Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
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THANKSGIVING DINNER IDEAS FOR THE GRILL FROM THIS COLLECTION OF TRADITIONAL AND UNIQUE RECIPES.
What Can I Make For Thanksgiving Dinner Besides Turkey?
What Are Some Unique Thanksgiving Recipes?
What Are Some Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas?
What Are Some Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas?
What Sauces Go Well With Turkey?
There’s no right or wrong way to do Thanksgiving, and sometimes it pays to be bold, unique, and try out some new traditions.
That’s why we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to walk you through ideas to help you serve up a Thanksgiving meal your loved ones will never forget. From the best Thanksgiving recipes and turkey alternatives to try out on your Traeger, to unique Thanksgiving side dishes, smoked dessert ideas and the perfect potluck showstopper, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started.
WHAT CAN I MAKE FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER BESIDES TURKEY?
Turkey is the classic Thanksgiving main dish. When you have guests with special diets, or just feel like trying something different, it's time to test out some non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas. Our recommendations for turkey alternatives are:
- Honey Glazed Ham
- Standing Venison Rib Roast
- Smoked Pot Roast
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- BBQ Brisket
- Pork Loin
- Hickory Smoked Prime Rib
- Lasagna
- Rack of Lamb
- Smoked Pork Tenderloins
- Seared Duck Breasts
- Stuffed Crown Roast Pork
- Roast Goose
Another way to do something different — try smoking your turkey in a Traeger. The natural wood flavor really does change up Thanksgiving.
HONEY GLAZED HAM
The classic flavor of honey-glazed ham gets a boost on your Traeger, with two hours worth of gentle apple smoke.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Ham
Pantry Ingredients: Cloves, corn syrup, honey, butter
Hardwood Pellets: Apple
See Baked Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
STANDING VENISON RIB ROAST
A generous helping of Traeger Prime Rib Rub brings out the flavor of this venison. It roasts on the grill, bone side down, getting a further flavor infusion from hickory smoke.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Venison rib roast
Pantry Ingredients: Olive oil, Traeger Prime Rib Rub
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Standing Venison Rib Roast Recipe
SMOKED POT ROAST
This seasoned roast is smoked directly on the grill for 90 minutes. Then goes in a Dutch oven with aromatics and chicken stock and gets cooked until it’s incredibly tender.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, pearl onions, chicken stock
Pantry Ingredients: Garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, sherry, rosemary, thyme, chipotle peppers
Hardwood Pellets: Maple
WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
Coated in garlic parmesan butter, this meat-free centerpiece shows just how delicious cauliflower can be. Your Traeger makes it even better with natural pecan flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Whole cauliflower
Pantry Ingredients: Olive oil, salt, pepper, butter, shredded parmesan, garlic, parsley
Hardwood Pellets: Pecan
See Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
TEXAS STYLE SMOKED BEEF BRISKET
After a simple rub, this brisket stays low-and-slow with a blend of hardwoods for up to 18 hours, just like they do it in Texas.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 11-18 hours
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Brisket, brisket injection
Pantry Ingredients: Water, canola oil, apple juice, Traeger Prime Rib Rub, Traeger Coffee Rub, ground black pepper
Hardwood Pellets: Texas Beef Blend
See Texas Style Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe
SMOKED PORK LOIN
Pork loin gets the low-and-slow treatment in this very simple recipe that highlights Traeger's classic rub. Cherry wood provides a subtly sweet wood smoke flavor.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3.5 hours
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Pork loin
Pantry Ingredients: Traeger Rub
Hardwood Pellets: Cherry
See Smoked Pork Loin Recipe
HICKORY SMOKED PRIME RIB
A meaty cut like prime rib needs a bold wood to match. Hickory makes the perfect partner for this roast, and it gets even more flavor from a Dijon, garlic, and herb seasoning.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Prime rib roast
Pantry Ingredients: Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, rosemary, Traeger Prime Rib Rub, horseradish
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Hickory Smoked Prime Rib Recipe
LASAGNA
Always a special treat, this classic meaty lasagna will wow the crowd thanks to an extra touch of alder smoke.
Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Lasagna, bulk Italian sausage, spicy Italian sausage, red onion, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese
Pantry Ingredients: Garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, parsley, basil, ground fennel, Jacobsen salt, ground pepper, egg
Hardwood Pellets: Alder
See Lasagna Recipe
RACK OF LAMB
The rich flavor of hickory is the perfect pairing for this surprisingly simple preparation of a classic gourmet dish. A good choice for busy holidays, as it can be ready in less than an hour.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Rack of lamb
Pantry Ingredients: Yellow mustard, salt, ground black pepper, panko, Italian parsley, sage, rosemary
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Rack of Lamb Recipe
SMOKED PORK TENDERLOINS
Pork tenderloin is made even more succulent with a long soak in a honey and thyme marinade. Then it gets smoked low-and-slow over mellow apple wood.
Prep time: 3 hours
Cook time: 2.5 hours
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Pork tenderloins
Pantry Ingredients: Apple juice, honey, Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, brown sugar, thyme, black pepper
Hardwood Pellets: Apple
See Smoked Pork Tenderloins Recipe
SEARED DUCK BREASTS
Featuring Traeger's Big Game Rub, these duck breasts get an extra kiss of flavor with a quick sear over cherry wood on a smokin’ hot Traeger.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Duck breasts
Pantry Ingredients: Big Game Rub
Hardwood Pellets: Cherry
See Seared Duck Breasts Recipe
STUFFED CROWN ROAST PORK
A stunning presentation that no one at the table will ever forget. First make your favorite stuffing, do a simple rub, and your Traeger does the rest.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Serves: 2-4
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Crown roast pork, your favorite stuffing
Pantry Ingredients: Apple cider, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, salt, ground black pepper, olive oil
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Stuffed Crown Roast Pork Recipe
ROAST GOOSE
An overnight brine helps tenderize and flavor your goose. Your Traeger gives it an incredible boost of wood-fired flavor from oak, and a glaze adds a hint of sweetness.
Prep time: 24 hours
Cook time: 3 hours
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Goose
Pantry Ingredients: Water, kosher salt, brown sugar, navel orange, onion, black pepper, juniper berries, bay leaves, apple, fresh herbs, apple juice, maple syrup, butter
Hardwood Pellets: Oak
See Roast Goose Recipe
WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE THANKSGIVING RECIPES?
Our suggestions for unique Thanksgiving recipes that your guests may not have tried before are:
- Carrot Soufflé
- Baked Cheesy Corn Pudding
- Baked Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Cookie Crust
CARROT SOUFFLÉ
A semi-sweet, cinnamon-infused Southern vegetable dish that goes amazingly alongside smoked turkey, or even as a hearty (and slightly healthier) dessert option.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Carrots
Pantry Ingredients: Granulated sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, powdered sugar
Hardwood Pellets: Pecan
See Carrot Soufflé Recipe
BAKED CHEESY CORN PUDDING
This side combines corn, fresh herbs and butter, all baked together on your Traeger with three bubbly cheeses and crispy breadcrumbs.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Whole kernel corn, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese
Pantry Ingredients: Garlic, butter, kosher salt, black pepper, bread crumbs, thyme, rosemary
Hardwood Pellets: Cherry
See Baked Cheesy Corn Pudding Recipe
BAKED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH CHOCOLATE COOKIE CRUST
A creamy and rich cheesecake that incorporates a seasonal injection of pumpkin, and an unexpected chocolate cookie crust.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 90 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Canned pumpkin puree, bittersweet chocolate, cream cheese, Oreos
Pantry Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves
Hardwood Pellets: Maple
WHAT ARE SOME THANKSGIVING APPETIZER IDEAS?
