I know this list is controversial but no, I will not be taking any criticism.
1. Stuffing
Literally the best side dish on Thanksgiving. The stuffing that’s cooked in the turkey is top tier. You just cannot go wrong with stuffing, it is impossible. We should normalize stuffing as a side for more than just Thanksgiving. I want it to be always available to me.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Okay, so yes, mashed potatoes are a common side, we see her a lot, and we’re familiar with her. This might entice someone to put mashed potatoes lower on their ranking but I respectfully disagree. The fact that mashed potatoes is such a comfort food is exactly what makes it a Thanksgiving staple food and it is one that makes or breaks the meal.
3. Rolls
Same situation as mashed potatoes. Dinner rolls are such a staple food anyway some would argue that they should be lower down. But again, where would Thanksgiving be without them? Imagine your Thanksgiving plate without a roll on the side. It would be a tragedy.
4. Turkey
So, turkey is obviously THE Thanksgiving food. The icon of the whole holiday. But for me, I can only place it around the halfway mark. I’ve just never been a big fan of turkey and for a while, the fact that turkey was the mascot for Thanksgiving turned me off from the whole holiday. As I’ve gotten older I appreciate it more but it’s just never been my favorite. Solid middle of the list.
5. Greenbean Casserole
I really don’t know how to defend this one. It’s just good and it gets too much hate. Not top of the list but still a favorite.
6. Mac and Cheese
This one would have been much higher on the list a few years ago, but as a college student who has been living off too much mac and cheese recently, I physically cannot place this any higher on the list. It has also never been a focus of Thanksgiving for me, I wouldn’t save a space for it on my plate but I would always make sure to take some.
7. Pumpkin Pie
Nothing against pumpkin pie, besides the fact that I have never tried it. I absolutely love everything pumpkin, but something about the texture has always steered me away from even trying it. Maybe this will be the year and it will get bumped up on my list.
8. Cranberry Sauce
This is the one that I know will upset people, but I just cannot bring myself to like cranberry sauce. The texture is so weird and it makes me lose my appetite. I skip it every year, I can’t even put pumpkin pie, which I’ve never tried, below this one.
While my list might be a little unconventional, Thanksgiving is still one of my favorite holidays and it’s important to remember that it’s not all about the food. If you’re looking for a fun debate on Thanksgiving that has nothing to do with politics, try asking your family for their list so you can compare! I know mine has already started some debates just between me and my friends.
Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!