Celebrating our Diversity! Thanksgiving Favorites By Region
Thanksgiving in the United States is a celebration of family, gratitude, and, most importantly, food. While turkey is the star of the show nationwide, the sides and desserts vary widely depending on the region, highlighting the diverse cultural influences and local ingredients found across the country. What do you serve that reflects your heritage?
From Turkey, to Sides & Pies
From the pecan pies of the South to the cranberry relish of New England, these regional favorites showcase how Americans add local flavor to their Thanksgiving tables. Here’s a tour of some of the most beloved Thanksgiving dishes from different parts of the United States.
1. New England: Cranberry Relish and Succotash
In the birthplace of Thanksgiving, New Englanders stick to traditional dishes that reflect the Pilgrims’ original meal. Cranberry relish, made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and sometimes orange zest, is a staple. This dish has a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements turkey. Massachusetts is one of the top cranberry-producing states, making this side especially fitting for the region.
Colorful Sides
Another New England favorite is succotash, a blend of corn and lima beans. This dish is inspired by Indigenous recipes and showcases the region’s Native American heritage. Variations often include onions, peppers, and cream for a hearty side dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
2. The South: Cornbread Dressing and Pecan Pie
In the South, cornbread dressing (never stuffing) is a Thanksgiving must. Southern cornbread dressing is often made with a mix of crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, and chicken or turkey stock. Some recipes add sausage, while others incorporate fresh sage or even oysters for coastal variations. Southern Living has a popular recipe for this classic dish.
Southern Classic Dessert
For dessert, pecan pie is a Southern classic. This pie, made with rich, caramel-flavored pecans, sugar, butter, and eggs, is a holiday favorite. It’s believed to have originated in Louisiana, where pecan trees are abundant. The pecan pie is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of bourbon sauce for added decadence. We have a version with chocolate and whiskey!
3. Midwest: Green Bean Casserole and Wild Rice Soup
The Midwest is known for hearty, comforting dishes, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Green bean casserole, invented by Campbell Soup Company in the 1950s, is a staple on many Thanksgiving tables across the Midwest. Made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crispy fried onions, this dish is simple yet satisfying.
Serve A Soup!
Another Midwest favorite, particularly in Minnesota, is wild rice soup. This soup often includes a creamy base, wild rice (a grain native to the area), mushrooms, and sometimes turkey or chicken. Wild rice soup is a warming dish that celebrates the unique ingredients of the Upper Midwest.
4. Southwest: Green Chile Stuffing and Pumpkin Empanadas
In the Southwest, traditional Thanksgiving dishes are infused with the region’s signature spices. Green chile stuffing is a popular twist on classic stuffing, featuring roasted Hatch green chiles from New Mexico. This spicy, savory dish often includes corn, cheese, and sometimes even sausage or chorizo for an added Southwestern flair. The Hatch chile has a mild heat that gives the stuffing a distinctive flavor without overpowering the other dishes.
Sweet Southwest Pumpkin Dessert
For dessert, pumpkin empanadas are a beloved treat in the Southwest. These handheld pastries are filled with spiced pumpkin puree, giving them a festive twist. Pumpkin empanadas are especially popular in Arizona and Texas, where they’re often enjoyed as both a dessert and a breakfast pastry during the Thanksgiving season.
5. Pacific Northwest: Salmon and Hazelnut Stuffing
In the Pacific Northwest, where fresh seafood is abundant, some families replace or supplement turkey with salmon. Roasted or grilled salmon takes center stage on many Thanksgiving tables in Oregon and Washington, often glazed with a mixture of maple syrup, brown sugar, or herbs that highlight the fish’s rich flavor. Salmon offers a lighter but equally satisfying alternative to the traditional bird.
Nutty Stuffing
Hazelnuts, a major crop in Oregon, are frequently used in the region’s Thanksgiving dishes, particularly in stuffing. Hazelnut stuffing combines earthy hazelnuts with bread, mushrooms, onions, and celery, providing a nutty flavor and crunchy texture that pairs well with roasted meats.
