Danksgiving Favorites with a Cannabis Infusion

Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and fantastic food. And for those who love cannabis, it's the perfect opportunity to add an extra layer of flavor to your holiday spread. As a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, I’m excited to bring you a culinary guide to some Danksgiving favorites—with a cannabis infusion. These recipes will not only elevate your holiday dishes but will also create an experience that everyone (of legal age!) will be thankful for. Get ready to blend traditional comfort foods with the uplifting effects of cannabis for a truly unique celebration.

Elevated Appetizers to Kick Off Danksgiving

Personal experience can make these appetizers even more special. I remember the first time I served cannabis-infused brie and cranberry puff pastry bites—my guests couldn't stop talking about how the slight sweetness from the infused honey perfectly paired with the creamy brie. The laughter and conversation just kept flowing, and it set the perfect tone for the rest of the meal.

Start your Danksgiving feast with some creative, cannabis-infused appetizers that will surprise and delight your guests. Here are a few outside-the-box ideas to kick off your holiday celebration:

Cannabis-Infused Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites

These flaky, bite-sized puff pastries filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce are elevated with a small amount of infused honey. Use a mild strain like Harlequin for a gentle start to the meal that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and tangy cranberries.

THC-Infused Butternut Squash Soup Shooters: Butternut squash soup is perfect for a chilly autumn day, and serving it as a small shooter makes it a fun appetizer. Infuse the soup with a bit of cannabutter during the cooking process. A strain like Pineapple Express, known for its uplifting and energetic effects, works well to create an inviting and comforting experience.

Savory Cannabis-Infused Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer, and adding a cannabis infusion makes them even more enjoyable. Mix a bit of infused olive oil into the yolk mixture along with mustard, mayonnaise, and a dash of smoked paprika. A strain like Sour Diesel, which promotes an uplifting and talkative high, can make these a hit during pre-dinner conversations..

Cannabis-Infused Turkey Gravy

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without gravy, and this cannabis-infused version will have everyone reaching for seconds. The first time I made this gravy for a family gathering, I remember watching the skepticism turn into delight after the first bite. The rich, savory flavor combined with the calming effects of cannabis had everyone feeling cozy and relaxed. Start by preparing a classic turkey gravy, using the drippings from your roasted bird for that rich, savory flavor. To add a cannabis infusion, infuse the butter with your choice of cannabis—choose a strain with a mild, relaxing effect, like Northern Lights, to create a cozy and calming vibe. Remember to keep the dosage low, around 5mg per serving, to ensure everyone can enjoy a pleasant experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Green Bean Casserole with Cannabutter Crispy Onions

The first time I added cannabis to the classic green bean casserole, I was a bit nervous about how my family and friends would react. But it turned out to be an instant hit. My good friend, who was skeptical at first, ended up asking for seconds—and thirds! The light cannabis infusion brought out a laid-back vibe that had everyone feeling relaxed and joyful.

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, and infusing it with cannabis can make it even more special. To do this, prepare your usual green bean casserole with a homemade cream of mushroom sauce, but instead of regular crispy fried onions, toss them in a bit of cannabutter before baking. Strains like Blue Dream, which offer a balanced and uplifting high, are perfect for this dish. The combination of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy onions with a gentle cannabis infusion will keep everyone relaxed and ready for more family fun.

Dank Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potatoes are a must-have on any Thanksgiving table, and infusing them with cannabis can take this dish to a new level. One year, I decided to try a more unconventional strain—Gorilla Glue #4—for its relaxing yet euphoric effects. The result was incredible; the natural sweetness of the roasted potatoes paired perfectly with the earthy undertones of the cannabis. Start by roasting sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with cannabutter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. For a mellow, happy experience, you can also use a strain like Sunset Sherbet. The infused sweet potatoes will have everyone feeling warm and content as they dig into their plates.

Herb-Infused Stuffing

I’ve always loved experimenting with different herb combinations in stuffing, and one year I added some cannabis, it became a game-changer. The uplifting effects of the Jack Herer strain infused butter made everyone more talkative and light-hearted. I had friends say it was the best stuffing they had ever had, not just because of the flavors but because of the great mood it put everyone in.

For this Danksgiving favorite, prepare your stuffing as usual, with cubes of bread, sautéed onions, celery, and classic herbs like sage and thyme. Infuse your butter with a strain like Jack Herer, known for its uplifting and creative effects. Last year, I decided to try infusing the butter with a less common strain—Tangie—to add a citrusy aroma that elevated the dish. This herb-infused stuffing will bring out the best flavors of the season while offering a light, euphoric high that makes conversation and laughter flow effortlessly around the dinner table.

Pumpkin Pie with Cannacream Topping

No Thanksgiving feast would be complete without dessert, and pumpkin pie is the quintessential favorite. Add a twist by making a cannacream topping to go along with it. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in a bit of infused coconut oil or cannabutter. One year, I tried using Gelato strain to infuse the cannacream, and the combination of the creamy topping with the classic pumpkin spice flavors was simply unforgettable. A sativa-dominant strain like Lemon Haze also works well here, adding a bright and uplifting note to finish off the meal. The creamy texture and light cannabis infusion will be the perfect ending to a memorable Danksgiving.

Tips for a Successful Danksgiving

Dosage Matters: Keep doses low, especially if you have guests who aren’t regular cannabis users. Start with around 5mg per serving, and clearly label all infused dishes.

Know Your Audience: Make sure your guests are comfortable with consuming cannabis. It’s a good idea to have both infused and non-infused options available, so everyone feels included.

Pace Yourself: Edibles can take time to kick in, so remind guests to pace themselves and enjoy the meal slowly. The goal is to enhance the holiday experience, not overwhelm anyone.

Danksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to bring together traditional holiday flavors and the relaxing, uplifting effects of cannabis. By infusing classic dishes with cannabis, you can create a memorable experience that adds extra warmth and laughter to your gathering. Remember to keep dosage in mind, know your audience, and most importantly, enjoy the time spent with loved ones. Happy Danksgiving!

Grateful for the green, high on good vibes, and thankful for the munchies.