With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, there is one thing one everyone’s minds: food. Yes, Thanksgiving is about a lot of things, but dinner is always at the forefront of our minds. No matter what you are eating, Thanksgiving dinner is always one of the best of the year. Out of all of the classics you expect to see on the table, there are some that are far superior and some that are lacking. That being said, I now present to you every classic Thanksgiving food ranked from best to worst!
- Mashed Potatoes
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There is no question that mashed potatoes are the best food on the Thanksgiving table. They are buttery, creamy and without a doubt delicious. And who doesn’t love potatoes? I could honestly eat an entire plate full of them and be completely satisfied. They could be eaten with gravy or turkey, but they truly stand out on their own. If you disagree, you probably haven’t had mashed potatoes like my grandma’s.
- Pie (Specifically Pumpkin!)
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Thanksgiving is nothing without pie. Now, every pie is great, but pumpkin pie especially screams Thanksgiving. Everything about it, from the spices to the color, makes it a perfect pie. With a good, basic crust and a multidimensional filling, all topped with whipped cream, a pumpkin pie is the perfect way to end a Thanksgiving dinner. After all, what is dinner without an equally amazing dessert?
- Turkey
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The turkey is the star of the show, and dinner time pretty much revolves around when it finishes cooking. If it’s cooked well, turkey is definitely near the top of the list. Perhaps the best part about turkey is how well it works with the rest of the food on the table. No matter what side dishes you choose, they’ll taste great alongside the turkey. With or without gravy, turkey usually finds its way onto almost everyone’s plate during the holiday.
- Dinner Rolls
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Nothing beats a really good dinner roll. When the fresh, buttery rolls come out of the oven, the smell is out of this world. And really, who doesn’t love bread? The best part about dinner rolls is their versatility, as you can also use them the next day to create a sandwich piled high with leftovers. Although they aren’t the first food you think of when you think of Thanksgiving, everyone loves them and they make any meal a whole lot better.
- Mac and Cheese
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Now, not every Thanksgiving table has mac and cheese, but every one should. Mac and cheese adds a much-needed cheesiness to the table, as none of the more traditional foods are super cheesy. Everyone makes mac and cheese a little differently, whether it is baked with breadcrumbs or topped with bacon. No matter how many cheeses you use or what you add in, mac and cheese is always a super “craveable” addition to your holiday spread.
- Sweet Potato Casserole
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Sweet potatoes aren’t for everyone, but there’s something about the fall flavors of a sweet potato casserole that makes it a classic. The brown sugary goodness all under a bed of toasted marshmallows and (sometimes) nuts makes almost everyone at the table grab a little bit. Even those who aren’t big fans of sweet potatoes on their own are usually drawn in by this aromatic dish. It adds a bit of sweetness to the traditional Thanksgiving spread but still isn’t a top tier side dish.
- Stuffing
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This may be shocking, but stuffing is all the way down at number seven. Yes, stuffing is a super versatile crowd-pleaser, but I don’t think it is the best side dish on the table. I know at my Thanksgiving table, we almost always have at least three different kinds of stuffing, yet none of them ever really wow me. Stuffing can really take any form you want, whether it be inside the turkey or out. Although it is a staple, it is not even close to the top of the list.
- Cranberry Sauce
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Whether it is homemade or canned, cranberry sauce is a staple of Thanksgiving. While it definitely adds to the fall flavors, it isn’t anything special and is not typically anyone’s favorite. It is fine, and that’s just about it. It is a good, somewhat sweet alternative if you don’t like sweet potatoes, but it certainly is not the best thing on the Thanksgiving table.
- Cornbread
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Cornbread is good, there’s no question about it. It is simply a more boring food on the table. When looking at the bread offered, cornbread is rarely the first pick. It is alright, but I do not think it is necessary to have a good plethora of food.
Regardless of how you feel about each of these foods, Thanksgiving is a time to spend with close family and friends and enjoy whatever food is on your table.