Turkey Alternatives

For those who want to think outside the box for Thanksgiving this year or if you just plain don’t eat turkey here are plenty of other tasty choices you’re sure to remember!

Country “Meatloaf” with Gravy: A wonderful recipe for vegan and meat lovers alike. This is sure to be savory enough to please a crowd. Just mention brown rice and along with the other obvious ingredients that add taste, such as fresh peppers, this really sounds and looks like the best alternative to turkey!

Vegan Tofu and Vegetable Pot Pie: This dish delivers everything about chicken pot pie without the heavy meat and dairy products. One bite of the flaky crust and savory filling and you’ll be hooked.

Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie: A plant-based take on a winter classic, this vegan holiday recipe is a crowd pleaser. The tempeh adds a kick of protein that will fill you up and keep you satisfied.

Pork Tenderloin with Red Cabbage and Apples: This one cooks in minutes, and is even more succulent and flavorful than the best-cooked turkey. While the tenderloin rests, saute up apples and cabbage in the pan drippings for an easy side dish. All you need is mashed potatoes and pie, and your menu is complete.

Lamb Shoulder Chops with Garlic and Rosemary: This one is for all the adventurous souls out there. Lamb shoulder chop can be a delicious, flavorful and affordable option for those who don’t want to break the bank on a full piece of lamb. Make sure to cook your lamb medium-rare or else you run the risk of making the meat dry and grainy.

Virginia Willis’ Bourbon Baked Ham: While ham is traditionally seen as a Christmas or New Year’s Day dish, you can also serve it for Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll want to make sure you get a ham that is “fully cooked”, “ready-to-eat” or “heat-and-serve”. These hams are wet-cured, meaning that they are submerged in or injected with brine, then smoked and sold fully cooked to be glazed and warmed at home.

Vegan Chili with Homemade Sour Cream: This warm and hearty meal is the perfect dish to throw together for nearly any occasion. Stuffed with bell peppers, onions, celery, kidney beans, pinto beans, and more, this vegan chili is bound to make everyone feel right at home.

Jumbo Stuffed Shells: Typically it’s impossible to go wrong when dealing with pasta. Many people can’t get through the day without it, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Packed with a homemade tofu ricotta and covered in basil and chunky tomato sauce, these pasta shells should satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

Layered Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole: If you have the casserole dish you’re all set for this one! Layer together some eggplant and zucchini with a creamy garlic, bean and tomato sauce to create this warm and filling main course dish. This seems worth a try although be it a little strange. Add some vegan parmesan cheese on top for an extra dash of flavor.