plenty of sauce for a comforting dinner.

Roasted Pork Loin with Green Beans
This roasted pork loin with green beans is easy enough for a weeknight meal and fancy enough for your holiday dinner parties!

Baked Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables
Pork tenderloin, buttery roasted vegetables, and plenty of fresh herbs make this baked pork tenderloin so satisfying! A little cayenne gives the spiced butter a gentle kick, while everything roasts together in one pan for a delicious, fuss-free dinner.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
This baked Tuscan chicken casserole recipe is so quick to make and flavorful. Everyone will love it!

Puff Pastry Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin puff pastry is the perfect main dish for a festive dinner with family and friends.

Carrot Mushroom Turkey Hand Pies
Portable for lunch and quick to reheat, these turkey hand pies are also a great way to remix your Thanksgiving leftovers!

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Want a juicy Thanksgiving turkey without spending hours roasting a whole bird? This Instant Pot turkey breast with garlic herb butter is full of flavor, easy to prepare, and finished under the broiler for beautifully golden skin! Yum!

Upside-Down Caramel Apple Cake
This caramel apple upside-down cake recipe is a delicious fall dessert with buttery crust, caramelized apples, and an amazing presentation. Enjoy the caramel apple cake for dessert or even breakfast!

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.

Mayonnaise Roasted Whole Chicken
Crisp and juicy, roasted to perfection with an incredible mayonnaise rub everyone will love.

Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
THE easiest salmon recipe of your dreams! This delicious blackened salmon recipe is fool-proof and ready in under 30 minutes!

Honey Balsamic Instant Pot Chicken
Fall-off-the-bone chicken legs make for an effortless dinner ready in 30 minutes or less!

Baked Teriyaki Chicken
An easy chicken dinner baked in the oven with a sticky homemade teriyaki sauce.

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Butter Sauce
This Instant Pot pork loin has a special cranberry butter sauce that gives it incredible flavor!

Spicy Roasted Pork Loin
Deliciously spicy and so easy to throw together for a family dinner.

Baked Pork Tenderloin with Fall Veggies
Juicy and tender baked pork tenderloin with Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. A spot-on family dinner on the table in 35 minutes.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Glaze
This roasted pork tenderloin recipe has superb flavor and is very easy to cook – A must for your Holiday menu.

Honey Mustard Roasted Pork Loin Sheet Pan Dinner
Effortless yet impressive—This pork loin recipe is perfect for a dinner party or a weeknight special.

Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
This oven-roasted chicken has crispy skin and is so juicy! The whole chicken is roasted in garlic and herbs-infused butter. Worthy of an elegant holiday dinner or any party!

Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce
This garlic roasted rack of lamb is surprisingly easy to make! Roasted with fresh thyme, whole garlic cloves, and butter, the lamb comes out tender and flavorful, with a beautifully browned crust. Serve with butter sauce for an extra-rich finish! This Roasted Rack of Lamb is the most elegant family holiday dinner!
More ideas for a non-traditional Thanksgiving menu
- Non-traditional Thanksgiving meats: Turkey is not necessarily the Holy Grail of Thanksgiving – some actually hate it! Try some lighter poultry like roast chicken, duck legs, or a nice cut of beef for a festive roast. Pork loin or tenderloin are also great alternatives for a modern take on Thanksgiving.
- Try fish for Thanksgiving: A roasted whole king salmon fillet will make an impact for sure! It makes a great alternative to Turkey for a smaller family or gathering of friends. Plus, salmon being lighter, you’ll enjoy more of the Thanksgiving sides!
Did you make one of these non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!

