Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide: History, Traditions, and Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes for Every Table
- Jen Vondenbrink
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends gather to share a meal and express gratitude. But beyond the familiar story of the pilgrims and Native Americans, there’s a rich history and a variety of traditions that shape how we celebrate today.
Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or attending as a guest, understanding these traditions and having a few Thanksgiving recipes can make the day more enjoyable and stress-free. I've pulled together this Thanksgiving Guide to get your creative juices flowing.
Find your new favorite recipe below:
The History Behind Thanksgiving and Why We Eat Turkey
Most people know Thanksgiving traces back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag shared a harvest feast. Yet, the holiday evolved over centuries, influenced by different regions and customs. The idea of a national Thanksgiving Day was declared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War, aiming to unify the country.
Turkey became the centerpiece for several reasons. Wild turkeys were abundant in North America and large enough to feed a crowd. They were also more affordable than beef or pork for many families. Over time, turkey became a symbol of the holiday, representing abundance and celebration.
Traditional Thanksgiving Menu with Recipes
Here’s a classic Thanksgiving menu that covers all the essentials. Each dish links to a recipe you can try at home:
A juicy turkey seasoned with fresh herbs and butter for crispy skin and tender meat.
Bread cubes mixed with celery, onions, and sage, baked to golden perfection.
Smooth potatoes whipped with butter and cream for a rich side.
Tart and sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries and orange zest.
Green beans baked with mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions.
Spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust, topped with whipped cream.
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Sometimes you want to change things up a bit. Here are some ideas that use traditional ingredients in a slightly different fashion.
Squash baked with creamy leeks served in the whole squash!
I stumbled across this combination, and now absolutely love it. The sweet and savory mixture is a nice change from traditional mashed potatoes.
Here's another side dish that may become a family favorite!
Yep! I know you can taste it now, sweet, savory, salty, and...brussels sprouty.
Why not spice things up a bit?
Start off with something warm and comforting.
Don't serve big bowls, but just enough to tempt the palate.
Different Types of Thanksgiving Desserts
This is our family's traditional apple pie.
No slicing required, just a spoon.
Who doesn't love a cupcake?
Sounds like a perfect combination to me!
You may not have room for pie, but everyone had room for a cookie.
The perfect transition cookie.
Traditional Dishes Across the Country
Thanksgiving menus vary widely depending on where you live and your family’s heritage. Here are some examples of traditional dishes from different regions:
New England: Besides turkey, expect dishes like oyster stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries.
Southern States: Cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, collard greens, and pecan pie are common.
Midwest: Wild rice stuffing, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie often appear on the table.
Southwest: You might find dishes with a Mexican influence, such as chile-spiced turkey or cornbread with jalapeños.
These regional differences show how Thanksgiving adapts to local tastes and ingredients, making the holiday unique for every family.
Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving
Hosting Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming, but a few strategies can help you stay calm and enjoy the day:
Plan Ahead: Write down your menu, shopping list, and cooking schedule at least a week in advance. Here's my Thanksgiving Prep Checklist.
Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a dish or help with setup and cleanup.
Prepare What You Can Early: Many sides and desserts can be made a day or two before.
Set a Comfortable Space: Arrange seating to encourage conversation and make sure there’s enough room for everyone.
Keep It Simple: Focus on a few standout dishes rather than trying to make everything from scratch.
Tips for Being a Guest at Thanksgiving
If you’re attending Thanksgiving rather than hosting, you can still contribute and make the day easier for your host:
Offer to Bring Something: Ask what’s needed, whether it’s a side dish, dessert, or drinks.
Arrive on Time: Being punctual shows respect for the host’s schedule.
Help Out: Offer to assist with setting the table or cleaning up afterward
Respect Traditions: Every family has their way of celebrating; embrace the differences with an open mind.
As you can see there are loads of different ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. Even if you stay with the traditional turkey and sides, you could branch out with dessert or if you are a guest you can join in the festivities by getting involved
Have fun this Thanksgiving with these recipes and ideas.
