The Most Popular Thanksgiving Recipe in Each U.S. State
Find out if your favorite made the list!
"Together we cook. United we eat!" You can find these words on the spine of Allrecipes Magazine, and we think they sum up Thanksgiving nicely. No matter what Thanksgiving means to you, it’s probably spent around a table eating with family, friends, and loved ones.
Our friends at Pillsbury gave us the scoop on what recipes Americans around the country are cooking this Thanksgiving. From classics like pumpkin pie and roast turkey to more creative offerings like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, Thanksgiving dinner looks different everywhere. Enjoy this list of the most popular Thanksgiving recipes in each U.S. state.
Alabama: Butternut Squash Pumpkin Spice Soup
With soup season in full swing, this pumpkin squash soup is on Alabama’s rotation—and it should be on yours. Warm pumpkin spice, sweet butternut squash, and a savory boost of onions and tangy yogurt make this a no-brainer.
Alaska: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to be a hit in your household on Thanksgiving. If you need something to throw together in a pinch, grab your pressure cooker and fix up this delicious side dish—or main if the turkey doesn’t go as planned.
Arizona: Easy Apple Strudel
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
While apple is a quintessential fall flavor, Arizona loves a strudel with a chocolate and pumpkin filling. Thankfully, you can swap in pumpkin and chocolate rather easily. However you prepare a strudel for the holidays, this recipe is simple and can be molded to fit your preferences.
Arkansas: White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
For dessert, Arkansas knows how it’s done. This white chocolate cheesecake will surprise the family, and stand out among the apple and pumpkin pies. While this recipe uses raspberries as a garnish, a fresh strawberry or cherry sauce would be a delicious option too.
California: Pumpkin Pie with Espresso Cream Cheese Swirl
What California really loves is a pumpkin pie with an orange cream cheese swirl, but this sounds pretty good too. Substitute orange zest and fresh orange juice for espresso to make this the real deal.
Colorado: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies paired with pumpkin is the ultimate fall sweet. These cookies are cake-like and easy to create. “When the leaves start turning and the weather gets crisp, I start getting requests for these cookies,” says Allrecipes community member Crystal.
Connecticut: Double Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
With a flavor that pops, these chewy, chocolate cookies are a wonderful dessert to enjoy after a full Thanksgiving meal. And, they’re “great for holiday gifts,” according to recipe creator Jennifer Cheng.
Delaware: Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Spiced pumpkin bread is about as needed during the holiday as the turkey. A rich loaf adapted from a banana bread recipe, this fluffy, cake-like bread will be a hit with the whole family.
Florida: Cranberry and Turkey Salad
Most of us have leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, so take the hint from Florida and make this cranberry and turkey salad. Add chopped pecans and serve over lettuce to make this meal closer to what Floridians like to eat.
Georgia: Cookie Cups
These cookie cups might be one of the easiest recipes on our site. With only two ingredients, you can adapt this recipe for any holiday. Add candy pumpkins as Pillsbury does, or whip up a frosting with this homemade pumpkin spice blend.
Hawaii: Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Diana Moutsopoulos
“I made these pumpkin spice Rice Krispie treats for a fall bake sale and they were a total hit with kids and adults alike. If you're someone who can't get enough pumpkin each fall, be sure to try these,” says Allrecipes editorial director Diana Moutsopoulos.
Idaho: Vegetable Pizza
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This veggie pizza resembles Pillsbury’s recipe in spirit. A store-bought dough (either pastry or pizza dough works) gets topped with all of your favorite Thanksgiving vegetables. Add a chive and onion cheese spread for an extra layer of deliciousness. This is a great appetizer to set out while the football game is on and the turkey is still in the oven.
Illinois: Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
This pumpkin cranberry bread has become an Allrecipes hit during the holiday season. With more than 140 5-star reviews, this recipe is easy, sweet, and seasonal. Make this for your family and we guarantee they’ll be asking for the recipe.
Indiana: Chef John's Roast Turkey and Gravy
“The biggest myth in American cookery is the belief that a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey is difficult for the novice cook to achieve,” says recipe creator Chef John. Let him walk you through the steps and you’ll impress your family in no time with this classic recipe.
Iowa: Mini Brownie Turkeys
Here is a fun one that will delight the kids, and the adults with a sweet tooth. Make this dessert any way you like, as long as it looks like a turkey. This recipe uses a brownie as the base but any of your favorite cookies will work as well.
Kansas: Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake Bars
Cranberry-orange cheesecake bars are a great addition to the dessert table for those that are craving a citrusy sweet treat. Bring these to your next gathering, especially if you’re in Kansas, and everyone will be raving about your skills.
