The Best Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Food Recipes (2024)

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, households across the United States prepare to gather around tables adorned with an array of delectable dishes, celebrating the cherished holiday of Thanksgiving- one of their most favorite holidays. While traditional turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce often take center stage, there is a world of diverse and mouthwatering culinary traditions that come alive during this festive season. In particular, the enchanting flavors of Puerto Rican Thanksgiving food offer a unique and tantalizing twist on this beloved holiday.

Puerto Rican culture has a distinctive take on Thanksgiving that reflects its fusion of indigenous Taíno, Spanish, African, and other global influences. From succulent roasted meats seasoned with aromatic blends of spices to indulgent sweets that evoke nostalgia and warmth, A Puerto Rican Thanksgiving meal brings a touch of the island's spirit to the autumn festivities.

In this culinary journey, we've teamed up with talented food bloggers who have embraced and expertly recreated these traditional Puerto Rican Thanksgiving dishes, incorporating them into a traditional puerto rican thanksgiving menu, each with their own creative flair. Join us as we delve into a delightful roundup of recipes that pay homage to the vibrant tapestry of Puerto Rican flavors. Whether you're looking to infuse your holiday spread with a touch of tropical zest or simply curious to expand your culinary horizons, these recipes are sure to inspire a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving feast.

Get ready to explore the tantalizing world of Puerto Rican Thanksgiving cuisine, where every bite carries the essence of tradition, love, and the joy of coming together in gratitude. From mouthwatering entrées that will steal the show to soul-warming sides and irresistible desserts, let's embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the diverse and captivating flavors of Puerto Rico's Thanksgiving table.

The Best Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Food Recipes (1)

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Starters & Appetisers

The anticipation of a remarkable feast is often heightened by the tantalizing bites that kick off the dining experience. In the enchanting realm of Puerto Rican cuisine, this sentiment holds true as well, with starters and appetizers that set the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Drawing from a treasure trove of ingredients and culinary traditions, Puerto Rican appetizers weave together a tapestry of flavors that evoke both comfort and excitement.

Our collaboration with talented food bloggers brings you a curated selection of starters and appetizers that pay homage to the island's rich culinary heritage. Each recipe not only offers a taste of Puerto Rico's diverse ingredients and techniques but also reflects the bloggers' unique interpretations and creativity. These dishes serve as a captivating introduction to the symphony of flavors that await you in the pages to come.

So, join us on this gastronomic expedition as we unveil the appetizing prelude to your Puerto Rican Thanksgiving celebration. These starters are not just dishes; they're a journey through tradition, innovation, and the passion that fuels Puerto Rican cuisine.

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Ensalada de Pulpo (Octopus Salad)

A traditional Puerto Rican delicacy, ensalada de pulpo (octopus salad) is a vibrant, fresh seafood salad that is perfect for Lent, Easter or Thanksgiving celebrations. It contains olive oil which is great for the heart and is super tasty too. I love octopus! Actually, I love all seafood, but octopus was always a special treat when my dad prepared it, Puerto Rican style.

Check out this recipe

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Salami, Guava & Cheese Appetizer (Entremeses Tipicos)

This typical Puerto Rican appetizer features salami, guava paste and sharp Cheddar cheese, stacked onto buttery crackers. These simple treats are a staple at many Puerto Rican parties, and a perfect mixture of salty and sweet flavors.

Check out this recipe

Mains

As the anticipation builds and the aromas from the kitchen become more irresistible, it's time to unveil the stars of the show: the main courses. In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, these dishes are a testament to the island's rich cultural tapestry and its innate ability to transform humble ingredients into extraordinary culinary masterpieces. For your Puerto Rican-inspired Thanksgiving celebration, the 'Main Courses' section presents a symphony of flavors, techniques, and stories that will leave your taste buds enchanted and your guests in awe.

From succulent roast pork infused with fragrant spices to hearty stews that simmer with layers of flavor, Puerto Rican main courses embody the art of slow cooking and meticulous seasoning. Each recipe invites you to embrace the traditions and techniques that have been passed down through generations, infusing every bite with the soulful essence of the island's culinary heritage.

