dinner recipes

Thanksgiving Mains You Don’t Want to Miss

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Thanksgiving is coming so it’s time to plan what you will be serving to your friends and family this year. Did you know that your main dish doesn’t have to be turkey? It certainly can be, but there are lots of other great holiday main dishes as well. Here are some we think you might enjoy!

Dry Brined Spatchcocked Turkey

How to dry brine spatchcock turkey
Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

This delicious recipe combines two of the best methods for cooking a turkey so that it turns out juicy and extra delicious! It’s okay if you’ve never used a dry brine or spatchcocked a bird before, because this recipe will take you through the process step by step. 

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Air Fryer Turkey

Photo Credit: Fork to Spoon.

We use our air fryers to cook just about everything these days, so why not a Thanksgiving turkey too? This air fryer turkey is seasoned to perfection with a crispy outer skin and juicy, delectable meat on the inside. Your guests will be surprised to learn you cooked your bird in the air fryer! 

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Holiday Roasted Chicken

Photo Credit: XoXo Bella.

This garlic, lemon, and rosemary flavored chicken is seasoned to perfection and a great option for your Thanksgiving dinner table. It’s simple to make in the oven, and you can be working on your other dishes while it fills your home with a delicious aroma. 

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Vegan Mushroom Wellington

Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This delicious vegan main dish is perfect for the holidays. There is a flaky crust on the outside and  the inside is bursting with the savory flavors of mushrooms and vegetables. This Wellington will look beautiful on your holiday table and you can even make it ahead of time. 

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Herb Roasted Turkey Legs

Photo Credit: Pups With Chopsticks.

This herb roasted turkey legs are full of delicious flavors, and they are perfect for serving a smaller crowd if you don’t want a whole turkey. Brining the turkey a day ahead of time ensures that you will have a moist delicious leg that is full of flavor. 

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Holiday Beef Wellington

Photo Credit: XoXo Bella.

If you want to mix things up and skip the turkey this year, this holiday beef wellington is a perfect choice for a Thanksgiving main dish. Puff pastry, tender beef, prosciutto, mushrooms, and so much flavor. Your guests will love this delicious dish!

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Smoked Turkey Breast

Photo Credit: XoXo Bella.

Smoking meat gives it another layer of flavor that is absolutely mouth-watering. Being able to cook your turkey breast outside also means that you can free up your oven for another delicious Thanksgiving dish to serve your guests. . 

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Cranberry Beef Brisket

Photo Credit: XoXo Bella.

This cranberry beef brisket is simple to make and perfect for a holiday main dish. This recipe is simple to follow and absolutely delicious. Your guests are sure to enjoy it even if you haven’t tried making a brisket at home before. 

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Air Fryer Smoked Turkey Wings

Photo Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Turkey wings are an excellent alternative to serving a whole turkey if you are hosting a Thanksgiving gathering that is on the smaller side. Cooking your turkey legs in the air fryer will give them a crispy out skin with juicy tender meat on the inside. 

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Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Photo Credit: XoXo Bella.

This boneless turkey breast is cooked in the slow cooker so you can use your stove and oven for other delicious dishes. This turkey breast is brined in apple cider and seasonings overnight for a flavorful turkey that your guests are going to love! 

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Vegan Lentil Loaf

Photo Credit: My Pure Plants.

Are some of your Thanksgiving guests vegetarian? Then surprise them with this tasty lentil loaf as a meat free alternative for a main entree. It’s simple to make and bursting with flavor even your non-vegan guests will love! 

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

Photo Credit: XoXo Bella.

It’s so much fun to serve “fancy” foods during the holidays and this cranberry cream cheese stuffed lentil loaf will not disappoint! This juicy flank steak with a creamy cranberry filling is sure to be a mouth-watering surprise your guests will love! 

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Brined Turkey Breast

Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

If you are looking for a flavorful juicy turkey breast for your Thanksgiving main dish, one of the best ways to achieve it is to brine it overnight before you begin cooking it. This turkey breast is roasted in the oven after brining until it is cooked to golden perfection. 

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Polenta Cakes with Tempeh Bolognese

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Who says your Thanksgiving main dish has to be a turkey? These polenta cakes with tempeh bolognese are vegan, tasty, and fancy enough for a holiday, but still easy to make. The bolognese is made with tempeh which is similar to tofu, but made with soybeans. All of your guests will love this tasty main dish!

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Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Some people don’t particularly care for turkey and if that’s the case with your family, you might want to serve this tasty roasted rosemary lemon chicken for your main dish instead. This chicken is beautifully seasoned and will be ready hot out of the oven in just about an hour. 

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Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb

Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Roasted leg of lamb is a delicious option to serve as a main dish for your holiday guests. Leg of lamb is very easy to prepare, simply season it and roast it until it is cooked to your preferred temperature. 

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Vegan Turkey Roast

Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan turkey’s can be quite expensive to purchase pre-made, so if you need one for your Thanksgiving table you might consider making your own. Making a vegan turkey isn’t that difficult, and your guests will be impressed that you made it yourself! 

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Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta

Photo Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

We don’t often think of serving pork tenderloin when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, but we should. This herb roasted pork tenderloin is full of flavor and served on top of a delicious creamy polenta that all of your guests will love. 

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