Introduction
Thanksgiving: a day synonymous with family gatherings, expressions of gratitude, and, let’s be honest, some seriously intense debates about the food. Everyone has their Thanksgiving culinary champion, their unwavering preference for mashed potatoes over sweet potato casserole, or perhaps an unshakeable loyalty to a particular brand of cranberry sauce. These opinions, as deeply rooted as the Thanksgiving tradition itself, often lead to spirited discussions (and sometimes, downright arguments) around the dinner table. But fear not, fellow food enthusiasts! This year, we’re injecting a little order into the Thanksgiving chaos, settling the score once and for all with a definitive Thanksgiving foods tier list. We’ll be ranking the most iconic dishes, from beloved classics to questionable contributions, using a system borrowed from the gaming world and pop culture: the tier list.
For the uninitiated, a tier list is simply a ranking system where items are placed into different tiers, usually denoted by letters like S, A, B, C, D, and F. The S-tier represents the absolute best, the must-haves, while the F-tier signifies the dishes that are best left off the menu entirely. Our rankings will be based on a carefully considered blend of factors: flavor, of course, but also tradition, overall contribution to the Thanksgiving experience, and the level of disappointment experienced when a particular dish is absent. So, grab a fork, settle in, and prepare to have your Thanksgiving food beliefs challenged (or confirmed!) as we present our ultimate Thanksgiving foods tier list.
The Thanksgiving Hall of Famers (Must-Haves)
These are the culinary cornerstones of Thanksgiving, the dishes that define the holiday and evoke instant feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Without these, it simply isn’t Thanksgiving. They’re the LeBron James of Thanksgiving foods, the Beyonce of the buffet table, the dishes everyone clamors for.
Turkey
Let’s start with the undisputed MVP: Turkey. Whether roasted to golden perfection, smoked with hickory chips, or deep-fried to crispy glory, the turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast. It’s the star of the show, the anchor around which all other dishes revolve. Its sheer size makes it a statement, a visual representation of abundance and celebration. And beyond its visual appeal, the turkey offers a delightful range of flavors and textures, from the juicy breast meat to the flavorful dark meat. Let’s not forget the crispy skin, a coveted prize for those lucky enough to snag a piece. Turkey isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a symbol of the holiday. It easily earns a spot in the S-tier.
Stuffing/Dressing
Next up is Stuffing/Dressing. (Yes, we know there’s a regional debate about the name, but we’re including both under one umbrella.) This savory bread-based dish is the perfect complement to the turkey, acting as a sponge for all that delicious gravy. The beauty of stuffing lies in its versatility. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, from traditional bread cubes and herbs to cornbread, sausage, cranberries, and even oysters. The key is to create a flavorful, moist, and aromatic stuffing that enhances the overall Thanksgiving experience. A well-made stuffing is a true culinary masterpiece, deserving of its place alongside the turkey in the S-tier. It’s essential and irreplaceable. The absence of good stuffing at Thanksgiving is a palpable loss.
Gravy
And finally, we arrive at Gravy. This isn’t just a sauce; it’s the liquid gold that binds the entire Thanksgiving meal together. A rich, savory gravy, made from the pan drippings of the turkey, is the perfect accompaniment to the turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It adds moisture, flavor, and a sense of richness to every bite. A good gravy should be smooth, creamy, and deeply flavorful, with hints of herbs and spices. It’s the culinary glue that elevates every other component. Homemade gravy is obviously preferred, but even a good quality store-bought gravy can suffice in a pinch. Gravy is non-negotiable. It’s an absolute must-have for a successful Thanksgiving, securing its rightful place in the S-tier. Without gravy, Thanksgiving is like a symphony without music; the foundation is there, but where is the soul?
Thanksgiving All-Stars (Highly Recommended)
These are the dishes that consistently deliver, the reliable players who always perform well. They are crowd-pleasers, guaranteed to be a hit with both young and old. While not quite as essential as the S-tier dishes, they still play a vital role in the overall Thanksgiving experience.
Mashed Potatoes
First on the list: Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, fluffy, and oh-so-comforting, mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. They are the perfect blank canvas for soaking up gravy, and their mild flavor complements the other richer dishes on the table. Whether you prefer them simple with butter and cream, or loaded with garlic, cheese, or sour cream, mashed potatoes are a versatile and satisfying side dish. There’s a reason they are present in most Thanksgiving foods tier list. They are almost universally loved and provide textural and temperature balance to the meal.
Cranberry Sauce
Next, we have Cranberry Sauce. This tart and sweet condiment provides a much-needed contrast to the savory dishes on the table. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the turkey, gravy, and stuffing, preventing palate fatigue. Some prefer the homemade variety, with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of sugar. Others swear by the canned variety, with its characteristic jiggly texture and familiar sweetness. Whether you’re team homemade or team canned, cranberry sauce is a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving feast. It prevents the meal from becoming a monotonous savory marathon.
Sweet Potato Casserole
And finally, the ever-controversial Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish is a Thanksgiving food tier list divider. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of item. The debate often revolves around the topping: marshmallows or streusel? Marshmallows provide a gooey, sugary sweetness that some find irresistible, while others prefer the crunchy, buttery texture of a streusel topping. Regardless of your preference, sweet potato casserole is a unique and flavorful dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the Thanksgiving table. It might be polarizing, but it undeniably brings something special to the meal. It’s not for everyone, but those who love it, really love it.
