39 Thanksgiving Foods that Start with A
Embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving often blossoms through shared meals, whether it be a cozy potluck at work, an adorable preschool lunch, a lively elementary school party, an educational homeschooling activity, or an intimate Friendsgiving lunch.
Engaging in a culinary journey that begins with the letter “A” provides not only a fun theme but also an opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of flavors and dishes that might otherwise go unnoticed during the festive season.
Letter A Thanksgiving Foods List
In the following curated list, you’ll discover a delightful array of Thanksgiving foods that start with the letter “A” to inspire your festive gatherings.
1. Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic American dessert featuring a delicious apple filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a staple at many Thanksgiving tables.
2. Acorn Squash
Acorn squash can be baked, roasted, or turned into a creamy soup, making it a versatile addition to the Thanksgiving menu. Its mildly sweet and nutty flavor pairs well with a variety of seasonings and fillings.
3. Apple Cider
Apple cider, a beverage made from pressed and fermented apples, is a favorite fall drink that can be served hot or cold. Add a cinnamon stick or a splash of bourbon for an extra festive touch.
4. Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is often made by cooking down apples with sugar and spices until they become a smooth, sweet sauce. It can serve as a side dish, a dessert topping, or even an ingredient in Thanksgiving recipes like stuffing.
5. Apple Stuffing
Apple stuffing combines the savory elements of traditional stuffing with the sweet and tart flavor of apples. It’s a perfect side dish that balances the hearty and rich flavors found on the Thanksgiving table.
6. Artichoke Dip
Artichoke dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer often made with parmesan cheese, garlic, and mayonnaise. Served warm with crackers or bread, it’s a comforting start to the Thanksgiving meal.
7. Asparagus Casserole
Asparagus casserole typically features fresh asparagus, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping, perhaps made with breadcrumbs or fried onions. It’s a side dish that adds a touch of elegance and vibrant green to the table.
8. Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a sweet, fruity dish often made with oranges, pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows. It can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert.
9. Apricot Glazed Ham
Apricot glazed ham features a succulent ham roast glazed with a sweet and tangy apricot-based sauce. It offers a savory and slightly sweet main dish that can stand alongside or instead of the traditional turkey.
10. Almond Cake
Almond cake, made with almond flour or extract, delivers a moist, flavorful dessert with a delightful nutty essence. Paired with a coffee or a dessert wine, it offers a sophisticated ending to the meal.
11. Au Gratin Potatoes
Au gratin potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. This indulgent side dish adds a creamy and cheesy element to the Thanksgiving spread.
12. Apple Crisp
Apple crisp consists of sliced apples topped with a crumbly mixture often made from flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter. Baked until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp, it’s a beloved dessert, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
13. Apple Butter
Apple butter is a highly concentrated form of applesauce, cooked low and slow until the sugars caramelize, turning the sauce a deep brown. It’s a versatile spread that can be used on rolls, incorporated into recipes, or even as a side dish.
14. Apple Jelly
Apple jelly is a clear, sweet spread made from apple juice and sugar. It can be used to add sweetness to savory dishes, as a delightful spread for rolls or biscuits, or even as a glaze for certain desserts.
15. Apple Salad
Apple salad can take many forms but often features crisp apples, nuts, and possibly other fruits or vegetables, all tossed in a light dressing. It offers a fresh, crisp counterpart to the often rich and hearty Thanksgiving dishes.
16. Almond Roasted Green Beans
Green beans tossed with almonds and roasted to perfection offer a crisp, flavorful side that adds a touch of brightness to the hearty Thanksgiving meal.
17. Apple Fritters
Apple fritters are sweet, deep-fried pastries filled with spiced apple pieces, providing a deliciously warm and crispy treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
18. Apple Sausage Stuffing
A savory and sweet stuffing that combines seasoned sausage and tart apples, bringing a multi-dimensional flavor profile that enhances the classic Thanksgiving turkey.
19. Apricot Stuffing
Apricot stuffing introduces a sweet and tangy element, with dried apricots mixed into the traditional bread stuffing, providing an unexpected fruity twist to the side dish.
20. Asiago Cheese Bread
Asiago cheese bread combines the robust flavor of Asiago cheese with soft, freshly baked bread, offering a cheesy and savory option to the bread basket.
