Whether you’re stateside or marking the American celebration somewhere else, Thanksgiving dinner is the heart of this holiday. While you may recognise some parts from your typical Sunday roast – like meat, potatoes and vegetables – other dishes are likely to raise a few eyebrows among large groups when served with a traditional turkey centrepiece.
Here are some American Thanksgiving foods to try this November.
Candied yams
Because every savoury dish needs a sweet side to go with it, right? Despite the name, this dish is actually made from sweet potatoes, a vegetable often (and confusingly) labelled as “yams” in US grocery stores. True yams are completely different and shouldn’t be used here. Boil with a generous pinch of salt until tender, then drown in a sugary, spiced syrup laced with orange, nutmeg and cinnamon until they’re sticky, sweet, and irresistible. For an extra layer of indulgence, add a splash of bourbon.
Green bean casserole
Remember those stringy green vegetables from your childhood that always seemed to stay on your plate? Americans found a way to make them far more enticing. Bathed in cream of mushroom soup and topped with a layer of crispy fried onions, this dish dates back to 1955 when Dorcas Reilly of Campbell’s test kitchen was tasked with creating a new recipe. Nowadays, it’s an ultimate comfort classic, and no true Thanksgiving plate is complete without it.
Cornbread
The perfect balance of sweet and savoury, this beloved Thanksgiving side is crumbly, tender, and totally irresistible. Made with cornmeal, eggs, butter, and a hint of sugar, it pairs beautifully with juicy, brined turkey and that green bean casserole we just mentioned. Best enjoyed warm, crisp, and slathered with butter.
Sweet potato casserole
The sort of dish you really have to try for yourself, sweet potato casserole sees sugary, buttery spuds topped with ooey gooey marshmallows – and sometimes even pecans. Dividing opinion up and down the country, this dish is unmistakably American. See what your friends and family think by sampling together in one of our US villas.
Jell-O salad
Once a marker of sophistication, elegance, and status, it’s fair to say that Jell-O salad’s reputation has shifted over time. Served either savoury or sweet, this wobbly creation has seen all sorts of additions – from fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream to boiled eggs, tomato juice, and even seafood. A lot’s changed since the days when mastering a Jell-O mould or owning a refrigerator was a sign of prestige, but why not decide for yourself whether this unique dish stands the test of time?
Pie
This delicious Thanksgiving pud is irresistible in all forms. Sweet, spiced pumpkin; delicately tart apple; or sumptuously syrupy pecan. Best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream.
While these dishes may seem unusual to British palates, mainstays like creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and brussels sprouts are also considered essentials.
Once the feast is over, pop on a game (the NFL starts around 1am UK time, which would probably only work if you seriously misjudged your cooking times) and kick back in your comfiest clothes. You’ve earned it.
Looking to host a big family dinner or reunion? Our party houses are the perfect place for your next group holiday.
