Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals where tradition meets personal taste. For many families, the big question is simple: turkey or ham? Both can make an impressive centrepiece, but each brings something different to the Thanksgiving table.
Whether you’re planning a classic Thanksgiving feast or looking for something a little easier and more flexible, choosing the right main dish can help make your holiday meal delicious, stress-free and memorable.
Turkey: The Classic Thanksgiving Favourite
For many families, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t feel complete without a beautifully roasted turkey. It’s the traditional choice for a reason: turkey is versatile, pairs beautifully with classic side dishes and gives you plenty of leftovers for the days ahead.
A whole turkey is ideal if you’re hosting a larger family gathering. Serve it with mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy for the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner.
Turkey leftovers are also incredibly versatile. Turn leftover turkey into sandwiches, wraps, soups, casseroles or a comforting turkey pot pie. You can even use the bones to make a rich homemade stock for soups and sauces.
If you have a smaller gathering, you don’t necessarily need a massive bird. A smaller turkey can still give you the traditional Thanksgiving experience without leaving you with an overwhelming amount of leftovers.
Ham: An Easy and Delicious Alternative
If you’re looking for something a little different, ham is an excellent Thanksgiving option. It’s especially convenient for hosts who want a delicious main course without spending hours preparing a whole turkey.
Ham has a rich, savoury flavour that works beautifully with sweet and savoury Thanksgiving sides. Try serving it with roasted or mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans and a fresh salad.
One of the biggest advantages of ham is how easy it can be to serve. Depending on the product you choose, much of the cooking work may already be done, leaving you more time to focus on your guests and the rest of the meal.
And just like turkey, ham makes fantastic leftovers. Use slices for breakfast sandwiches, add diced ham to scrambled eggs or omelettes, make a hearty grilled cheese, or use it in soups and casseroles.
Turkey or Ham? Why Not Both?
Can’t decide? You don’t have to!
Serving both turkey and ham is a great option for larger Thanksgiving gatherings, particularly when you have guests with different preferences. Turkey brings the traditional holiday flavour, while ham offers a rich alternative that requires minimal fuss.
You can also use the two proteins throughout the weekend. Serve turkey as the star of Thanksgiving dinner and bring out ham for brunch or lunch the following day.
This approach can make holiday meal planning easier while giving everyone plenty of options.
Build the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner
Whichever main course you choose, the sides are what turn Thanksgiving dinner into a feast.
For a traditional menu, consider:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Homemade stuffing
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Turkey or ham gravy
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Roasted carrots
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Brussels sprouts
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Green beans
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Cranberry sauce
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Dinner rolls
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Seasonal squash
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Pumpkin pie or apple crisp
You can also make things more interesting by adding one or two modern sides. A roasted vegetable salad, maple-glazed carrots or creamy scalloped potatoes can give your Thanksgiving table a fresh twist while still keeping the meal familiar.
Don’t Forget the Leftovers
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is having enough food to enjoy again after the big dinner.
Leftover turkey is perfect for sandwiches, soups, wraps and casseroles. Ham can be added to breakfast dishes, pasta, potato dishes and savoury pies. If you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, think beyond Thanksgiving dinner itself and choose proteins that will give you plenty of options for the days afterward.
You can even portion leftovers into freezer-friendly containers so you have convenient meals ready for busy evenings.
Make Thanksgiving Your Own
So, turkey or ham for Thanksgiving? There’s no need to stick rigidly to tradition. Choose turkey if you love the classic holiday experience, ham if you want something simple and flavourful, or serve both if you’re feeding a crowd.
The most important part of Thanksgiving is bringing people together around a table filled with food everyone enjoys.
Whether your family prefers a golden roasted turkey, a delicious glazed ham or a little bit of both, a well-planned Thanksgiving feast makes it easy to enjoy good food, great company and plenty of leftovers to look forward to.
