
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and its Northern Territory, Norfolk Island. The holiday is centred around food and giving thanks for friends, family, and loved ones. In Australia, some people choose to adopt the American tradition and put their own spin on it, serving traditional Thanksgiving dishes alongside Aussie classics like potato bake and pavlova.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Thanksgiving celebrated in Australia? | Yes, by some, but it is not a widespread tradition. |
| Where is it celebrated? | Norfolk Island, and by some individuals and families across the country. |
| What do they eat? | Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, cornbread, pumpkin pie, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and Aussie classics like potato bake and pavlova. |
| Why do they celebrate it? | To come together with friends and family, reflect on the year, and be thankful. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce sandwiches
Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in Australia, but some Australians are inspired by American culture and choose to celebrate it anyway, putting an Aussie twist on the classic Thanksgiving menu. Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce sandwiches are a popular way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, and they can be enjoyed any time of the year.
To make these sandwiches, you'll need thick and hearty slices of bread. You can toast the bread in a skillet with butter for a few minutes until golden-brown, or leave it as is. For each sandwich, you'll need about six slices of turkey, which can be leftover turkey or store-bought slices. Top the turkey with about half a cup of stuffing, which can be leftover or made from a box mix, and about a quarter to a half cup of cranberry sauce. For a more authentic Thanksgiving taste, you can add a little gravy on top of the turkey before adding the stuffing layer. Finally, add another slice of bread on top. This recipe typically yields two sandwiches, but you can adjust the quantities as needed.
You can also add other ingredients to the sandwich, such as lettuce, mayo, and cheese. Some people like to grill the sandwich in a skillet with butter and cheese, melting the cheese and toasting the bread. These sandwiches are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving and reduce food waste by using up leftovers.
In Australia, Thanksgiving is not a widely celebrated holiday, but some people may choose to adopt the American tradition and put their twist on it. These turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce sandwiches are a creative way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors, whether as part of a unique Australian Thanksgiving celebration or as a tasty treat any time of the year.
Applying for MRT in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Pumpkin pie
To make the pie, you'll need to preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat eggs and pumpkin together. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves, and add this to the pumpkin mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Carefully pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350° F and bake for another 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pie is set. You can check if the pie is ready by gently jiggling the pan with an oven mitt; the filling should be set but still slightly soft on top.
You can also make a caramel pecan topping to serve with the pie. This can be made in about 5 minutes in a saucepan by combining brown sugar, whipped cream, corn syrup, butter, pecans, and vanilla extract.
If you want to get a head start, you can make the entire pumpkin pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or you can prepare the pie crust and filling separately and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake the pie. A fully cooked pumpkin pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
Columbus' Australia: An Alternate History Exploration
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Green bean casserole
Thanksgiving is an American tradition, but some Australians like to join in the celebrations and put an Aussie twist on the classic dishes. One such dish is green bean casserole, which has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1955. Here is a guide to making this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- Green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery soup, or cream of broccoli soup)
- Milk (or cream)
- French-fried onions
- Salt and pepper
- (Optional: Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, cayenne, soy sauce, sour cream, bacon, garlic)
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium casserole dish, mix the green beans, soup, milk, and half of the fried onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining onions on top. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Tips
For a festive touch, try adding 1/4 cup of chopped red pepper to the soup mixture. For a crunchier topping, add an extra cup of fried onions. For a gluten-free option, crisp up the onions in the microwave before adding them to the casserole. For a mini version, spoon the mixture into phyllo pastry cups and bake for 7 minutes.
Australian House Geckos: Their Diet Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Sweet potato puree
Sweet potatoes are a staple at Thanksgiving, and sweet potato puree is a popular dish. The puree can be served as a side dish or used in other recipes, such as biscuits or pies.
To make the puree, you can start by roasting the sweet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 200°C and roast the sweet potatoes whole for about an hour or until soft. Allow the potatoes to cool, then peel the skin off and scoop out the flesh. Blend the flesh in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency. You can add butter, cream, yoghurt, and seasonings like salt, pepper, spices, nutmeg, and cinnamon to taste.
For a sweeter version, you can add brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even marshmallows. If you prefer a savoury puree, you can include ingredients like garlic, thyme, bacon, caramelised onions, or grated ginger.
Ostrich Meat in Australia: Is It Popular?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cornbread
There are many variations of cornbread, including dense and crumbly, or light and fluffy. It can be spicy, herb-flecked, cheesy or sweet. Some recipes call for buttermilk, vinegar, and heavy cream, while others use milk or sour cream. North Americans tend to include honey, while Southerners prefer a savoury version with onions, corn kernels, or chillies.
Applying for the Dole in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes include turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and pumpkin pie.
Australians do not widely celebrate Thanksgiving, but some individuals choose to observe the holiday, especially those with American friends or family. They may eat traditional Thanksgiving foods or put an "Aussie twist" on the menu.
An "Aussie twist" on Thanksgiving food might include substituting the traditional harvest ingredients with those that are in season in Australia during the spring/summer. For example, Aussies might serve potato bake or pavlova for dessert instead of pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving is a holiday centred around food and family. It is a time to come together and express gratitude for the year's harvest, as well as one's friends, family, and loved ones.











































