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    Home » Thanksgiving » 40 Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes

    40 Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes

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    The centrepiece on every Thanksgiving holiday dinner spread has to be a show-stopping main dish. Whether you are going for a traditional Thanksgiving whole roast turkey for a large gathering this year, or hosting something smaller with turkey breast or whole chicken as the main, or looking for a Thanksgiving entree that is plant-based, vegetarian, or just not turkey, we have got you covered. We are sharing over 40 most popular and best Thanksgiving main dishes from turkey, chicken, vegetarian Thanksgiving mains, and anything else you can think of that is just not turkey (like beef, lamb, or pork).

    Over 40 most popular best Thanksgiving main dishes from turkey, chicken, vegetarian mains, and everything else that is not turkey (beef, lamb, or pork). | aheadofthyme.com

    Thanksgiving Turkey Main Course

    Best and Juiciest Roast Turkey

    The best and juiciest roast turkey cooks faster that traditional methods and requires no brining. It's so tender and juicy every time. And use the giblets and drippings to make delicious homemade turkey gravy.

    Make Thanksgiving easier with the best and juiciest roast turkey ever! It cooks faster and requires NO brining! | aheadofthyme.com

    Asian Five-Spice Roast Turkey

    Asian five-spice roast turkey is tender and juicy, marinated with a delicious flavourful Asian rub and has a crispy brown skin. The perfect holiday dinner.

    Asian five-spice roast turkey is tender and juicy, marinated with a delicious flavourful Asian rub and has a crispy brown skin. The perfect holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Whole Turkey

    Instant pot whole turkey is a tender, juicy, and delicious holiday main. Ready in under 2 hours, it's the fastest and easiest way to cook a whole turkey!

    Instant pot whole turkey is a tender, juicy, and delicious holiday main. Ready in under 2 hours, it's the fastest and easiest way to cook a whole turkey! | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast

    Easy juicy roasted turkey breast is the perfect holiday dinner, minus the headache…tender meat, crispy skin, and a layer of roasted onions. Serve it with easy 2-ingredient gravy made with the drippings.

    Easy juicy roasted turkey breast is the PERFECT holiday dinner, minus the headache...tender meat, crispy skin, and a layer of roasted onions. | aheadofthyme.com

    Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

    Soft, tender and juicy slow cooker turkey breast with the crispiest skin and fresh fall herbs is the easiest way to cook a turkey this holiday season. Serve it with make ahead cranberry sauce.

    Soft, tender and juicy slow cooker turkey breast with the crispiest skin and fresh fall herbs is the easiest way to cook a turkey this holiday season. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    Instant pot turkey breast is the most tender and juicy turkey you’ll ever try. It's so easy to make in the pressure cooker and requires little prep.

    Instant pot turkey breast is the most tender and juicy turkey you’ll ever try. It's so easy to make in the pressure cooker and requires little prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

    This Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner is the easiest way to serve a small turkey dinner with sides. Ready in just an hour and half, this will change your life!

    This Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner is the easiest way to serve a small turkey dinner with sides. Ready in just an hour and half, this will change your life! | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Turkey Roast

    Instant pot turkey roast with homemade gravy is easy to prepare in minutes, the fastest way to cook turkey, and delivers flavorful, juicy, tender turkey.

    Instant pot turkey roast with homemade gravy is easy to prepare in minutes, the fastest way to cook turkey, and delivers flavorful, juicy, tender turkey. | aheadofthyme.com

    Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast

    Tender juicy Asian sesame soy turkey roast is a creative take on a holiday classic, packed with sweet, salty, and savoury umami flavours in every bite.

    Tender juicy Asian sesame soy turkey roast is a creative take on a holiday classic, packed with sweet, salty, and savoury umami flavours in every bite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Soy Glazed Braised Turkey Breast with Five-Spice

    Soy glazed braised turkey breast with Asian five-spice is moist, tender, succulent and the juiciest turkey ever with browned and crispy skin. So flavourful. Serve it with delicious cornbread stuffing.

    Soy glazed braised turkey breast with Asian five-spice is moist, tender, succulent and the juiciest turkey ever with browned and crispy skin. So flavourful. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Turkey Legs with Vegetables

    Tender, succulent and flavourful, easy roasted turkey legs with crispy skin and vegetables is a complete wholesome turkey dinner and family favourite. It's perfect over a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

    Tender, succulent and flavourful, easy roasted turkey legs with crispy skin and vegetables is a complete wholesome turkey dinner and family favourite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Turkey Thighs

    Instant pot turkey thighs are tender, juicy, and delicious. Perfect for a small holiday dinner or weeknight dinner with little effort and 10 minutes prep.

