As Thanksgiving approaches and everyone prepares to stuff themselves full with delicious dishes, its the perfect time to reflect on the classics that make this holiday special. Below is our ranking of the iconic sides that characterize this holiday.
- Roasted Vegetables
Thanksgiving is meant to be a holiday with special foods; why choose to eat a boring dish you could eat all year round? It is best to save your appetite for something better down the list.
- Baked Ham
There’s already a huge turkey — who needs ham? Both meats serve as the main protein centerpiece of the meal, making them rivals at the table. Plus, just like roasted vegetables, ham is known to be eaten all year-round unlike its rival, who shines brightest during Thanksgiving.
- Stuffing
Packed with savory seasonings that burst with flavor, stuffing finds itself in the heart of Thanksgiving enthusiasts. However, when this dish goes wrong it leads to soggy bread and a mushy mix — a disappointing let-down that can be avoided with a more fool-proof item.
- Cornbread
Sweet and crumbly, cornbread is a welcome addition to the table due to its crispy golden shell and fluffy bread. After baking, add a little butter and it is perfection! Though delicious, cornbread is often forgotten when the dishes higher up on our list are placed on the table.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
If roasted to perfection, this dish adds the perfect sweetness to a savory Thanksgiving meal, especially when topped with candied pecans. The only reason this dish does not rank further up our list is because of its lengthy baking time.
- Pumpkin Pie
What is Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? Its rich cinnamon spice make it the dessert we save room for, no matter how full we are. With a flaky crust that balances its custard-like texture, this treat will definitely have us coming back for seconds. But beware — you will be needing multiple rounds of water to balance out the sweetness of this treat!
- Macaroni and Cheese
A cheesy and flavorful dish, mac and cheese is a comfort food that is downright irresistible. Even if it is only a side, this side is one of our most anticipated parts of the meal due to its cheesy flavor that no other dish quite offers. However, it’s difficult to achieve the perfect texture and level of cheesiness, so it may become overwhelming after a couple bites.
- Mashed Potatoes
A Thanksgiving classic, mashed potatoes never disappoint, earning its spot as first on our ranking. This creamy dish goes well with any side or entree, making it the true heart of a Thanksgiving feast. Plus, if the turkey is too dry, mashed potatoes save the day by perfectly balancing the meal with its creamy texture. Not only does this mouthwatering dish taste amazing, it is also extraordinarily easy to make — just pick up some potatoes from your local grocery store, add butter or milk to make it creamy, and mash as desired!
