31 Thanksgiving Foods that are Orange
Thanksgiving is a festival of harvest and a celebration marked by an abundance of color, especially the warm hues of orange that symbolize the fall season.
Orange-colored foods not only mirror the vibrant leaves and golden sunsets of autumn but are often packed with nutrients and flavors that make the Thanksgiving meal truly special.
From the classic pumpkin pie with its rich, creamy filling to the sweet potatoes roasted to caramelized perfection, and the zest of citrus adding a bright note to the feast, orange foods are a nod to tradition as well as culinary creativity.
Foods that are Orange for Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, let’s pay homage to the color that paints the essence of the holiday, exploring a spectrum of orange delights that can grace your table, each with the power to evoke memories and create new ones.
1. Sweet Potato Casserole
The classic sweet potato casserole, with its fluffy interior and crispy, marshmallowy top, is as visually appealing as it is delicious. A Thanksgiving staple, it’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it a hit with guests of all ages.
2. Carrot Ginger Soup
Start your feast with a bowl of warm carrot ginger soup. Its vibrant orange hue and comforting warmth make it an ideal appetizer for the chilly autumn weather.
3. Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without the quintessential pumpkin pie. With its smooth, spiced filling, it’s a festive nod to the season’s best flavors.
4. Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy and rich, butternut squash risotto is a luxurious side dish that adds both color and a sophisticated flavor to your holiday spread.
5. Glazed Carrots
Honey or maple-glazed carrots not only provide a pop of color but also offer a sweet side that complements more savory dishes.
6. Apricot-Glazed Turkey
Give your turkey a twist with an apricot glaze that caramelizes in the oven, lending a beautiful orange tint and a hint of sweetness to the skin.
7. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Whip up some mashed sweet potatoes for a smooth, buttery side that’s a more colorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
8. Orange Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce with fresh orange zest can brighten up any Thanksgiving meal, both with its citrus flavor and its lively color.
9. Persimmon Salad
Incorporate sliced persimmons into a salad for a splash of orange. Their unique flavor pairs well with autumnal greens and nuts.
10. Pumpkin Rolls
Soft and fluffy pumpkin rolls can serve as a sweet treat or a dinner bread, offering a festive twist to your bread basket.
11. Orange-Glazed Ham
A succulent ham with a sticky orange glaze can stand as a flavorful alternative for those who may prefer pork over turkey.
12. Spiced Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn squash, cut into crescents and roasted with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, makes a visually stunning and tasty side dish.
13. Cheddar Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Give the classic mashed potatoes an orange twist by mixing in sharp cheddar cheese for added richness and color.
14. Thai Pumpkin Soup
Infuse a bit of international flavor into your meal with a coconut milk-based Thai pumpkin soup, seasoned with curry and lemongrass.
15. Candied Yams
Another sweet side, candied yams are a comforting dish that’s synonymous with holiday warmth.
16. Apricot Stuffed Turkey Breast
For a smaller gathering, consider a turkey breast stuffed with apricots and breadcrumbs, offering a moist and flavorful centerpiece.
17. Moroccan Carrot Salad
A bright, refreshing salad made with shredded carrots, raisins, and a zesty dressing to add a global twist to your table.
18. Pumpkin Cheesecake
For a creamy dessert option, a pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust is both indulgent and seasonally appropriate.
19. Roasted Red Kuri Squash
Red kuri squash, with its edible skin and rich flesh, is a lesser-known variety that roasts up beautifully and adds diversity to the traditional flavors.
20. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
These pillowy dumplings made from sweet potatoes are a comforting addition, best served with a sage brown butter sauce.
21. Mandarin Orange Salad
Toss together a fresh salad with mandarin oranges, mixed greens, and a sprinkle of almonds for a light, citrusy starter.
22. Fresh Orange Juice
Serve fresh-squeezed orange juice as a refreshing drink option, or use it in a mimosa for a festive Thanksgiving brunch.
23. Orange Marmalade Spread
A jar of sweet and tangy orange marmalade can be the perfect condiment to spread on warm biscuits or rolls.
24. Goldfish Crackers
A bowl of these cheesy, orange goldfish crackers can be a playful snack that adds a pop of color to your appetizer table.
25. Buffalo Style Dip
Give your appetizers a kick with a buffalo-style dip, vibrant in color and bold in taste, perfect for dipping vegetables or chips.
26. Passionfruit Juice
Offer a taste of the tropics with a vibrant, tangy passionfruit juice, which can also be incorporated into cocktails or mocktails.
27. Orange Jell-O
A mold of orange Jell-O, possibly with shredded carrots or mandarin slices inside, makes a nostalgic and colorful side dish.
28. Mango Slices
Fresh mango slices provide a sweet, tropical flavor and a brilliant orange hue to your fruit platter or dessert table.
29. Peach Pie
A classic peach pie with a lattice crust showcases the warm orange color and offers a sweet end to your Thanksgiving feast.
30. Cheez-It Crackers
For a simple snack with vibrant orange color, scatter bowls of Cheez-It crackers around your gathering space for easy nibbling.
31. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Serve up a platter of meatballs glazed in a sticky sweet and sour sauce as a hearty appetizer that’s both orange in color and big on flavor.
What Thanksgiving foods are orange in color?
As the last bites of our Thanksgiving feast settle and the orange glow of the day gives way to twilight, we’re reminded that the true color of the holiday is one of warmth and togetherness.
Orange, in its multitude of shades, brings to our tables not just the essence of fall but a representation of the bountiful harvest and the richness of shared experiences.
From the zesty tang of marmalade to the sweet spice of pumpkin, each dish tells a story—a story of family, of gratitude, and of the simple joy found in a meal lovingly prepared.
Let these orange-hued foods be a canvas for your culinary artistry this Thanksgiving, and may they add just another reason to give thanks.
