Thanksgiving + Friendsgiving

Thanksgiving Catering in Essex County: Keep the Turkey, We'll Bring the Cuban Sides

Thanksgiving in New Jersey runs on a script. Someone hosts. Someone brings the casserole nobody touches. Someone is still peeling potatoes at 2 PM while the parade plays in the background.

This year, rewrite one part of it. Keep the turkey. Let Cubano X-Press handle what goes around it.

We're a Cuban food truck and caterer based in Belleville, cooking for families across Essex County, from Bloomfield and Nutley to Montclair, Clifton, and Newark. Our catering trays are made for exactly this kind of day: big portions, slow-cooked flavor, and dishes that hold their own next to a turkey.

Why Cuban Food Belongs on a Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving food is comfort food made for a crowd. So is Cuban food. Rice and black beans, garlicky yuca, slow-roasted pork, sweet plantains caramelized at the edges.

Plenty of Cuban and Latino families in New Jersey already do Thanksgiving this way: turkey on one end of the table, lechón on the other. It's a tradition worth borrowing.

The Best Cuban Sides for Thanksgiving

Congrí. Rice and black beans mixed with sautéed aromatic vegetables and bits of pork. Think of it as stuffing's more interesting cousin.

Maduros. Sweet plantains, soft and caramelized. They take the sweet potato slot, no marshmallows required.

Yuca en Mojo. Yuca root marinated in garlic, lime, and olive oil, served with onions. If your family fights over the mashed potatoes, they'll fight over this too.

Mixed Vegetables. Zucchini, squash, eggplant, and red peppers. Something green(ish) to balance the plate.

Pastelón de Amarillos. Sweet plantain lasagna with cheese and picadillo ground beef. Bring this one out and watch the table go quiet.

Skipping the Turkey? Mains That Can Carry the Day

Not every Thanksgiving needs a bird. If you're hosting a smaller group or just want something different, these work as the centerpiece.

Lechón Asado. Slow-roasted pork marinated in garlic, oregano, and lime juice. The heart of a Cuban holiday table.

Pollo al Mojo. Lime and garlic marinated chicken with sautéed onions, grilled or roasted. The closest thing to turkey on our menu, with a lot more flavor.

Pork Loin with Mango Salsa. Festive without being fussy.

Ropa Vieja. Shredded steak with onions and peppers in a light tomato sauce, for the beef people.

Friendsgiving Catering Without the Potluck Gamble

Friendsgiving potlucks follow a pattern: three bags of chips, two mac and cheeses, and one person who "forgot." One catering order fixes that.

A full Friendsgiving for 10: half trays of Lechón Asado, Congrí, and Maduros, plus a Cuban Salad bowl with romaine, corn, black beans, queso fresco, and avocado lemon dressing. About $150, or roughly $15 a person.

Add empanadas for the early arrivals. Beef, chicken, or vegetable, $4 each with a 10 minimum.

How Much Catering to Order for Thanksgiving

Our tray sizes keep the math simple. Half trays feed 8 to 10. Full trays feed 18 to 20. Salad bowls feed 10 to 12.

Bringing sides to a house of 20? Full trays of Congrí, Maduros, Yuca en Mojo, and Mixed Vegetables come to $205. That's about $10 a person, and nobody's peeling potatoes.

Feeding the whole meal? Plan on one or two mains, three or four sides, and a salad.

Vegetarian guests are covered with Tofu Picadillo, Vegetable Stew, and our salads, and we offer gluten-free options too. Just ask when you order.

Book Your Thanksgiving Catering Early

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, and holiday dates are limited. Lock yours in early.

Browse the full catering menu, then book your order or email cubanoxpress@gmail.com with your date and headcount.

Planning the office party too? Our guide to holiday party catering in Essex County has sample spreads for teams of every size.

Keep the turkey. We'll bring the rest.