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The 9 Best and Worst Thanksgiving Foods, Ranked

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Texas chapter.

Gobble up and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year. This holiday season will be filled with lots of yummy food and great times with family. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here’s a list of some Thanksgiving food staples, ranked from worst to best. 

9. Green Bean Casserole

Don’t let the amazing photo quality fool you, because this dish is ranked worst on this Thanksgiving list. Veggies aren’t always a hit and on Thanksgiving, green beans are the last thing we want to dive into.

8. Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving Food vegetable berry
Claire Hurley

Cranberries are a delicious berry, but it’s definitely not appealing when squeezed and made into a sauce. This slimy bright red dish is supposed to complement turkey and other Thanksgiving foods, but we’re going to have to pass on the cranberry sauce this year.

7. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup has an awkward texture that doesn’t make it a holiday favorite in my book. If you like vegetables then this dish might excite your taste buds, but there are so many other Thanksgiving foods with a lot more flavor to enjoy.

6. Stuffing

You either absolutely love or absolutely hate stuffing, there’s no in between. With so many homemade recipes this dish will either meet your expectations or royally disappoint. This Thanksgiving, add some apples and walnuts to change up traditional stuffing and to add a sweet touch.  

5. Mashed Potatoes

Now we’re starting to enter the Thanksgiving dishes that everyone looks forward to. You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes’ creamy rich flavor and light whipped texture. Mmmm. My mouth is watering.

4. Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Thanksgiving Food sweet potato sweet
Lauren D’Amore

It’s hard not to enjoy this sweet treat, with its sticky, gooey exterior paired with the soft, sweet potato inside. Sweet Potato and marshmallows is a great combination and a yummy dish to look forward to in the next two weeks. Try to get the first piece after it comes piping hot out of the oven!

3. Turkey

pringles turkey meat
Sydney Segal

How could I forget the most important dish on Thanksgiving? Turkey is one of the most beloved staples during this November holiday. Whether its fried or baked, everyone will gather around the table to grab seconds of some juicy turkey.

2. Cornbread

This moist, doughy, cake-like bread is delicious with butter spread on top, and its sweet and savory flavors are always a great call during Thanksgiving. However, watch out—this carb-loaded dish really fills you up fast. 

1. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a delicious, sweet treat that has all the flavors of fall packed into a delectable holiday dessert. The taste of nutmeg and cinnamon will linger on your taste buds as you drift off into your food coma.

Come November 24th, gather around the TV, watch some football, enjoy the floats at the parade, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Nothing I love more than a good nap, good friends, a good show, and even better food!