What Other Meat Goes with Turkey for Thanksgiving? Complementing the Bird with Beef, Ham, and More

Turkey may be the star of the Thanksgiving table, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the only meat on the menu. Serving an additional entrée alongside the customary turkey can add welcome variety to the holiday feast. Whether accommodating guest preferences, small gatherings, or personal tastes, incorporating a second centerpiece protein provides more options while upholding tradition.

Why Serve Another Meat with Turkey?

While turkey thoroughly delivers on the quintessential Thanksgiving entrée, its mild flavor and texture leaves room to spotlight another meat. Multiple mains allow hosts to cater to more guests, like those less fond of poultry or following plant-based diets. For smaller groups, a turkey breast or other bird may suffice, nicely supplemented by another preparation.

Even turkey lovers can appreciate the balance a slice of ham or beef brings to their plate. Blending familiar and fresh also makes Thanksgivings less monotonous, especially the oft-repeated gatherings families cherish.

Popular Turkey Complements for Thanksgiving

From familiar pairings to unexpected additions, various meats make excellent turkey counterparts. Consider these satisfying options to serve alongside the holiday bird.

Ham

Ham emerges as the most common turkey partner, prized for its versatility, flavor, and easy leftovers. Glazed, smoked, or roasted, ham’s sweet and salty notes contrast the turkey’s subtler essence. Sliced ham also grants leeway in turkey cooking; if the bird needs more time, ham stays hot and juicy.

Leftover ham seamlessly incorporates into casseroles, soups, sandwiches and more. For optimal ease, bake the ham ahead on Wednesday or even Thanksgiving morning before the turkey goes in. Letting the ham rest allows its juices to redistribute for better slicing.

Roast Beef

For dedicated beef lovers, a roast beef entrée grants the familiar flavors they crave. Prime rib and beef tenderloin especially shine amid Thanksgiving sides; their richness balances vegetables like Brussels sprouts or squash. For easy wedding of beef and turkey, choose red wine or mushroom gravies able to complement both.

While beef requires a bit more hands-on time, the impressive presentation enhances the holiday spread. Searing and sliding a rib roast or tenderloin into the oven just before eating allows the beef to finish alongside the rested turkey.

Cornish Hens or Other Poultry

Smaller birds like Cornish hens provide individual, elegant entrees perfect for intimate gatherings. Their dainty size feeds about two guests per hen, showcasing each portion beautifully. Accompany them with complementary sides like wild rice pilaf or roasted root vegetables.

For larger parties, a duck or goose can supply sufficient servings while diverging from the traditional turkey. Their bolder, gamier essence adds a sophisticated note to the usual fare. Take care to sufficiently defat the drippings; duck and goose release far more fat than turkey.

Pork Roasts or Tenderloins

Opting for pork offers familiar but festive options beyond holiday ham. A pork crown roast encircled with sausage stuffing or an apple-balsamic glazed loin provides eye-catching alternatives Their milder taste and quicker cook time differs from turkey; rested and sliced pork hits the table hot with the turkey

Pork’s versatility also shines in slow cooker or fried rice dishes, easing the burden on Thanksgiving ovens. Always let pork rest at least 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier results.

Seafood Dishes

For non-meat-eaters, seafood choices like salmon, shellfish, or vegetarian roasts cater to specific diets. Baked salmon fillets pair well amid Thanksgiving greens and squash dishes. Shellfish primavera or cakes elegantly replace meat for pescatarians.

Hearty vegetarian roasts made from lentils, mushrooms, or other veggies replicate the traditional plated protein Savory sides and sauces help these entries blend seamlessly into the meal.

Complementing Turkey with Other Meats

When thoughtfully incorporated, a secondary entrée enhances Thanksgiving dinner more than overshadowing the lead turkey. Though nontraditional, multiple meats prevent guests from limiting themselves to a single option. The additional dishes also allow hosts to showcase their cooking skills through layered, complementary flavors. With an array of possibilities, cooks can craft a holiday feast tailored to their gathering and tastes.

From hams glazed since Wednesday to tenderloin seared just before dinner, supplemental roasts and proteins provide more to enjoy around the Thanksgiving table. The turkey might be the time-honored centerpiece, but it need not rule the meal alone. Savory, satiating complements help make the feast truly abundant.