How to Enjoy a Thanksgiving-Style Feast in the UK

We said we would and here it is! A simple guide for Brits who want to celebrate American Thanksgiving at home.

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but there’s no reason we can’t enjoy a cosy, delicious version of it here in the UK. 

Whether you’re honouring American friends or family, embracing a new tradition, or simply fancying a hearty feast before December begins, recreating Thanksgiving at home is easier than you might think.

Here’s how to put together a warm and welcoming Thanksgiving celebration using ingredients, swaps, and ideas easily available across the UK.

Start with the Essentials: What You Actually Need

A British take on Thanksgiving doesn’t require a huge house, a massive turkey, or a cupboard full of hard-to-find American ingredients. You just need:

A roast-style main

A few comforting sides

Something sweet and autumnal

A sense of togetherness

Think of it as a “preview Christmas dinner” with an American twist.

Choosing Your Thanksgiving Main

Turkey

You can get whole turkeys in late November, though they’re not as common. Larger supermarkets sometimes stock them, and turkey crowns are often available year-round.

Chicken

A great, budget-friendly alternative if you’re feeding a smaller group.

Ham

In many American households, glazed ham joins the turkey. A honey-roast joint works perfectly.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

A mushroom Wellington, nut roast, or plant-based roast makes an excellent centrepiece.

Classic Sides – with Simple UK-Friendly Swaps

Mashed Potatoes

No changes needed – just make a big fluffy bowl and serve with plenty of gravy.

Stuffing

American families often use cornbread stuffing. In the UK, sage-and-onion stuffing works beautifully.

Sweet Potato Dish

If you want to go full American, bake them with brown sugar and marshmallows.

If that feels too sweet, roasted sweet potatoes with paprika or cinnamon give a more British balance.

Green Bean Casserole

This dish is traditionally made with cream-of-mushroom soup and crispy fried onions.

You can recreate it easily with:

Tinned mushroom soup

Frozen green beans

Crispy onions from the salad aisle

Cranberry Sauce

We already embrace this at Christmas, so a jar from the supermarket works perfectly.

Mac and Cheese

A Southern Thanksgiving staple and easy to make ahead. It also pairs surprisingly well with roast turkey.

Desserts Made for British Kitchens

Pumpkin Pie

Canned pumpkin purée is widely available in UK supermarkets from October to December.

Alternatively, sweet potato pie offers nearly the same flavour and is simpler to make using fresh British-grown potatoes.

Pecan Pie

Rich, sticky, and ideal if you want a showstopper. Pecans are readily available in the baking aisle.

Apple Pie

If all else fails, a classic British apple pie fits right in.

Make It Feel Like Thanksgiving – Without Overthinking It

1. Share Things You're Grateful For

This is the heart of the holiday. Go round the table and let everyone say something positive from the past year.

2. Watch an American Film or Show

Plenty of programmes have iconic Thanksgiving episodes:

Friends

How I Met Your Mother

Modern Family

3. Put on the Parade in the Background

NBC broadcasts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is often available on streaming services or YouTube afterwards.

4. Use It as the Moment You “Kick Off Christmas”

Many Americans start decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving – a perfect excuse to bring out the fairy lights.

Easy UK Shopping List for a Thanksgiving Meal

Here’s a quick guide to items you can easily source locally:

Supermarkets:

Turkey crown/chicken/ham

Mashed potato ingredients

Stuffing

Cranberry sauce

Sweet potatoes

Frozen green beans

Tinned mushroom soup

Crispy onions

Macaroni and cheese ingredients

Pumpkin purée (seasonal)

Pecans

Ready-made apple or pecan pie

Speciality/American shops (optional):

Marshmallows for sweet potato topping

Cornbread mix

American-style gravy mixes

Pumpkin pie spice

A Lovely New Tradition for British Homes

Bringing Thanksgiving into a British household doesn’t require authenticity – just warmth, good food, and a moment to pause before the Christmas rush begins. 

Whether you recreate the full American feast or simply make a toasted pumpkin pie to enjoy with a cup of tea, a British Thanksgiving can be a charming addition to your festive calendar.