What to Eat Instead of Turkey This Thanksgiving in the Gem State

Thanksgiving is nearly here and many are preparing to host friends and family, while others will travel. Most tables around Idaho will have turkey on them, but not all families will, or perhaps will need a second option. Some are allergic to turkey and can't eat it at Thanksgiving, while others don't like it, and a few refuse to eat it for one reason or another. If you have someone coming who can't eat turkey, you may need another option to offer. If not enjoying the traditional bird this Thanksgiving, what options do you have in Idaho to put on the table and feed your guests?

SPAM For Thanksgiving

While it may not be the most popular option, SPAM is an option when it comes to replacing turkey. Most would likely prefer another option, but with SPAM you can get creative and mold it into the shape of a turkey, if you are artistic enough. While it is an option, it doesn't mean it is a popular one.

Tofu For Thanksgiving

If you have someone coming to Thanksgiving who is a vegan or a vegetarian, you may need a non-meat option, and tofu is the safest way to go. It allows everyone to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, no matter what their diet is.

Ham For Thanksgiving in Idaho

For some families, having multiple meat options is a yearly tradition, and the most common choice is ham. You can prepare it in different ways, and most people enjoy ham. It also makes for great left overs for sandwiches or by itself. If in need of a second meat or a different main course, ham is the best choice.

Deer For the Holiday

With Idaho being full of hunters, there is likely a deer sitting in a few freezers around the state. While some will want to be selfish with this meat and keep it for themselves, it is an option to serve it for Thanksgiving as well. 

BBQ Ribs For Thanksgiving

If you want to get away from tradition and go more for what people really enjoy, you could always have a BBQ dinner for Thanksgiving. I doubt many would be opposed to to some BBQ ribs. Yes, they might be messy, but they would be delicious. 

Fish For a Holiday Meal

If you need a lighter meat to choose from this holiday season, it may make your kitchen smell a bit fishy, but fish is always a good option. You could get some fresh fish you caught in Idaho, or you could go to the store and get some as well. Fish pairs well with many of the traditional sides as well. 

Chicken or Duck for Thanksgiving

If not serving turkey, you can still stick with bird and perhaps have duck or chicken. A nice rotisserie chicken could be a good and classy option, or perhaps serving duck, which is usually associated with holiday meals anyway.  It is duck season right now, so you could get a fresh one to serve. 

Lasagna For The Holidays

While it might be heavy and less traditional, lasagna is always a nice option, especially if you come from an Italian family. Even, if your guests are not Italian, most enjoy a good lasagna anytime. 

Chicken Pot Pie For Thanksgiving

If you want to make things easy, you could serve individual chicken pot pies, or a big one for everyone to get their own piece. This combines many of the food items enjoyed on Thanksgiving, and puts them all into a single dish. 

A Healthy Salad For Thanksgiving

If you have a vegan or vegetarian, or perhaps someone on a strong diet this holiday season, you could offer a salad as the main course to these guests. While many will enjoy some sort of meat or entrée, salad is always a safe bet for any crowd. 

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Hopefully, you don't have to go to the lengths of accommodating a picky guest, and can stick to the traditional planned meal this Thanksgiving, but if you need to add something for a certain guest or group, these are some recommendations for this holiday. For more options you may not think of, make sure to click the link in the first paragraph above.