Lennar Resource Center

Thanksgiving is one of the best times for home cooks to shine, especially if you have one of Lennar’s renowned gourmet kitchens.

Most traditional Thanksgiving dinners include turkey as the star of the show, but once in a while, it’s nice to break away from tradition and add something new to the menu.

Below are six turkey alternatives to consider serving this Thanksgiving Day:

1. Honey-Glazed Baked Ham

For those who don’t already serve ham on Thanksgiving, honey-glazed baked ham is a classic dish perfect for a holiday family meal. The great thing about baked ham is that you can jazz it up with an orange or cranberry glaze to add extra flare. Baking it with brown sugar or adding pineapples also adds a great layer of taste.

2. Cornish Game Hens

For smaller families, serving each family member their own personal Cornish game hen would be a very pleasant surprise. These can be oven roasted and seasoned in a variety of ways, ranging from lemon and basil to garlic herb.

3. Oven-Roasted Chicken

A familiar family alternative is oven-roasted chicken. Oftentimes, you can find oven-roasted chicken served in your local chain grocery store. In an effort to avoid the Thanksgiving shopping rush and potentially altered hours of operation, cooking them fresh at home is the preferred alternative. A good tip to cooking a juicy roasted chicken is to brine it with a little water, salt, sugar, and honey. This will help to increase moisture, make the skin crispier and improve overall taste.

4. Roast Beef

Rosemary, sage, and dried bay leaves are some of the smells that remind us of holiday cooking in the kitchen. These are all seasonings that properly compliment a hearty dish like a holiday roast beef. This dish can also pairs well with many holiday favorites like roasted potatoes, honey glazed carrots or caramelized shallots.

5. Tofu Turkey

For those interested in vegan or vegetarian options, brands such as Tofurky and Gardein offer vegan turkeys, roasts and hams. These brands and their products can be found at grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Recommending pairing for this entrée include mashed sweet potatoes or roasted butternut squash.

6. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

If tofu turkey is not your taste, stuffed Portobello mushrooms are also a great vegan- and vegetarian-friendly alternative that will fill stomachs. Experiment stuffing your Portobello mushrooms with spinach, goat cheese, or maybe even some holiday stuffing.

So what will you have for Thanksgiving this year? Trying one of these alternative dishes could inspire a new holiday tradition in your home for years to come. Or, you may find a new favorite entrée for regular family dinners.

Ultimately, these meals help bring everyone in the house together to enjoy quality time and be thankful for family.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone in the Lennar family to yours!