A Definitive Ranking of Classic Thanksgiving Foods

I can argue with people all day about which classic Thanksgiving foods reign supreme but in my eyes, there is really no argument and I will always be right. And I can live with my close-minded attitude about it because at the end of the day I’m still going to have a full plate of all my favorite foods.

So without further ado, here is a definitive ranking of classic Thanksgiving foods from worst to best.

7. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is the most useless and unappetizing side dish on the entire Thanksgiving dinner table. I’ll admit, sliding it out of the can and watching it plop onto the serving dish is disgustingly satisfying, but then it just sits there all night. It’s the side dish that always shows up but no one ever thinks to put on their plate. And props to the person who decides to make cranberry sauce from scratch. Your efforts will never truly be acknowledged.

6. Dinner Rolls

Dinner Rolls. They’re alright, nothing special. But unlike cranberry sauce, it just wrong to not put one on your plate.

5. Turkey

Turkey has quite the reputation. She has the longest prep time, she’s super expensive, and she always gets placed in the center of the table (prime real-estate). But Turkey’s not as great as people maker her out to be. She is inconstant in her cooking time, some years being just right and other years being dryer than Ross from Friends. And yes, I made that joke just so I can use this photo of Joey with a turkey on his head. Classic.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is surprisingly delicious and I am disappointed that I avoided it for so many years. I mean, can you blame me? First of all, casseroles have a bad reputation, and then you add green beans to them and expect me to think that sounds appetizing? I at seven years old was no having it. But luckily I came around to eating it and I’ve decided it is a solid dish. 10/10 would recommend leaving some space for it on your plate.

3. Yams

Yams are that side dish that you're not really sure what to pair it with but you're so glad it exists. It is a confusing food but among all the savory flavors happening it’s nice to have something sweet to cleanse the palate. And also, the roasted marshmallows on top are a huge perk.

2. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Mashed taters and gravy are a Thanksgiving staple. How can a food be so simple yet so delicious at the same time, you ask? Potatoes. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again: potatoes are a gift from the Gods. And what better way to thank them for the magical root vegetable than by smashing them up and shoveling it in our faces like animals.

1. Stuffing

Stuffing has all the making for something that should be disgusting. It has vegetables in it (sometimes raisins), it looks really lumpy, and it’s literally just soggy bread pieces. But it is hands down the best side dish on the Thanksgiving dinner table. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say the stuffing should replace turkey in the center of the table and all the other dishes should be its side dish. For something that can be described as ‘soggy bread pieces’ to be this incredibly delicious is a work of art. Its first place ranking is well deserved. Keep doing you, Stuffing.