    Instant pot turkey thighs are tender, juicy, and delicious. Perfect for a small holiday dinner or weeknight dinner with little effort and 10 minutes prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chicken Main Course for a Smaller Thanksgiving

    Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken

    Easy Dutch oven whole roast chicken with the crispiest golden skin is juicy, tender and succulent and packed with flavour. Just takes 15 minutes to prep. Serve with creamy potatoes au gratin on the side.

    Easy Dutch oven whole roast chicken with the crispiest golden skin is juicy, tender and succulent and packed with flavour. Just takes 15 minutes to prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

    One of my favourite chicken recipes is quick, easy, one pan apple cider chicken with butternut squash, apples, and thyme, cooked in an apple cider sauce. Serve this fall meal in just 40 minutes. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up all that juice.

    Quick, easy, one pan apple cider chicken with butternut squash, apples, and thyme, cooked in an apple cider sauce. Serve this fall meal in just 40 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Spatchcock Chicken (Butterflied Chicken)

    Quick and easy roasted spatchcock chicken (butterflied chicken) seasoned with garlic and thyme is juicy, tender, delicious and flavourful with minimal prep. Serve with some creamy mashed potatoes and garlic green beans.

    Quick and easy roasted spatchcock chicken (butterflied chicken) seasoned with garlic and thyme is juicy, tender, delicious and flavourful with minimal prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Chicken Roulade with Spinach and Mushrooms

    Give your chicken breasts an upgrade by stuffing them to make fancy, juicy chicken roulade with spinach and mushrooms topped with a creamy alfredo sauce. Serve it over spaghetti alfredo with spinach and mushrooms.

    Give your chicken breasts an upgrade by stuffing them to make fancy, juicy chicken roulade with spinach and mushrooms topped with a creamy alfredo sauce. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Whole Chicken

    Instant pot whole chicken with gravy is tender, juicy, and flavorful. It's the fastest way to cook a whole rotisserie chicken for dinner in just 40 minutes.

    Instant pot whole chicken with gravy is tender, juicy, and flavorful. It's the fastest way to cook a whole rotisserie chicken for dinner in just 40 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Roast Chicken

    Easy Greek lemon garlic whole roast chicken is tender, juicy and succulent with the crispiest skin. Prep this flavourful one pan meal in just 15 minutes.

    Easy Greek lemon garlic whole roast chicken is tender, juicy and succulent with the crispiest skin. Prep this flavourful one pan meal in just 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple Dijon Braised Chicken Thighs

    Tender and juicy apple dijon braised chicken thighs with potatoes is juicy, tender and so succulent that it falls off the bone, yet so crispy outside. Serve with some bread to soak up all that juice. Try homemade ciabatta rolls or green onion dinner rolls.

    Tender and juicy apple dijon braised chicken thighs with potatoes is juicy, tender and so succulent that it falls off the bone, yet so crispy outside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Slow cooker whole chicken is soft and tender and literally falls off the bone. It is the easiest way to cook a rotisserie chicken with a few minutes prep. Shred it and use it in lemon chicken orzo soup, 30-minute BBQ chicken pizza, or baked pasta with chicken.

    Slow cooker whole chicken is soft and tender and literally falls off the bone. It is the easiest way to cook a rotisserie chicken with a few minutes prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries

    If you’re scrambling to figure out dinner with less than 30 minutes on hand, this sweet and tangy roasted balsamic chicken with cranberries will save the day. Serve with some creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower.

    Roasted balsamic chicken with cranberries is a quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner made with tender chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy marinade. | aheadofthyme.com

    One Pan Garlic Roasted Chicken and Baby Potatoes

    One pan garlic roasted chicken and baby potatoes is an easy to make, delicious, and wholesome meal for the entire family. Prep this sheet pan in 10 minutes.

    One pan garlic roasted chicken and baby potatoes is an easy to make, delicious, and wholesome meal for the entire family. Prep this sheet pan in 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Course

    Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice

    Healthy, hearty and wholesome butternut squash with wild rice and mushrooms is an easy cozy vegetarian dinner or side dish for fall. It's the best vegetarian fall dinner idea!

