25 Micro-Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas That Aren't A Whole Dang Turkey (2024)

The best way to feed a whole family without the mess? Roast a whole Thanksgiving spread — from the turkey breast and sweet potatoes to the Brussels sprouts and cornbread — all on sheet pans.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Cooking turkey breast in the Instant Pot instead of roasting a whole bird in the oven cuts down on so much time, mess, and effort.

Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Speaking of turkey, it doesn't have to be traditional. Make these deli turkey, brie, spinach, and cranberry sliders on soft and pillowy croissants for lunch or dinner.

Recipe: Turkey Croissant Panini

This comforting recipe features a bottom layer of turkey filling made with lots of veggies and on the top, it's got a thick layer of creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Recipe: Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Made with just a handful of simple ingredients like turkey drumsticks, onion, celery, thyme, and rosemary, this pressure cooker turkey pretty much falls off the bone.

Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Legs With Gravy

Rubbed with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, then slow cooked in the Crock Pot, this turkey breast gets super moist and flavorful.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

The best thing about a frittata is that it's perfectly appropriate to eat any time of day. Brunch, lunch, or dinner, the choice is yours.

Recipe: Turkey and Sweet Potato Frittata

You can make this Thanksgiving casserole in advance and freeze it. On the night before Thanksgiving, just thaw it in the freezer then pop it in the oven for 20 minutes.

Recipe: Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole

Using turkey parts like thighs and drumsticks is an easy way to cut costs and reduce cooking time. Massage the turkey with butter and herbs then roast it until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the meat is cooked through and tender.

Recipe: Butter Based Turkey Legs and Thighs With Herbs

Turn this cheap cut of turkey into a gourmet meal by slow cooking it in a glaze made of olive oil, Sriracha, honey, and chicken stock.

Recipe: Slow Cooked Turkey Legs With Honey Glaze and Garlic

IMHO, every holiday should include pizza. A far cry from your classic Margherita, this pie is topped with gravy, stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce.

Recipe: Thanksgiving Pizza

Chances are you don't need a 20-pound bird to feed a huge crowd this year. Try this decadent turkey tenderloin, which is filled with pancetta stuffing and then wrapped in prosciutto.

Recipe: Apple Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin

A serious crowd pleaser, it's OK to make things more casual this year. You never know, you might want to make these turkey, cheese, and cranberry sliders a new tradition!

Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Make these for Thanksgiving dinner or the day after with all your leftovers. If you're not making turkey, just pick up some store bought turkey breast, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.

Recipe: Thanksgiving Stromboli

Made in a muffin tin and filled with a blend of turkey, celery, onion, potato, and chicken stock, these individual pot pies are guaranteed to impress. If you don't want to make the dough from scratch, use the frozen kind.

Recipe: Mini Turkey and Cranberry Pot Pies

This autumnal take on lasagna features a rich and creamy pumpkin sauce layered with no-boil sheet noodles, crumbled sausage, and lots of cheese.

Recipe: Pumpkin Sausage Lasagna

Start with ground turkey and add any of your favorite in-season veggies to make this easy yet satisfying one-pot meal.

Recipe: Turkey and Vegetable Skillet