What To Have This Thanksgiving If You Don’t Like Turkey: Utah Style

Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away and the dreaded “what to make” question is already buzzing around Utah homes. 

My family is very small with just three of us and the hassle of making a turkey (even a small one) is debated every year. I always suggest Hickory Honey Ham from Christmas with the Kranks and get shot down annually. It’s mostly because I love that movie and want to try it. The family is never amused.  

There’s the real possibility your family just doesn’t like turkey and even though it is traditional, it isn’t a must-have. There are plenty of other dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and such that can still make the holiday semi-traditional even if you don’t make a turkey this year.  

Here are a few main dishes to consider if turkey is not your thing. 

Skillet Roast Chicken 

Switch out that turkey for a chicken and you can maintain that Thanksgiving feel. This recipe has a brine so it’s probably pretty good and takes a few hours of cooking but has relatively simple ingredients. So, no bank breaking is necessary. It also already has potatoes in it but if you’re a fan of mashed potatoes like I am, make both. No one will complain about more potatoes.  

Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak 

If you feel like showing off to your in-laws or getting a little classier this might be the one for you. Steak and mashed potatoes always go well together so this is sure to be a hit. The most interesting thing about this recipe is that you add Harissa, a North African chili paste, to the butter to give the steak more flavor. It also has parsley.  

Pomegranate Maple Glazed Lamb Chops 

This does sound a bit fancy and maybe even daunting but, it's all about the grill so it’s actually not too bad. Plus, lamb chops can really impress the family and the pomegranate adds to the Thanksgiving vibe. It also has a baby spinach salad so you can look extra impressive and healthy on the holiday.  

Spicy Orange-Honey Glazed Ham 

Yes! A Ham recipe! I’m still not allowed to make it but whatever, you can and that’s all that matters. This looks like a super easy recipe and outside of getting the ham, you will probably have most of the ingredients (there are only eight). It takes a little over an hour and really just requires you to mix some stuff together, throw it in the oven, and baste it a bit. Not too bad.  

So, if you have the desire (these recipes are not too bad anyway) then these dishes will be great for Thanksgiving with all the impressiveness of a turkey without the stress. Let me know if you try them out!