Solid Contributors (Good to Have)
These dishes are good and enjoyable, but they’re not necessarily essential for a successful Thanksgiving. They’re the supporting actors, the reliable backups who can fill in when needed. They are fine, but not necessarily memorable.
Green Bean Casserole
Leading the pack is Green Bean Casserole. A classic Thanksgiving side dish, this casserole typically consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, crispy fried onions, and sometimes cheese. While it’s a comforting and familiar dish, it can also be easily improved upon or forgotten without causing too much disappointment. A well-made green bean casserole can be quite tasty, but a poorly made one can be bland and mushy. It’s a safe choice, but not exactly an exciting one.
Dinner Rolls
Next, we have Dinner Rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy and mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. While they’re a nice addition to the meal, they’re not exactly a star on their own. They are a simple pleasure, a carb-loaded vehicle for delivering other, more flavorful elements to your mouth.
Pumpkin Pie
And lastly, Pumpkin Pie. A traditional Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie is a sweet and spiced treat that many associate with the holiday. However, its quality can vary greatly depending on the recipe and ingredients used. A well-made pumpkin pie should be creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. But a poorly made one can be bland, dry, or overly sweet. It’s a reliable dessert choice but, again, nothing truly outstanding.
Situational Players (Acceptable)
These dishes are okay, but their presence on the Thanksgiving table is dependent on personal preference or preparation. They might be good in certain circumstances, but they’re not universally loved or considered essential.
Corn on the Cob/Creamed Corn
Featuring on this tier: Corn on the Cob/Creamed Corn. This simple side dish doesn’t always fit the Thanksgiving flavor profile. While corn is a delicious vegetable, it can feel a bit out of place amidst the richer, more complex flavors of the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It can be a light and refreshing addition, but it’s not something most people would miss if it were absent.
Mac and Cheese
Next, we have Mac and Cheese. This comfort food staple can be a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table, especially for picky eaters or children. However, it can also feel a bit out of place, unless it’s done exceptionally well. A truly decadent mac and cheese, with high-quality cheese and a crispy topping, can be a crowd-pleaser. But a basic, bland mac and cheese is best left off the menu.
Pecan Pie
And finally, Pecan Pie. Another dessert option, pecan pie is a rich and nutty treat that isn’t universally loved. Some find it too sweet or too dense, while others adore its buttery, nutty flavor. It’s a perfectly acceptable dessert, but it doesn’t have the same iconic status as pumpkin pie.
Questionable Choices (Consider Skipping)
These are the dishes that are either bland, out of place, or poorly executed more often than not. They often raise the question, “Why is this even here?” and often detract from the overall experience.
Aspic/Jell-O Salad
The first culprit: Aspic/Jell-O Salad. This outdated and often unappetizing dish is a relic of Thanksgiving past. Its gelatinous texture and artificial flavors are rarely appealing, and its presence on the Thanksgiving table often elicits groans and eye rolls. It’s a dish that should be relegated to the history books.
Store-Bought Gravy
Next, we have Store-Bought Gravy. While store-bought gravy can suffice in a pinch, it often lacks the depth of flavor and richness of homemade gravy. It can be watery, bland, and even slightly artificial-tasting. If you’re going to serve gravy at Thanksgiving, make the effort to make it from scratch.
Uninspired Vegetable Sides
And finally, Uninspired Vegetable Sides. Overcooked green beans, bland Brussels sprouts, and mushy carrots are all examples of uninspired vegetable sides that can detract from the Thanksgiving meal. If you’re going to serve vegetables, make sure they’re fresh, flavorful, and cooked properly.
Thanksgiving Turkeys (Avoid at All Costs)
These are the worst of the worst, the dishes that actively detract from the Thanksgiving experience. They are the culinary equivalent of a flat tire on a road trip.
Dry, Overcooked Turkey
The first cardinal sin: Dry, Overcooked Turkey. This is the ultimate Thanksgiving failure. A dry, flavorless turkey is a massive disappointment and can ruin the entire meal. Proper brining, cooking techniques, and resting are essential to ensure a moist and flavorful turkey. It is the ultimate Thanksgiving foods tier list mistake to present.
Canned Cranberry Sauce (with ridges)
Next, Canned Cranberry Sauce (with ridges). This gelatinous, flavorless monstrosity is the bane of many Thanksgiving diners. Its artificial sweetness and jiggly texture are simply unappealing. If you’re going to serve cranberry sauce, please, for the love of all that is holy, make it from scratch.
Raisins in Stuffing
And finally, Raisins in Stuffing. This is a controversial and divisive addition that can ruin an otherwise perfectly good stuffing. The sweetness and chewiness of raisins can clash with the savory flavors of the stuffing, creating an unpleasant and jarring experience. Raisins in stuffing are simply not welcome at the Thanksgiving table.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this Thanksgiving foods tier list is just one person’s opinion, and food preferences are inherently subjective. What one person considers an S-tier dish, another might place firmly in the F-tier. The beauty of Thanksgiving lies in its diversity, and the fact that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, tell me, what foods would you rank differently and why? What are your Thanksgiving must-haves and absolute no-nos? Share your own tier lists in the comments below!
But regardless of your personal preferences, let’s all be grateful for the food on our plates, the company we share it with, and the opportunity to celebrate another Thanksgiving together… except maybe for the Jell-O salad. Seriously, who even likes that stuff? Happy Thanksgiving!