The best bets for Thanksgiving appetizers are:
- Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin
- Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Marcona Almonds
- Smoked Bacon Cheese Ball
BAKED WINTER SQUASH AU GRATIN
A trio of winter roots, roasted with cream, herbs and loads of cheese. Add in that signature wood-fired flavor of pecan wood pellets, and it's the ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Acorn squash, butternut squash, yellow potatoes, heavy cream, Gruyere cheese
Pantry Ingredients: Garlic, butter, salt, pepper
Hardwood Pellets: Pecan
See Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin Recipe
PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED DATES WITH MARCONA ALMONDS
The flavor blast from salty prosciutto and sweet dates ticks all the boxes. A quick sear on the grill, plus lime zest and a few drops of honey, takes it to another level.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Medjool dates, prosciutto, Marcona almonds
Pantry Ingredients: Extra-virgin olive oil, limes, honey, flake salt
Hardwood Pellets: Oak
SMOKED BACON CHEESE BALL
Simply smoke cream cheese and sour cream in your Traeger for about 20 minutes, blitz it with some grilled bacon and herbs and let it set in the fridge before serving up with crackers.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onion, cheddar cheese
Pantry Ingredients: Garlic powder, salt
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Smoked Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe
WHAT ARE SOME THANKSGIVING DESSERT IDEAS?
Three fantastic Thanksgiving desserts are:
- Baked Bourbon Maple Pumpkin Pie
- Baked Buttermilk Pie With Cornmeal Crust
- Applesauce Cranberry Spice Cake
BAKED BOURBON MAPLE PUMPKIN PIE
This wood-fired overhaul of the classic Thanksgiving dessert features a dash of bourbon to warm your belly and a twist of rich chocolate for good measure.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 90 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Unsweetened cocoa powder, pumpkin puree, bourbon, pure maple syrup
Pantry Ingredients: Granulated sugar, kosher salt, flour, butter, vegetable shortening, egg, apple cider vinegar, water, sour cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, heavy cream
Hardwood Pellets: Maple
See Baked Bourbon Maple Pumpkin Pie Recipe
BAKED BUTTERMILK PIE WITH CORNMEAL CRUST
This homemade buttermilk pie comes packed with just the right combo of creamy, buttery and zesty – plus wood flavor from baking in your Traeger.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Fine cornmeal, buttermilk
Pantry Ingredients: Flour, kosher salt, Crisco, butter, water, sugar, eggs, lemons, vanilla bean
Hardwood Pellets: Pecan
APPLESAUCE CRANBERRY SPICE CAKE
Like eating an entire Thanksgiving feast in just one slice. Guests will be intrigued by the wood-fired layers of flavor that come from baking in your Traeger.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Applesauce, dried cranberries
Pantry Ingredients: Vegetable shortening, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, walnuts, butter, sugar, molasses, vanilla, brown sugar, heavy cream
Hardwood Pellets: Apple
See Applesauce Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe
WHAT DO YOU EAT WITH TURKEY?
Our recommendations for Thanksgiving sides to eat with turkey are:
- Rosemary and Thyme-Infused Mashed Potatoes with Cream
- Baked Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Croutons
- Baked Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
ROSEMARY AND THYME-INFUSED MASHED POTATOES WITH CREAM
You'll wow the crowd with mashed potatoes that start with an hour of wood-fired flavor infusion in your Traeger. A rich herb infusion puts the flavor over the top.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes
Pantry Ingredients: Heavy cream, rosemary, thyme, sage, black pepper, garlic, butter, salt
Hardwood Pellets: Cherry
See Rosemary and Thyme-Infused Mashed Potatoes with Cream Recipe
BAKED GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE WITH CRISPY SHALLOTS
Traeger's modern riff on a classic casserole includes fresh green beans, a from-scratch cream of mushroom soup and fried shallots rather than the canned versions.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Serves: 10-12
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Green beans, shiitake mushrooms
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, olive oil, butter, shallot, rice flour, chicken stock, sherry cooking wine, heavy cream, Parmigiano Reggiano, slivered almonds, canola oil
Hardwood Pellets: Pecan
CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON AND CROUTONS
Your cast-iron pan goes onto the grill in this amped-up recipe for Brussels sprouts that includes fresh-made croutons and bacon crumbles.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, thick-cut bacon, French bread
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, shallots, thyme, olive oil, ground black pepper, balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano
Hardwood Pellets: Cherry
BAKED CORNBREAD SAUSAGE STUFFING
Cornbread replaces white bread in this twist on traditional stuffing. The hint of sweetness from the cornbread plus the wood-fired hickory flavor make this an unforgettable dish.
