~ Wanna try something different this holiday season? Step outside the kitchen with these delicious Thanksgiving Grilling Ideas! From turkey and other festive main courses, to sides and salads – even dessert. Traditional flavors become so much more unique and exciting when you serve up Thanksgiving dinner from your grill! ~
![Collage of four recipe photos with text overlay reading "41 Delicious! Thanksgiving Grilling Recipes".](jpg/thanksgiving-grilling-ideas.jpg)
Wanna shake up tradition just a little? Tired of the same old oven-roasted turkey, boiled and mashed taters, and baked casserole sides?
Oh, I hear ya! As I’ve mentioned before – my fam usually has two or three days of Thanksgiving parties, just to fit in the whole family tree and all its constantly sprouting, far-reaching branches.
So for me, two or three (or four!) “traditional” turkey dinners is just not gonna happen. Bo-ringggg! I’m always on the lookout for new twists … unique but highly festive ideas that still feel like Thanksgiving dinner, but yet are also somehow NOT precisely like Thanksgiving dinner.
This year, I thought I’d bring all of you along on my quest for delicious new inspiration! (Like my idea to serve up holiday-worthy Thanksgiving Chicken Breasts, instead of a whole turkey.)
Today, I’m exploring the idea of taking the feast out to the grill. So cool, so impressive!
What Can You Grill for Your Thanksgiving Feast?
Maybe you want to grill just one part of the meal to free up kitchen space (smart!).
Or maybe you live somewhere that still has glorious weather on Thanksgiving Day (lucky, lucky you!), and you’d like to celebrate outside.
Whatever you choose, I found awesome, awesome ideas for:
So, this Thanksgiving, try something new. Get a bit casual, a bit creative, a bit smoky-grill-marked-slightly-charred-this-is-sooooooo-delicious!
Get grillin’!
Thanksgiving Grilling Ideas
The Main Event: Grilled Turkey Recipes!
From simple grilling techniques, to smoky flavors, or even to a spatchcock version or just a single grilled breast, there's a delicious turkey recipe here that's perfect for your Thanksgiving menu!
BEST, Classic Grilled Turkey (aka How to Grill a Turkey)
This is a step-by-step recipe, for a classically flavored grilled turkey, without using wood chips or a smoker. A fun way to free up that oven and wow your guests with a grilling experience and a tender, flavorful, juicy bird – it's easier than you think!
Whole Smoked Turkey
This brined, smoked turkey is tender, moist and delicious and adds a special, smoky twist to your holiday celebration. This more advanced, comprehensive recipe includes details on everything from the brine, to the wood chips and drip pan, to the best instant read thermometers and instructions for both a smoker as well as a gas grill ... plus a crazy-good homemade cider gravy to go alongside!
Juicy Apple Cider Turkey
This recipe is for everyone who loves injecting their turkey with marinade prior to cooking. A quick salt water brine makes sure the turkey stays juicy while it's hickory smoked on your grill, and the injected apple cider marinade infuses the tender, juicy meat with wonderful flavor as it cooks!
Dry Rub Smoked Turkey
Ideal for pellet grills or electric smokers, this recipe requires no brining and has very little added fat. A dry rub spice mixture featuring garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, thyme, and Old Bay builds great flavor, and the end result is a turkey dinner with tender meat and a fabulous, crispy skin.
Spatchcock Grilled Turkey
So many helpful shortcuts here! This super-moist turkey recipe uses a simple dry brine (no 5-gallon brining bucket required). And spatchcocking (butterflying) your bird slashes cook time and makes carving easier, too.
Grilled Turkey Breast
This recipe uses just the breast, but still includes (optional) brining and a slather of spices, just like you'd do with a whole bird. Perfect for smaller gatherings, or if you don't care for dark meat – but still want to celebrate with classic turkey flavor!
Smoked Turkey Breast
Unlike many "low and slow" smoker recipes, this one is "hot and fast" which allows you to add smoke flavor but cook in way less time. A thorough tutorial walks you through the recipe, which is ideal for a pellet smoker, or any kamado-style ceramic or charcoal grill.
Alternative Thanksgiving Mains
Not a turkey person? Or maybe (like me!) you've got multiple Thanksgiving celebrations every year (so much family to hug and give thanks for!) ... and you just don't want to eat turkey every time. No worries. We've got this!
Grilled Lobster Tail
If you're gonna jettison that turkey, why not go straight to the Cadillac of celebratory dishes?!? These soft, tender lobster tails are easy to make on your grill, and so richly luscious with a bit of lemon garlic butter. Divine!
Quick Flank Steak Recipe
Sooooo ... I still haven't quite decided, but for the "second Thanksgiving" I'll be hosting this year, I think I'm gonna dub it "Steaks-giving" and serve up this super-easy, no-stress, family-favorite recipe. Everyone will be thrilled, and I'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the people I love!
Smoked Whole Chicken (on a Pellet Grill)
Designed for a smoker or pellet grill, this highly rated recipe takes just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, and you can smoke one or multiple chickens, depending on the size of your gathering. It yields succulent, tender meat with a crisp skin, thanks to the special dry brining technique.