21. Autumn Squash Soup
Autumn squash soup, often made with butternut or acorn squash, blends the flavors of fall into a creamy, comforting soup that warms the soul.
22. Avocado Salad
Avocado salad, with its creamy avocados, crisp vegetables, and refreshing dressing, adds a fresh and slightly decadent side option to the Thanksgiving spread.
23. Almond Biscotti
Almond biscotti provide a crunchy, nutty dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee, offering a lighter dessert option amidst the typically rich Thanksgiving fare.
24. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Apple cinnamon rolls bring together the sweetness of apples and the spicy warmth of cinnamon in a soft, doughy roll, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert.
25. Apricot Turkey
Turkey roasted with apricot preserves creates a sweet and savory main dish, where the apricot glaze adds a lusciously sticky and flavorful exterior to the roasted meat.
26. Anise Cookies
Anise cookies, imbued with the distinct, licorice-like flavor of anise, offer a unique and fragrant dessert option to conclude the Thanksgiving feast.
27. Asparagus and Hollandaise
Tender asparagus spears served with a rich, lemony hollandaise sauce present a classic and elegant vegetable side dish.
28. Apple Pecan Salad
Apple pecan salad marries the crispness of apples with the earthy crunch of pecans, often atop a bed of mixed greens and perhaps with a sprinkling of blue or feta cheese.
29. Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts, whether marinated, roasted, or baked, bring a slightly tangy and uniquely textured vegetable side that pairs wonderfully with various dishes.
30. Almond Butter Pie
Almond butter pie, with its smooth, nutty filling and flaky crust, offers a non-traditional but equally scrumptious dessert to round out the Thanksgiving meal.
31. Arugula Salad
An arugula salad can add a peppery, fresh contrast to the richer dishes typically found on the Thanksgiving table. Paired with a light vinaigrette, dried cranberries, and goat cheese, it’s a refreshing side.
32. American Cheese Potatoes
Creamy American cheese melted into a decadent potato dish could bring a comforting and familiar cheesy note to your festive meal. Think scalloped potatoes but with the smooth melt of American cheese.
33. Almond Flour Pie Crust
An almond flour pie crust provides a gluten-free and slightly nutty alternative to traditional pie crusts. It can be used for sweet pies, like pumpkin or pecan, or savory ones like a quiche with turkey and vegetables.
34. Angel Hair Pasta Casserole
Angel hair pasta can be baked into a casserole with mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a rich and creamy side that gives a nod to traditional green bean casserole while offering something new.
35. Angel Food Cake with Cranberry Compote
A light and airy angel food cake served with a tangy-sweet cranberry compote provides a dessert option that is both fresh and festively flavored, celebrating the classic flavors of Thanksgiving.
36. Anchovy-stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of anchovies, garlic, breadcrumbs, and herbs offer a salty and savory appetizer that is both umami-rich and perfectly bite-sized.
37. Arborio Rice Risotto
Arborio rice, known for its use in risotto, can be prepared with roasted butternut squash and sage to create a creamy, autumnal side that feels perfectly at home in a Thanksgiving spread.
38. Asian Pear Slaw
A slaw made with crisp, sweet Asian pears, cabbage, and a light vinaigrette can offer a crunchy and refreshing side that balances the typically heavier dishes of the meal.
39. Au Jus Gravy
Traditional turkey au jus can elevate your Thanksgiving turkey by providing a rich, flavorful gravy made from the delectable juices rendered during the roasting of the bird. Perfect for drizzling over turkey slices and mashed potatoes.
What Thanksgiving food starts with an A?
As we conclude our alphabetical adventure with the vibrant and varied flavors starting with the letter “A”, we’re reminded that Thanksgiving is a time to embrace not only the abundant feast before us but also the cherished moments spent with loved ones.
May your Thanksgiving, whether it be a traditional family gathering or a themed school event, be enriched with delightful dishes, warm smiles, and an atmosphere of gratitude and joy.
In exploring these “A” foods, perhaps a new culinary tradition is born, weaving new memories into the timeless tapestry of our Thanksgiving celebrations.
Here’s to a festive and flavorful holiday, from A to Z!
