Thanksgiving is the season when we college students get a break from the dining hall, sorority chefs or buying and cooking for ourselves. Your family members become self-proclaimed food critics, and you can justify eating mashed potatoes and pie in the same bite.
But, not all Thanksgiving dishes are created equal. Some deserve center stage on the dinner table, while others should have stayed in the recipe box.
After doing some serious taste testing myself, here’s the official ranking of Thanksgiving foods, plus a few unconventional favorites to bring to the high school friendsgiving that will leave them needing some more.
1. Mashed Potatoes, the undisputed MVP
Creamy, buttery and impossible to mess up, mashed potatoes are the backbone of every good Thanksgiving meal. They pair with everything: turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce — even a sneaky forkful of stuffing. Whether you like them smooth as silk or with a few rustic chunks, mashed potatoes are comfort in a bowl.
2. Stuffing, a decent second
Stuffing might just be the most underrated dish on the table. A mix of bread, herbs, onions and sausage (if you’re lucky) — it’s cozy and flavorful enough to steal the show from the turkey. Bonus points if it’s baked until the top gets a little crispy.
3. Mac and Cheese, the southern guest star
Mac and cheese isn’t on every Thanksgiving menu, but it needs to be. When it’s baked to golden perfection with multiple cheeses and a breadcrumb crust, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
4. Turkey, the tradition we all tolerate
Let’s be honest: turkey is fine. It’s tradition, it’s photogenic and it smells great while roasting, but most of us are secretly more excited about the sides. Unless it’s perfectly juicy (or fried), turkey’s spot in the top five is more out of respect than flavor.
5. Gravy, the glue holding it all together
Gravy is the unsung hero of Thanksgiving. Without it, half the plate would be dry and sad. With it, even the turkey earns a redemption arc.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole, dessert in disguise
Marshmallows on vegetables? Questionable. But somehow, it works. Sweet potato casserole is the sugary curveball of Thanksgiving, rich, nostalgic and slightly chaotic — just like family holidays themselves.
7. Cranberry Sauce, the tangy divider
Cranberry sauce is either your secret favorite or something you push to the side of your plate. Its bright acidity cuts through the heavy carbs, but it’s rarely eaten in more than a polite spoonful. (Bonus points if it’s homemade, minus points if it stands on its own.)
8. Dinner Rolls, the reliable sidekick
Soft, buttery rolls might not be exciting, but they’re necessary. They mop up gravy, extend leftovers into sandwiches and fill you up while you wait for dessert.
9. Green Bean Casserole, the great debate
Every year, this dish sparks controversy. Some swear by it, while others avoid it like the plague. Made with cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions, it’s old-school comfort, but it’s definitely an acquired taste.
10. Pumpkin Pie, a classic finish
Pumpkin pie has seniority, but let’s be honest: it’s not everyone’s favorite. It’s cozy and spiced, but a bit one-note. Pair it with whipped cream and coffee, and it redeems itself just in time for the after-dinner nap.
Honorable mentions & untraditional favorites:
Even the most traditional Thanksgiving tables are evolving. Unique dishes reflect families’ twists on a classic meal, and some may deserve a spot on your rotation. Here’s what I am bringing to the Thanksgiving table this holiday season.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Born from my family’s decision to ditch canned cranberry sauce altogether, this dish takes holiday flavors in a modern direction. Picture warm, golden bread filled with melted brie and tart cranberry jam, baked in a circular pattern so guests can pull it apart. It’s sweet, savory and perfectly snackable before the main meal.
How to make it:
Cut slits into a round loaf of sourdough (homemade if you’re on that trend), stuff with slices of brie cheese, and spoon homemade cranberry sauce (or even cranberry jam) into the crevices. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with rosemary, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until gooey. Serve hot and watch it disappear before the turkey hits the table.
Sweet Corn Jalapeño Pudding
Yes, pudding, but not the dessert kind. This slightly spicy, creamy corn bake is the untraditional side dish we didn’t know we needed. It tastes like mac and cheese’s spicy cousin. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a little heat on their holiday plate.
How to make it:
Mix one can of creamed corn, one can of whole-kernel corn, two beaten eggs, one cup of sour cream, a diced jalapeño and a box of cornbread mix. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until golden brown and set — the result: a balance of sweet, savory and just the right amount of kick.
The final verdict
Thanksgiving might be rooted in tradition, but doesn’t mean your plate has to be. Whether you’re team mashed potatoes or team mac and cheese, there’s no wrong way to celebrate, as long as you leave room for seconds. Maybe this year’s breakout hit won’t be the turkey at all, but a cranberry brie pull-apart or a jalapeño corn pudding that becomes your family’s new tradition.
After all, the best part of Thanksgiving isn’t about the rankings. It’s about gathering around the table — and maybe arguing a little — over what really deserves number one spot.
