Around this time of year, Thanksgiving food becomes one of the most highly debated topics. Everybody has their own opinions on what is the quintessential Thanksgiving dinner dish, as well as what dish should be thrown out and never missed. Before Thanksgiving break, it’s important to know what food to look forward to and what not, and this list will prepare all South students for that.
1. Apple Pie- While not thought of as one of the more ‘classic’ Thanksgiving dishes, apple pie is definitely the best. It can be served warm, it can be served cold, with or without ice cream, for dessert, or for breakfast the next day. Apple pie has the true versatility, not to mention the delicious taste, that puts it at the top of the Thanksgiving food list.
Taste: A+
Satisfaction: A
Simplicity: A-
Overall: A
2. Mashed Potatoes- Mashed potatoes are not specifically a Thanksgiving food, and yet they’re still one of the best options out there this time of year. They are a true Midwest comfort food, so there’s nothing better to eat when you need a reprieve from the crazy times that come with Thanksgiving.
Taste: B+
Satisfaction: A+
Simplicity: A+
Overall: A
3. Bread Rolls- You can never go wrong with bread. Nothing else needs to be said.
Taste: B
Satisfaction: A
Simplicity: A+
Overall: A-
4. Gravy- Gravy ties together every Thanksgiving plate. Put it on your mashed potatoes, your stuffing, put it on your turkey, it doesn’t matter! It’s going to get on everything on your plate, and that’s not necessarily bad. After you’ve polished off the last of your gravy-covered foods, use a roll to mop up the last drops. Gravy brings everything together during a Thanksgiving meal.
Taste: B
Satisfaction: B
Simplicity: A
Overall: B+
5. Stuffing- While a lot of people have mixed feelings over stuffing, it’s actually one of the better Thanksgiving foods out there. It’s filling, it’s delicious (if it’s made with the right ingredients), and it provides a great supplement to the rest of the meal.
Taste: A
Satisfaction: A-
Simplicity: B-
Overall: B
6. Pecan Pie- Pecan pie is delicious. It has an amazing gooey filling, topped off with a crispy pecan and sugar crumble. It’s never a bad Thanksgiving when you end it with pecan pie.
Taste: A+
Satisfaction: B+
Simplicity: B-
Overall: B
7. Turkey- The epitome of Thanksgiving foods only comes in at number seven on this list. Turkey is usually good, but only if it’s prepared right. However, if it’s not prepared right and comes out a little dry, as turkey often does, there’s an easy solution: smother it in gravy.
Taste: B-
Satisfaction: B-
Simplicity: B+
Overall: B
8. Cranberry Sauce- Often, the cranberry sauce that people immediately think of is the kind that comes in cans from Kroger, and that cranberry sauce is not great. It doesn’t have a great flavor, and it doesn’t really contribute to the overall experience of a Thanksgiving meal.
Taste: B
Satisfaction: B-
Simplicity: A
Overall: B
9. Vegetables- Vegetables, while usually enjoyable, are not what you’re looking for at Thanksgiving. They’re too healthy; Thanksgiving is a time to gorge oneself on carbs and starches, and vegetables just mean less space on the table for better foods.
Taste: B
Satisfaction: C
Simplicity: B
Overall: B-
10. Pumpkin Pie- Pumpkin pie is the most well known Thanksgiving pie, and yet it comes in last on this list. It just isn’t very satisfying. Pumpkin never tastes great, and the texture of pureed pumpkin is off-putting.
Taste: D
Satisfaction: D
Simplicity: C
Overall: D+
