Whatever your political leanings, there’s one thing we can all agree on: these White House Thanksgiving recipes deserve a spot on your holiday menu.

Looking to add some flair to your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further. Shake up your holiday menu with a few of these presidential faves.

The public has always been fascinated by White House Thanksgiving traditions – from turkey presentations and pardons to what’s on the presidential menu. Many presidents favored classic recipes, prepared by the White House Chef with locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Let’s take a look at some of the unique presidential traditions and recipes.

Pardoning the turkey

As far back as the 1870s, people have sent gifts of turkeys to the White House. Nowadays, it might sound a little odd to ship someone (especially a president) a bird as a gift. Back then, it was seen as a show of support or patriotism. In the 1920s, folks really went wild, sending birds dressed in elaborate costumes in carefully decorated cages!

So, what did the presidents do with their patriotic poultry packages? Well, some of those turkeys were incorporated into the First Family’s Thanksgiving dinner, while others were shipped off to farms or children’s zoos.

Pardoning a presidential turkey is a quirky tradition that turned into an annual affair during George W. Bush’s presidency. In 1989, after being presented with a turkey, he quipped, “”But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy — he’s granted a Presidential pardon as of right now — and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.” Granted, this may have had something to do with the animal activists that were picketing nearby, but regardless, the tradition of formally pardoning a turkey continues to this day.

Where do presidents spend Thanksgiving?

Where the president spends Thanksgiving varies by administration and by year. Sometimes, they’ll spend Thanksgiving at a family home or with friends. In 2023, the Biden family spent Thanksgiving in Nantucket. Other years, the First Family will choose to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner at the White House, as was the case in 2020 when the Trump family spend their holiday in D.C. On occasion, the President will choose to spend the day in service of others – visiting troops or serving dinner at a homeless shelter.

White House Thanksgiving Dinners – Favorite Presidential Recipes

The president typically enjoys a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but the White House chefs regularly adds a few family favorites into the mix. Here are some of our past president’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes.

Apple Crisp

The First Lady Jill Biden shared one of her family’s favorite Apple Crisp recipes on the Trisha Yearwood Show. We’ll be making ours with California Grown apples, obviously.

Three Layer Chocolate Cake

Donald Trump is famously a fan of this dense, chocolatey layer cake. It’s served on the menu at Mar-a-Lago, and also makes an appearance at the family’s annual Thanksgiving celebration

White House Thyme Roasted Turkey

Succulent and steeped in herbs, this beautifully roasted turkey was an Obama family favorite.

Rack of Lamb with Pumpkin Thyme Crust

Bill Clinton adopted a vegan(-ish?) diet in 2011, but when he served in the White House, this succulent Roasted Rack of Lamb was the star of his Thanksgiving menu. Pro-tip: make your own pumpkin purée – you really can taste the difference.

Habanero Deviled Eggs

Laura Bush’s Habanero Deviled Eggs were so popular that the recipe was showcased in the Bush Presidential Library. We don’t have a picture of the First Lady’s famous recipe, but we imagine it looked a little like these beauties from our friend Vy Tran.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

This Pumpkin Pecan Pie was one of Nancy Reagan’s favorite desserts. It was obviously served at Thanksgiving, but also at a number of informal White House dinners that the family hosted.

Add a California-style twist to your Thanksgiving menu

White House chefs make it a point to prepare the Thanksgiving menu with premium, locally grown ingredients. Here at California Grown, we aspire to do the same! Round out your White House-inspired Thanksgiving menu with these classic recipes (starring CA GROWN fruit, nuts and veggies – of course).

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Our version of sweet potato casserole with pecans, rosemary, brown butter, and herbs is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.

Check out this recipe

Cheese and Olive Stuffed Mushroom Caps

This easy stuffed mushroom cap recipe is an appetizer loaded with BIG flavor from feta cheese, ripe green olives, and roasted red peppers.

Check out this recipe

Holiday Salad with Citrus and Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette

This Holiday salad with citrus has 3 types of broiled & fresh citrus, creamy turmeric yogurt, a toasted walnut vinaigrette, & crispy shallots!

Check out this recipe

Classic Green Bean Casserole

The classic green bean casserole is a beloved and timeless dish that has graced holiday tables and potluck gatherings for generations. A comforting blend of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, the iconic flavors embody the essence of comfort food.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a fall favorite! Here's how to make it at home!

Check out this recipe

Wondering what to do with those leftovers?

The only thing better than Thanksgiving dinner is finding creative (and delicious!) ways to use up the leftovers! Here are some of the tastiest ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Article by Hilary Rance. Presidential recipe photos courtesy of Simply Recipes, Recipe Land, Food Network, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, and The Irish News. Turkey image courtesy of Reuters.