Thanksgiving is often called “Turkey Day,” but is the eponymous holiday dish really the star of the show?
According to a 2020 poll from Gallup, roughly one-fourth of Americans reported having reduced their meat consumption, with a majority citing health-related reasons. Fast food chains have raced to provide more meat-free options in recent years, from Burger King’s Impossible Whopper and Starbucks’ Impossible breakfast sandwich to the mushroom burger at Shake Shack and cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Whether you’re pardoning a Turkey of your own à la White House or just looking to enjoy a wider array of side dishes, here are some meat-free options to consider for your Thanksgiving table this year.
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Possibly the most ubiquitous Thanksgiving dish besides the Turkey itself, mashed potatoes are a fantastic addition to any holiday meal.
The simple side is meat-free without any effort, and usually involves a combination of boiled potatoes, butter and cream.
If you’re adding gravy to the mix, most grocery stores carry a vegetarian option made from vegetable broth.
If traditional potatoes aren’t your thing, or you’re looking to add some extra razzle-dazzle, consider roasting sweet potatoes with some mini marshmallows on top (gelatin-free or not, it’s your prerogative).
Softened buttered carrots
Buttery boiled carrots add some Vitamin A and a wonderful pop of color to the table this November 27.
You can peel and cut large carrots down to size or just dump a bag of baby carrots into some salted boiling water until they’re fork-tender. After draining, add some butter, salt and pepper, and you’ll be walking on sunshine.
Baked brie in puff pastry
If there ever was a guaranteed smash-hit at any party, it’s usually warm, gooey and cheese-based.
While the internet is riddled with recipes for baked brie, wrapping your wheel of brie in some store-bought puff pastry and baking at 400 degrees fahrenheit for 20 to 35 minutes will usually do the trick. Just make sure to keep an eye out until the pastry is fully cooked and golden-brown.
To add some extra interest and holiday flavor, try spreading some cranberry sauce and rosemary over the top of the brie wheel before wrapping in pastry dough.
A hearty salad
For most people imagining a holiday feast, salad doesn’t usually come to mind first.
However, a Thanksgiving salad can be a great opportunity to make use of those sometimes-overlooked fall and winter vegetables, as well as introduce some more fiber to your plate.
Common Thanksgiving salad recipes include various combinations of butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, nuts, apples, brussels sprouts and a creamy, crumbly cheese. You can also try roasting and seasoning chickpeas to add protein and crunch.
In terms of dressings, a safe bet is usually a simple vinaigrette. For some extra fall flavor, you can add a dash of maple syrup and balsamic.
Macaroni and cheese
Another Thanksgiving classic, depending on who you ask.
In 2023, a mac and cheese recipe shared to social media by Tineke “Tini” Younger went viral in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Her original video tutorial ballooned to over 100 million views on TikTok alone, undoubtedly bringing the staple dish into the fold for more families celebrating the holiday.
Tini’s recipe includes over two pounds of freshly shredded colby jack, mozzarella and cheddar, making it perfect for those who like to get serious about their cheese-to-pasta ratio.
She’s also known for using cavatappi pasta rather than standard macaroni noodles, which caused many people online to attribute a shortage of the pasta shape at their grocery stores to her influence.
Whether you try Tini’s recipe or go with a family classic, macaroni and cheese is a long-time crowd pleaser and another entree-style option for those avoiding a certain bird.
The classic Thanksgiving turkey may never be replaced, but it certainly can be supplemented with side dishes and spins on old classics.
What’s on your Thanksgiving table this year? Let us know on social media!
