10 Alternatives To Turkey For Thanksgiving

Little-known fact: we're not legally obligated to serve turkey on Thanksgiving.

So if it's never really been your favorite part of the meal anyway (and if so, you're in the majority), why not consider one of these alternative, and totally holiday-worthy, Thanksgiving main dishes instead? We've picked 10 excellent options, including some for pescetarians and vegetarians. Have the Thanksgiving you want!

Seafood
Bouillabaisse: Though it was once peasant food, bouillabaisse is now seen as quite elegant. That's thanks in part to the price of seafood. So splurge, it's a holiday!

Chicken
Chicken Apricot Pot Pie: Chicken is clearly the superior poultry in all ways. Including taste. Make individual pot pies and serve them at each table setting or from the center of the table, dotting amongst the side dishes. So classy!

Roasted Chicken with Vegetables: Simply sub out the summer beans and squash for their winter counterparts in this recipe. It's a lot like turkey, it just tastes better.

Chicken Fricassee with Apples and Squash: In this dish, autumn produce shares star billing with your protein. And the sauce is a good gravy substitute!

Vegetables
Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter: If you make your own pasta, you've put in as much work as anyone making a turkey. And it tastes better, too.

Vegetable Lasagna: This lasagna is truly a thing of wonder. Seriously, even the omnivores will enjoy it. Especially if you use really good cheese.

Butternut Squash Galette: Vegetarian dishes can be hearty, as evidenced by this galette. It's about as easy as you'll find when it comes to baking, too.

Beef
Chuck Roast with Root Vegetables: This is much easier than it looks, making it great for both last-minute hosting and parties large enough that two meats are called for. Or, of course, if you just want it.

Pork
Pork Rib Roast with Port Wine-Cherry Sauce: Pork is pretty delicious, so it's a solid contender for any holiday meal. This version is particularly elegant, too.

Pork Loin with Cranberries and Orange: Alternatively, if you want something that looks just as elegant as the above, but that was actually cooked in a slow cooker, opt for this recipe.