25 Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico is a vibrant celebration where American holiday traditions meet the island’s bold, flavorful cuisine. Although Thanksgiving isn’t native to Puerto Rico, it has been widely celebrated since the early 20th century. Families gather to give thanks with a fusion of Puerto Rican dishes and traditional Thanksgiving fare.

In Puerto Rican homes, the main dish isn’t always turkey. While turkey (pavochón) is popular, ham and pork (pernil) are often the center of the meal, especially since they tend to be more affordable than turkey. Whether you serve turkey, pork, or ham, the meal is sure to be filled with rich, tropical flavors.

Common side dishes include rice, beans, fried plantains, and potato salads that bring a fresh, unique twist to the table. And no Puerto Rican feast would be complete without dessert—think flan or coconut pudding to finish off the meal.

Puerto Rican recipes are highly customizable, so you can adjust them based on what you like or have available. Staples like sofrito (a blend of garlic, onions, and herbs) and sazón (a seasoning mix) form the base of many dishes.

If you’re cooking these recipes for the first time or looking to add something new to your Thanksgiving table, these 25 flavorful Puerto Rican dishes will make your holiday unforgettable.

Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Main Dishes

1. Pavochón (Puerto Rican-Style Turkey)

A Puerto Rican twist on traditional turkey, pavochón is marinated in a blend of garlic, adobo, and sazón, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Roasted until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, pavochón is a staple of any Puerto Rican Thanksgiving celebration, adding bold island flavors to this traditional dish.

2. Pernil (Roast Pork Shoulder)

Slow-roasted to tender perfection, pernil is a flavorful pork shoulder marinated in garlic, oregano, and spices. Roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, this dish often replaces or accompanies turkey at Puerto Rican Thanksgiving dinners. Its rich, savory flavor makes it the perfect centerpiece for a Puerto Rican holiday feast.

3. Instant Pot Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)

This savory pollo guisado is a quick and hearty Puerto Rican chicken stew made in the Instant Pot. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, savory broth with potatoes, peppers, and Puerto Rican seasonings, making it the perfect dish for a cozy holiday meal.

4. Puerto Rican Pork Chops

Puerto Rican pork chops are marinated in a flavorful mix of garlic, oregano, and adobo before being pan-fried to perfection. These juicy, savory chops are an excellent addition to the Puerto Rican holiday table, especially for those looking for alternatives to turkey.

Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Side Dishes

5. Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)

This classic arroz con gandules is a flavorful Puerto Rican rice dish made with pigeon peas, sofrito, and seasonings, all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for your Thanksgiving table, this traditional side dish brings authentic Puerto Rican flavors to any holiday celebration.

6. Instant Pot Arroz con Habichuelas (Rice and Beans)

This comforting Puerto Rican dish of rice and beans is cooked with sofrito for rich, bold flavor. Arroz con habichuelas makes the perfect side for any Puerto Rican Thanksgiving table, especially when paired with turkey or pork. Using an Instant Pot cuts down on prep time, making this an easy Puerto Rican recipe to prepare for a busy cooking day.

7. Instant Pot Yuca en Escabeche (Pickled Yuca Salad)

For a tangy and refreshing Puerto Rican side dish, yuca en escabeche is a must-try. Yuca, a starchy root vegetable, is boiled and marinated in a vinegar and garlic sauce, offering a slightly tart flavor that pairs well with roasted turkey or pork.

8. Puerto Rican Macaroni Salad

This creamy Puerto Rican macaroni salad is made with mayonnaise, peas, and carrots. Its slight sweetness balances out richer dishes like turkey and pork, making it a refreshing addition to the Puerto Rican Thanksgiving spread.

9. Puerto Rican Cabbage Salad

Puerto Rican cabbage salad is a light, tangy side made with shredded cabbage and vinegar. Its fresh, crunchy texture offers a nice contrast to heavier dishes like roasted meats and is easy to prepare, making it a popular Puerto Rican side dish.

