Recipe

Thirteen Recipes for Your Main Thanksgiving Dish

Turkeys don’t have to get all the glory

Photo: Johnny Autry


Whether you’re itching to jazz up the traditional bird or you want something different entirely, you’ve come to the right place. Below, browse a curated list of Thanksgiving main course recipes worthy of being the star of your holiday table.

photo: Mayter Scott

Herb Butter–Crusted Roast Turkey

Jim Hagy, a longtime caterer and restaurateur, knows that roasting still rules—but you may be roasting wrong. Get the recipe.


photo: Amy Whidby

Smoked Dry-Rub Turkey

Low and slow is the way to go this Thanksgiving, says the Puckett’s proprietor Andy Marshall. Get the recipe.


photo: Jamie Bochicchio

Deep-Fried Brined Turkey

An outdoor fryer cooks the best bird, says the Nashville restaurateur Mark Waldo—and also fires up the party. Get the recipe.


photo: Peter Frank Edwards

No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey 

Chef John Currence shares his tips for the perfect holiday bird. Get the recipe.


photo: Denny Culbert

Duck and Andouille Gumbo

New Orleans chef Justin Devillier adds a couple of tasty twists to the classic combination. Get the recipe


photo: The Southerner’s Cookbook

Duck with Satsuma Sauce

A centerpiece dish worth a little extra effort. Get the recipe.    


photo: Margaret Houston Dominick

The Ultimate Kentucky Burgoo

How do you burgoo? Get the recipe. 


photo: Peter Frank Edwards

Sweet Tea-Brined Country Ham

A holiday ham recipe rooted in Southern tradition. Get the recipe.


photo: Johnny Autry

Glazed Ham with Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

A tangy-sweet upgrade to traditional holiday ham—biscuits included. Get the recipe


Chicken-Fried Short Ribs  

Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd shares a recipe that was born out of leftovers. Get the recipe.


photo: Peter Frank Edwards

Applewood-Bacon-Wrapped Venison Loin

A versatile venison recipe. Get the recipe.


photo: Johnny Autry

Spiced Quail with Chocolate Gravy 

A sweet secret from the Ozarks. Get the recipe.


photo: Johnny Autry

No-Fail Quail 

You’ve bagged the birds. Here’s how to cook them up right. Get the recipe.


Find more Thanksgiving recipes:

Twelve Thanksgiving Starters

Twelve Vegetable-Packed Sides for Thanksgiving

Fourteen Comforting Side Dishes You Need at Thanksgiving

Fourteen Thanksgiving Drinks

Seven Sauces for Thanksgiving

Twenty-Two Thanksgiving Desserts


tags: