15 Mexican Twists On Classic Thanksgiving Recipes We Love

Add some spice to your Thanksgiving table with an array of festive Mexican-inspired dishes. Even if you don't re-do your entire menu, putting out a luscious tres leches pumpkin flan instead of a pumpkin pie or crumbling up chorizo to go into what would otherwise be traditional stuffing may bring some unexpected conversation (and joy!) to your meal.

And if you're not a fan of a whole roasted turkey on Thanksgiving, why not give ground turkey empanadas a try, or tropical turkey tacos? There's even a Mexican chocolate pecan pie on this list—a Southern classic with a boozy Mexican twist.

Festive food goes hand in hand with festive drinks, so don't forget the Thanksgiving cocktails! Take advantage of the beautiful fruits that are in season, such as cranberries and persimmons. Make some festive cocktails like a Cranberry French 75 or Persimmon Mojitos.

To get you well on your way, here are 15 Mexican Thanksgiving recipes for a delicious feast on Turkey Day!

Related: 22 Best Gluten-Free Mexican Recipes 

Best Mexican Thanksgiving Recipes

<p>StockFood</p>

StockFood

Mangoes replace cranberry sauce as a sweet accompaniment to Thanksgiving turkey.

Get the recipe: Tropical Turkey Tacos

<p>Courtesy of Pillsbury</p>

Courtesy of Pillsbury

For a twist on traditional side dishes, wow everyone with this flavorful casserole featuring sweet corn and spicy poblano chiles.

Get the recipe: Easy Poblano and Corn Casserole 

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

Store-bought biscuits are fine, but homemade biscuits are worth the added effort.

Get the recipe: Galletas de Suero (Buttermilk Biscuits)

<p>Betty Crocker</p>

Betty Crocker

You can’t forget the pecan pie! Try this recipe with a twist on tradition—a Southern classic with a boozy Mexican twist.

Get the recipe: Mexican Chocolate Pecan Pie

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

Instead of making a pumpkin pie, why not try pumpkin empanadas? They're perfectly portioned hand pies that your guests will fall in love with.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Empanadas 

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

We can’t have Thanksgiving without queso and this ooey-gooey spicy cheese is so yummy served over turkey.

Get the recipe: Chile con Queso

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

Traditionally this dish is served during Lent or Easter, but the flavors are so comforting and perfect for a fall spread.

Get the recipe: Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

<p>Suzanne Van Atten</p>

Suzanne Van Atten

Make an easy dip by melting an 8 oz processed cheese product (like Velveeta) according to package directions. Stir, then top with chopped tomatoes and jalape?os.

Get the recipe: Taco Turkey Empanadas

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

A healthy and colorful side dish for Thanksgiving.

Get the recipe: Avocado and Roasted Yam Fall Ensalada 

<p>Betty Crocker</p>

Betty Crocker

Make these instead of the traditional marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes.

Get the recipe: Camotes Enmielado (Candied Sweet Potatoes)

Related: 101 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Transform Your Holiday Dinner

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

This spicy, sophisticated and comforting soup is spiked with pasilla or ancho chiles - and it's the perfect dish to start any meal.

Get the recipe: Spicy Acorn Squash and Apple Soup

<p>Nibbles and Feasts</p>

Nibbles and Feasts

Creamy scalloped potatoes with cheese and a hint of chile—incredible!

Get the recipe: Guajillo Spiced Scalloped Potatoes 

<p>Muy Bueno Cookbook</p>

Muy Bueno Cookbook

Your guests will practically begging for seconds after tasting this incredible dessert. Note that if you want to add this to your Thanksgiving menu, you will have to make it the day before, because it needs time to chill.

Get the recipe: Tres Leches Pumpkin Flan

<p>Damn Delicious</p>

Damn Delicious

Try something new this year and make this spicy stuffing.

Get the recipe: Chorizo and Cornbread Stuffing

<p>Barefeet in the Kitchen</p>

Barefeet in the Kitchen

This Creamy Mexican Turkey Soup is healthy, creamy and so delicious!

Get the recipe: Mexican Turkey Soup

Up next: 150+ Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes