How to Enjoy an Awesome Michigan Thanksgiving Dinner

Celebrate the Mitten this Thanksgiving with a hearty Michigan-based meal. Here are some ideas of Michigan foods and products to get you started with your Michigan Thanksgiving dinner menu…

Feast on a Michigan Turkey

The main dish! Tom Otto’s Turkey Farm in Middleville is estimated to process over 12,000 turkeys this year. Visit them the week before Thanksgiving to get your bird.

Another option is to check out Michigan Turkey Producers, a farmer-owned cooperative based in Grand Rapids, that produces over 5 million birds per year. You can find their products in most major grocery stores.

Finally, don’t forget that you can hunt your own turkey in our great state if you apply early enough in the summer for your license.

Stuff Yourself with Thanksgiving Sides Dishes from Michigan

Potatoes

This year when you’re picking out your potatoes, make sure the label says Michigan! Also, if you’re feeling lazy add some Bettermade chips to your table.

Cranberry Sauce

Stop in Cheboygan and pick up some Michigan cranberries to make your own cranberry sauce.

Cherries

While you’re getting your cranberry fix, don’t forget that Michigan is the cherry capital of the world so you can add a little variety to your table.

Muffins

Bake something with Jiffy Mix. Located in Chelsea, MI, they’ve got mixes for cornbread, muffins, and biscuits!

Honey

Make sure to get Michigan honey for your muffins. Here is a map of all the places to find local honey.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Michigan Desserts

Pie

Get your pies from a famous Michigan company: Achatz. They have it all with varieties like Apple Caramel Nut to Chocolate Cream.

Or, you can try your own hand with the Michigan fruits above (make sure you use Jiffy Mix pie crust)!

Ice Cream

If you want a scoop of vanilla on your pie (or a full bowl), the Michigan-style “must haves” include Hudsonville and Guernsey Dairy Farms.

Hudsonville has a few limited edition flavors available during the Thanksgiving holidays like Pumpkin Pie and Caramel Apple!

Sip Your Fill of Michigan Brews & Beverages on Thanksgiving Day

Start off the day with a McClure’s Bloody Mary – you can find their mix and pickles in most grocery stores.

Then for dinner, move on to some Michigan wine or beer. There are a ton of Michigan wineries that you can visit to get a taste for the bottle you’re looking for. Most stores sell them as well.

One of my favorites is Leelanau Cellars’ Witches Brew for the fall season.

You can also pick up one of the many beers brewed in the state.

For the kids, make sure to grab a bottle of Faygo Candy Apple flavored pop.

Enjoy More Michigan Thanksgiving Traditions

Don’t forget to find a Michigan Turkey Trot in your neighborhood and watch America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit!

And if you’re craving a cooked-for-you Thanksgiving dinner in Michigan, don’t miss visiting one of these Michigan turkey-themed restaurants!

There are so many more Michigan products out there, what do you plan on using to prepare your Thanksgiving dinner?