Gilmore Girls Grub: The Best Recipes From the Show to Make This Thanksgiving

Molly Kelly

Staff Writer    

Since Thanksgiving is approaching faster than Lorelai Gilmore can make a passing joke towards her mother Emily during their annual Friday night dinner, it’s time to break down the absolute best recipes in the hit show, “Gilmore Girls.” The hit series features teenager Rory Gilmore, and her mother Lorelai Gilmore, with themes of love, drama, and more than anything, yummy food. Lorelai and Rory are always eating, and are the best taste testers in television history. With the ever-present themes of Fall throughout the entirety of the series, Gilmore Girls has plenty of Thanksgiving friendly foods, and even just delicious delectables  you may want to taste test this fall! Whether you’re looking for more foods to add to your Thanksgiving table, or even just some yummy fall additions to add to your cookbook, Rory and Lorelai’s favorite treats and dishes are coming your way!

First, Lorelai and Rory love nothing more than harassing Luke at his diner, “Luke’s Diner.” Each episode they find some way to annoy him, whether that be thorough only tipping him 15%, or complaining about the menus. Either way, Luke is known for his special Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter. This could be the perfect menu item to have over Thanksgiving break, as it is a yummy breakfast treat to end off the fall season with. On “Annika Eats” website, in the article “Luke’s Diners Pumpkin Pancakes,” the recipe and directions are explained. Head to her website to see and get cooking!

As well as this, one of Lorelai’s favorite treats to snag from “Luke’s” is his delicious Apple Pie. Lorelai loves this dish so much she’d call him telling him to save her a piece, since the residents of “Stars Hallow” wouldn’t let this pie sit around for long before being gobbled up. The “Hallmark Channel” has an adaptation of this apple pie that is sure to make a great centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table this year! According to “The Hallmark Channel” and their website, in their piece, “Fall recipes Inspired by Gilmore Girls,” this recipe serves 12. Find this recipe on their website and go make yourself a treat!

Another fan favorite is Sookie, Lorelai’s best friend and the best chef at the Independence Inn. Sookie was famous for many menu items, but her Jalapeno-Chipotle Mac & Cheese could be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table this year. Sookie made this for a party back in season 4, and though it is not a traditional Thanksgiving food item, it could add just the right amount of uniqueness to your table this year, so perhaps you could find a spot next to your turkey for it! According to the “Spoon University” website, and writer Mackenzie Barth, in the article “Here Are the 8 Best Dishes That Sookie St. James Made on Gilmore Girls,” this recipe serves 12. Find the recipe and directions on her site!

Sookie isn’t just famous for her mac & cheese, but also her “magic risotto,” which the “Hallmark Channel” adapted into their own kind of risotto called “Pumpkin Walnut Risotto.” This dish is a combination of the perfect fall taste and the right amount of warm ingredients that are sure to make Thanksgiving guests feel full and joyous. Find the recipe on the “Hallmark Channel” website, in their article “Fall Recipes Inspired by Gilmore Girls.”

Also, whether your team Jess, Logan, or Dean, you’re sure to love Dean’s favorite Rocky Road cookies. These are an easy and simple dessert to add to any table, and Sookie’s dessert recipes are always top tier! Find the recipe on the Pillsbury website, it makes 24 cookies!

Lastly, for those who are of age, during Rory’s 21st birthday party, Emily made her own special drink, which she promptly labeled “The Rory.” “The Rory” could be a nice addition to the table for the adults, and could even be modified as a mocktail for the kids table. The recipe can be found on the website “A Tipsy Giraffe,” where writer Michelle breaks down the easiest way to get tipsy this holiday.

I hope these recipes brought you some joy this season, and new ideas or additions for your Thanksgiving table. Whether you decide to make any of them or not, still embrace the love and family vibes that Lorelai and Rory do in Gilmore Girls this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!