Thanksgiving is coming fast and for a lot of us, that means big family dinners with a lot of fairly traditional foods.  While we may agree that certain foods are essentially required menu items for Thanksgiving dinner, others are less than welcome.  So, as you start planning your own Turkey Day feast, we thought we would put out a quick list of the best and worst foods for Thanksgiving. 

We did this ranking very scientifically, by just asking folks on our team for their thoughts.  Totally scientific!  So here we go.

Main Course

We actually expect the sides section to be the most controversial, but let’s kick it off with the main course. Not so many options here.  We’ll rank them from most popular to least.

Turkey - We all obviously hope that the turkey doesn’t turn out as dry as a desert that requires a literal boat of gravy to salvage. But, outside of that pitfall, it’s hard to argue with Turkey as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you brine it overnight and put it in the oven, drop it in a deep fryer in the backyard (please thaw that turkey first!), or fire up the smoker to give your bird some extra flavor, a Turkey is a winner for the main course of any Thanksgiving dinner. 

Ham - Personally, ham is just as much a staple on Thanksgiving as turkey. Not a replacement!  But, wonderful second main course option. I good spiral ham, coated with brown sugar glaze is the perfect complement to your turkey. Each is a star on its own, but together you pretty much please every potential dinner guest. 

Brisket - Why not bring some beef into the mix? I have to admit that I put this one on the list myself. I have made a habit the last few years of smoking a brisket on Thanksgiving to go with the turkey and ham. Yes, we get a very large group at our house for Thanksgiving, so we can go with the meat trifecta. A good smoked brisket is welcome at any meal for me and the family and friends who attend our annual Turkey Day celebration seem to agree.  

Prime Rib - We got one vote for Prime Rib. Who are we to say no to another marvel meat option? But, I will say that this one does not replace either of the top two (brisket doesn’t either). They are simply nice additions. 

Sides

OK, not let’s get down to it. Thanksgiving dinner sides. Let the shouting commence!

Mashed Potatoes - This was number 1 with everyone we asked. I mean, of course, you would have mashed potatoes.  Personally, we’re fans of homemade mashed potatoes, where you have some skins left on. If you’re going to do it, do it right. 

Corn - Yes, fresh corn is long gone, so we’re talking canned or frozen here. But, corn is really just a delivery mechanism for butter and salt, so it still works just fine. It’s not the most original or elevated choice on this list, but it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. 

Mac & Cheese - Who doesn’t like some pasta and gooey cheese sauce?  Not the folks we talked to. They love it. Now, we’re not talking mac-n-cheese from a box. Nope.  We are talking about homemade mac & cheese. This means pasta with a cheese sauce created from various meltable cheese options (cheddar, Monterey jack, gouda, etc.).  I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Cornbread - Another fantastic choice from our panel! Put some honey butter on warm cornbread, fresh out of the oven, and oh boy.  But, it is also dangerous as I personally can eat so much of it that I don’t have room for anything else. Practice moderation.

Green Bean Casserole - I have to say I didn’t vote for this one. It always makes an appearance at our Thanksgiving dinners, but I don’t make it myself. To me, it’s fine, but not something I am going back for a second helping of.  Just sayin.

Stuffing - Controversial one here. Some people love stuffing and others hate it. Who hasn’t had bad stuffing? Be honest. Look, if you make it right, then I’m all for it, but based on my experience stuffing is about 50/50. Even when I make it myself, I’m not always happy with the results. 

Crescent Rolls - We’ll also include dinner rolls of any kind here, but the main draw was the crescent roll.  Flaky, steaming crescent rolls with plenty of butter.  They are definitely just a side, but a very tasty one.

Cranberry Sauce - Seriously?  Who voted for this one? Look, I know its traditional, but come on.