Our collaboration with esteemed food bloggers brings you an exceptional array of main course recipes that capture the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine in all its glory. These dishes not only highlight the beauty of locally sourced ingredients but also showcase the creativity and passion of the bloggers who have lovingly recreated them. Whether you're seeking to create a centerpiece that pays homage to tradition or you're intrigued by innovative twists on classic dishes, this collection has something extraordinary in store for you.

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Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)

Pernil is a classic Puerto Rican pork dish that’s generously marinated and roasted to tender perfection. It’s their traditional Christmas meal!

Check out this recipe

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Pavochon: Thanksgiving Turkey Puerto Rican Style

The star of my Puerto Rican Thanksgiving dinner table has always been, and will always be pavochon, a whole thanksgiving turkey that’s seasoned well with seasoning and black pepper and cooked like Puerto Rican roast pork! Perfect for the thanksgiving holiday and also the Christmas season too.

Check out this recipe

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Cochifrito De Cordero - Learn How To Make This Spanish Dish From Scratch

This cochifrito, also known as cuchifritos, recipe is made with lamb, not pork. A super Spanish lamb dish that’s easy to prepare but packed with flavour.

Check out this recipe

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Smoked Pernil- Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder

This Smoked Pernil is our take on a special occasion dish popular in Puerto Rico. Pork shoulder is slow smoked to juicy, succulent perfection.

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Side Dishes

As we continue our culinary exploration of Puerto Rican-inspired Thanksgiving, we now turn our attention to the 'Side Dishes' – an integral part of any holiday spread that adds depth, texture, and a delightful array of tastes to the table.

These side dishes are more than just accompaniments; they are a celebration of Puerto Rico's cultural heritage and the interplay of ingredients that have been cherished for centuries. From yucca mash that's both creamy and comforting to vibrant salads that burst with freshness and color, Puerto Rican side dishes are a testament to the island's mastery of flavors and its ability to transform simple components into culinary delights.

Our collaboration with accomplished food bloggers brings you a curated selection of side dish recipes that showcase the diversity and depth of Puerto Rican gastronomy. With each dish, you'll journey through traditional recipes that have stood the test of time, as well as modern interpretations that infuse contemporary flair while honoring age-old techniques.

As you explore these side dish recipes, envision your Thanksgiving table adorned with an array of vibrant creations that embody the heart and soul of Puerto Rico's culinary tradition. Whether you're seeking to complement your main courses with authenticity or to surprise your guests with unexpected flavor combinations, these recipes are sure to elevate your holiday feast to new heights.

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Arroz Con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas)

There’s nothing more quintessentially Puerto Rican than arroz con gandules.

Check out this recipe

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Switch up your traditional holiday stuffing with Puerto Rican plantains and sofrito

Give stuffing a Puerto Rican twist with traditional plantain mofongo stuffing - perfect to fill the cavity of the turkey.

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Tostones (Twice Fried Plantains) - The Noshery

This is a quick and easy post of one of my favorite side items. Green plantains are an awesome vegetable because there are countless different ways to prepare a plantain, fried, boiled or mashed they are always delicious. They are not to be confused with green bananas although they can be used as a replacement in a pinch. fthanksgivingOne of the most common ways of making a green plantain is to make Tostones.

Check out this recipe

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Papas Arrugadas Recipe (Wrinkled Potatoes)

This papas arrugadas recipe (wrinkled potatoes) is a hugely popular dish in the Canary Islands, with small potatoes boiled in water with coarse sea salt. Serve them with mojo picon for huge flavor!

Check out this recipe

Desserts

No feast is complete without a touch of sweetness to round off the culinary symphony, and in the enchanting realm of Puerto Rican cuisine, this sentiment is elevated to an art form. As we continue our exploration of Puerto Rican-inspired Thanksgiving, we invite you to immerse yourself in the 'Desserts' section – a realm where traditional flavors and innovative techniques intertwine to create an array of confections that will leave you enchanted and satisfied.

