16 Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes for a Show-Stopping Holiday Table

The best Thanksgiving main dishes are the ones that make everyone go quiet for a second when they hit the table—and this roundup is full of them. Whether you’re a die-hard roast turkey traditionalist, a glazed-ham family, or someone ready to try an elegant beef Wellington this year, there’s a show-stopping centerpiece here with your name on it.

We’ve pulled together 16 of our favorite holiday mains—from classic herb-roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham to make-ahead brisket, duck, salmon, and a vegetarian stuffed squash that steals the show. Scroll through, find the one (or two!) that fit your crowd, and click through for the full step-by-step. Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!

1. Herb Roasted Turkey

Rubbed with garlic-herb butter and roasted until golden and juicy, this is the classic centerpiece every Thanksgiving table deserves. It’s foolproof enough for first-time hosts yet impressive enough to earn a round of applause when you carry it out.

2. Roast Turkey with Cranberry Orange Glaze

A bright cranberry-orange glaze gives this roast turkey a glossy, lightly sweet finish that tastes like the holidays. The festive color makes it a stunning main dish that photographs as beautifully as it eats.

3. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Cooking just a breast is the smart move for smaller gatherings, and a warm maple glaze keeps the meat tender and full of flavor. You get all the Thanksgiving nostalgia with none of the fuss of a whole bird.

4. Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

Bright lemon and fresh herbs make this turkey breast light, juicy, and golden every single time. It’s an easy, elegant main for a scaled-down holiday or anyone who prefers white meat.

5. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy

When the oven is full of sides, the Instant Pot delivers a juicy turkey breast and rich gravy in a fraction of the time. It’s a lifesaver on a busy Thanksgiving morning and comes out perfectly tender.

6. Turkey Roulade with Sage Stuffing

Rolled around a savory sage stuffing, this turkey roulade slices into gorgeous spirals that look like they came from a restaurant. It’s easy to carve and serve, making it a show-stopping yet stress-free centerpiece.

7. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Sweet pineapple and brown sugar caramelize into a sticky, golden glaze over juicy holiday ham. If turkey isn’t your family’s favorite, this crowd-pleasing ham makes an easy, festive main.

8. Honey Glazed Ham

A glossy honey glaze turns this ham sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized on the outside. It feeds a crowd with minimal hands-on time, so you can focus on the rest of the spread.

9. Maple Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust

Maple syrup and a spiced brown sugar crust give this ham a deep, cozy sweetness that’s pure fall comfort. The lacquered exterior looks stunning on the table and pairs perfectly with all your favorite sides.

10. Classic Beef Wellington

Tender beef wrapped in mushroom duxelles and flaky golden pastry is the ultimate show-stopping main for an elevated holiday. It takes a little effort, but slicing into that buttery crust is a Thanksgiving moment guests won’t forget.

11. Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

This melt-in-your-mouth brisket cooks low and slow while you handle everything else, freeing up the oven entirely. It’s a hearty, hands-off beef centerpiece for anyone who wants to change up the usual bird.

12. Hearty Crockpot Pot Roast

Fork-tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmer together in the slow cooker for the coziest comfort-food main. Set it in the morning and come home to a warm, effortless holiday dinner that fills the whole house with aroma.

13. Stuffed Pork Loin with Cranberries and Apples

A juicy pork loin stuffed with tart cranberries and sweet apples tastes like autumn in every slice. It carves into beautiful pinwheels and offers a lighter, fruit-forward alternative to the usual holiday roast.

14. Duck Breast with Cherry Port Sauce

Crispy-skinned duck breast draped in a rich cherry port sauce brings a touch of restaurant elegance to your holiday table. It’s the perfect main for an intimate Thanksgiving when you want something a little special.

15. Salmon en Croute

Flaky salmon baked inside buttery puff pastry makes a light yet impressive seafood centerpiece for the holidays. It comes together faster than a roast and is a welcome change of pace for the fish lovers at your table.

16. Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory grain-and-vegetable stuffing give plant-based guests a main worth celebrating. Hearty, colorful, and naturally festive, it’s a beautiful vegetarian centerpiece that everyone will want to try.

Round Out Your Holiday Menu

Now that the centerpiece is sorted, build out the rest of the feast. Browse our Thanksgiving recipes for the whole holiday, add a few crowd-pleasing side dishes, and save room for something sweet from our desserts and baked goods. From our kitchen to yours, have a delicious Thanksgiving!