6. Mid-Atlantic: Oyster Stuffing and Shoofly Pie
In the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in Maryland and Virginia, oyster stuffing (or dressing) is a unique and cherished Thanksgiving dish. Oysters were once plentiful along the Eastern seaboard, and they found their way into traditional holiday dishes. Oyster stuffing includes fresh oysters, bread, celery, onions, and seasonings, adding a briny twist to Thanksgiving.
Mid-Atlantic Dessert
Shoofly pie is another Mid-Atlantic favorite, originating from Pennsylvania Dutch country. This molasses-based pie is rich, sweet, and often served as part of dessert. The pie’s name is said to come from the need to “shoo” flies away from its sweet, sticky surface. While it’s not exclusively a Thanksgiving dessert, shoofly pie often makes an appearance on holiday tables across the region.
7. The Plains: Corn Pudding and Sweet Potato Pie
In the Plains states, corn is a significant crop, and corn pudding is a popular Thanksgiving side dish. This creamy, slightly sweet dish is made with corn, milk, eggs, and sometimes a touch of sugar, resulting in a texture somewhere between a casserole and a custard. Corn pudding is especially popular in Iowa and Nebraska, where it celebrates the region’s agricultural roots.
Dessert On The Plains
Sweet potato pie is another favorite in the Plains, though it’s commonly enjoyed throughout the South as well. This dessert, similar in texture to pumpkin pie, is made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Sweet potato pie adds a warm, autumnal flavor to the Thanksgiving table and reflects the importance of sweet potatoes in American culinary traditions.
8. Hawaii: Kalua Turkey and Coconut Haupia
Hawaii brings unique flavors to Thanksgiving, combining traditional American dishes with Pacific Island influences. Kalua turkey is a Hawaiian twist on the traditional roast turkey, often prepared with a smoky, slow-cooked flavor that mimics the traditional Kalua pork. This dish is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and sometimes wrapped in ti leaves before roasting, infusing the meat with a rich, earthy flavor.
Dessert on The Islands
For dessert, Hawaiians often enjoy haupia, a coconut-based pudding made with coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Haupia is frequently served as a refreshing, light dessert after the Thanksgiving feast, offering a taste of the islands that complements traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Conclusion: Celebrating Diversity Through Food
Thanksgiving in the United States is as diverse as the people who celebrate it. From the spicy green chile stuffing of the Southwest to the classic pecan pie of the South, these regional dishes reflect the local flavors and traditions that make each part of the country unique. As you plan your Thanksgiving meal this year, consider incorporating one of these regional favorites to add a new twist to your holiday table, celebrating not only the season but also the rich culinary heritage of America.
Comfort in Every Bite: Fall Recipes with Pumpkin, Butternut, Acorn, and Kabocha
There is more to pumpkin than pie and desserts! Edible pumpkins and all kinds of winter squash, like acorn, butternut, kabocha, and more, made fantastic cool weather meals, from soups and stews, to chilis and casseroles. We even have biscuits and savory muffins – and of course, roasted pumpkin seeds. 24 recipes in all, to get you celebrating the cool weather.
READ: Comfort in Every Bite: Fall Recipes with Pumpkin, Butternut, Acorn, and Kabocha
20 Favorite Side Dishes To Pair With Burgers
Here are 20 of our favorite side dishes to pair with burgers, from oven-baked fries (2 kinds), green salads to hearty potato and pasta sides, even a quick stovetop mac and cheese. READ: 20 Favorite Side Dishes To Pair With Burgers
Join Us
Join us on this empowering journey as we explore, celebrate, and elevate “her story.” The Queen Zone is not just a platform; it’s a community where women from all walks of life can come together, share their experiences, and inspire one another. Welcome to a space where the female experience takes center stage. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing, Queen!
