Thanksgiving sides, ranked
The turkey, while iconic and difficult to avoid, is by far the worst part of the Thanksgiving dinner. The real magic is in the sides.
Thanksgiving menus certainly differ from family to family (or friend group to friend group, if we're talking Friendsgiving). We have, for example, heard pernicious rumors that mac and cheese is not a part of some Thanksgiving meals.
But there are a few staples that pop up more often than not – and we bet you're wondering which is the best one.
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Behold, our official ranking:
11. Salad
Image: Shutterstock/Timolina
At Thanksgiving, salad is useless. It is also useless on next day sandwiches. Pass.
10. Cranberry sauce (homemade)
Image: Shutterstock/teleginatania
No one needs multiple cups of stewed berries. Homemade cranberry sauce, while tasty, is always the last thing sitting in your fridge a week after Thanksgiving's passed.
9. Cornbread
Image: Shutterstock/Janet Moore
Cornbread is delicious, but a more difficult base than a roll if you're looking to optimize a bread + meat + stuffing bite. It's not that we don't endorse cornbread – we're just saying that rolls are a stronger option.
8. Green bean casserole
Image: Shutterstock/MSPhotographic
A polarizing but classic dish, green bean casserole is only good if it's made with fresh green beans.
7. Sweet potatoes
Image: Shutterstock/vm2002
A delicious, brightly colored treat best enjoyed with pecans or maple syrup. Loses points for its association with giant, gummy marshmallows.
6. Rolls
Image: Shutterstock / Arina P Habich
The perfect vehicle for butter and an excellent sponge for gravy.
5. Macaroni and cheese
Image: Shutterstock / Elena Shashkina
There is no such thing as bad cheesy pasta.
4. Gravy
Image: Shutterstock / timages
Salty, creamy liquid gold that somehow complements every other items on your Thanksgiving table.
3. Stuffing
Image: Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker
Ah, stuffing. Salty, savory, and infinite in its varieties. A true pleasure to eat.
2. Mashed potatoes
Image: Shutterstock / HandmadePictures
These clouds from heaven are somehow both a delicious food and a receptacle for more food. Flawless!
1. Cranberry sauce (canned)
Image: Shutterstock / Brent Hofacker
Sorry, but arguing with the algorithm is futile: canned cranberry sauce is a tart surprise in a sea of umami and should not be underestimated.
On turkey, it's delightful. Pair it with a bit of savory stuffing and it's basically every flavor in one bite. And on next-day sandwiches, it's an essential layer. You can even slice it!
Bonus: It's extremely satisfying to plop it out of its can, and in these trying times, small moments of satisfaction are important.
We know this is controversial, but we can't deny our hearts. Canned cranberry sauce forever!!!!
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