Kentucky: Rosemary Roasted Turkey
There are countless ways to roast a turkey, and Kentucky likes it with rosemary and beer. Include a dark beer in the brining process of this recipe, and you’ll end up with a tender yet crispy turkey that is packed full of flavor.
Louisiana: Crescent Roll Vegetable Pizza
A crescent roll vegetable pizza mixes two foods we love: a classic Thanksgiving side with a delicious pizza flare. This recipe is basically a veggie platter taken to the next level. Use a homemade mayonnaise when making the cream cheese for extra flavor.
Maine: Spicy Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels
“Turkey, cheese, and cranberry salsa are rolled together to create colorful and delicious finger food,” says Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole. Take this dish up a level and use crescent rolls instead of tortillas, then bake for an excellent side or appetizer.
Maryland: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Mashed potatoes are always on the menu for Thanksgiving, and this slow cooker version is the easiest way to prepare a traditional recipe while saving precious stove space. With more than 1,300 5-star reviews, these mashed potatoes will be the highlight of your meal.
Massachusetts: Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Massachusetts is on the same page as Maryland: mashed potatoes are where it’s at. Make this side dish even easier with this version that can be made several days ahead and simply reheated come turkey day.
Michigan: Sweet Potato Rolls
“These were excellent! Probably one of the best rolls I have had!” says Allrecipes community member vhop. “They were light and fluffy, and I enjoyed the subtle sweet potato flavor.”
Minnesota: Paul's Pumpkin Bars
Paul’s Pumpkin Bars are a fan favorite. Thousands of Allrecipes community members have tried and loved this cakey, moist pumpkin dessert topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Give it a try and you’ll see why, too.
Mississippi: Instant Pot Turkey Breast
If your crowd is small and a whole turkey feels like too much food, follow Mississippi’s lead. This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe is a surefire way to make a good dinner. As it cooks with onions, celery, chicken broth, and onion soup mix, the only thing you’ll wish for is that it’s done sooner as the delicious aromas waft through your kitchen.
Missouri: Dutch Apple Pie
Dutch apple pie differs from American apple pie in one major way: The top is dressed with streusel rather than pie crust. What a great way to shake up a holiday favorite.
Montana: Brown Family's Favorite Pumpkin Pie
This pumpkin pie separates itself from the competition with a walnut streusel that layers the top. “I have made this recipe for years; it's the only pumpkin pie my family will eat now!” says Allrecipes community member SARAHFLOWERS. “You really can't mess this pie up…it's so easy.”
Nebraska: Apple Walnut Salad
This classic, creamy salad is an excellent Thanksgiving addition. “Smells a lot like apple pie, and the taste is not too sweet or too savory; it's a really good recipe for the autumn season!” says Allrecipes community member Saena.
Nevada: Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts
Chef John
Are you looking for an appetizer that everyone will enjoy? Take a page from Nevada’s book and try Chef John’s baked stuffed brie. Packed with cranberries and walnuts and baked to golden, gooey perfection, this cheesy dish is too delicious to resist.
New Hampshire: Spatchcocked Butter-Roasted Lemon and Herb Turkey with Gravy
Dotdash Meredith Studios
Just like Kentucky, New Hampshire loves a rosemary-roasted turkey. This recipe is bound to give you a perfect roast turkey. "Spatchcocking a turkey isn't difficult but it takes a bit of muscle and some guts," says recipe creator Karen Schroeder Rankin, which sounds like a lot of fun to us. Swap in more rosemary for the thyme to have it live up to the "rosemary-roasted" name.
New Jersey: Pumpkin Pie with Maple Mascarpone Swirl
Just like California, New Jersey loves a pumpkin pie with an orange cream cheese swirl. Try this version that swaps in rich mascarpone for the cream cheese. If you're looking for that citrus, add in fresh squeezed orange juice and orange zest to the mascarpone mixture. Either way, this dessert will pop and have all your guests smiling.
New Mexico: Sweet Potato Cranberry Sauce Bread
Use up two holiday leftovers, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, with this delicious quick bread recipe. “It has a festive flavor and is so moist,” says recipe creator smileysdynamite. “I love the combo of nutmeg and allspice…it just says holidays!”
New York: Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
In line with Arizona, New York's favorite turkey day food is also pumpkin-chocolate strudel. With this pie recipe, you get all the chocolate and pumpkin flavor but without all the work of making strudel.
