Traditional & Unique Dishes For Thanksgiving Centerpieces
These Thanksgiving food ideas will make your main course a show-stopping centerpiece. From traditional turkeys to holiday-worthy roasts and hams, spectacular seafood and vegetarian and vegan recipes for a showstopping holiday entrees, here are 50 vetted recipes from experienced chefs, publishers and cooks.
When you think of traditional Thanksgiving dinner, turkey is naturally the first thing that pops into your head, so of course, we’ve included some excellent turkey recipes perfect for a crowd or a smaller gathering.
But turkey is just the beginning. Why not a beef roast? Or a stuffed pork loin? Grilled racks of lamb are tasty and impressive. Make a DIY seafood buffet with crab, shrimp, fish, and more. There are also vegetarian and vegan recipes that go way beyond salad.
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Gobble, Gobble, Gobble
Beginning with the classic turkey main course - here are some festive, delicious Thanksgiving turkey recipes that are great for large groups or an intimate Thanksgiving for two.
Spatchcock Grilled Turkey with Cider Gravy
One of the best turkeys we've ever had, this recipe is lightly smoked on the barbecue (freeing up your oven for casseroles and desserts). Spatchcocking the bird helps it cook in about half the normal time and this one is always tender and juicy. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Dry Brine Roast Turkey
Lisa from Delicious Table shares her simple roast turkey covered in a flavorful dry brine, that produces the juiciest slices and extra crispy skin. Sign me up!
Easy Marinated Roast Turkey Breast for 4-6 people
For smaller get togethers, opt for a turkey breast instead of the whole bird. Depending on the size you get, they'll easily feed between 4 and 6 diners. Turkey breasts cook faster than the whole fowl, too, making them an especially quick and easy Thanksgiving entree.
Best Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
Another unusual way to cook a turkey comes from my gal-pal Dana over at Killing Thyme! She loves this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe because it comes out tender and juicy every time, plus it frees up the oven for all your favorite side dishes.
Dry Brine Turkey
Marissa from Pinch and Swirl has an outstanding dry brined turkey that couldn't be simpler, or more juicy and flavorful. Her step-by-step photos will walk you through the steps.
Parmesan Apple Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin
I made these Parmesan Apple Stuffed Turkey Tenderloins for a smaller Friendsgiving gathering last year and they truly gave the feeling of a full Thanksgiving meal. You'll love this main course roulade because it comes together quickly and looks elegant on a platter. Turkey tenderloins are pounded flat, then filled with a traditional parmesan apple bread stuffing. This Thanksgiving entree recipe includes a savory gravy to spoon over the top. Perfect for smaller gatherings.
Bourbon Maple Brined Roast Turkey
My daughter and my cousin both claim this one as their personal favorite roast turkey for a Thanksgiving centerpiece. It's easy to make and everyone loves it with all the fixins. Bonus: you can make an excellent turkey stock with the carcass.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Seanna from Seanna's Kitchen has a simple roast turkey breast perfect for smaller holiday gatherings. It's also faster than a whole turkey, taking just 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to roast!
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Sauce
My friend Carol blogs at From A Chef's Kitchen and shares a most spectacular Florentine stuffed turkey breast. A lighter, healthier roulade that's great for your holiday turkey entree instead of a whole bird.
Whole Smoked Turkey with Cider Gravy
Instead of plain roasting, why not SMOKE your holiday bird? This recipe uses an easy brine to keep the flesh juicy and tender. It's wonderful the day you serve it and makes the BEST leftover smoked turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving.
Beef - It's What's For Dinner
If you want to switch up fowl for a beefy main course this Thanksgiving, here are a few delicious options!
For a real showstopper, why not make a prime rib roast? The trick to getting that perfect medium-rare interior? Sous Vide! This method allows you to hold your roast at temperature for hours, so you're not worried about "when the roast will be ready." Thanks to Gavin and Karen at Couple In The Kitchen for sharing.
My friend, Lisa Hatfield, from Delicious Table makes the best Beef Roast. So tender, juicy and flavorful, it's definitely holiday-worthy!
Veal Shanks slowly braised with 40 garlic cloves in a rich, savory sauce. Serve this one over mashed potatoes and no one will miss the turkey.
Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) and Oven-Baked Gorgonzola Polenta
According to my friend Carol, publisher at From a Chef's Kitchen, this pot roast gets RAVE reviews. I can certainly see why it would!
If it's not too cold where you are, grilled veal chops with a garlic herb crust make a very special holiday meal, especially if you've got a smaller crowd this holiday.
Jacqui from The Pasta Project makes a Beef Braciole with Orecchiette pasta that combines decadence and comfort food. You'll want it over the long weekend if you don't make it for Thanksgiving!
All you need is a low heat and steady smoke for this mouthwatering eye of round roast. Thanks to Meaghan from 4 Sons "R" Us for sharing her recipe.
This easy eye of round roast with delectable onion gravy is more economical than pricey rib roasts. A great alternative that happens to be leaner too!
Mouthwatering Lamb Recipes
Lamb has always been a winner for holidays and special occasions. These delicious lamb recipes will make your guests swoon.
Want a Thanksgiving centerpiece that will knock their socks off? Rotisserie leg of lamb stuffed with feta, spinach and walnuts is it. It may look complicated, but it's pretty easy to do. Use an instant-read thermometer to gauge when the meat is done.
Standing whole grilled racks of lamb on a serving platter makes quite a presentation, but the flavors will keep you coming back for more. The simple wine herb marinade will make you the hostess with the mostest! Thanks to Lisa at Delicious Table for sharing her recipe!
This boneless leg of lamb is tender, juicy and perfect for holiday celebrations. Thanks to Marissa at Pinch and Swirl for sharing her recipe.
Want a decadent Thanksgiving entree, that cooks in 20 minutes? Oven-Roasted Rack of Lamb is the easy answer. Nothing could be simpler or tastier!
A savory pot of Wine-Braised Lamb Shanks over a mound of buttery mashed potatoes combines holiday flair with old-fashioned comfort food.
This glorious butterflied roast is filled with sauteed swiss chard and garlicky white beans. You won't need stuffing or mashed potatoes with this Thanksgiving entree.
Pork and Ham
We know pork as the "other white meat," but put a little lipstick on this pig, and you'll have stunning roasts, smokes, and roulades that highlight the true potential of porcine cooking!
The key to a juicy smoked pork loin is the brine. Just a few hours keep the meat moist and allow the low and slow smoking process to really penetrate the flesh. This is so tender and delicious, your guests will love it.
Sure, you've had ham, but have you ever had HAM GRAVY? Gavin and Karen from Couple in the Kitchen share their delicious recipe for this delectable Thanksgiving main.
A simple herb crust and pan gravy transform a boneless pork roast into a thing of beauty. Bonus - It doesn't take all day to cook either.
Making a baked ham from scratch is much easier than you might think. Just 20 minutes per pound to cook, means a 6 pound ham shank is ready to eat in 2 hours.
This glorious pork loin is butterflied and filled with an apple cherry stuffing. There's even a simple pan gravy to go with it!
Marta at Sense and Edibility shares her baked ham with a special brown sugar and pineapple glaze. Leftovers will make the best ham sandwiches.
Surprising Meaty Mains
For Thanksgiving, you don't have to stick with the standard turkey, beef, lamb, or pork. Why not branch out with some unique meat mains?
If you have hunters in your life, showcasing their prize at the holiday table will make both of you the star of the show.
Sarah at Season and Thyme, makes a mean Venison Backstrap perfect for your Thanksgiving meal. Seared in a cast iron skillet with a flavorful dry rub, it's a delicious alternative to fowl.
A whole glazed duck is rich and flavorful. Jana from The Peasant's Daughter says you'll love the sticky-sweet orange fig glaze. I believe she's right.
If you're an air-fryer fanatic, this succulent Pheasant recipe is for you. Tanya at The Top Meal swears by the crispy skin you get using this method.
With tender, fall-off-the-bone venison shanks in a rich red wine sauce, this slow-cooked venison osso buco is a simple yet delicious Italian classic. Thanks to Shane and Sara at A Tasty Kitchen for sharing their recipe.
My friend, Elaine over at Dishes Delish serves these dainty cornish game hens straight from the air fryer. Perfect for more intimate Thanksgiving gatherigs.
Sea Food? Eat It!
Including fish, crab and shrimp on your Thanksgiving table brings something unexpected and unique.
