It's that delicious time of year again. There are so many favorite memories associated with Thanksgiving: football games, the Macy's Day Parade, and lots of cousin time, to name a few.
What may be the best memory of all is, of course, the meal. It's not just the turkey that makes this meal the best one of the year, but the plethora of side dishes that make us happily gain 10 pounds.
With so many to choose from, I surveyed some friends and have decided to rank the top 10 best side dishes of Thanksgiving dinner.
10. Cornbread
Cornbread is the sweet delicious side to many fall meals. Sometimes more associated as being a side to a bowl of chili, I found that it doesn't make it to many Thanksgiving dinners.
9. Macaroni and Cheese
Some people love macaroni and cheese so much that they'll try and make it a part of all major holidays. Others don't see macaroni and cheese as a top priority at their dinners. For those who love it, it found a place on the top 10 ranking.
8. Coleslaw
A classic side dish, for sure, but compared to other side dishes, it is not an all-around crowd pleaser. Some don't like cabbage, while others don't like mayonnaise, but still some love this stuff dearly.
7. Steamed Carrots
When you're feeling guilty for grabbing only carbs, many will find some room on their plates for this vegetable side dish. Since it can never surpass carbs and is more of a pity dish, carrots found themselves at #7.
6. Cranberry Sauce
A side dish that you will probably only find at Thanksgiving. Canned or fresh, the reddish fruit will find its way on to most tables. Due to its bitter taste, it's not a favorite amongst many, especially children.
5. Cheesy Potatoes
Who doesn't love gooey, delicious, heavenly, cheesy potatoes? Though it may be my personal favorite kind of potato dish, it may not be considered a "classic" for Thanksgiving dinners. Still loved by every sane person, cheesy potatoes made their way to #5 on the countdown.
4. Green Bean Casserole
A holiday favorite made famous by Campbell's Soup, this dish puts a delicious twist on green beans. Creamy and crunchy, green bean casserole should definitely find a space on your plate this Thursday.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Topped with mini marshmallows, sweet potatoes are another favorite kind of potato. The sweet yet savory dish is the perfect complement to turkey and other main dishes.
2. Stuffing
You can't have Thanksgiving without stuffing. Stuffing may be the second thing you think of when you think of Thanksgiving food. Thanksgiving is probably the only meal all year where stuffing can be appreciated. No matter what way its made, stuffing is a crowd pleaser for sure.
1. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
The ultimate Thanksgiving side dish: mashed potatoes and gravy. You can put your turkey on top of a beautiful bed of mashed potatoes and top it off with delicious gravy. It's the soft and creamy side that everyone loves. Many different type of potatoes may make it to the Thanksgiving table, but none are quite like the mashed variety.
Eat up and give thanks with some of your closest loved ones this Thanksgiving!