North Carolina: Best Monkey Bread
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
You can never go wrong with monkey bread, and this recipe can easily adapt to the season. Add in pumpkin pie spice with the sugar used to coat the dough, and you just made this fan-favorite recipe even better.
North Dakota: Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie
Here is a holiday classic with a twist. This pumpkin pie recipe is made with a gingersnap crust that comes together in minutes and pairs well with the pumpkin filling.
Ohio: Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
To cut through all the starches and carbs on Thanksgiving, Ohio enjoys a sweet and crisp apple walnut salad (just like Nebraska!). Try this fresh remix of the classic creamy salad that features lettuce and a cranberry vinaigrette.
Oklahoma: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Oana Ennis/Allrecipes
We love to see traditional Thanksgiving items make the list—especially because gravy is as good as it gets. This make-ahead turkey gravy is an awesome solution for a busy week of cooking, cleaning, and fighting off the post-dinner sleepiness.
Oregon: OREO Turkey
These Oreo turkeys might be a thing of genius. Candy corn feathers attached to an Oreo cookie tail; chocolate and cinnamon red hot candies as the body; and semi-sweet chocolate to hold it all together. What’s not to love?
Pennsylvania: Dianne's Pumpkin Cookie Cups
Along with Georgia, Pennsylvania also enjoys a good cookie cup. "These sugar cookie cups filled with a sweet and creamy pumpkin filling will be the cutest addition to your...Thanksgiving dessert table!" says recipe creator Dianne.
Rhode Island: Quick Cinnamon Rolls
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
The best part of this recipe is how easy the cinnamon rolls are to make. If you want to start Thanksgiving Day off right, prepare these along with a little imagination. Add bacon, candied eyes, candy corn, and pretzel sticks to create a cinnamon roll turkey.
South Carolina: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast With Dressing
“My cranky, old 1934 oven is very small and slow, so I devised this method for cooking a holiday meal of slow cooker turkey breast with stuffing,” says recipe creator Fishwrap. “The slow cooker keeps the turkey breast moist, and cooking the dressing in the same cooker gives it a wonderful flavor.”
South Dakota: Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
The real winner of Thanksgiving was the three-peat: Slow cooker mashed potatoes. If you don't have a slow cooker or if you are looking for another no-stove option, try making it in your Instant Pot instead. You’ll have creamy, whipped mashed potatoes in no time.
Tennessee: Chef John's Sweet Potato Muffins
Like New Mexico, Sweet Potato Cranberry Sauce Bread is the real favorite of Tennessee, but for a little variation, why not try them as muffins. Add a swirl of leftover cranberry sauce to each muffin before baking to get the full flavor effect.
Texas: Holiday Turkey with Honey Orange Glaze
Many households make a traditional turkey. Apparently, those in Texas do not. Try this honey-orange glazed turkey for a fun and flavorful variation that will not disappoint. You might never even go back to your old turkey again.
Utah: Pumpkin Rolls
Want to jazz up a normal crescent roll for your Thanksgiving meal? Include a little pumpkin. “We loved the subtle, not-too-sweet pumpkin flavor,” says Allrecipes community member rachycez. But if you have a sweet tooth, drizzle some easy caramel sauce over these pastries.
Vermont: Chai Spice Monkey Bread
Vermont agrees with North Carolina: Monkey bread is an excellent addition to a Thanksgiving feast. This chai spice version is a nice variation on what Vermont really loves (pumpkin spice monkey bread), and this recipe deserves to be on your table, too.
Virginia: Pumpkin Squares
“These pumpkin squares are a cakelike version of a pumpkin pie filling,” says one Allrecipes community member. “These squares are a sweet treat during the holidays or any time of the year. Top with cream cheese frosting or a sweet glaze for a little extra decadence.”
Washington: Turkey à la King
A great meal to make with all the leftover vegetables and turkey, this dish is served over puff pastry boats, biscuits, toast, or rice and dressed with a creamy white sauce.
West Virginia: Sausage Apple Stuffing
A sausage apple stuffing, you say? Count us in. This hearty and delicious recipe goes from the stovetop to table in just 25 minutes. And it goes great with any roasted turkey.
Wisconsin: Pumpkin Tart with Pecan Crust
This pumpkin tart made with a pecan crust is a fun way to switch up a classic Thanksgiving dessert. With maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this tart will certainly taste like a holiday.
Wyoming: Kelsandra's Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
If you want to make this like the Pillsbury version, bake them in a muffin tin for perfectly shaped rolls, then top them with a pumpkin cream cheese icing. However you make them, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls will be a hit.
Check out Pillsbury's list here.
Read the original article on All Recipes.
