Thanksgiving dinner centers on turkey for most, but there are plenty to explore. While it is the go-to for millions of households on Thanksgiving, that doesn't mean everyone loves it.
In fact, a recent survey found that 54% of young Americans would rather serve a different protein than turkey at a holiday meal. When given a list of alternatives, respondents selected:
- 59% chicken
- 49% pork or ham
- 49% beef or steak
- 23% fish or seafood
- 8% plant-based proteins
Only 12% of Gen Z respondents chose turkey as their preferred protein, the lowest among generations.
One problem with cooking and serving turkey is the waste that results and is thrown away. Instead of using it for leftovers, Americans throw away over 200 million pounds of turkey each year. Thanksgiving ranks as the most wasteful holiday of any celebrated.
Turkey prices are worth considering as well. A whole bird for 10 to 12 people now runs $40 or more, which can be a big cost for families this time of year. Time is another reason to discuss skipping the turkey. You have to plan to thaw the turkey, cook it, and then make room for all those turkey leftovers.
This year, why not focus on simplicity? It's time for options, and small birds can be the fix to bigger issues. They cook faster, produce less waste and leftovers, and some might even think they have more flavor.
It might be hard to remember a time when there wasn't turkey on your Thanksgiving table, but that doesn't mean that change can't happen. The fun part of cooking or hosting during the holidays is that you can decide what to serve. This year, try something new as a main entree and see what everyone thinks. It will either be a hit and a new tradition, or you'll revert to serving turkey at Thanksgiving, and no one will miss a beat.
Leave the giant roasting pan in the cabinet, and consider serving either Cornish hen, duck, or quail instead. They all cook quickly and pair well with the usual holiday sides. They could be a solution to the hassle.
Cornish hen
Cornish hen tops the list for ease. These young chickens typically weigh 1 to 2 pounds each and are a good serving size for one person, so there are minimal to no leftovers to worry about. They can be cooked in under an hour, without the carving drama to follow.
They have good flavor, are easy to season, and cost significantly less, at about $5 to $7 per bird. Cornish hen is an excellent option for a small holiday meal where just a couple of mouths are being fed.
The video below from @theremixkitchen shows how easy cornish hens are to cook.
Duck
Duck offers rich flavor and elegance. The dark meat of the bird stays moist and delicious, and the fat under the skin crisps perfectly for a nice texture. Purchasing a five-pound duck should provide enough meat to feed about four people.
The entire duck cooks quickly, delivering moist bites every time. No dried-out bird here. The rich flavor pairs well with hints of orange, cherry, or cranberry, making it an excellent option for a holiday entree.
The price point is higher, typically around $30 or more, but if you're looking for a change in flavor and main entree, it's worth going up in price sometimes to make that happen.
Swapping turkey for duck makes the dinner feel special, without being complicated.
Learn how to cook a duck with a sticky, sweet glaze for Thanksgiving dinner.
Quail
Another option for adding a gourmet touch to your table is to serve quail. The birds are tiny, great for serving two people with one bird. You can grill, roast, or even stuff them.
A quick cooking time makes them a contender. The meat has a mild taste, almost like chicken. You can pick up a pack of 10 for bulk purchases, making this an easy option for feeding more mouths without making multiple trips to the store.
Another bonus is that, since they're such small birds, there is minimal waste. Quail pairs well with cranberry sauce, and could be a fun new way to create a delicious meal that still has some of that classic holiday flavor. Pair with a glass of red wine to round it out.
The video below from @A-chef shows how simple and easy it can be to cook multiple quail perfectly at once.
When it comes to switching the main entree and protein this holiday season, these options are all strong contenders. You can cut costs, reduce food waste, and introduce a new flavor and idea during a time of year when people might be craving something new.
The takeaway
Switching birds is an easy way to change the day and reduce stress in the kitchen. Turkey has been in the spotlight for years, but holidays and preferences evolve. Small birds can shift while tasting better, wasting less, and being more affordable. Introduce a new bird to your Thanksgiving table this year. Trying something new may be your new fun and flavorful holiday tradition.
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