Celebrating Thanksgiving on the boat? Wondering what you can make that’s special, seems traditional, and yet is boat-friendly? Yes, it’s totally possible, even with a tiny galley and no stores nearby.
Here are a number of ideas with links to the recipes —
Breakfast/Brunch:
Appetizers:
Dinner:
- Whole Roast Chicken (looks like a little turkey but fits in most boat ovens)
- Mashed Potatoes (by hand)
- Green Bean Casserole (without canned soup)
- Spicy Canned Corn
- Spinach and Tomatoes
Dessert:
Need more ideas? The Boat Galley Cookbook has an entire chapter of boat-friendly holiday recipes, not just for Thanksgiving but other holidays as well.
Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Simplify meal prep on board with proven strategies for provisioning, maximizing fridge space, and cooking delicious meals aboard your boat.
Tammy Swart says
Are you getting all this Becky?
Jan Alexander says
Pumpkin squares sound like a great vehicle for cream cheese frosting 🙂
Liz Brittain says
One of my favorite Thanksgivings- Canadian- in the Frederick river in the Cheseapeak , cold weather, warm boat, turkey, dressing and a safe harbour! Year 2000!
Becky McNamara says
Well yes Tammy but I thought just a small turkey
Jennifer Dean Neumann says
Turkey breast is a good alternative to a whole turkey also.
Debbie Bowen Crawford says
We are doing Thanksgiving this year for the first time. I have a Big Easy roaster that will take care of the turkey because that 16 inch oven will not hold a bird and my casseroles will be in there. Since the weather in Crystal River Florida will be in the high 70’s I am making a few cold salads. Everyone is taking leftovers home as there is not alot of fridge space. I am very excited to have Thanksgiving on our boat as it is high on my list of things I am thankful for. This year we stayed aboard for one tropical storm and Hurricane Hermine and she proved to be solid and sturdy. We love our boat home and The Boat Galley has been guiding us every step of the way and my cookbook is onboard.
The Boat Galley says
Sounds like a good plan! And thank YOU!
Jan Bogart says
Have fun tomorrow!
The Boat Galley says
You too!
Joel Turner says
On our Gem.