These recipes would work well as a stand-alone Thanksgiving Entree or to augment a larger meal.
It's a stone-crab season, and these Florida favorites would make an ideal first course for Thanksgiving or decadent main. Stone crab claws are always served cold with a mustard dipping sauce (recipe included). BTW - since the fishmonger cooks these crab claws, it's the only NO-COOK option for the holidays.
Julie over at The Healthy Epicurean makes the BEST scallops. They're perfectly pan-seared and crusted with a pistachio gremolata. Best of all, this is a main course that's ready to enjoy in 15 minutes.
If you're craving something really special, how about Lobster Tails with a rich garlic butter sauce? This recipe comes from Sara over at Dinner At The Zoo.
If you're going to have a seafood feast -- go ALL OUT. Eden from Sweet Tea and Thyme makes an epic seafood boil. Line your dining room table with newspaper and commence being thankful for this spread!
Cooking salmon in puff pastry is a way to elevate this everyday fish and make it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving spread. Thanks to Samantha from Little Ferraro Kitchen for sharing her recipe.
What you'll love about this crab stuffed shrimp is that they can be assembled ahead of time and cooked off at the last minute. I recommend Jumbo shrimp and lump crabmeat for this easy recipe.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Entrees
Going meatless this holiday? Here are some of our favorite options for a vegetarian Thanksgiving feast!
Layered with pasta, cheese, bechamel sauce and mushroom duxelles, this vegetarian lasagna is a proud stand-in for a Thanksgiving turkey. It also makes a mouthwatering side dish for a larger meal.
This lasagna is layered with mashed butternut squash, sheets of pasta and a cheesy ricotta filling. Thanks to Cynthia from What A Girl Eats for sharing her recipe.
Sweet veg tucked into a rich cheesy white sauce. This vegetarian casserole makes a beautiful and delicious main course for Thanksgiving.
I love the idea of fixing individual mini pot pies for each of your guests. These veggie-filled pies swim in a savory vegetarian gravy; the flaky puff pastry is the crowning touch. The recipe is courtesy of Lizzie from It's A Veg World After All.
Stuff those cute little honeynut squash with cooked seasoned lentils and top with Greek yogurt for a beautiful, healthy vegetarian Thanksgiving entree. Make it vegan by swapping yogurt for vegan sour cream. Thanks to Cindy at The Sound of Cooking for sharing her recipe.
Liz from I Heart Veggies has a delicious acorn squash stuffed with rice, walnuts, cranberries and parmesan cheese. Make it vegan by swapping the cheese for nutritional yeast.
Vegan Thanksgiving Main Courses
Plant-based eating doesn't have to be boring. These creative mains are perfect for holiday celebrations and omnivores will love them too.
Savory mushrooms give this Wellington its umami richness, and Brazil nuts add a wonderful texture. Thanks to Dan and Jess from Vegan Punks for sharing this showstopper!
I love the creativity of this vegan "Cordon Bleu". Made with plant based ham, cheese and chick'n. Thanks to Toni at Food Sharing Vegan for sharing her recipe.
This vegan Wellington recipe comes from Victoria at Wow, It's Veggie. For a beautiful and tempting vegan Thanksgiving entree, she fills vegan puff pastry with mushrooms, carrots, spinach, walnuts, and spices.
Richard from School Night Vegan gives his Wellington a meaty appearance with beetroot, parsnips and vegan mince. This one had me fooled!
BAM! No one gets bored with THIS roasted cauliflower main course. Seasoned with chili paste, gochujang, and miso surrounded by tomato pesto, this is the definition of "centerpiece." Thanks to Kate at Dished for sharing her recipe.
Subbing traditional roast for meaty portobello mushrooms gives this "pot roast" it's umami quality. This dish from Trish at Rhubarbarians is worthy of your Thanksgiving table.
More holiday recipes you’ll love:
- Amazing Stuffing Recipes
- Holiday Appetizers and Hors D’oeuvres
- Vegetable Side Dishes For Thanksgiving
- More Holiday Dishes
- Homemade Thanksgiving Bread, Rolls & Biscuit recipes
- Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Pin “Tempting Thanksgiving Entrees” for later!
Thanks so much for including me in this tasty round-up! I’ve scheduled a share and pinned!