What Other Meat Goes with Turkey? Complementing the Bird for a Hearty Feast

Turkey is the star of many holiday feasts, but that doesn’t mean it has to fly solo. Serving an additional meat alongside the customary turkey can add flair and variety to the meal. Whether accommodating guests’ preferences, small gatherings or just mixing things up incorporating a secondary protein provides more options while keeping tradition intact.

Why Pair Turkey with Another Meat?

While turkey certainly anchors the classic Thanksgiving spread, its mild taste and texture allows room to highlight another meat. Multiple mains enable hosts to please more guests, like those who don’t love poultry or follow plant-based diets. For smaller groups, a turkey breast or other small bird may suffice, nicely supplemented by another dish.

Even turkey aficionados can appreciate the balance a slice of ham or beef contributes. Blending the familiar with the fresh prevents repetitive feasts families cherish year after year.

Popular Turkey Complements

From tried-and-true pairings to unexpected additions, various meats excel as turkey wingmen. Consider these satisfying supplementary options:

Ham

Ham emerges as the most common turkey mate, prized for its adaptability, flavor, and fuss-free leftovers Glazed, smoked, or roasted, ham’s sweet and salty essence contrasts turkey’s more demure personality Sliced ham also allows leeway in turkey cooking; if the bird needs more time, ham stays hot and moist.

Leftover ham seamlessly incorporates into casseroles, soups, sandwiches and more. For ease, bake the ham ahead or Thanksgiving morning before the turkey goes in. Resting the ham enables better slicing.

Roast Beef

For beef devotees, roast beef offers the comforting tastes they desire. Prime rib and tenderloin shine alongside Thanksgiving trimmings; their richness balances veggies like Brussels sprouts or squash. To unify beef and turkey, choose a red wine or mushroom gravy.

While beef takes more effort, the spectacular presentation elevates the holiday spread. Searing then sliding beef into the oven just before serving lets it finish with the rested turkey.

Cornish Hens or Other Poultry

Petite birds like Cornish hens furnish individual, stylish entrees ideal for small gatherings. At about two servings each, hens elegantly plate for guests. Complement them with sides like wild rice pilaf or roasted autumn vegetables.

For bigger groups, duck or goose provides ample portions while diverging from turkey. Their bolder essence adds sophistication amidst the usual dishes. Take care to properly defat drippings; they release more fat than turkey.

Pork Roasts or Tenderloins

Opting for pork bestows festive variety beyond holiday ham. A sausage-stuffed crown roast or apple-balsamic glazed loin lends eye-catching options. Their mellower flavor and quicker cook time differs from turkey; sliced pork stays piping hot alongside the carved turkey.

Pork’s flexibility also succeeds in slow cooker or fried rice, easing oven constraints. Always let pork rest 5-10 minutes before cutting for ideal juiciness.

Seafood

For non-meat eaters, seafood like salmon, shellfish, or veggie roasts appeal to specific diets. Baked salmon fillets partner well with Thanksgiving produce and squash. Shellfish primavera or cakes provide pescatarians an elegant meat substitute.

Hearty vegetarian roasts of lentils, mushrooms, or other vegetables mimic traditional plated protein. Savory sides and sauces help them blend into the meal.

Strategies for Serving Secondary Meats

When thoughtfully executed, an extra entrée amplifies the Thanksgiving spread rather than overshadowing the starring turkey. Though non-traditional, multiple meats prevent guests from limiting themselves to one offering. The additional dishes also showcase the host’s cooking prowess through complementary flavors. With abundant possibilities, cooks can craft a holiday feast tailored to the gathering and preferences.

From hams glistening since Wednesday to tenderloin seared just before dinner, supplementary roasts and proteins provide more to savor around the Thanksgiving table. While the turkey may be the time-honored centerpiece, it needn’t rule the meal solo. Satisfying, savory sidekicks help make the feast truly abundant.

Popular Side Dishes to Accompany Turkey and Other Meats

While mains take the spotlight, holiday meals wouldn’t be complete without classic Thanksgiving side dishes. Here are popular pairings that perfectly complement turkey, ham, or other centerpiece proteins:

• Mashed potatoes: Smooth, creamy spuds provide comfort and soak up meat juices. Go classic with milk and butter or punch them up with garlic, cheese, or herbs.

• Stuffing or dressing: Bread-based dishes satisfy carb cravings and offer texture contrast to tender meats. Customize with sausage, apples, pecans, or cranberries as preferred.

• Gravy: The quintessential turkey friend, gravy pulls the meal together. Make it ahead from pan drippings or whip up a quick version with broth.

• Cranberry sauce: Tangy-sweet cranberry sauce cuts through rich meats. Opt for homemade chunky relish or smooth jelly as desired.

• Green bean casserole: This nostalgic Thanksgiving staple combines green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.

• Roasted vegetables: Caramelized roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash balance meaty dishes. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

• Dinner rolls: Fluffy biscuits or rolls sop up delicious gravy and complete the classic Thanksgiving flavors. Make them ahead or purchase pre-made.

• Macaroni and cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese makes a satisfying, family-friendly contribution. Use a homemade recipe or spruce up the boxed version.

• Cornbread: Buttery cornbread offers cushiony bites and soaks up gravy beautifully. Bake your treasured recipe in a pan or muffin tins.

The More the Merrier: Crafting a Memorable Feast

While the turkey may rule Thanksgiving tradition, incorporating an additional meat entrée expands the array of flavors and options for guests. With clever strategies like choosing complementary sauces and staggered roasting times, hosts can craft a menu that smoothly unites different proteins. From glazed ham to herbed tenderloin, a thoughtfully selected side meat prevents taste bud boredom and creates a hearty holiday feast everyone will remember.