Grilled Spatchcock Chicken
Spatchcocking is a terrific strategy for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly throughout, with juicy meat on the inside and crispier skin ... all with a shorter cooking time. Lots of great tips for a scrumptiously seasoned bird that's ideal for smaller Thanksgiving parties.
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Elevate salmon to a celebration-worthy main course with this cedar plank technique! It's a simple yet elegant way to create restaurant-quality salmon with a delicious smoked, woodsy flavor. A delightful alternative to traditional turkey!
Easy Grilled Prime Rib
Perhaps the most ultimate holiday-season main dish (besides, of course ... Thanksgiving turkey!). If you're looking for a turkey alternative, give this a shot. It's easy to prepare with a simple garlic rub and step-by-step instructions for a tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib roast. (And even though it's so very special, remember that this cut is high in fat, so keep portion sizes in check and serve it up with lots of the delicious veggie side dishes below!)
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
When I was a kid, our "second Thanksgiving" dinner usually involved seafood – especially shrimp! If that's your vibe, too, then this easy but flavorful marinated shrimp recipe will be just perfect. Serve it as a main dish, or even as an appetizer!
Easy Grilled Venison Backstrap
While there's some historic debate as to whether or not turkey was actually the type of fowl served at the first Thanksgiving, there is evidence that the "Wampanoag arrived with an offering of five deer." So, maybe this venison is actually a more truly traditional choice than turkey?!? Regardless, it's easy to prepare on the grill, and turns out delicious and flavorful with no gamey taste!
Easy Grilled Cornish Hens
Impressive! Your guests will each feel so special having an entire hen on their plate, since one hen makes the perfect serving size. Yet this recipe is so approachable, too, with just 10 minutes of prep and a super-easy marinade. It’s amazing how much flavor you can get out of a few simple ingredients!
Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash
Combining all the classic Thanksgiving flavors into an edible bowl, this is the perfect camping meal for a Thanksgiving outdoor getaway! It hits all the notes that conjure up memories of a big family Thanksgiving – turkey and stuffing, pecans, onions, celery and cranberries ... but it doesn’t involve nearly as many dishes!
Grilled Lamb Chops
An eye-catching plated presentation! And these grilled lamb chops are packed full of flavor from a simple mix of minced garlic, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic salt, liquid smoke, and olive oil. Fast to make, too, since they're seared on the grill for just 8-10 minutes, until they're tender and juicy with a delicate crust!
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks
This easy recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! Savory and a little smoky, it's an ideal vegan, gluten-free main dish to have on hand if you're serving a group with diverse dietary needs.
Vegan Grilled Kabobs (Thanksgiving Dinner on a Stick!)
Have some vegan friends joining you for the feast? These ingenious skewers are like Thanksgiving dinner on a stick, with herbed lemon seitan, stuffing, potatoes, and even sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Just add cranberry sauce and gravy! (And you'd better make extras ... EVERYONE will wanna try one!)
Grilled Sides and Salads
If you're already firing up the grill for the main course of your holiday meal, why not make some side dishes there, too? Easy and fun!
Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Instead of typical mashed potatoes, toss a foil packet of these on the grill, to cook right alongside your main dish. Ridiculously simple and so good! Plus, they're great little chameleons to match up with whatever other flavors you're highlighting in your meal.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
These grilled sprouts are wonderfully smoky and caramelized! Toss them in lemon zest and parmesan cheese, or a even a tahini sauce, for an impressive yet traditional side dish.
Foil Packet Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Grilled over medium heat, these require almost zero attention and are virtually impossible to overcook! The sweet potatoes develop a delightfully unique, slightly smoky flavor, and when they're done, you just dump them in a bowl, add in some butter, milk and salt, and mash away to your preferred consistency. Easy-peasy!
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan, Lemon and Garlic
Asparagus isn't just for springtime anymore. It's a staple at many Thanksgiving celebrations these days, too! This quick, simple version leverages common pantry staples and will pair perfectly with other harvest flavors on your holiday menu.
Arugula, Prosciutto and Grilled Pear Salad
Sweet grilled autumn pears perfectly highlight peppery arugula, salty prosciutto and feta, and crunchy pecans. The honey mustard vinaigrette is like a cherry on top!
Grilled Carrots
A foolproof recipe for grilling carrots over indirect heat so they're delightfully tender and not burnt. Try them with a unique North African-inspired lemon harissa sauce, or one of the several other delicious topping and sauce ideas in the post!
Grilled Bread Skewers
So clever – this is definitely the grilled side dish you didn’t even know you needed. Much more exciting than a regular ol' loaf of bread! It's the perfect combination of chewy and crispy, with a touch of rosemary and garlic. (And be sure to note the tip that you can choose a whole-grain loaf for extra nutrition.)
Grilled Green Beans with Butter and Garlic
Ditch the gloppy green bean casserole this year, and try making your beans in a cast iron pan on the grill! It's easy and mess-free ... and you still get the grill flavors plus a buttery, seasoned coating. Buh-bye gloppy casserole!
Roasted Cauliflower and Cabbage Salad
Cauliflower and red cabbage are grilled to roasty-toasty perfection, then tossed with crunchy, toasted almonds, fresh herbs, and a sweet-and-savory Miso Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette for a stunning presentation with lots of bright flavors and great textures!
Grilled Delicata Squash
One of the joys of eating delicata squash is that it tastes like sweet potatoes, but has a fraction of the carbs and calories. This recipe showcases delicata's natural sweetness with a warm, creamy, grilled center. Dress it up for Thanksgiving with spinach, pecans, dried cranberries, and balsamic glaze!
Grilled Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan
Four ingredients, 10 minutes, and a hot grill is all you need for this easy side dish, kissed with tangy lemon and a generous shower of salty-savory parmesan. (Alternately, you could also go for Grilled Broccolini, too!)
Veggie Kabobs with Halloumi Cheese
Irresistible chunks of grilled Halloumi are surrounded by a harvest bounty of seasoned veggies. Feel free to change up the vegetables to fit the rest of your Thanksgiving menu. Try it and see why this recipe has so many great reviews!
Grilled Kale Salad with Avocado, Lemon and Parmesan
Grilling kale makes it SO flavorful and a little crispy – kinda like raw kale, sautéed kale, and kale chips all in one! Here it's paired with avocado, lemon, garlic, toasted pecans, and parmesan for a stunner presentation.
Grilled Butternut Squash
Seasoned with a sweet-and-spicy combination of cinnamon and chili powder, this grilled side dish is easy to make and packed with flavor! Includes lots of seasoning ideas and serving suggestions, like drizzling with a bit of sweet maple syrup or adding interesting spice kicks.
Grilled Zucchini with Balsamic Glaze, Basil and Feta
In this quick Thanksgiving side dish, perfectly grilled zucchini is drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze, bits of fresh basil, and creamy, salty feta cheese. Mmmmm ... it's light, easy, healthy and delicious!
Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
This fun recipe is actually triple grilled: first the jalapeño is grilled to build flavor, then the pan of cornbread is cooked right on the grill, and finally, individual pieces of cornbread are grilled again to develop alluring "grill marks." A great twist on a Thanksgiving classic!
Grilled Eggplant Pomegranate Salad
Grilled eggplant teams up with pretty holiday pomegranate, parsley, mint, feta, and a zesty, refreshing dressing. A unique combination that'll pleasantly surprise you!
Perfectly Tender Grilled Cauliflower Florets
Wanna know a secret? The best grilled cauliflower just might start with a microwave! Huh! This foolproof method yields cauliflower that's tender, caramelized, smoky and 100% delicious. Take it a step further by nestling it atop a bed of cream-swirled romesco sauce for a real treat!
Grilled Dessert Ideas
Let's not forget about the glorious finale to your feast! To end the day on an impressive note, pull dessert from the grill to thrill your guests and add a final flourish of "WOW" factor!
Grilled Pumpkin Pie with Smoked Ginger Snap Crust
Grilling the entire recipe adds intriguing new flavors to this classic Thanksgiving dessert. First, ginger snap cookies are smoked (with a very easy, shortcut method!), and then the entire pie "bakes" right on the grill. Your guests will be astonished – what fun!
Quick and Healthy Angel Food Cake Dessert with Vanilla-Honey Oranges
Holiday flavors take center stage with refreshing oranges and sweet-tart pops of pomegranate. Although you can opt to broil this recipe, you can also toast the cake on the grill, just like in our summer-y Blueberry-Lemon version.
Grilled Apples Dessert
Kind of like a deconstructed apple pie! The apples are cooked in a foil packet with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar ... and taste just like apple pie, especially topped with granola and a dollop of whipped cream or frozen yogurt!
Want More Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas?
Maybe you don’t want to grill every part of the meal? Want a few indoor recipes to round out your Thanksgiving menu? I’ve got ya! How about …
And how about some easy Thanksgiving side dishes?
Other recipes I highly recommend include:
![Square collage with four recipe pictures and central text reading "41 Thanksgiving Grilling Recipes".](jpg/thanksgiving-grill-recipes.jpg)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
No matter how many feasts you’re coordinating this year, and no matter where you’re celebrating (indoors or out!) … I hope you have a wonderful holiday full of delicious things to eat and lots of laughter with people you love!
I rotisserie turkeys. I use different types of injected marinade. So far I’ve tried cajun, garlic and butter, various BBQ sauces. This year going to Frank it Up with Franks Hot Sauce. I have never had a year where the turkey was not picked clean and one occasion people where nicely fighting over the scraps of turkey leftover. Been doing this for 10 years now and the results have been same. The turkey gets devoured.
Wow! This all sounds so delicious – I can definitely imagine that you’ve got your guests (politely!) fighting for the last yummy tidbits every year! ~Shelley