Cajun Thanksgiving

Kick up your Thanksgiving with this Cajun-style feast! There’s no need to be bound to traditional holiday fare. Use this spicy menu for a gathering of family or friends who are looking to enjoy a hot food adventure any time of the year!

"Cajun cooking is bolder and more rustic, owing its roots to the Acadian peasants who developed this style after emigrating from Canada in the 1700s."

Kristen, Food Editor - Betty Crocker Kitchens

The Menu
Party Guide
Plan Ahead

Music is a must. Set the scene with borrowed or purchased Cajun music. If live music is available, go for it!
Spice up your dinner table with more than just a spicy turkey.
Adorn the dinner table with miniature lights and colorful strings of beads and ribbons woven and wound around pumpkins and squash. Look for both at party, craft or discount stores.
Jazz up place settings by coiling prestrung beads around napkins
Punctuate fall colors with metallics. Shop tag sales and outlets for bargain-priced table (or even bed) linens. Remember, they don't have to match!
Make a serving tray by using a tag-sale gold picture frame. Screw on handles so it can be easily carried. Place decorative ribbons or colorful napkins inside the frame in random fashion.
Perk up Cranberry Sauce by spooning it into stemware tied with ribbons. Sprinkle the sauce with orange peel curls, chopped toasted pecans or sliced jalapeños.

Up to 1 Month Before

Make Bread Machine Jalapeño Corn Bread; store tightly wrapped in freezer.
Make Hot and Spicy Peanuts.

2 Days Before

Thaw turkey, using our Poultry Thawing Chart as a guide.
Make Cranberry Sauce; store covered in refrigerator.
Chill ingredients for Cranberry-Apple Spritzer.

The Day Before

Bake Sweet Potato Pie with Cornmeal Pastry; refrigerate.
Make Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese; cover assembled unbaked casserole and refrigerate.
Cook brown rice for Cumin Confetti Rice; store covered in refrigerator.
Wash and chop greens for Hot and Spicy Greens; store covered in refrigerator. Chop onion, seed and chop chili and grate gingerroot; cover and store each separately in refrigerator.
Prepare turkey for marinating. Rub spice rub on turkey; inject the bird with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate.

About 1 Hour Before Serving Dinner