10. Instant Pot Puerto Rican Potato Salad

This version of potato salad is made with hard-boiled eggs, olives, and sometimes apples for a sweet contrast. Puerto Rican potato salad is creamy and flavorful, making it the perfect Puerto Rican side dish to balance out richer Thanksgiving mains.

11. Rice Cooker Puerto Rican Beans

These rice cooker Puerto Rican beans are made with sofrito and simmered to perfection in a rice cooker. The beans are tender and flavorful, making them an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving mains like turkey, pork, or ham.

12. Sausage Puerto Rican Stewed Beans

Hearty and savory, sausage stewed beans are cooked with sausage in a flavorful broth. This dish pairs perfectly with rice or can be served alongside turkey or pork, adding warmth and comfort to the Thanksgiving table.

13. Puerto Rican Tostones

Golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, tostones are fried green plantains that make a delicious Puerto Rican side or appetizer. Typically served with mayo ketchup, a tangy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise and ketchup, these are a must-have at any Puerto Rican meal.

Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Appetizers and Drinks

14. Mayo Ketchup Sauce

Mayo ketchup is a simple but essential dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and garlic. It’s typically served with fried dishes like tostones, but can also be enjoyed with a variety of Puerto Rican appetizers. The creamy, tangy flavor enhances the savory notes of the meal.

15. Bola de Fuego Dip (Fireball Dip)

This spicy, cheesy Bola de Fuego dip adds a fiery kick to the appetizer table. Perfect for serving with crackers or chips, it’s a bold start to the Thanksgiving feast for those who enjoy heat.

16. Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and rum. Similar to eggnog but with a tropical twist, it’s a festive way to toast the holiday season with authentic Puerto Rican flavors.

17. Puerto Rican Fruit Salad

This Puerto Rican fruit salad is a refreshing side dish made with tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, and bananas. It adds a light, sweet element to balance the richer dishes on your Puerto Rican Thanksgiving table.

Sweet Puerto Rican Desserts

18. Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)

This creamy and comforting arroz con leche is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert. Flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, it’s the perfect sweet ending to a hearty Puerto Rican Thanksgiving meal.

19. Coconut Pudding (Tembleque)

Tembleque is a rich, creamy coconut pudding, traditionally served during the holidays. It’s simple to make, and its tropical flavor provides a light, sweet finish to a Puerto Rican Thanksgiving meal.

20. Besitos de Coco (Coconut Macaroons)

These chewy coconut macaroons, known as besitos de coco, are quick to make and packed with coconut flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for your holiday dessert table.

21. Instant Pot Puerto Rican Flan

This rich, caramel-covered Puerto Rican flan is made easier with an Instant Pot. Flan is a creamy dessert that melts in your mouth, making it a perfect way to end your Thanksgiving meal with Puerto Rican flavors.

22. Pineapple Rum Cake

For a tropical twist on a classic holiday dessert, try pineapple rum cake. This moist cake combines the sweetness of pineapple with the warmth of rum, making it a flavorful way to end your Puerto Rican holiday feast.

23. Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies)

Mantecaditos are crumbly shortbread cookies often topped with maraschino cherries. These sweet treats are perfect for serving alongside coffee or as a light dessert after the holiday feast.

24. Puerto Rican Pan Sobao (Soft Bread)

This soft, sweet bread is a classic Puerto Rican favorite. Pan sobao is light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to any meal, especially during the holidays.

25. Pasta de Guayaba con Queso (Guava Paste with Cheese)

Pasta de guayaba con queso is a simple but delicious dessert made with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese. This quick and easy dish is perfect for those who want a taste of traditional Puerto Rican flavors without much fuss.

Bringing Puerto Rican recipes to your Thanksgiving table is a wonderful way to celebrate with bold, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re trying new dishes or familiarizing yourself with traditional Puerto Rican recipes, these easy Puerto Rican Thanksgiving dishes will help make your holiday meal both unique and memorable. Incorporating the rich traditions of Puerto Rican cooking adds warmth, culture, and delicious flavors to your Thanksgiving feast.