Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without all of the delicious dishes that we get to indulge ourselves in whole being surrounded by our family and friends. Here’s my personal ranking of America’s most popular Thanksgiving Day foods:
10. Cranberry sauce
All I have to say about cranberry sauce is that it looks like somebody got halfway through chewing it and then spit it back into the bowl. It’s gross, and that may be an unpopular opinion, but I’ll stand by it. Cranberry sauce is bad.
9. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the things I’ll eat to be polite, but not eat for enjoyment. I know they’re a really popular Thanksgiving food, but they don’t live up to the hype, and that’s just the plain truth.
8. Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin pie is just OK. Flavor-wise, it’s good, but texture-wise, I would usually pass. However, I eat at least one slice on Thanksgiving for the culture. It gets the No. 8 spot for being incredibly mediocre, but at least it’s festive.
7. Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs are thought of like an Easter food, but we always have them at my Thanksgiving because my mom makes the best in the world. It’s nice to have a cold food to balance out all the hot and it expands the traditional savory palette, so deviled eggs are on the list.
6. Turkey
Now, turkey is the iconic Thanksgiving food, and sure it’s good, but let’s be real – the sides take precedence. How much of your plate do you really load up with turkey? Not that much, and having it as leftovers for the next few days isn’t enjoyable. Sorry turkey, but you’re only getting a No. 6 on this list.
5. Mashed potatoes
They’re potatoes, they’re mashed, you love them – these things are obvious. They’ve only been relegated to No. 5 because we eat them year round, so they’re not special for Thanksgiving – and that just means I can eat them more. Praise be.
4. Gravy
Gravy has earned itself a high ranking by being the unsung hero of Thanksgiving. Alone, gravy doesn’t do much, but without it, Thanksgiving staples like turkey and mashed potatoes wouldn’t be as good. So, here’s to gravy for being the faithful sidekick of Thanksgiving.
3. Rolls
Rolls are one of the best foods anytime, but they’re extra good at Thanksgiving because we have Sister Schubert rolls for the occasion. Sister Schubert rolls are so good it should be illegal, and by mass are probably what I consume most – so for that reason, they earn No. 3.
2. Green bean casserole
Green bean casserole would have taken the No. 1 spot, but I’ve learned from friends that not everyone has had it – and if you haven’t, you need to. In the grand tradition of casseroles, something with the potential to be healthy is made unhealthy and oh, so delicious.
1. Stuffing
Stuffing takes the No. 1 spot because it’s only eaten on Thanksgiving. It’s a rare and unique carb that deserves more appreciation. Where else can you find such a balance of moist and crunch, flavor and versatility? And, stuffing is good even if it comes out of the box – just another bonus that earns it the top spot.
What would your list look like?