Thanksgiving Abroad: Bringing North American Flavor to Our Celebration in Spain

We couldn’t resist purchasing the oh-so American inflatable Thanksgiving frame!

Thanksgiving is a day packed with tradition, favorite recipes, and a lot of gratitude. For Eli and I (Jake), living in Spain means finding creative ways to bring this American holiday to life. It’s not just about the food — it’s a day to reconnect with our roots, share a bit of North American flavor, and introduce our non-American friends to what makes Thanksgiving special.

From finding the perfect turkey to explaining American football, our Thanksgivings have become a mix of nostalgia, cultural exchange, and delicious improvisation. For fellow expats, curious Americans, or anyone far from home, here’s a taste of how we make Thanksgiving happen abroad, with some Penguin Trampoline energy.

Thanksgiving Morning in Spain

Early Cooking

Thanksgiving starts early for us, being in Spain — about a day early, actually. The night before, we prep in the kitchen while streaming movies on the laptop. It has become a little tradition that kicks off our holiday weekend, filling the apartment with the smells of our Thanksgiving feast in progress.

Did you know?

Each year, the President of the US participates in a tradition known as the Presidential Turkey Pardon. In a ceremony held at the White House, the president “pardons” a live turkey, sparing it from becoming part of a holiday meal. This turkey is then sent to live out its days on a farm. The tradition was formalized in 1989 during President George H.W. Bush’s administration.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The next morning, I’m up early to keep cooking and get the turkey in the oven ASAP. Since we’re six hours ahead, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade hasn’t started yet. By the time it kicks off, we’re well underway in the kitchen, but we can still savor a little slice of the US with every Broadway number, giant balloon, and marching band that crosses the screen.

Eli mistook the dragon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for a turkey (seen on plate). She forgot her lenses the night before…

Thanksgiving here is as much about sharing traditions as it is about the food itself. When the parade floats are rolling by, it’s time to bring everyone to the table and serve up the dishes that make this day feel like home. Our menu is a blend of flavors from the traditional American Thanksgiving, with a few creative twists we’ve picked up along the way.

The Thanksgiving Feast: Celebrating Heritage, Flavor, and Tradition Abroad

For Americans, Thanksgiving is easily the biggest meal of the year. And if you’re new to the holiday, brace yourself—this feast is not for the faint of heart. As dedicated Thanksgiving fans, Eli and I prepare with various “feasting techniques,” like choosing an outfit with a bit of stretch.

Living outside the U.S. hasn’t stopped us from celebrating. But here in Spain, Thanksgiving becomes a bit of a scavenger hunt, piecing together ingredients from mercados and specialty stores all over town. From ordering a turkey weeks ahead to tracking down cranberries at the local English-American grocery, each dish on the menu requires a bit of creativity and a lot of holiday spirit!

It’s a tradition we want to share with friends from every corner of the globe. After all, what’s better than gathering loved ones around the table to reflect on gratitude?

But first, we have to get everyone to that point of happy, post-meal contentment—the kind that opens everyone up to friendly conversation. And to help, here’s our annual, made-from-scratch Thanksgiving menu.

The Moist Maker

The Thanksgiving leftover sandwich made famous by Friends—features a special gravy-soaked slice of bread in the middle, making it the ultimate day-after feast. We didn’t eat Ross’ sandwich — we make our own!

Turkey: The Centerpiece of Thanksgiving

Turkey has been a Thanksgiving icon since the early days, mainly because it’s the perfect size to feed a crowd and affordable compared to other meats. While it’s the star of the show, the challenge abroad isn’t cooking the bird—it’s finding it! In Spain, we order our turkey from a local butcher well in advance. We may not always know exactly where it’s sourced from, but we trust the local farms to raise them humanely.

Back in Texas, my dad deep-fries turkeys for family, friends, and neighbors, and it’s hands-down the juiciest way to prepare it. Unfortunately, our balcony isn’t fryer-friendly…

Penguin Trampoline tip:

I roast our turkey with a technique I’ve come to love: a generous herb mayo rub. I picked up this trick from a chef on TV—it keeps the meat tender and adds incredible flavor, especially when combined with fresh onions, lemon, apples, and rosemary from the neighboring hills.

Stuffing (or Dressing): A Classic Dish with a Story

Stuffing, or “dressing” as some call it, is as diverse as American dialects. There’s no single recipe; every family’s version is a reflection of local flavors and heritage. Here in Spain, explaining stuffing to friends can be a conversation starter, as they’re often fascinated by the idea of a bread-based savory side.

