Turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, yams and stuffing: we love holiday staples like these as much as the next foodie, but the traditional thanksgiving foods lack that local flair that makes Cajun cuisine so special. We’ve found the solution, however, by putting together this handy guide for swapping traditional thanksgiving foods for ones with a bit more Cajun flavor—all without compromising that classic Thanksgiving palate.

 

Cajun Substitutes for Turkey

No beating around the bush; let’s start with the main event. A big, basted bird is the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating a big Thanksgiving centerpiece, but even when cooked perfectly, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Even flavorful turkeys can be a bit bland for some—luckily there are simple solutions.

 

• A Boudin-stuffed Turkey Roll:
  If you want to have your turkey and eat it too, why not combine it with everyone’s Cajun favorite: Billy’s boudin mix! The best part? You don’t have to debone a turkey, cut up any boudin links, or do hardly any work at all: we sell them ready for the oven (or fryer) and ship them anywhere in the US! We’ve got other stuffing options like crawfish and seafood cornbread, too!

• Turducken:
  Why have one bird when you can combine three for a delicious and impressive centerpiece the whole family will enjoy? Our delicious, triple-bird entree combines juicy chicken thighs, tender duck breasts, and a perfectly-seasoned boneless turkey that blows the average Thanksgiving turkey out of the water! Just like our turkey rolls, there’s no prep required: pick one up at your nearest Billy’s location or have one shipped straight to your door anywhere in the US!

• Gumbo:
  Okay—hear us out. It may not be the most traditional food as far as the Thanksgiving main event goes elsewhere in the country, but a family gathering in late November has gumbo written all over it. It’s not uncommon for a pot of gumbo to be the focal point of a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner in Louisiana (and the greater Gulf south). A cool fall afternoon and a piping hot bowl of perhaps Louisiana’s favorite cold-weather food go together like…well, like gumbo and rice. Start with a dark roux, the “Cajun trinity,” some stock, and add your favorite andouille and smoked sausage along with some chicken thighs (or maybe even turkey). You’ll be thankful you swapped in this local legend.

 

Cajun Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes

As potatoes are the side of choice for so many Americans on Thanksgiving, it may seem like sacrilege to suggest something else, but there are lots of potato options that can add some spice and variety without compromising that spuddy goodness you know and love.

 

• Potatoes Au Gratin:
  A beloved potato dish found around Louisiana (and beyond) that, like so many local favorites, has its origins in France. Instead of the classic whipped mashed potatoes and brown gravy, this dish consists of scalloped potatoes that are softened in hot water, placed in a buttered dish, covered with bechemel and shredded cheese and baked at high temperatures in the oven. You can make an extra Cajun version by adding local lump crab meat, crawfish tails, or even boudin.

• Twice-Baked Potatoes:
  This one isn’t that far out there—in fact, it’s not an uncommon sight at all on a Thanksgiving table in lieu of (or addition to) mashed potatoes. Twice-baked potatoes are named as such because they actually are baked twice. First a potato is baked in the classic fashion, the potato is removed from the skin, mixed with seasoning, butter, cheese, bacon, or whatever else you desire, and placed back in the oven. The resulting flavors and textures make for a delicious accompaniment for any hearty holiday meal. You can also cut a few corners by buying them ready-to-bake: Cajun Market Meats’ twice baked potatoes are ready in thirty minutes, and are also available with shrimp.

• Roasted Potatoes:
  Much like twice-baked potatoes, these spuds aren’t out of place in a holiday spread. Instead of the soft, pillowy texture of mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes are buttery, and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. They’re even easier to make than the aforementioned options: simply soak some cubed potatoes (skin on), soak in cold water for an hour, toss in olive oil, herbs and seasonings and roast in the oven at a high temperature. Add a little cayenne pepper and sprinkle with pulverized cracklins to give them a crunchy Cajun twist.

 

Cajun Substitutes for Ham

Another big holiday meat centerpiece, along with turkey, is the ham: usually honey glazed and smoked, it’s a popular item for multiple holidays and is enjoyed across the country—but what if you’re looking to switch things up? Here are a few dishes that can take the place of a ham for your next holiday.

 

• Stuffed Boston Butt:
  If you want to satisfy your pork craving while still breaking free from the monotony of ham, try a stuffed pork roast instead: our stuffed boston butt is expertly seasoned, stuffed with a classic vegetable blend, and is ready for the oven. The Boston Butt (or shoulder) is a juicy cut that pairs perfectly with holiday trappings.

• Baconizer:
  If more pork is the objective, look no further: the baconizer is Billy’s homemade sausage and melty pepperjack cheese wrapped up in crispy bacon and seasoned to perfection. Not only is it a whole lot of pork, it’s hardly any work: simply pop it into the oven (or on the grill) and serve. Once you try it, you’ll never think of serving a ham again!

• Jambalaya:
  It may not be the porkiest of alternatives, but a good, homemade jambalaya can be a great addition to your holiday spread. A spiced rice dish with chicken and smoked sausage, this dish is particularly popular in Louisiana, though it’s known along the gulf coast. If you’d prefer, pastalaya is another delicious alternative (think jambalaya but with pasta instead of rice) and can really set a good Thanksgiving meal off.

 

Other Holiday Essentials

There are plenty of other ways to inject some Cajun goodness into your holiday family meals. Billy’s has a wide selection of products that will not only taste delicious, but also cut your prep time down so you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

• Seafood Cornbread Dressing
• Billy’s Dressing Mix
• Crawfish Stuffed Peppers
• Stuffed Pork Loins
• And much, much more!

 

Invite Billy’s Over This Holiday Season

In addition to great ready-to-cook foods that suit family meals, there’s lots of holiday cheer you can get from Billy’s Boudin and Cracklins! Boudin and cracklins make great gifts for Cajun expats and far-away food lovers, and we also sell gift cards and merchandise for the Billy’s lovers in your life.

Visit our online store to have all your favorites shipped straight to your door, anywhere in the US! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news and special offers, too. Bon appetit!