Although it may be hard to believe, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Fall is a busy season packed with new beginnings. In a time so fast-paced and stress-inducing, the holidays help to slow things down and remind us of everything we’re grateful for. What about the holidays truly facilitates the warm and connected feeling we long for year-round, though? I believe food plays a big part in it! In my opinion, and according to 40% of people surveyed for Campbell’s 2024 State of the Sides Report, a plate full of only sides is just as enjoyable as a plate stacked with turkey and ham. The real question is where all these sides rank when served beside each other. Although I have not tried every classic Thanksgiving side, I have my favorites. To organize my analysis of the Thanksgiving dinner table while taking into consideration my picky nature, I’ve created a ranking of every side in two categories: ones I have tried and ones I probably will never try.

Tried-

Honorable Mention- Gravy:

Although I did not want to put gravy above some of the heartier sides, it felt like a sin to write an article revolving the Thanksgiving meal and not mention it. Gravy is essential to my enjoyment in this yearly meal. Without it, Thanksgiving would not be the same.

Third Place: Mac and Cheese:

When done right, mac and cheese is delicious. In my personal experience, Thanksgiving mac and cheese is rarely that. For some reason, whether it be a fault in the recipe itself or a clashing nature it has with the other sides, Thanksgiving mac and cheese does not even remotely begin to compare to the other sides on this list.

Second Place: Mashed Potatoes:

There is no denying the iconic and necessary nature of mashed potatoes in the Thanksgiving world. It is not only delicious on its own, but also the perfect partner to any of its counterparts, especially turkey.

First Place: Stuffing:

Although I had a hard time picking between stuffing and mashed potatoes for the top spot, stuffing ultimately came out on top. To be completely honest, day-to-day me would probably prefer mashed potatoes. On Thanksgiving, however, the one day of the year when stuffing appears on my dinner plate, I choose to wholeheartedly appreciate it for everything it is and all that it does for this holiday meal. It screams Thanksgiving more than any other side does, goes beautifully with everything else on the plate, and absolutely deserves the top spot on this list.

May Never Try-

Third Place: Green Bean Casserole:

Whether it is the color, smell, or just overall vibe of Green Bean Casserole, there is something extremely unwelcoming and scary about this side. I am a proponent of trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone, but on Thanksgiving, only classic comfort foods are necessary.

Second Place: Sweet Potato Casserole:

In my opinion, a sweet potato is a sad excuse for a potato. As many say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This quote can be applied perfectly in the context of Thanksgiving. Classic mashed potatoes need no help in filling the potato void.

First Place: Cranberry Sauce:

Believe it or not cranberry sauce has never made it onto my Thanksgiving plate! Despite the countless times it has crossed my desk in my yearly Thanksgiving spread draft, and its general popularity, this is not a side I have ever given a chance. I’m not sure whether my unwillingness stems from preconceived notions or just the return of the simple principle I have that Thanksgiving is not a time to try new foods. I think this year may finally be the time to give it a chance, though.

Even though you may not agree with my ranking of these classic sides or be questioning my qualifications to rank foods I have never tried, I think we can all agree that food brings people together. During the holiday season it’s important that we take time to be present with those we love and to be grateful for all the simple pleasures in life.