The Absolute Must-Haves for a Louisiana Thanksgiving Meal

When it comes to Thanksgiving in Louisiana, we don’t just cook — we celebrate! Our tables aren’t just set for turkey and mashed potatoes. Oh no, we go full throttle with dishes that make other states jealous. We asked AI what it thought would be the absolute MUST-HAVES at a Thanksgiving Dinner in Louisiana and the results are kind of interesting...

Most people stick to the classics for Thanksgiving dinner. The centerpiece is usually a big roasted turkey, sometimes stuffed with breading, veggies, and spices. On the side, you’ll find creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, buttery rolls, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes (sometimes topped with marshmallows). Cranberry sauce, whether homemade or straight out of a can, adds a sweet and tangy touch. For dessert, pumpkin pie takes the spotlight, but apple pie and pecan pie aren’t far behind.

I'm not going to lie, Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday! I obviously like to eat... (WATCH IT!!!!)

So what does AI think are the MUST HAVES at a Louisiana Thanksgiving Dinner? Here's what AI had to say... What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Fried Turkey

Forget the oven; in Louisiana, we deep fry our turkey! It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and delicious all over. Just make sure Cousin Bobby doesn’t try to fry it on the porch again without defrosting it first. We’re here for fried turkey, not a backyard fire!

Crawfish Cornbread

Cornbread is good. But crawfish cornbread? Chef’s kiss. It’s cornbread with a Cajun twist, packed with crawfish tails, cheese, and a little spice to keep your taste buds awake after that second helping of turkey.

Gumbo

No Louisiana feast is complete without gumbo. Chicken and sausage? Seafood? Doesn’t matter — just make sure there’s a roux so rich it could run for governor. Bonus points if Granny’s secret recipe calls for crab claws poking out of the pot.

Dirty Rice

Rice is nice, but dirty rice is divine! Made with ground meat, veggies, and spices, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s the perfect thing to pile on your plate when there’s no room left for stuffing.

Pecan Pie

Let’s be real: pumpkin pie is for people up north. Down here, it’s all about pecan pie. Sticky, sweet, and loaded with pecans, it’s a slice of heaven. And yes, you do have to pronounce it “puh-KAHN” or Aunt Clara will give you the look.

Sweet Potato Casserole (with Marshmallows)

Sweet potatoes are already dessert disguised as a side dish, so we lean all the way in by topping them with marshmallows. Is it technically candy? Yes. Do we care? Nope.

Boudin Balls

Why wait for the meal when you can snack on these meaty, spicy, rice-filled balls of joy? Boudin balls are the ultimate Louisiana appetizer. Just don’t count how many you eat — we’ve all been there.

Stuffed Mirlitons

If you’re not from Louisiana, you might ask, “What’s a mirliton?” It’s a squash-like veggie that we stuff with shrimp, sausage, or crab meat. Think of it as the fancy cousin of a bell pepper — but way tastier.

Pralines

This classic Louisiana candy is a Thanksgiving tradition. They’re sugary, buttery, and perfect for sneaking into your pocket for later. (Don’t act like you’ve never done it.)

Thanksgiving in Louisiana is more than just a meal; it’s a way of life. From fried turkey to pralines, our dishes bring flavor, fun, and a little bit of spice to the holiday. So, gather your family, grab an extra plate, and don’t forget the stretchy pants. Laissez les bon temps rouler — even on Turkey Day!