    Healthy, hearty and wholesome butternut squash with wild rice and mushrooms is an easy cozy vegetarian dinner or side dish for fall. The best comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Butternut Squash Lasagna

    Butternut squash lasagna is a delicious, warm and cozy vegetarian lasagna to make this fall when the your family is craving major comfort food this fall.

    Butternut squash lasagna is a delicious, warm and cozy vegetarian lasagna to make this fall when the your family is craving major comfort food this fall. | aheadofthyme.com

    Curried Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Wholesome, hearty, curried chickpea stuffed acorn squash with curry flavours is the perfect vegan and gluten-free fall comfort food for your holiday dinner.

    Wholesome, hearty, curried chickpea stuffed acorn squash with curry flavours is the perfect vegan and gluten-free fall comfort food for your holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Spinach and Tomato Vegetarian Lasagna

    Take comfort food to another level with the best creamy spinach and tomato vegetarian lasagna. You won't even miss the meat!

    Take comfort food to another level with the best creamy spinach and tomato vegetarian lasagna. You won't even miss the meat! | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Chickpea Coconut Curry

    Warm yourself up this fall with a big bowl of comforting pumpkin chickpea coconut curry with cashews. Easily substitute the pumpkin in this vegan and gluten-free recipe for butternut squash. Serve it with a side of easy coconut rice.

    Warm yourself up this fall with a big bowl of comforting pumpkin chickpea coconut curry with cashews. This curry is also vegan and gluten-free! | aheadofthyme.com

    Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Easy vegan stuffed bell peppers are filled with brown rice, mushrooms, veggies, and seasonings, then baked for 40 minutes. It's a perfect weeknight dinner.

    Fresh, homegrown bell peppers baked with an assortment of veggies and brown rice is what these easy vegan stuffed bell peppers are all about!! Ready in under an hour, serve this at your next fancy dinner party or make it for an easy weeknight dinner! | aheadofthyme.com

    Thanksgiving Main Courses That Aren't Turkey

    Holiday Glazed Baked Ham

    Easy holiday glazed baked ham is juicy, succulent and flavourful, coated in a brown sugar honey glaze with and baked until caramelized and golden brown.

    Easy holiday glazed baked ham is juicy, succulent and flavourful, coated in a brown sugar honey glaze with and baked until caramelized and golden brown. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roast Beef

    Homemade roast beef is roasted on high heat and slow cooked on low heat for the best texture — browned crust on the outside and tender, moist, juicy inside.

    Homemade roast beef is roasted on high heat and slow cooked on low heat for the best texture — browned crust on the outside and tender, moist, juicy inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Honey Glazed Roast Pork with Vegetables

    Easy one pan honey glazed roast pork is moist, tender, and juicy, coated with an irresistible honey glaze and packed with potatoes, green beans and apples.

    Easy one pan honey glazed roast pork is moist, tender, and juicy, coated with an irresistible honey glaze and packed with potatoes, green beans and apples. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sheet Pan Lamb Chops

    Sheet pan lamb chops with vegetables are healthy and delicious, easy to make, and easier to clean up. Perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner.

    Sheet pan lamb chops with vegetables are healthy and delicious, easy to make, and easier to clean up. Perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    Quick easy roasted pork tenderloin with sauce is juicy, tender, and flavorful. Ready in 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner.

    Quick easy roasted pork tenderloin with sauce is juicy, tender, and flavorful. Ready in 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ground Beef Meat Pie

    Ground beef meat pie with a flaky puff pastry double crust pie is filled with ground beef cooked with vegetables and seasonings. The ultimate comfort food and a classic French Canadian dish on Christmas eve.

    Ground beef meat pie with a flaky puff pastry double crust pie is filled with ground beef cooked with vegetables and seasonings. The ultimate comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Roast Lamb with Vegetables

    Easy roast lamb with vegetables is tender, juicy, and succulent and packed incredible flavour. This fancy holiday dinner is easy to prep in just 15 minutes.

    Easy roast lamb with vegetables is tender, juicy, and succulent and packed incredible flavour. This fancy holiday dinner is easy to prep in just 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Glazed Honey Balsamic Pork Chops

    Quick and easy, glazed honey balsamic pork chops are tender and juicy, seared in thyme and coated with a honey balsamic sauce. Make it in under 30 minutes.