Baked-Cornbread-Sausage-Stuffing
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Cornbread, breakfast sausage
Pantry Ingredients: Pecans, butter, sweet onion, celery, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, ground black pepper, paprika, eggs, milk, low-sodium chicken broth
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Baked Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe
WHAT SAUCES GO WELL WITH TURKEY?
Some of the best sauces to go with turkey are:
- Homemade Turkey Gravy
- Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Bourbon BBQ Sauce
HOMEMADE TURKEY GRAVY
The best turkey gravy starts with incredible stock, which you get by roasting turkey and veggies in your Traeger. Add the drippings from your roasted turkey and dinner is served.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Turkey neck, chicken stock
Pantry Ingredients: Onions, carrots, celery, thyme, garlic, flour, butter, kosher salt, cracked black pepper
Hardwood Pellets: Apple
See Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe
CRANBERRY ORANGE SAUCE
A kiss of pecan smoke flavor makes this simple cranberry sauce an aromatic and gorgeous addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Cranberries
Pantry Ingredients: Orange, cane syrup, Traeger Smoked Simple Syrup, star anise, cinnamon stick
Hardwood Pellets: Pecan
See Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
BOURBON BBQ SAUCE
This sweet and smoky sauce, simmered with a blast of hickory flavor, might just replace gravy as your favorite turkey topping.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Bourbon whiskey
Pantry Ingredients: Onion, garlic, ground black pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce
Hardwood Pellets: Hickory
See Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ok, so we’ve covered quite a bit here – you should have enough Thanksgiving dinner ideas to last you at least five years. But believe it or not, this is actually just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve got loads more finger-licking Thanksgiving recipes that have been specifically crafted with your Traeger in mind, and it’s never too early to start planning your next holiday feast.
Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
by Ronny Joseph Lvovski
Prep Time
30 Min
Cook Time
4 Hr
Serves
10
Pellets
Turkey Blend
Fresh & simple ingredients together with Traeger wood-fired flavor make this smoked spatchcock turkey stand out from the crowd. Simply spatchcock your bird for quicker cooking & more flavor exposure, cover it in an herb-packed compound butter, and let your grill do the rest. Recipe provided by Ronny Joseph of The Primal Gourmet.
Ingredients
main
| 1 | (18 to 20 lb) turkey preferably free-range, organic and humanely raised |
| 1 | Traeger Orange Brine and Turkey Rub Kit |
| 3/4 Cup | room temperature ghee or grass-fed butter |
| 2 Tablespoon | finely chopped fresh parsley |
| 2 Tablespoon | finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish |
| 1 Tablespoon | finely chopped fresh thyme |
| 1 Tablespoon | finely chopped fresh sage, plus extra for garnish |
1
Using a sharp knife or pair of kitchen shears, remove the backbone of the turkey and set aside for homemade turkey stock. With the turkey breast side-down, make an incision in the back of the breast bone. Flip the turkey so that it is breast side-up and press down on the breasts to flatten it to make this smoked spatchcock turkey.
2
In a container large enough to hold the turkey, prepare the brine according to the instructions. Place the turkey into the brine making sure it is submerged fully. Transfer to the fridge and brine overnight or up to 24 hours.
3
Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towel. Being careful not to pierce the skin, use your hands to separate the skin from the breast, creating a pocket of air. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. Lay the turkey flat on the wire rack, breast side-up.
4
In a small bowl, combine the ghee, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix until incorporated.
5
Using your hands, stuff the pocket between the breast meat and skin with the compound butter. Season the turkey liberally with Turkey Rub.
6
Set the Traeger to 225°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
7
Set the wire rack over a 4-inch-deep roasting dish and set the turkey on top, breast side-up. Close the lid and smoke the turkey until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 100°F to 110°F, about 2 to 2.5 hours. Take into account temperature fluctuations due to ambient weather.
8
Raise the grill temperature to 375°F and cook the turkey, basting it with any rendered juices two or three times, until the thickest part of the breast reaches 160°F, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Transfer the cooked turkey to a carving board and loosely tent with foil. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving your smoked spatchcock turkey. Enjoy!