Top 5 Thanksgiving Sides: Is Turkey Overrated?
Let’s be real—turkey is fine, but it’s not the star of Thanksgiving. I’ll never understand why we glorify this dry, bland bird when steak, brisket, or even a perfectly seared prime rib could steal the show. Some folks opt for ham, but ham? It’s 10x worse—glistening with sugary glaze and taking up space that could be filled with something actually worth eating.
The truth? The sides are the main event. Turkey is just a placeholder while we fight over the last scoop of mashed potatoes. Here’s my definitive ranking of the best Thanksgiving sides—and the overrated ones that need to take a seat.
The Thanksgiving Side Tier List
🥇 1. Mashed Potatoes
The undisputed GOAT. Mashed potatoes are the Michael Jordan of sides—they never miss. Creamy, buttery, with just the right amount of salt and maybe a hint of garlic if you’re feeling fancy. They’re versatile enough to pair with gravy, turkey, or even just a spoon. I’ve had mashed potatoes at weddings, barbecues, and random Tuesday dinners, and they’re always elite. Anyone who ranks anything above mashed potatoes is objectively wrong. Fight me.
🥈 2. Green Bean Casserole
Elite when done right. I know this one’s divisive, but hear me out. A perfect green bean casserole—crisp green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy fried onions—hits different. It’s the only time I crave this dish, and I look forward to it every November. My aunt makes one with extra onions and a touch of cheddar that’s so good I’d fight my cousins for the last bite. If your green bean casserole is soggy or bland, that’s a you problem. Execute it properly, and it’s top-tier.
Why It Works: The contrast of textures—crunchy onions, tender beans, creamy base—makes it addictive.
🥉 3. Baked Mac and Cheese
Thanksgiving elevation required. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a Kraft Original guy 11 months out of the year. But Thanksgiving mac and cheese must be baked. It needs that golden, crispy top, multiple cheeses (cheddar, gouda, maybe a little gruyère), and a béchamel sauce that clings to every ridge of cavatappi or elbow pasta. Boxed mac is for kids’ birthdays; Thanksgiving mac is for adults who know better. When it’s “dolled up,” it’s a contender for #1.
Hack: Add a breadcrumb topping with Parmesan for extra crunch.
4. Stuffing
Better than expected. I’ll admit it—I was a stuffing skeptic. As a kid, I thought “stuffing” meant turkey guts mushed together. Spoiler: it’s not. Once I got over that mental block, I realized stuffing is a sneaky banger. Savory, bready, with bits of celery, onion, and sage—it’s comfort food in a casserole dish. I only eat it once a year, but it’s a reliable player that soaks up gravy like a champ.
Regional Note: Cornbread stuffing > traditional bread stuffing, but I’ll take either.
5. Rolls
Simple but unbeatable. There’s nothing complex about rolls, and that’s why they’re perfect. Hot, soft, buttery rolls straight from the oven are pure joy. Slather them with butter, tear them apart, and use them to mop up gravy or mashed potato remnants. They’re the ultimate supporting actor—never the star, but always appreciated.
Upgrade: Try Hawaiian rolls for a sweet twist or Parker House rolls for old-school vibes.
The Overrated Hall of Shame 🚫
1. Cranberry Sauce
What even is this? Cranberry sauce looks like congealed cough syrup and tastes like regret. Whether it’s the jiggly canned version with can ridges or some homemade abomination, I’m out. Why does it exist? It adds zero value to the plate and stains everything red. If you love it, I respect your right to be wrong.
Fun Fact: Cranberries are one of the most acidic foods we eat. Your stomach thanks you for the heartburn.
2. Sweet Potatoes/Yams
Stay in the gym, not on my plate. Sweet potatoes have their place—paired with grilled chicken and broccoli during a health kick. But on Thanksgiving? Hard pass. Marshmallows, brown sugar, and pecans turn them into a dessert masquerading as a side. I don’t need my vegetables sweet enough to give me diabetes. Keep it savory or keep it away.
Unpopular Opinion: Candied yams are a war crime against Thanksgiving.
Honorable Mentions
Gravy: Not a side, but the glue that holds everything together. Bad gravy ruins Thanksgiving.
Cornbread: Underrated and crumbly in the best way.
Brussels Sprouts: Only if roasted with bacon. Otherwise, no.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving isn’t about the turkey—it’s about the sides that make you unbutton your pants. Mashed potatoes reign supreme, but every dish on this list has its moment to shine. Skip the cranberry sauce and candied yams, double down on the green bean casserole, and thank me later.
What’s your top Thanksgiving side? Drop it in the comments—I’m ready to debate.