Puerto Rican desserts are more than just sugary treats; they are a reflection of the island's rich history and the diverse cultures that have shaped its culinary landscape. From velvety flan infused with caramel notes to delicate pastries that reveal layers of flavors with every bite, these desserts are a testament to the island's skill in weaving stories through its culinary creations.

This is an irresistible collection of dessert recipes that capture the essence of Puerto Rican sweets. Each recipe is a tribute to the island's love for indulgence and the meticulous artistry that goes into crafting desserts that leave a lasting impression. Whether you're drawn to the classics that have graced Puerto Rican tables for generations or you're curious to explore contemporary twists on beloved favorites, these recipes promise a journey of taste and texture.

Imagine your Thanksgiving dessert spread adorned with these delectable creations, each one inviting you to experience the warmth, joy, and nostalgia that come with sharing a sweet ending to a memorable meal on thanksgiving day. These desserts encapsulate the spirit of Puerto Rican culinary heritage, reminding puerto rican households that in every bite, we're savoring more than just a treat – we're savoring the love, history, and celebration that make the holiday season truly special.

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Arroz con Leche - Salima’s Kitchen - Puerto Rican Recipes

This Puerto Rican style Arroz con Leche is a popular dessert made with long grain white rice, whole milk, butter, brown sugar and spices.

Check out this recipe

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Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Milk Pudding)

Tembleque is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert. Enjoy this coconut and cinnamon pudding or custard at Christmas time and through the year.

Check out this recipe

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Canarian Bienmesabe - Greedy Gourmet | Food & Travel Blog

Bienmesabe, three Spanish words banged together “bien me sabe”, literally means “tastes good to me”. Find out why. Cook More Spanish Food At Home Rick Stein’s Spain Tapas Revolution 200 Tapas & Spanish Dishes Seasonal Spanish Food A Sherry & A Little Plate of Tapas This is the last post on my trip t…

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Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)

Puerto Rican Flan de Queso: cheesecake-like baked custard dessert with sugar caramel sauce! Not too sweet thanks to the tang of cream cheese!

Check out this recipe

Drinks

A sip of a well-crafted drink has the power to transport us to faraway places, evoke cherished memories, and enhance the joy of togetherness. As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of Puerto Rican-inspired Thanksgiving, we invite you to raise your glasses to the 'Drinks' section – a collection of libations that embody the spirit of the island and add an extra layer of festivity to your holiday celebration.

Puerto Rican drinks are a reflection of the island's zest for life, its rich cultural heritage, and the joy that comes from sharing flavorful concoctions with loved ones. From refreshing fruit-infused mocktails that capture the essence of the tropics to spirited co*cktails that blend premium local ingredients with a touch of creativity, these drinks are a toast to Puerto Rico's culinary artistry.

There follows a selection of drink recipes that celebrate the diversity and complexity of Puerto Rican flavors. Each recipe is an invitation to experience the island's vibrancy and sophistication, whether you're sipping a classic co*cktail or exploring a new twist on traditional favorites. You'll find that the main ingredient of many of these drinks is rum or gin!

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Coquito (Puerto Rican Holiday Coconut Nog) Recipe - Kitchen De Lujo

Bring Christmas in Puerto Rico to your home with this creamy traditional coquito recipe! This savory coconut and white rum mix is perfect for the holidays!

Check out this recipe

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Pina Colada co*cktail (Puerto Rican Style) Recipe

to make a pina colada co*cktail (puerto rican style) use rum - light white (charcoal-filtered) 1-3 year old, pineapple juice (fresh pressed), cream of coconut (e.g.

Check out this recipe

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Amaretto Colada

The Amaretto Colada is basically a Piña Colada with the addition of almond liqueur. This adds a rich, sweet, nutty flavor to the traditional pineapple and coconut.

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Coco frio and Gin Drink recipe

Get a taste of the tropics with this refreshing Coco Frio and Gin drink recipe! Made with fresh coconut and a splash of gin, it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make co*cktail and become a pro bartender in no time. Try it now!

Check out this recipe

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The Best Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Food Recipes (2024)

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