Top 12 Best Alternatives to Turkey at Christmas or Thanksgiving

Are you hosting this year and looking for the best alternatives to turkey? Whether you're cooking for a smaller crowd, or simply bored and want to try something new, here is what you can prepare instead. This list of the best alternatives to turkey all still have the 'wow' factor but will give you something a bit different this festive season.

Jump to:

• Top Thanksgiving or Christmas Roast Recipes
• 1. Roast Capon Chicken
• 2. Oven Baked Glazed Gammon
• 3. Standing Rib Roast
• 4. Whole Roast Duck
• 5. Roast Salmon En Croute
• 6. Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
• 7. Crispy Roast Leg of Lamb
• 8. Pork Wellington
• 9. Juicy Lamb Rump Roast
• 10. Beef Wellington
• 11. Roast Goose with Orange & Five Spice
• 12. Stuffed Four-bird Roast
• Side dishes to serve
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Top Thanksgiving or Christmas Roast Recipes

1. Roast Capon Chicken

I am a complete convert to Capon. A Capon chicken is a male castrated chicken, and therefore, it is larger than the normal ones you buy from a butcher and will easily serve 6-8 guests (or more). However, its unique characteristic is that it is so flavorful and juicy. The meat is incredibly succulent, and once you've tried it, you will really resist going back to turkey. You can buy Capon from most butchers.

2. Oven Baked Glazed Gammon

Baked gammon is such an easy choice as it can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it goes with all the traditional side dishes. Make this version with a crunchy demerara sugar and mustard glaze, heightened with festive spices.

3. Standing Rib Roast

You can't go wrong with a standing rib if you're looking for an impressive alternative to turkey at Christmas. I use the off-oven method, which gives the most perfectly pink, juicy meat. Serve with an easy bearnaise sauce.

4. Whole Roast Duck

Duck is rich and decadent, so it works incredibly well for special occasions, such as a Christmas roast instead of turkey. Roast duck is a great alternative to turkey and will serve 4-6 guests depending on the size and your other dishes.

5. Roast Salmon En Croute

Why not serve an impressive fish recipe instead of turkey for Christmas? This salmon en croute is moist and juicy on the inside, wrapped in a flaky puff pastry casing. An easy dill cream sauce finishes it off. It will please pescatarians and is much easier than it looks, but no one will know.

6. Roasted Spatchcock Chicken

Need to make a roast, fast? Spatchcock a chicken, and it will be ready in under an hour. It can still serve 4-6 guests, and the citrus herb marinade is very flavorful. Add orange instead of lemon for a more festive edge.

7. Crispy Roast Leg of Lamb

Roast lamb leg is a personal favorite of mine and really does tick all the boxes when it comes to a delicious alternative to turkey at Christmas. It's crispy on the outside, juicy and pink on the inside, and flavored with garlic and rosemary.

8. Pork Wellington

If serving beef Wellington seems like too much (and too expensive), then try this. The pork fillet is tender and juicy, wrapped in prosciutto, and stuffed with porcini mushrooms. It is remarkably easy (much easier than beef Wellington), and the recipe includes an easy mustard pan sauce to serve with it.

9. Juicy Lamb Rump Roast

If you want to make something delicious but on the smaller side, try a lamb rump roast. It will be perfect for 2-3 guests, and is super juicy and delicious. This recipe lets it rest in a rosemary butter, giving it the most delicous taste.

10. Beef Wellington

Here's a pure classic full of decadence. You will need a bit of time and patience (and cash), but it is well worth the effort to pull off this piece of gastronomy. A center-cut piece of Chateaubriand wrapped in mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry. It makes a great statement on the table, and everyone loves it.

11. Roast Goose with Orange & Five Spice

Goose is a rich and fatty bird and more of an unusual alternative to turkey at Christmas yet still traditional. This recipe is flavored with orange and five spice to add an aromatic edge to your festive dinner table.

12. Stuffed Four-bird Roast

A stuffed four-bird roast with turkey, duck, pheasant, and guinea fowl is a bit of an undertaking, but what a spectacular alternative to turkey! It's the ultimate centerpiece dish for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner and one that none of your guests will ever forget.

Side dishes to serve

📖 Recipe