Thanksgiving is a time for us, as Americans, to celebrate things we are thankful for, spend time with loved ones, and commit mass gluttony for the sake of bounty and good health. Here is a definitive ranking of 10 of the classic Thanksgiving dishes based on variability, texture, and of course, taste.
10. Cranberry Sauce
While not the most popular side dish of a Thanksgiving meal, cranberry sauce deserves a spot on the list due to its sweet alternative to the more robust Thanksgiving dishes. It does have a rather bitter taste to it as well as sweet, however, and if you eat it straight from the can like my family does, you may have a problem with the slimy texture.
9. Mashed Potatoes
It may seem a little harsh to place mashed potatoes at #9 on this list, but know that I am including all kinds of mashed potatoes in this category: Mashed potatoes with their skins baked in, sweet mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes drenched in butter, etc., etc. While these dishes are a common staple to any Thanksgiving meal, they don’t rank very high because they are not necessarily associated with Thanksgiving and are not that special in themselves (sorry, Mashed Potatoes.)
8. Casserole
Some casseroles may seem rather nasty and out of place on the Thanksgiving dinner table, but some are a delicious addition to a classic meal. Placed at #8 on this list due to possibility of variety, casseroles can be an interesting twist to any Thanksgiving meal.
7. Yams
Who doesn’t love some sweet yams on Thanksgiving? Warm treats that can bring out the sweet ‘n spicier side of the table, yams are a super yummy addition. However, the texture of yams is rather squishy and grimy, so it may not be for everybody.
6. Cranberry Salad
Cranberry salad or fruit salad, is a dish made from whipped marshmallows, whipped cream, mashed up cranberries, and other fruits. It is definitely more dessert-like in essence, and is one of my personal favorites on Thanksgiving. With a rather smooth and creamy texture, this candied dish is not necessarily a classic, but should definitely be considered as a wonderful Thanksgiving option.
5. Bread
What is any meal without bread? Thanksgiving is no different to any dinner when it comes to bread: It is a traditional side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be buttered, jellied, drizzled in honey, baked with cheese, meats, or any other way you can think of. Ranking high on this list due to variability and just plain yumminess.
4. Gravy
The gravy served at your Thanksgiving meal must outdo any other gravy you’ve had all year. It must be creamy and rich, but also have that robust meaty taste to it we all love. This one ranks at #4 on this list because of its classic uses and delicious variations.
3. Stuffing
At this point we all should know what stuffing is made out of (the insides of the turkey,) but that doesn’t mean that this dish isn’t a scrumptious staple to the Thanksgiving meal. While it may turn some away due to the rather interesting ingredients, the stuffing ranks at #3 on this list because the taste overcomes the way in which it is made.
2. Turkey
One may argue that there is no Thanksgiving without the turkey, and that may very well be true. When made correctly, the turkey is the centerpiece of the meal: It is juicy and moist, while retaining the rich flavor we all look forward to.
1. Pie
Personally, I won’t even show up to Thanksgiving dinner if there isn’t any pie. This ranks at #1 on this list because it is one of the few times a year that you can devour as much pie as you want and no one can judge you. There are so many different kinds of pie that can be served at Thanksgiving: Pumpkin, apple, peach, pecan, blueberry, cherry, blackberry, strawberry, peanut butter, French silk. If I could eat all the kinds of pie offered at Thanksgiving, I would. I implore you to do the same.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
