As Thanksgiving approaches, you might be thinking about the classic dishes on holiday tables across America — turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. But if you happen to celebrate Thanksgiving in a different part of the country, you might be surprised by the distinctive flavors and ingredients that make their way onto the holiday table.
From coastal seafood specialties to heartland comfort foods, each area of the country has its own favorites that are a must for Thanksgiving dinner. Let’s explore some mouthwatering alternatives to the standard turkey and stuffing that might inspire you to shake up your Thanksgiving menu this year.
Pumpkin empanadas in Santa Fe
If you are in Santa Fe for Thanksgiving, you might enjoy pumpkin empanadas as part of your feast. These hand-held pastries are filled with spiced pumpkin and dusted with cinnamon sugar.
They’re a fusion of traditional American pumpkin pie and Mexican empanadas. This dish reflects New Mexico’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences.
Fluff salad in Minnesota
In Minnesota, you’ll encounter an unusual salad: A sweet fluff salad featuring marshmallows. This dessert salad adds a delightful contrast to the savory dishes typically found on the holiday table.
“If it has marshmallows in it, it’s probably a salad and meant to be eaten with the rest of dinner and not as a dessert,” Michelle Price, from the blog Honest and Truly, says. “As a kid, that was the one meal where you never had to ask me twice to eat my salad.”
This quirky salad reflects the Midwestern fondness for sweet, creamy dishes. The sweetness makes it a popular holiday tradition among kids and adults.
Pecan pie in the South
Forget pumpkin pie; your Southern Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a slice of pecan pie. This sweet treat features a gooey filling of corn syrup, eggs, sugar and butter, topped with a layer of pecans.
The nuts create a satisfying crunch contrasting the soft, caramelized interior. Pecan trees are native to the South, making this pie a regional specialty. Many families have their own twists on the classic recipe, like adding bourbon or chocolate chips.
Dungeness crab in Oregon and Washington
In the Pacific Northwest, you likely find Dungeness crab on the Thanksgiving menu. Named after a town on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this sweet, tender crab is a regional delicacy.
The crab is simply steamed or made into crab cakes. The season for Dungeness crab opens around Thanksgiving, making it a timely addition to holiday feasts. Its delicate flavor pairs well with the richer dishes on the table.
Manicotti in New York and New Jersey
Italian-American households across New York and New Jersey serve manicotti alongside turkey. These large pasta tubes are stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with tomato sauce, a nod to the region’s strong Italian heritage.
Including pasta at Thanksgiving is a way for these families to blend their cultural traditions with the American holiday. The hearty, cheesy dish provides a comforting contrast to traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Clam chowder in New England
You’ll find this creamy seafood soup on many New England Thanksgiving tables. Rich with clams, potatoes and often bacon, it’s a warming start to the feast. From Bagels and Lasagna, Leah Ingram reminisces, “Whenever we would spend Thanksgiving in Maine with my grandparents, we would always have a course with New England clam chowder.”
The chowder’s velvety texture comes from a milk or cream base, making it distinct from tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder. New Englanders take pride in their chowder, which reflects the region’s strong maritime culture.
Frog eye salad in Wyoming and Idaho
Don’t worry; this dish, popular in western states like Wyoming and Idaho, does not involve frogs. Frog eye salad is a sweet pasta salad made with small, round acini di pepe pasta, whipped topping, fruit and marshmallows.
The pasta’s small, round shape is said to resemble frog eyes, hence the quirky name. This unique side dish adds a touch of fun to a Thanksgiving spread and is often a hit with kids.
Sugar cream pie in Indiana
Sugar cream pie, also known as Hoosier pie, is an Indiana staple. Its silky smooth custard filling is made from cream, sugar, flour and vanilla. The simplicity of the ingredients reflects its origins as a desperation pie, made when fresh fruit wasn’t available.
This humble dessert has been an Indiana tradition since the 1800s. It’s so beloved that in 2009, it became the state’s official pie. As Casey Rooney from Get on My Plate exclaims, “There’s no holiday table without a sugar cream pie!”
Sauerkraut in Baltimore
You might be surprised to find sauerkraut at a Baltimore Thanksgiving, but it’s a long-standing tradition. This tangy fermented cabbage dish reflects the city’s German heritage and is served alongside the turkey as a condiment.
The custom dates back to the 19th century when Baltimore had a large German immigrant population. Today, this unique regional twist adds a zesty contrast to the usual Thanksgiving fare.
Funeral potatoes in Utah
Despite the somber name, funeral potatoes are a popular Thanksgiving side in Utah. This cheesy potato casserole topped with crunchy cornflakes appears at many holiday gatherings.
The dish gets its name because it is a go-to casserole for post-funeral luncheons. But its comfort food status makes it a staple at all gatherings, including Thanksgiving.
Grape pie in Upstate New York
In the Finger Lakes region of New York, you’ll encounter the unusual grape pie. This sweet-tart dessert made from local Concord grapes celebrates the area’s vineyards. The filling is similar to a blueberry pie but with a distinct grape flavor.
Grape pie season peaks in fall, making it a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving feast. It’s a labor-intensive dish since the grapes must be individually seeded, but locals swear it’s worth the effort.
Gumbo in New Orleans
Gumbo, a hearty and flavorful stew, is a quintessential New Orleans dish frequently appearing on Thanksgiving tables. It is made with a rich, dark roux along with different meats or seafood, vegetables and Creole seasonings.
The inclusion of gumbo reflects the city’s deep culinary roots and the importance of family traditions. Each family commonly has a cherished gumbo recipe passed down through generations.
Summing up
This Thanksgiving, celebrate the diversity of America by including regional favorites alongside classic dishes like turkey and green bean casserole. Exploring regional flavors will remind everyone of the melting pot that is America. You might just discover a new favorite that becomes a beloved part of your own family’s Thanksgiving tradition.
Anne Jolly is the creator of the food blog Upstate Ramblings. She loves cooking, especially for the holidays.