Sure, we all love the idea of a roasted turkey on Thanksgiving, but IRL they’re usually overcooked, bland and in need of a good dose of gravy to make up for their lackluster flavor. This year, think outside of the box and treat your friends and family to a stellar meal that will awaken their tastebuds. You’ve DIYed your own pie stand, you’ve created the perfect tablescape and you’ve even worked extra hard on your place settings. You might as well make one of these main course dishes (including some veggie options!) that are just as impressive as your decor.
Garlic Roast Beef
Feed a carnivorous army with this gorgeous garlic roast beef that is as juicy as it is flavorful. Slice this baby tableside and your guests won’t be able to resist the aroma. (via Life Tastes Good)
Maple Walnut Crusted Salmon
This salmon deserves a place front and center at your Thanksgiving table. Not only do you have the sweet maple glaze, but you also get a welcomed crunch from the walnut crust. (via The Healthy Foodie)
Stuffed Butternut Squash With Tempeh
This meatless dish is a feast for your eyes and your mouth! It’s a vegan treat that is almost too pretty to eat… almost. Bring this out of the oven and let the “ohhhs” and “ahhhs” ensue. (via Pickles and Honey)
Beef Wellington With Roast Pumpkin, Parsnip and Mushrooms
This luxe beef wellington is sure to impress even your classiest of Thanksgiving guests. Whip this up for your in-laws and your M.I.L. will be wrapped around your finger! (via What’s for Lunch Honey)
Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens
If you’re having a small Thanksgiving gathering this year, go with cornish game hens. Everyone gets their own, which makes for a beautiful presentation, and this recipe is stuffed with fresh cranberry and apples. (via Running to the Kitchen)
Creamy Mushroom Pork Tenderloin
Time is of the essence during the holidays, so a hearty main dish is as precious as gold. Plus, if there’s a delicious gravy involved, it’s already a hit. This creamy mushroom pork tenderloin will be gone faster than it took you to make it! (via Salt and Lavender)
Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Have someone you’re trying to impress this Thanksgiving? Break out these herb-crusted lamb chops and you’ll be considered a T-Day queen for many years to come. (via The Gourmet Gourmand)
Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf
Sure, meatloaf isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving main course, but with a sweet maple tomato glaze, it sure fits the bill flavor-wise. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
1-Hour Vegan Pot Pies
These individual pot pies are so adorable and full of rich flavor, no one will even notice they’re vegan. Plus, who doesn’t love getting their own little dish of food? Presh! (via Minimalist Baker)
Slow Cooker Pineapple Honey Mustard Ham
Ham isn’t only for Christmas, people. This juicy pineapple-glazed ham is perfect for any holiday meal. Bonus: It’s made in the slow cooker, which frees up tons of vital oven space. (via Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch)
VEGETARIAN LENTIL AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH WELLINGTON
In case you need to feed an entire crew of plant-based eaters, opt for this veggie spin on a crowd favorite. There’s no need to sacrifice a hearty main course when you have awesome alternatives like these.
(via Vikalinka)
Cranberry Meatballs
These little spheres of flavor are a burst of savory and sweet, with a tangy cranberry glaze that's downright addictive. Forget the gravy – these meatballs are the saucy stars of your holiday spread.(via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Grilled Lamb Chops
These chops, perfectly seasoned and seared to perfection, bring a touch of elegance to your table. Forget the flock – this is the lamb of choice for a feast fit for royalty.(via Feel Good Foodie)
Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken
ucculent, juicy, and infused with a medley of herbs, this bird takes center stage in a cast-iron performance. Your guests will be clucking about this chicken long after the last bite.(via Bowl of Delicious)
Roasted Vegetable Wellington
Imagine a golden puff pastry hugging a medley of roasted veggies, herbs, and savory goodness. It's like a Thanksgiving hug for your taste buds – a vegetarian delight that even carnivores will crave.(via This Wife Cooks)
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH LASAGNA
Layers of velvety butternut goodness dance with sautéed spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, creating a symphony of flavors that'll have your guests singing your culinary praises. This is comfort food elevated to a whole new level.(via Cozy Cravings)
This post has been updated.
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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
