Happy Turkey Day in advance. Check for the Thanksgiving list and make sure that you have added everything you need. After all, this is the first time you both are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. You cannot afford any mistakes. However, Thanksgiving is mostly about traditions. Which means you are responsible for getting all their favorite traditional food to the table. But why not add something extra this year?
Beginning with the classic turkey recipe to adding a few unique sides, this list has it all. But of course, you can customize your menu according to your preference. Do not hesitate and go all out on your first Thanksgiving as a couple. Check your shopping list, and let’s get started.
Happy Turkey Day: Host A Dinner And Amaze Your Guests
So finally, what did you decide? And moreover, what are you going to make? Discuss with our family, and ask them for the non-traditional and traditional menus that your family has been cooking over the years.
Furthermore, add to it what you think would be best for your guests and prepare an amazing meal. Wish them a happy turkey day and deliver something that your guests would want to come back for the next year.
1. Roast Turkey
Well, turkey is always the star of Thanksgiving. Then why not go for the classic roast turkey and serve your guest the amazing juicy turkey with all the flavors?
- Total cooking time: 2 hr, 45 min
- Servings: 8–20 people (depending on the size of the turkey)
- Diet: Gluten-free
2. Roasted Turkey Breast
However, often, it happens that you do not have enough time or place or even that number of guests to prepare a whole turkey. In that situation, it is best to roast a turkey breast. Moreover, for a smaller guest list and to manage a small cooking space, this is one of the best choices. It is also a good choice if you prefer white meat.
- Total cooking time: 1 hr, 15 min
- Servings: 3-4 people
- Diet: Gluten-free
3. Spatchcock Turkey
Spatchcocking a turkey is also called butterflying. This also cuts short the cooking time by half. However, in this process, you have to flatten it on the cooking pan. It is also easy to carve a spatchcock turkey. This also keeps the skin crispy and the meat moist.
- Total cooking time: 2 hr, 45 min (6 hours more to chill)
- Servings: 8–10 people
- Diet: Gluten-free
4. Turkey Casserole
Well, technically, you do not need to wait for Thanksgiving to be over to prepare those amazing turkey casseroles. You can also serve it at the Thanksgiving dinner with the other dishes as well.
- Total cooking time: 1 hr
- Servings: 6 people
- Diet: However, you can prepare a gluten-free turkey tetrazzini.
5. Turkey Roulades
If you are thinking of preparing a turkey dish in less than 90 minutes, this is your pick. Happy Turkey Day. You can also prepare it the day before to be ahead of time. They will give the flavor of Thanksgiving in every with the stuffing it will have inside.
- Total cooking time: 1 hr, 25 min
- Servings: 8 people
- Diet: Well, there is no way you can make them dairy-free and gluten-free. Along with that, this is also not for those who follow a strict diet.
6. Rosemary Salmon
Well, if you wish, you have your own tradition and prepare a Thanksgiving dinner without the turkey. You can get rid of the stuffing, basting, and a few other works if you want to go with a baked salmon. Along with that, you can add some sweet orange and savory rosemary to your dish to add flavors.
- Total cooking time: 20 min
- Servings: 4–8 people (depending on the size of the salmon)
- Diet: However, this is pescatarian and gluten-free
7. Braised Brisket And Roots
This is a wholesome, meaty meal, and it comes with its own side. However, this brisket recipe is healthy and is an amazing option for those who do not want turkey on the menu. Furthermore, this is a great alternative to a non-turkey Thanksgiving.
- Total cooking time: 5 hr, 30 min
- Servings: 8 people
- Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free
8. Beef Wellington
Well, why can’t you take out the British cuisine recipe book and prepare the classic Beef Wellington? In addition to that, adjust it the way you want with a few alterations as well.
- Total cooking time: 3 hr, 40 min
- Servings: 6–8 people
- Diet: However, if you wish, you can make it dairy-free and gluten-free.
9. Maple-glazed Pork Tenderloin
And again, this is another perfect replacement for Turkey. Replace that turkey with pork this year. Moreover, try this maple-glaze recipe, as it contains all those fall flavors. The cooking time is also shorter than cooking turkey.
- Total cooking time: 5 hr, 10 min (cook time: 30 min)
- Servings: 8 people
- Diet: Gluten-free
10. Glazed Roast Chicken
Make it fall-friendly with a mixture of lemon, rosemary, and honey glaze. Along with that, this will give the roast chicken the flavor of the turkey this Thanksgiving.
- Total time: 1 hr, 45 min
- Servings: 8 people
- Diet: Moreover, if you want to make it gluten-free, replace the rice-based soy sauce and substitute it with something else.
11. Pan-fried Sweet Potatoes
Nevertheless, this is the best savory alternative to yams and marshmallows. These pan-fried sweet potatoes add an autumn touch to the traditional recipe, too. But in addition to that, these are really time-saving.
- Total cooking time: 15 min
- Servings: 2 people
- Diet: Gluten-free, vegan
12. Cornbread And Sausage Stuffing
This is a delicious recipe, whether you make it without a sausage or with it. You can prepare the cornbread stuffing a day before and warm it just before serving it on the table.
- Total cooking time: 2 hr, 20 min
- Servings: 4–6 people
- Diet: However, you can make the recipe vegetarian if you remove the sausage and add a plant-based sausage.
13. Stuffed Pumpkins
Well, you can prepare the perfectly cooked stuffing and turn it into the best autumn bowl, which is a mini pumpkin. This is not just a good-looking centerpiece, but it will serve as a Thanksgiving classic as well.
- Total cooking time: 2 hr, 15 min
- Servings: 8–12 people
- Diet: This recipe is vegetarian, so if you or your guests are vegan, then you have to go with something else.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Prepare this simple recipe of green beans, and amaze your guests this Thanksgiving. In addition to that, you can cook this easily in your air fryer. Moreover, season it with the herbs you prefer, and make it unique if you want.
- Total cooking time: 15 min
- Servings: 4 people
- Diet: However, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan
Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
Well, Thanksgiving would be incomplete without that cheesy macaroni. But you can enhance its flavors with the help of butternut squash. This will add some extra creaminess and obviously add some more flavor as well.
- Total cooking time: 45 min
- Servings: 6–8 people
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wrapping Up!
Now that you have a sorted plan and a ready menu, all you are left with is the guest list. I understand this must be a difficult time for you and your partner. You must be under a lot of stress hosting your first Thanksgiving as a couple but don’t worry. But, with this amazing menu, you will win the hearts of your guests in no time.
