Mushrooms at Thanksgiving: A Deep Dive into History, Flavor & Tradition

When we think of Thanksgiving, we often picture golden roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie—and perhaps green bean casserole baked to bubbly perfection. What we don’t always immediately think of is the humble mushroom: that earthy, versatile ingredient that quietly plays a role in many holiday dishes.

At Colorado Cultures, of course, mushrooms are central to what we do—and so we thought it would be fun to explore how mushrooms have featured (and continue to feature) in the Thanksgiving story.

A Brief History of Thanksgiving

The American Thanksgiving holiday traces its roots—at least in popular memory—to the harvest feast shared in the fall of 1621 between the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people. Eyewitness records mention primarily venison and wildfowl; the exact side dishes were not documented in full. Over time the holiday evolved: what began as a regional harvest gathering became a national holiday in 1863 under Abraham Lincoln. And the menu we now associate with Thanksgiving came into being over centuries of cultural shifts, commodity availability, regional tastes, and marketing.

Where Do Mushrooms Fit In?

Early Days & Foraged Foods

While there’s no strong primary‐source evidence that the exact mushroom varieties we use today were on the Thanksgiving table in 1621, some historical writings suggest that wild foods like mushrooms and other fungi may have been part of early harvest feasts. For example, one account lists “mushrooms” among the “other vegetables” potentially present at the first harvest celebration. Given that Native American food systems included wild foraged mushrooms (depending on region) and early colonial settlers made use of what they found, it’s logical to assume mushrooms were in the broader ecological food‐scape.

Mid‐Century Holiday Staples

Fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries: mushrooms began showing up in more holiday‐style recipes. A dressing recipe from 1867, for instance, combines onions and mushrooms with breadcrumbs as part of a Thanksgiving feast. By the mid‐20th century the dish that perhaps most clearly links mushrooms to Thanksgiving is the famed Green Bean Casserole — which uses cream of mushroom soup. This recipe was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell’s Soup Company and went on to become an iconic holiday side. As the Food Timeline notes: green beans with mushrooms was among the recurring Thanksgiving menus by the 1960s.

Why Mushrooms Work for the Holiday Table

• Umami & depth: Mushrooms offer an earthy, savory character which complements roasted meats, rich gravies, and side dishes.

• Foraged appeal: Mushrooms (especially wild ones) carry a sense of autumn, forest, and harvest — fitting for a season of “giving thanks.”

• Versatility: From stuffing/dressings to casseroles to accent sautéed sides, mushrooms can slide into many traditional dishes seamlessly.

• Vegetarian/plant‐forward appeal: As more households seek side dishes that aren’t centered solely on meat, mushrooms provide substance and flavor with less reliance on heavy protein.

A Quick Mushroom‐Focused Thanksgiving Recipe Tip

Mushroom & Herb Dress­ing for Thanksgiving

• Sauté 8 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini + wild) with 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil for veg version).

• Add 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup chopped sage/leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt & pepper to taste.

• Moisten with ¼–½ cup vegetable or chicken stock, then bake covered at 350 °F for 30-35 minutes.This pays homage to historic mushroom‐dressings and brings seasonal flair.

So next time you’re planning your Thanksgiving table, don’t let mushrooms be an afterthought. They’re more than just a side ingredient—they’re part of the evolving story of our holiday menus, reflecting foraging traditions, mid‐century comfort fare, and modern culinary creativity.

From the forests to your fork, mushrooms bring flavor, texture, movement, and meaning to the Thanksgiving feast. At Colorado Cultures we’re excited to help you explore, include, and enjoy mushrooms in all the ways they shine — especially this harvest season.