Although Studio Ghibli’s food might have viewers drooling over their screens, the wonderful world of Disney is more than prepared to offer its own animated menu to make many Mousketeers’ mouths water with absolute delight. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, there are dozens of animated dishes any Disney fan would love to serve this year.
From steaming soups and stews to absolutely decadent desserts, the studio and its animators have made several animated servings look more delicious than their real-world inspirations. Turkey and stuffing might be traditional, but Disney never fails to bring something magical to the table.
Remy’s Soup (Ratatouille)
Many big meals often start with a soup or some form of starter course, and while the dish of the film’s namesake would look delicious on a Thanksgiving spread, it’s the leek and potato stew that’s arguably the more popular dish served in the film. Food is the star of the show here, and not only is this the dish that displays Remy’s cooking prowess, but it’s one that’s sure to warm the soul and whet the appetite.
There are few soups more comforting and wholesome than rich potato soup or chowder. The bite of the leeks provides an earthy companion to the buttery softness of the spuds. It’s certainly a great way to get one’s feast started.
The Pill-Bug Combo (The Emperor’s New Groove)
Although the idea of a pill-bug that size might make a few viewers’ and diners’ skins crawl, there’s no denying that it didn’t resemble one of the biggest loaded baked potatoes in the Incan empire. Yes, it’s entirely fictional and a little bit gross in context, but it somehow manages to look absolutely delicious.
While most guests probably don’t have to whack their spuds with a bamboo pole to break them open, the pill bugs look like they could be both an entree and side dish to accompany that turkey.
Stitch’s Cake (Lilo And Stitch)
Stitch is one of those characters who goes big or goes home, and that can certainly be said for the massive block of chocolate cake he makes before the end of Lilo and Stitch. Pumpkin pie might be a staple dish of the holiday, but there’s nothing wrong with a solid slice of chocolate cake for dessert, regardless of the time of year.
The physics of the cake might be questionable, but what’s undeniable is the delight that comes with seeing this dessert at Lilo’s birthday. Sometimes a little goes a long way, especially with this take on a pretty common dessert.
Tiana’s Gumbo (Princess And The Frog)
Not only would a big pot of Tiana’s sausage Gumbo look great on a Thanksgiving spread, but it could also be a great way to use up any leftover turkey and fixings for gallons of delicious stew afterward. If dinner guests aren’t into Remy’s soup, Tiana’s recipe will definitely heat things up.
What makes the dish even better is the imagery of different things and people coming together to share a meal as seen in the film. Just as the sausage, shrimp, and spices blend together to create a delicious pot of gumbo, so do families and friends blend together every Thanksgiving.
Tony’s Spaghetti (Lady And The Tramp)
Not all Thanksgiving dinners have to be Turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce. As any Disney fan will know, sometimes a big steaming plate of spaghetti and meatballs can be the most comforting dish on the table. After all, it’s a classic for a reason.
Though not everything about the movie has aged well, the spaghetti kiss is unforgettable. It might be simple, it might be common, it might be one of the most shared meals on the planet, but Disney’s version is perhaps one of the most iconic Disney dishes on screen. Watching Lady and the Tramp share that big plate of pasta never fails to make a few onlookers jealous.
Abuelita’s Tamales (Coco)
Thanksgiving might be mainly an American holiday, but at this point Latin food is a huge part of traditional Americana. And if there’s going to be a lot of friends and relatives gathering together at the table, it might be a good idea to have a plate of Abuelita Rivera’s tamales piled high next to the turkey.
A frequent player in many Mexican and Hispanic meals, tamales are as delicious as they are timeless. Especially when their fillings can be more than just the standard braised pork.
Gideon’s Pies (Zootopia)
A true Thanksgiving deserves at least one good pie on the table. While Disney has no shortage of various pie-makers from Snow White to Minnie Mouse, Gideon Grey of Zootopia has made it a reliable career choice. Given the fact that Gideon also gets his ingredients fresh from Hopps farms, they have to be absolutely scrumptious.
He might only be pictured with blueberry pies, which still look positively amazing, but fans can’t help but wonder how the guy would handle a pumpkin variation. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bringing both flavors to the table.
Sir Kay’s Turkey Legs (The Sword In The Stone)
No Thanksgiving is complete without a delicious turkey to absolutely tear into, and Sir Kay would definitely agree. While it’s a common stereotype to see at least one person gnawing on the leg of some roasted bird at a banquet table in many famous medieval movies, it’s hard to say that Kay doesn’t have the right idea.
That turkey might be drawn in a somewhat basic fashion, but it looks so tender that the meat practically melts off the bone with each bite. Simple yet effective, viewers can’t help but want a pair of their own.
Ichabod’s Buffet Plate (The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad)
Halloween might have come and gone, but that platter of chow Ichabod gets to enjoy by the light of the Van Tassel fireplace has enough for two Thanksgiving dinners. Anyone can enjoy the story of the Headless Horsman with enough of that gorgeous feast.
His plate not only looks like it has a whole turkey or chicken, but a slab of ham, cakes, salad, and even a good-looking set of sandwiches to round things out. Variety is the spice of life, and it looks like Mr. Crane is certainly enjoying every minute (and bite) of his.
The Feast (Beauty And The Beast)
Beef ragout, cheese souffle, pie, and pudding en flambe, there is possibly no dinner sequence more famous in the realms of Disney than the one featured in the “Be Our Guest” number from Beauty and the Beast. There’s practically not a dish that goes by Belle’s table that viewers wouldn’t want to see served at their own feasts this holiday season.
While most might not have singing candlesticks and teapots at their gatherings this year, it’s highly unlikely that anyone can look at the dancing food and flatware and not thank of a delicious Thanksgiving meal. With or without the Grey Stuff.
