Regional Thanksgiving Dishes To Try This Year
There are a few things that are essential to most Thanksgiving tables. A turkey, for one, and loved ones, for another. Beyond that, the food we eat on this all-American holiday can range across the country. These regional Thanksgiving recipes showcase the best of what this country has to offer, and who knows, maybe you'll find something new for your holiday spread this year.
Crispy Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are one of those retro appetizers that have mostly disappeared, but not in the Midwest. This twist on a dip is still a staple at holiday gatherings in the region.
For the Crispy Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe, click here.
Chipotle Beef Tamales
There are a lot of regional dishes from the great state of Texas, but if you go to Thanksgiving in the Lone Star State, expect to start your meal with tamales.
Potato Skins
Though they're best known as a game day snack, potato skins are appropriate for any party, especially in the Midwest. Expect to start your meal with potato skins as an appetizer.
Baked Brie Bowl
Sourdough is a huge part of a Californian holiday, so start your meal off right with this baked brie made inside a loaf of sourdough. While there are a ton of great cheeses from around the world, brie is a classic for the holiday season.
Bacon-Pecan Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is one of those classic Southern recipes, and this spicy, creamy cheese spread is a great way to start your Thanksgiving meal.
Oyster Stuffing
Oyster stuffing is a salty, seafood-centric twist on a classic side that is one of those dishes you'll only find on New England Thanksgiving tables.
One-Pot Cornbread Stuffing
No-bake recipes aren't just limited to summertime. This Southern-inspired one-pot cornbread stuffing will save precious room in your oven come Thanksgiving Day.
Gluten-Free Rice Stuffing With Cranberries and Pecans
Rice is a staple for many weeknight dinner recipes, but it is the star of Southern holidays as well. Swap out classic bread stuffing for this rice stuffing, full of another Southern favorite: pecans.
For the Gluten-Free Rice Stuffing With Cranberries and Pecans recipe, click here.
Collard Greens With Bacon
A staple at soul food restaurants around the country, collard greens with bacon is also integral to a good Southern holiday.
Bacon Gruyere Mashed Potato Casserole
There are seemingly endless ways you can cook potatoes for Thanksgiving, and in the Midwest, they're a holiday staple. In addition to classic mashed potatoes, a good Midwestern spread will also have a cheesy potato casserole on deck.
For the Bacon Gruyere Mashed Potato Casserole recipe, click here.
Chile con Queso au Gratin
Midwesterners don't own the potato casserole. This Chile con Queso au Gratin recipe has tons of chipotle flavor, making it perfect for a Southwestern-inspired holiday spread. If you have a little milk leftover from your holiday baking and other dishes, this is a great recipe to finish off that gallon of milk.
Gooey, Creamy Mac and Cheese
The best mac and cheese recipes are great for any occasion, including Thanksgiving. You'll find this dish on Southern and Midwestern tables.
For the Gooey, Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli is one of America's favorite vegetables, but do you know what makes it even better? Turning it into a Midwestern casserole with cheese, mayonnaise and crackers.
Green Bean Casserole
Casseroles are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner any time of the year. But a green bean casserole, especially one made from cans, holds a special place on a Midwestern Thanksgiving table.
Chipotle Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a classic from the South, and the addition of smoky chipotle pepper in this recipe gives it a nice Southwestern flare as well. You can use fresh, frozen or canned corn for this recipe, just remember to price-compare the three ingredients — that's one of the best tips for cutting down your Thanksgiving grocery bill.
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is an absolute must-have for any Southern holiday. And serving this side can save you time on the holiday too, since it's one of those Thanksgiving dishes you can make ahead of time and freeze.
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of the best foods for your heart and a great veggie to eat any time of year. Jazz them up this holiday season with this Southern-inspired recipe, which uses plenty of bacon.
Arugula, Orange and Pomegranate Salad
If you're looking to add a little dose of sunny California to your Thanksgiving spread, consider a bright, colorful salad like this arugula, orange and pomegranate salad, which is full of vitamins.
For the Arugula, Orange and Pomegranate Salad recipe, click here.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Sure, cranberry sauce is one of those Thanksgiving sides you can just buy pre-made, but if you want to channel a New England holiday, you should make this chutney from scratch.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are an essential brunch recipe, but they're also an essential part of a Southern Thanksgiving plate.
Traditional Cornbread
Biscuits aren't the only important carb for Southerners — cornbread is also a huge part of the holiday spread. And did you know that cornbread is among the recipes you can make in a cast-iron skillet?
Herb-Rubbed Deep Fried Turkey
Should you air-fry, roast or deep-fry your turkey? If you want a holiday inspired by Louisiana cuisine, you're going to want to deep fry that bad boy for extra crispy skin.
Chipotle-Rubbed Beer Can Chicken
Not everyone cares for turkey. If you prefer chicken but want something that's better than your average weeknight chicken recipe, consider this Southwestern chipotle-rubbed whole chicken.
For the Chipotle-Rubbed Beer Can Chicken recipe, click here.
Orange Clove Baked Ham
Ham is one of the most iconic foods in America, and you'll find this dish on Thanksgiving tables in the South and Midwest. The oranges also channel Floridian flavors.
Grandma's Lasagna
You'll find lasagna on the table at Italian-American Thanksgiving celebrations all across America, particularly in New York and New Jersey. This hearty vintage recipe uses ground beef, pepperoni and three different kinds of cheese.
Pecan Pie
If you're looking for the best holiday pie recipes, look no further than this Southern pecan pie.
Sweet Potato Pie
Every state has an iconic pie, and the sweet potato pie just so happens to be the signature dessert from North Carolina.
Easy Sugar Cream Pie
Sugar cream pie, also known as Hoosier pie, is one of the (un)official state foods of Indiana. This recipe is one of those dishes you can make using pantry staples; the filling is a simple combination of milk, sugar, cornstarch, butter, vanilla, salt and cinnamon.
Cherry Lattice Pie
In the Midwest, especially Michigan, you'll find cherry pies on the table in addition to pumpkin pie and apple pie. Not feeling pie? Consider these other cherry dessert recipes.
Cranberry-Apple Cobbler Pie
Cranberries are a staple of New England, and this cranberry-apple cobbler cuts down on some of the fruit's tartness. It's the perfect final bite, especially after you've cooked your way through all of our best Thanksgiving recipes.
For the Cranberry-Apple Cobbler Pie recipe, click here.
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How to Choose and Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey