Thanksgiving for college students can be really stressful, especially since a lot of people go out of state, or have family all over the place. I know some people who can’t even go home for the holidays because of their own personal situations; however, it is such an amazing time to get together with your friends, family, and neighbors and celebrate each other. One of my friends can’t go home this year so I offered to have them come out to Thanksgiving with my family so they are not spending the day alone on campus. If you know anyone who is not going home, or is experiencing a hard time during the holidays, reach out, and even just a simple offer to bring them some food, or hosting your own Friendsgiving on another day, can change someone’s holiday for the better.
In my eyes, even if you are not blood related, friends can sometimes become family, that is why I love the holidays. It is not just about the food or presents, but connecting with people on a personal level about your relationship and spending quality time together.
Some of my favorite dishes growing up are inspired by the variety of people in my life who have influenced my life and raised me. I grew up in a divorced household, so many years I would have 3-4 Thanksgiving meals in the span of maybe two days. I discovered my obsession with green bean casserole from my stepmom, and my mom makes a killer broccoli cheddar casserole; while my grandparents have influenced my sweet tooth for pies. Here is a list of popular dishes that you could make this year, or even see regularly in your home!
Cranberry Sauce
This is a hit or miss for so many people, however that sweet hit in between bits of savory foods like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or even green beans is everything. Honestly it is such a simple and easy thing to bring to the table; for a lot of us, it can be hard making dishes with no prior experience, having a lot parents making dinner, or for college students it’s their first time cooking for themselves. Honestly trying things like cranberries can open a new window into so many different dishes and desserts, another popular dish being cranberry with Brussel sprouts.
Collard Greens
Hear me out!
I grew up for a time in the south and collard greens are insanely good with some good chicken or ham, add in some corn bread and it’s the perfect combo. Collard greens can be easily done wrong but it goes so well with other dishes and personally it doesn’t taste as much as a green like broccoli or kale.
Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs are such a common things for the holidays, like for Thanksgiving, Easter, or at church events. I do not know what it is about them, but they are so addicting, I am always reaching for them before eating a plate at an event. Since they can be prepped beforehand and can be customizable to whatever you like in them, it is a perfect opportunity to try learn something new.
Green Bean CASSEROLE
A classic: the crispy fried onions, the creamy soup, and the crunchy green beans. I find it so addictive, and surprisingly, so many people like it as well. It’s the perfect way to start learning how to make casseroles and test different flavors.
I can say for sure that it can be the hit of the party and even if you do not like it as a casserole, there are so many options to making sautéed green beans, or even green bean salad.
Mac & Cheese
If there is no mac and cheese on the table, I do not know what is going on!
Mac and cheese is almost what makes Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving! I love that depending on the person who makes it, it can all be so different, there is no right or wrong way. Also it goes so well with everything, whether you are having ham or turkey.
Rolls
I am telling you, I love making a little mini sandwich with the different sides and meat on Thanksgiving in a roll! It is so cool incorporating things like Mac and Cheese and Ham on a roll, more specifically Hawaiian rolls. I know so many people make their own, but when you are in a rush, they are potentially just as good.
Cheesecake
Now listen, I know for most people, cheesecake is more of a random sweet treat with dinner and not a typical Thanksgiving dessert. However, it does hit the spot after eating a heavy meal to eat a cold slice of cheesecake rather than a warm pie. Similar to pies, there are so many ways you can make a cheesecake. Pumpkin, blueberry, strawberry, even a sweet potato, there are really never ending possibilities.