Delicious Holiday Alternatives To Turkey – these delicious, easy and family friendly holiday alternatives to turkey are guaranteed to steal the show at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.
If you’re looking to swap out your traditional turkey with a special holiday alternative this year these recipes are a must try.
Turkey is delicious am I right?
When roasted correctly it can really become the ultimate holiday food.
But, sometimes switching things up is nice too.
Whether you’re looking to start new holiday traditions, are cooking for less people this year, have dietary restrictions or are just looking for a change, these delicious holiday alternatives to turkey are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
HOLIDAY ALTERNATIVES TO TURKEY
Roast Chicken
Roast chickens are a great alternative for those who are cooking for a small group or don’t necessarily love a traditional turkey.
Chickens are one of those great holiday alternatives to turkey because they are usually quite easy to make, take far less time to cook and can easily feed 3-4 people.
If you’re looking to make roast chicken for a crowd you can easily roast 2 or even 3 birds at a time.
To save some money you can plan ahead and buy whole birds when they go on sale. Chickens keep well once frozen which can be really helpful if you’re sticking to a budget.
When it comes to cooking you need to be prepared. I especially love this extra large roasting pan by Cuisinart available through amazon. You can easily fit 2 large chickens side by side which makes cooking a few roast chickens a breeze.
Looking for roast chicken recipe inspiration? Here are a few delicious options to consider
1. Zuni Cafe Legendary Roast Chicken from Spinach Tiger
2. Oven Roasted Five Spice Chicken from Pups With Chopsticks
3. Maple Roasted Chicken from The Organic Kitchen
Pork
I often feel that Pork gets a bad wrap when it comes to holiday dinners. It’s sort of the undervalued white meat.
Holiday dinners are often synonymous with turkey and chicken as the next best option.
Yet, pork can make another delicious alternative to traditional turkey.
There are so many delicious, budget friendly and easy to prepare pork inspired holiday meals. This other white meat can absolutely be the show stopper of any holiday meal.
I’ve learned the hard way that getting a pork roast just right is all about preventing overcooking. So, owning a reliable meat thermometer is a must. We use this one and absolutely love it. A good quality meat thermometer really does make a huge difference. Overcooked tough meat will become a thing of the past.
Looking for pork recipe inspiration? Here are a few delicious options to consider
1. Roast Pork Shoulder Porchetta Style from Just A Little Bit of Bacon
2. Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham from Mighty Mrs
3. Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin from Good Life Eats
Beef
If your budget allows it, a roast beef or prime rib might be the perfect fit for your holiday dinner this year.
I mean, what is more delicious than juicy and tender prime rib. Nothing right?
Sure, it’s a little on the pricier side but if you get it just right the outcome will leave your family and friends begging for seconds.
Check your local circulars for awesome pre-holiday sales. You might be able to score a gorgeous roast ahead of time and pop it in the freezer until the big day.
Looking for beef recipe inspiration? Here are a few delicious options to consider
1. Best Prime Rib Recipe With Sour Cream Horseradish Sauce from Spinach Tiger
2. Braised Beef Brisket With Rich Onion Gravy from Just A Little Bit Of Bacon
3. Slow Cooker Roast Beef from Dinner Then Dessert
Lamb
Lamb is absolutely a family favorite in our house. Special holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter aren’t complete with a little delicious roasted lamb.
To save a little money we rarely prepare lamb as the main course. Instead, we prepare a smaller quantity and pair it with whichever meat protein we’re opting to make for that particular holiday.
Like all other meats, it’s always a good idea to shop sales and stock up well before the holiday occurs. Often times, you can save a heap of money by buying in advance and freezing until you need it.
Looking for lamb recipe inspiration? Here are a few delicious options to consider
1. Slow Roasted Lamb Leg and Potatoes from Just A Little Bit of Bacon
2. Slow Cooked Roast Lamb With Red Wine Sauce from Veena Azmanov
3. Slow Cooker Roast Lamb from Fab Food 4 All
Vegetarian Holiday Alternative To Turkey
Vegetarian holiday alternatives to turkey are also possible folks! Vegetables, legumes and grains can absolutely steal the show!
If you’re looking for a few non-traditional vegetarian holiday meal ideas have a look at the delicious and creative recipes below.
Looking for vegetarian recipe inspiration? Here are a few delicious options to consider
1. Mini Vegetarian Pot Pies from Cadry’s Kitchen
2. Hearty Portobello Wellington from Spa Bettie
3. Vegan Portebello Pot Roast from A Virtual Vegan
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