    Quick and easy, glazed honey balsamic pork chops are tender and juicy, seared in thyme and coated with a honey balsamic sauce. Make it in under 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Classic Meatloaf

    This hearty classic meatloaf with a caramelized glaze will nourish your body and soul. Feed the whole family with a simple yet flavourful classic.

    This hearty classic meatloaf with a caramelized glaze will nourish your body and soul. Feed the whole family with a simple yet flavourful classic. | aheadofthyme.com

    Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Dijon Garlic Marinade

    Juicy, tender, and delicious 18-minute air fryer lamb chops is marinated in a dijon sauce and will change the way you cook lamb forever.

    Juicy, tender, and delicious 18-minute air fryer lamb chops is marinated in a dijon sauce and will change the way you cook lamb forever! | aheadofthyme.com

    Skillet Shepherd's Pie

    Skillet shepherd's pie is a savoury and hearty traditional comfort food. With flavourful beef and fluffy potatoes, this cozy meal it will warm you up.

    Skillet shepherd's pie is a savoury and hearty traditional comfort food. With flavourful beef and fluffy potatoes, this cozy meal it will warm you up. | aheadofthyme.com

    Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

    This delicious garlic and herb-crusted rack of lamb is tender, juicy, and flavourful. It is surprisingly quick and easy to make at home in about 30 minutes.

    This delicious garlic and herb-crusted rack of lamb is tender, juicy, and flavourful. It is surprisingly quick and easy to make at home in about 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pot Roast

    There’s nothing better than a classic Pot Roast for Sunday Dinner. It's hearty, wholesome, and filling comfort food that can feed the whole family.

    There’s nothing better than a classic Pot Roast for Sunday Dinner. It's hearty, wholesome, and filling comfort food that can feed the whole family. | aheadofthyme.com

    Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner

    1. Plan your menu ahead of time. You can prepare some of these dishes in advance. Some can be frozen and reheated from frozen, others can be made and stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Check individual recipe for full make ahead instructions.
    2. Prep your ingredients as much as possible. Once you have decided the main dish that you will be serving (and all the other dishes), prepare as much as you can in advance. Whether that is chopping vegetables, marinating meat, or throwing together a salad. You can store all the prepared ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
    3. Set the table the night before. Take out the fancy holiday dinnerware, flatware, glasses, placemats, and napkins and set the table the night before. It's one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving.

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    Once you have figured out the main dish that you will be serving on your Thanksgiving dinner menu, start planning the appetizers, sides, and dessert. Find everything you need in my most popular holiday recipes:

    • 30 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers
    • 50 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    • 20 Thanksgiving Soup Recipes
    • 25 Best Thanksgiving Desserts
    • 15 Thanksgiving Bread Recipes
    • 15 Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

    Did You Make Any of These Thanksgiving Main Dishes?

    Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of these Thanksgiving main dishes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.

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    Over 40 most popular best Thanksgiving main dishes from turkey, chicken, vegetarian mains, and everything else that is not turkey (beef, lamb, or pork). | aheadofthyme.com

    40 Best Thanksgiving Mains


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 2 hours
    • Yield: 6-8 servings
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Over 40 most popular best Thanksgiving main dishes from turkey, chicken, vegetarian mains, and everything else that is not turkey (like beef, lamb, or pork). 


    Ingredients

    • turkey
    • chicken
    • butternut squash
    • beef
    • pork
    • lamb

    Instructions

    1. Plan your menu ahead of time. You can prepare some of these dishes in advance. Some can be frozen and reheated from frozen, others can be made and stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Check individual recipe for full make ahead instructions.
    2. Prep your ingredients as much as possible. Once you have decided the main dish that you will be serving (and all the other dishes), prepare as much as you can in advance. Whether that is chopping vegetables, marinating meat, or throwing together a salad. You can store all the prepared ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
    3. Set the table the night before. Take out the fancy holiday dinnerware, flatware, glasses, placemats, and napkins and set the table the night before. It's one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving.
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1-2 hours
    • Category: Main Course
    • Method: Various
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 325

    Keywords: 40 best thanksgiving main dishes, thanksgiving mains, thanksgiving main dishes, thanksgiving main course, thanksgiving recipes, thanksgiving turkey

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    40 Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beck & Bulow says

      November 17, 2021 at 2:31 am

      Thanks for sharing such healthy and yummy health ideas for dinner. This is one of the best articles I have crossed.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        November 18, 2021 at 11:44 am

        Thank you!

        Reply

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