We keep it simple and classic, with onions, celery, and herbs, letting a rich broth bring the flavors together. High-quality broth really makes this dish sing, so we make it from scratch or go for organic if we can find it. It’s a nostalgic dish that takes us back to Thanksgivings in Texas, but it’s a hit with our new friends here, too.

Thanksgiving may be a North American holiday, but the spirit of gratitude is celebrated in Canada and many other countries worldwide.

Green Bean Casserole: Honoring a Nostalgic Classic

Green bean casserole might just be the most “Americana” dish on the table. Created in the 1950s by Campbell’s, it’s a tribute to post-war American home cooking. Here in Spain, though, we make it fresh—no canned mushroom soup in sight. The English-American store usually has the crispy onions, but sometimes it’s an all-out hunt for the right ingredients!

Fresh Spanish green beans, homemade mushroom sauce, and a handful of crispy onions on top are all we need to bring this classic to life. Our friends are usually skeptical of a green bean “casserole,” but after a taste, they’re hooked. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a bit of nostalgic flair.

Mac and Cheese: Southern Comfort in a Casserole

Mac and cheese might not be a traditional Thanksgiving dish for everyone, but in Texas, it’s a welcome addition. Brought to America by none other than Thomas Jefferson, it’s become a Southern staple that’s as cozy as it gets.

Our Recipe: We go all out on cheese, blending cheddar, Gruyère, and a hint of parmesan for depth. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser, with some friends claiming it’s their favorite on the table. Finding quality cheddar here is like finding gold, but the payoff is always worth it.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Honoring Indigenous Roots

Sweet potatoes were a diet staple for Native Americans long before Thanksgiving became a holiday, making them an important part of the table. Our casserole leans Southern, topped with a crunchy layer of brown sugar and pecans. Pecans are rare in Spain, so we hunt down our favorite English-American grocery store weeks in advance or substitute with almonds if we have to.

Our Recipe: A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and the pecans add a satisfying crunch. This dish combines tradition with comfort, bringing a bit of Texas to our Spanish table. That’s Eli’s favorite!

Mississippi Mud: A Slice of Southern Comfort in Every Bite

We’re not big on pumpkin pie in our house, so Mississippi Mud pie is our go-to Thanksgiving dessert. This chocolatey Southern classic, layered with gooey filling and topped with pecans, is everything we love about indulgent holiday sweets. Rich, warm, and impossible to resist, it embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and adds a bit of Texas flair to our Spanish table.

Finding the right ingredients here is a bit of a mission, especially the pecans. But the effort is more than worth it. Once baked, this pie fills the kitchen with the aroma of chocolate and toasted nuts, serving as the perfect finale to our Thanksgiving feast. One bite, and you’re transported right back to the heart of the South.

This dessert is all about layers. A rich, fudgy chocolate base is topped with a generous sprinkle of pecans, and a final layer of whipped cream adds just the right contrast to the chocolate.

This section keeps the essence of Mississippi Mud pie as a Southern comfort while integrating your expat ingredient hunt. Let us know if it fits!

This is only part of our annual Thanksgiving spread!

Eggnog: The Perfect Sip of Holiday Tradition

Eggnog has old-world European roots but has since evolved into a holiday staple in America. Here, we like to mix things up, sometimes substituting Spanish brandy for the traditional bourbon, adding a hint of local flair.

Our Recipe: Creamy, spiced, and warming, it’s a drink that brings everyone together. Even our friends who stick to wine are usually willing to give it a try. There’s something about eggnog that makes Thanksgiving feel complete, no matter where we are in the world. Eli doesn’t get it, she says it makes you full before you even eat!

Explaining American Football to Foreign Friends

Later on, there’s the Thanksgiving football game. While our non-American friends may not know the difference between a touchdown and a field goal, they’re curious enough to join in and see what all the fuss is about. Explaining the game has become part of my Thanksgiving tradition here, and even if they leave as mystified as they came —Why do they stop every 15 seconds???—, it’s a fun way to connect over a little American culture and some good-natured confusion.

Thanksgiving abroad isn’t without its challenges, but every ingredient hunt, recipe experiment, and new tradition makes it more memorable. Our Thanksgiving table here in Spain is a mix of old traditions and new friendships—a celebration of the flavors that feel like home and the ones we’re discovering along the way. It’s a day to remember what matters most, one delicious bite at a time.

Here is our Thanksgiving celebration playlist:

And so, each year, Thanksgiving is dear to out hearts. We love the tranquil, chill moments with our non-American friends —and lots of laughs!—thanks to this very American tradition. And we love that they embrace it and share some of their own customs with us!