Thanksgiving Feast Essentials: 8 Must-Have Dishes for a Memorable Holiday
Table of Contents
Americans love Thanksgiving. It's a time to give thanks, stuff our bellies full of turkey and pie, and watch some football. Have you ever been to someone else's home for Thanksgiving and were shocked they weren't serving something you seem to have every year? While every family has its traditions and dishes they serve on Turkey Day, some foods scream "Thanksgiving" and must be on the menu for your guests to leave, raving about how delicious their Turkey Day was. Here are the top 8 foods you must have on the table for Thanksgiving dinner.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional Must-Haves: Classic Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are staples that embody the holiday spirit.
Variety is Key: Offering a mix of sweet and savory dishes, such as sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole, caters to diverse tastes and makes the meal more memorable.
Dessert Favorites: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, with pumpkin pie being the iconic choice, though pecan pie and apple pie are also popular.
Turkey
No shocker here but Turkey is essential to call the meal "Thanksgiving." The real question is, what kind of turkey? Should you do a smoked turkey, roasted turkey, or deep-fried turkey? There is no correct answer as long as turkey is on the table. I like doing two medium-sized turkeys compared to one large turkey. I wet brine them both in a salt solution the night before. On Thanksgiving Day, I start one turkey on my smoker, and the other goes in the oven. It's the best of both worlds. You can present whichever looks the best after cooking and slice the other up and plate it.
Stuffing
That magical food we eat once a year. I'm not sure I'd like it so much if we ate it more than once annually, but it's delicious at Thanksgiving. My take on stuffing is straightforward. Stove Top has perfected the recipe. Saute some diced celery in butter and add to the stovetop masterpiece. Use extra butter to step up your game.
Mashed Potatoes
This one is another necessary addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Not to be confused with yams or sweet potato dishes, Mashed Potatoes are 100% essential to complete the Thanksgiving spread. Peel a bunch of Russet Potatoes, boil them in salty hot water, and then mash. My mashed potatoes include sour cream, oat milk, and butter. It's Thanksgiving friends, say it with me... "Butter." Don't be scared of it. Add a little pepper, and you're done.
Cranberry Sauce
Does it get any easier? Place the whole can of jellied cranberry sauce in the refrigerator the night before. Open the can and beat the stubborn mess out of the can. Slice the cranberry sauce into thick slices and serve.
We've covered the main dishes most of us will agree on. Now it's time to take it up another level.
Mac N Cheese
While my kids prefer standard Kraft mac n cheese, which we will offer at Thanksgiving, a real Mac N Cheese dish is required for adults. A Mac N Cheese that screams heart attack. A Mac N cheese thats baked with heavy cream, too much cheese, and bacon.
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is another once-a-year wonder. Everyone makes it a little differently, but it always tastes the same. It is delicious on Thanksgiving, but no one touches it should you try and serve it any other time of the year. I don't make the rules, and I just play by them. Use the thin-cut beans with cream of mushroom soup topped with French's fried onions. A legendary menu item.
Deviled Eggs
This one is no shocker. I love to see people's creative spirit with Deviled eggs. This is one of the dishes others often bring to a Thanksgiving meal. Maybe it's crab deviled eggs, bacon deviled eggs, or simple miracle whipped deviled eggs. That's right. I said miracle whip. Mayo deviled eggs are the red-headed stepchild of the deviled egg world. If you want classy deliciousness, go team miracle whip.
Pumpkin Pie
This one is right up there with turkey, but since it's a dessert (in most homes), it must be on the bottom of the list. Pumpkin pie is hard to screw up unless you buy it from the store. Be very careful if you serve store pumpkin pie. Everyone knows the difference. They make the entire pie for you and put it in a can. All you need is a crust, eggs, and evaporated milk (whatever that is). Add a little extra cinnamon and use a gram cracker crust, and you're golden.
While food and football are legendary topics on Thanksgiving, remember to appreciate everyone you get to spend time with. Life is short and you could easily not be able to spend time with the same people next year. Give a hug, tell someone you love them, and listen to their stories. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all our blessings. Please slow down and try to enjoy it this year.
Happy Thanksgiving
FAQ:
What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
Some of the most popular sides include stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
Can I make Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many dishes like stuffing, casseroles, and pies can be prepared a day or two in advance and reheated on Thanksgiving Day.
What is a good alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving?
Alternatives include roasted chicken, ham, or a vegetarian option like stuffed squash or a lentil loaf.
How can I accommodate dietary restrictions for Thanksgiving?
Consider offering gluten-free stuffing, dairy-free mashed potatoes, or a variety of vegetable sides to accommodate different dietary needs.
Is it important to serve traditional dishes on Thanksgiving?
While traditional dishes are beloved, it's also a great opportunity to introduce new flavors and recipes that reflect your personal taste or cultural heritage.