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Thanksgiving in Belize may not have the same historical roots as it does in the United States, but the spirit of gratitude, family time, and good food is very much alive. Over the years, Thanksgiving has grown into a warm, welcoming celebration across the country—especially among Belizeans who enjoy marking the season with hearty meals, gatherings, and delicious homemade dishes. And like most celebrations in Belize, the food takes center stage.
While some families serve American-style favorites, most households put their own Belizean twist on the holiday meal. The result? A flavorful fusion of traditional holiday staples and Belize’s rich culinary heritage—Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Maya influences all in one spread.
If you’ve ever wondered what a Belizean Thanksgiving dinner looks like, prepare your appetite. Here’s everything you’ll find on the table during this delicious November celebration.
How Belize Celebrates Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Belize is celebrated primarily in urban areas, tourist towns, and homes with family members who lived in the U.S. or Canada. While it’s not a national holiday, it is widely embraced as a time to gather, share, and enjoy a feast. The season also lines up with other major November events—especially Garifuna Settlement Day—so families are already in a festive mood.
Most Belizeans blend familiar Thanksgiving dishes with local favorites, creating a meal that feels comforting, cultural, and distinctly Belizean. It’s a holiday that showcases the country’s love for good food and even better company.
The Star of the Table: Turkey (or Chicken) Belizean Style
1. Traditional Roast Turkey
Roast turkey is still the classic centerpiece for many Belizean Thanksgiving dinners, but it tastes noticeably different from its North American counterpart. Belizeans lean heavily into local seasonings: black pepper, thyme, onion, garlic, sweet pepper, cilantro, and Worcestershire sauce. The turkey is marinated for hours—sometimes overnight—to infuse deep flavor before roasting to a golden-brown finish.
The gravy, usually made from the turkey drippings, is rich and savory, perfect for drizzling over rice and beans, stuffing, or mashed potatoes (if they’re on the table).
2. Stew Turkey or Stew Chicken – The Belizean Favorite
For many households, a fully roasted turkey is either too expensive or too time-consuming—so stew turkey takes center stage. Prepared in the same iconic style as Belize’s stew chicken, the meat is simmered in a thick, flavorful sauce made with red recado, onions, garlic, and spices. The recado gives the dish its signature deep-red color and earthy taste.
Stew chicken is another common alternative and remains a dependable favorite for big celebrations. It’s tender, saucy, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially for guests who prefer traditional Belize flavors over roasted meats.
Belizean Rice and Beans – The Essential Holiday Staple
You simply cannot have a festive meal in Belize without rice and beans. This comfort dish is a star of its own and pairs perfectly with turkey, stew chicken, or ham. Cooked with coconut milk, onion, garlic, and a touch of thyme, the rice becomes creamy, soft, and aromatic.
Some families prepare white rice with stewed red beans, especially if the menu already includes hearty gravies and sauces. Either way, rice and beans bring a sense of home to the Thanksgiving spread—no Belizean celebration feels complete without it.
Belize-Style Stuffing: Recado, Herbs & Local Flavor
Stuffing is where Belizeans truly make Thanksgiving their own. Instead of the typical American bread-based stuffing, many families make a more robust, aromatic version. Some use bread, while others create a rice stuffing for a heartier result.
Key ingredients often include:
- Black or red recado
- Onions, garlic, sweet pepper, celery
- Fresh thyme & local herbs
- Minced turkey giblets, sausage, or ground meat
- Sometimes raisins or chopped plantains for sweetness
Belizean stuffing tends to be darker, richer, and far more flavorful—thanks to recado and the way it’s baked or cooked over the stove. This is one of the most beloved Belize Thanksgiving foods, and every household has its own recipe.
Holiday Sides You’ll Find on a Belizean Thanksgiving Table
1. Belizean Potato Salad
A holiday isn’t a holiday in Belize without potato salad. Creamy, colorful, and often made with beets for a bright pink hue, this salad balances the bold flavors of rice, beans, and turkey.
2. Cranberry Sauce—With a Belizean Twist
Cranberry sauce is sometimes imported, but many Belizeans replace it with more accessible options like mango chutney, pineapple glaze, or sorrel jelly. These fruity Belizean alternatives complement the savory meat beautifully.
3. Homemade Dinner Rolls or Creole Bread
Soft, warm rolls and Creole bread are essential for soaking up gravy and recado sauces. Their slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory dishes.
4. Baked Mac and Cheese
Belizean “macaroni pie” or baked mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and often layered with breadcrumbs or grated Dutch cheese. A definite crowd favorite.
5. Plantains (Fried or Steamed)
No Belize feast is complete without sweet plantains. Fried plantains add caramelized sweetness, while steamed plantains offer a softer, subtler flavor.
6. Green Salad or Coleslaw
Fresh vegetables like cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce help balance the heavier dishes. Many households prepare a creamy coleslaw to go with turkey or stew chicken.
Desserts That Close the Feast
1. Belizean Bread Pudding
Rich, moist, and filled with spices, Belizean bread pudding often includes raisins, coconut, and a generous drizzle of rum sauce. It’s one of the country’s most comforting desserts.
2. Pumpkin Pie or Sweet Potato Pudding
Inspired by the American tradition but adapted with Caribbean pumpkin or local sweet potatoes, these desserts bring familiar holiday warmth with a tropical twist.
3. Cassava Pone or Coconut Tart
These traditional Belizean sweets often appear around Thanksgiving as families start preparing for Christmas. Cassava pone is sticky, chewy, and lightly spiced, while coconut tarts offer a crumbly, sweet treat.
4. Fruitcake (The Early Taste of Christmas)
Belizeans take fruitcake seriously. Some families begin soaking their fruits in rum as early as October or November. During Thanksgiving, fruitcake may make a special early appearance at the dessert table.
Drinks That Complete a Belizean Thanksgiving Dinner
No celebration in Belize is without refreshing drinks. Popular beverages include:
- Sorrel drink with ginger and cloves
- Rum punch or Caribbean cocktails
- Belikin beer
- Fresh juices like lime, soursop, or tamarind
- Hot coffee or Belizean cacao drink for dessert
These drinks perfectly complement the bold and comforting flavors of the holiday feast.
Regional Variations in Belizean Holiday Meals
Creole Households
Expect turkey or stew chicken, rice and beans, potato salad, and bread pudding.
Garifuna Influence
Some families may add traditional dishes like cassava bread, coconut-based meals, or hudut components to the feast.
Mestizo & Maya Households
You may find holiday dinners paired with dishes like tamales, escabeche, or garnachas.
These regional touches make Belizean Thanksgiving meals wonderfully diverse and deeply rooted in family traditions.
Final Thoughts
A Belizean Thanksgiving dinner is a beautiful blend of tradition, flavor, and cultural heritage. While the holiday may not carry the same historical origins as in North America, Belizeans have embraced the celebration wholeheartedly—adding their own spices, cooking methods, and beloved dishes.
From stew turkey to rice and beans, Belizean stuffing to plantains, every dish tells a story of family, flavor, and togetherness. Whether you’re cooking your own Belize-style Thanksgiving meal or visiting Belize in November, experiencing this feast is a delicious journey into the heart of Belizean culture.