Every family has their own Thanksgiving traditions, but nothing sparks debate faster than the food on the table. While a large amount of dishes are loved by most, some leave people wondering why it’s even on the table at all. With the holiday approaching, I have decided to share my rankings of the holiday’s most popular dishes, from the fan favorites to the ones I avoid entirely.
- Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are often seen as a filler side dish, but for me, they absolutely steal the show. Creamy, fluffy and endlessly customizable, mashed potatoes can take on many different flavor profiles depending on how they’re seasoned. This makes them pair well with almost everything on the plate and are delicious at any time of year. Over time, mashed potatoes have grown to be my top Thanksgiving favorite.
- Bread Rolls
Bread rolls may seem basic, but their ability to fit many meals make them a must have at my Thanksgiving dinner. Whether they’re perfectly golden, soft or buttery, rolls are perfect for any plate of food. They can soak up gravy, be paired with butter or just be on their own and still have a perfect taste. They’ve become an essential part of the feast for me.
- Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is yet another beloved dish on many Thanksgiving tables. Mac and cheese can be served in a few ways, such as baked or smooth. Either way this dish, brings a cheesy richness to the table that isn’t seen in most other traditional dishes. It’s one of those sides that most look forward to, and it will always earn a spot on my plate.
- Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, with its familiar and cinnamon-spiced qualities. This pie embodies the flavors of fall and completes the feast with a warm sweetness that is different from the rest of the dishes. For many, including myself, pumpkin pie is symbolic of the entire holiday itself.
- Apple Pie
Though it’s not as traditionally linked to the holiday as its other counterparts, apple pie still holds a spot at many Thanksgiving feasts. The taste of the apples and the crunch from the flaky crust creates a duality that makes this a perfect dessert that feels both festive and familiar. It may not be the top dessert of the holiday, but it’s definitely earned its spot in the top half of the ranking.
- Corn
Corn finds its way to Thanksgiving tables in countless forms such as corn on the cob, creamed corn, cornbread and more. Corn is especially a staple in Nebraska, where having corn feels almost culturally mandatory. While I enjoy it, there are other foods that stand out more for me.
7. Stuffing
Stuffing is one of the most traditional dishes linked to Thanksgiving, known well for its blend of bread, herbs and vegetables. When it’s seasoned well and cooked correctly, it can be a delicious side, but it never impresses me enough.
- Turkey
While turkey is the most notable food on the table at many Thanksgiving gatherings,it’s simply just not one of my favorites. Additionally, unless cooked and seasoned correctly turkey easily becomes bland and dry. I never find myself eating much turkey when Thanksgiving rolls around.
- Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a beloved classic for many households, but I’ve never been a fan. The texture of it just never seems right to me, it’s either too mushy or too crunchy.. Additionally, the combination of green beans, cream of mushroom soup and crunchy onions just doesn’t appeal to me.
10.Cranberry Sauce
I have never tried cranberry sauce and I honestly don’t plan to. Something about it just isn’t appealing to me, whether it’s the flavor, the texture or the idea of mixing it with other foods. Because of that, it lands at the very bottom of my Thanksgiving rankings.
Thanksgiving itself may revolve around gratitude, family and togetherness, but the food is what keeps people talking long after the leftovers are gone. My ranking may challenge some long-held traditions of others, but the beauty of Thanksgiving is that every table tells a different story.