Thanksgiving Foods

Today’s theme is delicious — we’re talking Thanksgiving food across America.

From coast to coast, the dishes change, the ingredients change, and sometimes the names change — but the gratitude stays the same.

Psalm 145:7 (NLT) says, “Everyone will share the story of Your wonderful goodness.”

And this morning, we’re sharing those stories through the flavors, traditions, and fun that fill Thanksgiving tables everywhere.

One thing you learn quickly in America is that Thanksgiving food depends entirely on where you live.

In the South? Cornbread dressing so moist it could be used as spackle. I make this and I add chicken to it, and it is so very moist. It’s a staple on our table during the holidays.

In the Midwest? Casseroles — endless casseroles — all baked in the traditional family 9x13 dish. I mean, we have our casseroles here as well, but I’ve heard the Midwest has a lot of casseroles.

The West Coast? Quinoa stuffing and roasted vegetables that look like they’ve been photographed for a magazine. I’m all in here with the roasted vegetables — love them!

And in the Southwest? Spice. Lots of spice. If your eyebrows aren’t raised, it’s not Thanksgiving. Lol — so funny, spice it up y’all!

It’s amazing how one holiday can have so many flavors — all uniquely delicious.

As we think about the Thanksgiving table, I’m reminded of something deeper — that gratitude is at the heart of this season.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) says, “Be thankful in all circumstances.”

Thanksgiving is more than a meal… it’s a moment to look at what God has provided and say, “Thank You.”

Whether your table is filled with traditional dishes, creative twists, or recipes passed down for generations, every bite is a reminder of God’s goodness.

A full table is a blessing — but a grateful heart is even better.

Thanksgiving food fails.

We’ve all had one.

The turkey that could’ve doubled as a doorstop.

Mashed potatoes that somehow turned into mashed glue.

Or the pumpkin pie that stayed liquid no matter how long it baked — a bold choice for dessert soup.

And of course, the mysterious casserole brought by a distant relative… no clue what’s in it, but it shows up every year like clockwork.

One year I tried to make this snickerdoodle pie — y’all, I can bake a lot of things. I even make homemade bread and pastas. But for some reason, this pie did not want to cook… I think it had something against me. It was the strangest thing.

Needless to say, it came back home with me and went into the trash. Now I just stick with apple and pecan pies — they come out just fine.

Sure, dishes can flop — but the laughter that comes with it? That’s the best part.

America’s Thanksgiving tables — from Cajun turkeys to wild rice stuffing to Jell-O salads that defy all culinary logic. How did they get the fruit to float…?

Anyway, the beauty of Thanksgiving is how every region puts its own spin on the celebration.

Do you take a staple and put your own spin on it?

Every region has at least one Thanksgiving dish that makes outsiders raise an eyebrow.

In the Midwest, Jell-O salad counts as a vegetable. How… how… I’m still processing that.

In New England, oyster stuffing is a proud tradition — though “proud” might be a generous word. I’m sure it’s good if it’s tradition… I just can’t wrap my mind around that.

In the South, sweet potato casserole becomes dessert the moment marshmallows enter the room. Now, I do a sweet potato casserole that is like a dessert, but it doesn’t have marshmallows — it’s my grandmother’s recipe, and it has pecans on top instead. It is sooooo good.

And in Hawaii? Everything gets pineapple. Even things that shouldn’t.

That is… interesting.

It’s part of the charm — Thanksgiving is a delicious adventure depending on where you celebrate.

Some of the most precious Thanksgiving dishes aren’t the fancy ones — they’re the ones passed down through generations.

A handwritten recipe card with stains that tell a story. I have so many recipes from my family members.

A dish someone insists must be made “exactly this way.”

A tradition that’s survived decades of holidays.

God uses these moments — these simple, shared recipes — to remind us that love flows from one generation to the next.

Food can feed the body, but memories feed the heart.

Every dish, every recipe, every quirky tradition reflects the creativity of God’s people — and the joy of gathering together.

This is the time where we take just a moment to pray together — and today, let’s thank the Lord for His provision.

Lord, thank You for the blessing of food and for the joy of gathering around the table. Thank You for provision, for abundance, and for the people who make this season meaningful. Fill our hearts with gratitude, peace, and love as we move into this time of celebration. Amen.

Let’s get into something pretty relatable — the universal, unavoidable Thanksgiving leftover marathon.

Day one: turkey sandwiches.

Day two: turkey paninis.

Day three: turkey soup.

Day four: turkey casserole you didn’t plan to make but somehow happened.

By day five, the turkey is staring at you every time you open the fridge, like, “We’re not done yet.” But your mind and body are saying, “Please be done!”

Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude… and endurance.

The endurance, of course, is for the marathon of Thanksgiving leftovers.

But hey — leftovers are proof that God blesses abundantly!

As we reflect on all the unique Thanksgiving dishes across the country, here’s a final thought:

Thanksgiving isn’t really about the food — it’s about the gratitude behind it.

It’s about remembering the blessings, the people, the moments, and the God who provides it all.

May your Thanksgiving table this year be full — but may your heart be even fuller.