Thanksgiving Menu - 10 Latin-Inspired Recipes (2024)

Are you looking for different flavors to add to your Thanksgiving table this year? Stop looking. Here you'll find a great and straightforward list of Latin-inspired Thanksgiving recipe ideas to serve to your loved ones.

Today I'm sharing a list of Latin-inspired recipes you can add to your Thanksgiving menu this year!

This delicious menu consists of an appetizer, two mains, a couple of side dishes, and dessert for a small crowd.

After the recipe ideas, check out my tips for making your Thanksgiving dinner experience easier.

I am sharing two main dish options for you to try, one with turkey and another one with ham.

As some people call Thanksgiving Turkey Day, here is a turkey recipe with a twist.

Stuffed Turkey Breast + Gravy (in the Instant Pot) - this turkey breast is easy to make, and no need to heat your oven for this one. Make it in your pressure cooker!

It'll be so juicy and tender, plus it's perfect for a small gathering. The stuffing is not traditional but so good, made with queso fresco and chorizo!

Apple Glazed Ham - if you plan to have a bigger crowd, you can try making this delicious ham. It's easy to make, prepare the glaze, spread it on top, and bake. Not your traditional pineapple one!

Roasted Pumpkin Soup - start your Thanksgiving dinner with a light soup that will prepare your guests for the delicious mains and side dishes coming their way. You can serve it with some dinner rolls.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes - Make this simple recipe with pantry ingredients, ready in 25 minutes. You can double the recipe if you have more guests since this one is for a small crowd.

Yuca Mash - swap your mashed potatoes with yuca. As delicious and versatile, it pairs well with your traditional entrees. You can also make it in the instant pot too!

You can make it as basic or as fancy as you prefer. Add some chives or cream cheese. The post has other fabulous variations.

Rice with pigeon peas and coconut - is the star of Panamanian Holiday dinners. A great way to add a different touch to your traditional Thanksgiving feast.

You can make it using canned pigeon peas, and omit the coconut milk if you don't prefer the coconut flavor.

Rice with raisins - is another sweet and salty option served during holidays in Panama. The flavor combination pairs well with the turkey breast and tastes terrific. Add this side dish to your dinner menu this year!

Easy Pumpkin Flan - switch up your traditional pumpkin pie for a pumpkin flan, a delicious custard perfect for joining your Thanksgiving table.

Add some pumpkin spice to the mixture and enjoy all those fall flavors infusing the flan. Prepare it 1 or 2 days before Thanksgiving, and you'll be set.

Panamanian Style Bread Pudding - This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert for a small crowd to enjoy if you have some bread on hand. Serve it with ice cream or condensed milk.

You could even make them festive by replacing the raisins with dried cranberries, I'm sure it'll taste amazing.

Panamanian Style Rice Pudding - This dessert is for you if you are hosting a small gathering! It's simple to make and flavorful. On the post, you'll find ideas for changing the flavors for more variety if you don't like raisins.

Bonus: Mini Cheesecakes - these individual portions of cheesecake are a perfect option if you prefer not to turn on your oven.

These are made in the instant pot, and you can serve them with your favorite jam. These cheesecakes must taste excellent with cranberry jam; make it festive.

I know cheesecakes are not Latin-inspired, but they are worth a mention! 😉

These 4 step tips will help you feel organized and stress-free when you are preparing for a special occasion dinner like Thanksgiving.

You can use these same tips for planning any holiday dinner, like Christmas or New Year's Eve.

Make your holidays easy by doing some of the prep work ahead!

1. Plan ahead

When organizing a dinner for you and your loved ones, you should start early (maybe by the end of October or the first week of November), so it can be as stress-free as possible.

Decide how many people you'll invite. Then, create a menu list of appetizers, side dishes, mains, and desserts.

Here is a simple cheat sheet for thawing turkey in the fridge:

You can use the Butterball calculator, to know how much turkey you'll need for each guest. Plus, thawing time per pound of turkey!

When planning how much turkey to buy, think about 1-1.5 pounds per person so you have enough. If your guests have a bigger appetite, add about half a pound.

Decide if you are going to cook everything or if you prefer to buy some of the items. You can even ask your guests to bring something to the table.

If you are trying out new recipes, schedule some time to review the recipes beforehand to prevent any failures on Thanksgiving day.

Also, think about cleaning afterward. If you are ok serving on nice disposable tableware, give that a try, so less work once everyone has left.

2. Go shopping before the crazy begins

Once your plan is ready, check each of the following:

• Add to your shopping list the menu items you plan to buy.
• Check your pantry for the ingredients of the menu items you will cook. Add to the grocery list the things you need.
• Plan the trip to the different stores if needed and avoid going on the same week of the event, so you stay away from crowded stores.
• If you decide to go the disposable route, remember to add any other piece of tableware or cookware you might need to your grocery list. For example:
  • serving platters or dishes
  • baking dishes
  • aluminum foil
  • parchment paper
  • digital meat thermometer
  • oven thermometer
  • electric knife
  • disposable roasting pans
  • food storage containers

3. Strategize your cooking and prepping schedule

Create a schedule for the things you need to defrost in the fridge. Make sure you have enough space in your refrigerator to keep the things that need to be refrigerated.

Prepare your pies, casseroles, and salads ahead of time. Season your turkey or ham once it's thawed.

You can prep things like chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients beforehand and only bake or cook the day of Thanksgiving.

Or, if you like, reheat the day off, and you don't have to be in the kitchen all day. The point is that you can enjoy the delicious food you make with your guests!

Even prep the table ahead of time if you have enough countertop space to cook in your kitchen.

4. Enjoy your thanksgiving dinner + less clean up

Get dressed and wait for your guests to arrive. Enjoy your dinner with friends and family.

Once your guests are done eating, do a simple clean-up if you go the disposable route. Even ask your guests for help cleaning up 😉.

Store any leftovers you may have in the fridge or give them to your loved ones to take home.

I hope you try these recipes and tips, and let me know your favorite Thanksgiving recipe in the comments.

Happy Thanksgiving!