Thanksgiving looks completely different for every family.
Some meals consist of outlandish, homemade dishes, while other Thanksgiving dinners take place in a fancy restaurant or casual cafe. Regardless, it seems that more and more Thanksgiving menus deviate from the stereotypical turkey, dressing and pie.
Although the classic Thanksgiving menu still has its merits, it’s possible that some of these iconic recipes have become outdated and are only made out of tradition’s sake.
Stuffing: 2/10
This bizarre dish adds little value to the Thanksgiving meal. Dressing is essentially a savory bread pudding, with even fewer redeeming qualities than its green bean casserole cousin. Where mashed potatoes and mac n cheese provide a simple, starchy satisfaction, dressings and stuffings complicate Thanksgiving carbs. A sufficient replacement would be fresh, warm rolls and herbed butter.
Creamed Spinach and Green Bean Casserole: 4/10
Hiding spinach and green beans under cream and breading may successfully get the kids’ table to eat their greens, but is it really necessary to dress up veggies this way?
There are other, simpler ways to check the box for Thanksgiving fiber. Oven-roasted acorn squash or a mixed greens salad with nuts and cheese can be just as festive and feel a bit more fresh. That being said, these traditional recipes may only surface around the holidays. For some, they represent a rare treat.
Turkey: 5/10
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Turkey is overrated.
Although its bland nature allows it to pair well with many side dishes, a turkey’s lack of personality cannot be overlooked. The tradition of serving a turkey is respectable, but why not make a more exciting meat the star of such an important meal? Thanksgiving brisket has a nice ring to it.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese: 7/10
Everybody knows macaroni and cheese is the most delicious when it’s made yourself. A family or friend’s recipe? Well, it just doesn’t taste the same.
Although this dish seems to sneak its way into almost every holiday meal, there is a reason it remains so popular. Warm, cheesy and satisfying, mac ‘n’ cheese is a classic comfort food that evokes joy from those who eat it, especially when it’s your own recipe.
Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: 8/10
Somehow the same old mashed potato recipe tastes ten times more delicious at Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s due to an extra sprig of rosemary. Potatoes at Thanksgiving represent how a simple dish can stand out among many extravagant ones. The same can be said for sweet potatoes, which almost act as a precursor for dessert. Bonus points if your family garnishes this festive casserole with marshmallows.
Pies: 9/10
Pies are an excellent Thanksgiving dessert, because everyone can find a favorite flavor. Picky about pumpkins? Maybe pecan pie is your best bet. Not into nuts? Fruit pies might be your friend. Among others, pecan, chocolate and chess pies all offer flaky crust and iconic fall flavors.
Whether created from scratch or purchased from a local bakery, pies and a warm cup of coffee are the ultimate end to successful Thanksgiving dinner.
Cranberry Sauce: 10/10
Cranberry sauce is the perfect holiday condiment. Bright in color and flavor, the sauce is a standout on the Thanksgiving menu. Thanksgiving and Christmas are likely the only times many customers purchase fresh cranberries, so the sauce is also a way to put a seasonal fruit to good use.
Its aesthetic value and tart taste can break up the monotony of the many starchier, heavier dishes at a typical Thanksgiving.