Thanksgiving is approaching, and it’s time to start preparing for the big feast! Whether you’re hosting this year or attending someone else’s, one thing that must be on the menu is an array of Thanksgiving foods.
While there are certainly some perennial favorites every year (hello stuffing and cranberry sauce!), it’s fun to switch things up with something new.
For your next feast, consider adding one or more of these most popular Thanksgiving foods to your menu. Happy feasting!
Table of Contents
- Turkey
- Perfect Gravy
- Candied Yams
- Cornbread Dressing
- Fluffy Potato Rolls
- Dry Brined Turkey
- Holiday Roasted Vegetables
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Cauliflower Stuffing
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Turkey Cake
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Ranch-Seasoned Roast Turkey
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Skillet Green Beans
- Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Dark Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Green Bean Casserole
- Stuffing
- Pie
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cranberry Sauce
- Pumpkin Pie
- Apple Pie
- Pecan pie
Turkey
Turkey is the most popular thanksgiving food for a reason. It’s versatile, delicious, and easy to cook. Plus, it’s a healthy option that is packed with protein.
Turkey is also a great source of tryptophan, an amino acid that has been shown to have calming effects. So if you’re looking for a stress-free holiday meal, look no further than turkey.
Perfect Gravy
Gravy is the perfect finishing touch to any Thanksgiving feast. It can be made from scratch or with a mix and can be either savory or sweet. No matter your preference, there’s gravy for you. Here are the ten most popular gravies of all time.
Candied Yams
Candied yams are a holiday staple for many Americans. Though the dish is often associated with Thanksgiving, it can be enjoyed anytime. Candied yams are sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor.
Coating yams make the dish in a sugar and spice mixture, then bake them until they’re soft and caramelized. Serve candied yams alongside your other holiday favorites, or enjoy them as a tasty dessert.
Cornbread Dressing
According to a survey conducted by the Food Network in 2017, cornbread dressing is the most popular Thanksgiving food.
And it’s no wonder why! This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of herbs, spices, and vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time, which is always a bonus on Thanksgiving Day.
If you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite, try adding chopped bacon or sausage to your cornbread dressing this year. You won’t be disappointed!
Fluffy Potato Rolls
There’s nothing quite like a fluffy, buttery roll to round out a big Thanksgiving feast. These particular rolls get their deliciousness from mashed potatoes, making them extra- moist and giving them a slight hint of sweetness.
If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds, look no further than these Fluffy Potato Rolls. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll kick yourself for not trying them sooner.
So what are you waiting for? Give these delectable rolls a try this Thanksgiving, and see just how popular they’ll become!
Dry Brined Turkey
Dry-brined turkeys are all the rage these days and for a good reason. The process is simple:
- Rub the bird with a salt-sugar mixture.
- Let it sit overnight.
- Rinse it off and roast as usual.
The result is a juicy, flavorful turkey that will be a hit at your holiday feast.
Holiday Roasted Vegetables
One of the best things about holiday roasted vegetables is that they can be made ahead of time. This means that on the day of, all you have to do is pop them in the oven and let them roast away.
Also, this dish is great because it can be easily tailored to your liking. If you don’t like one of the vegetables listed, leave it out or swap it for something else. The key to the flourishing success of this most popular thanksgiving food is to use various vegetables so that there is something for everyone.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic thanksgiving food that can be made with various fillings. They’re usually made with a combination of bread crumbs, herbs, and cheese and can be baked or fried.
One of the reasons they’re one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods is because they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be served as either an appetizer or a main course.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan pie cheesecake is a delicious and festive dessert for any holiday gathering. This dish contains a creamy cheesecake filling, pecans, and a shortbread crust.
Meanwhile, Pecan pie cheesecake is best served cold, so make it ahead of time! This dessert is sure to please everyone at your Thanksgiving feast.
To make this dish, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour the mixture into a prepared shortbread crust, and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Cauliflower Stuffing
Cauliflower stuffing is a popular thanksgiving food that can be made ahead of time and served cold or hot. It is a healthy alternative to traditional stuffing made with bread and is high in fiber and low in calories.
Cauliflower stuffing can be made with various ingredients, such as sausage, onions, celery, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs. The most popular way to eat cauliflower stuffing is with turkey, but it can also be eaten as a side dish or main course.
In addition, Cauliflower stuffing can be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the sausage.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving feast. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time to enjoy your holiday stress-free.
Turkey Cake
Turkey cake is one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods that have been around for centuries. It is made from various ingredients, including turkey, flour, eggs, and spices. The cake is usually served with a sweet sauce or gravy.
Also, It can be served with other traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Turkey cake is famous for those who do not eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
In addition, it is also a good option for those who are vegetarian or have allergies to poultry. Consider making a turkey cake if you want a unique and delicious Thanksgiving dessert!
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a popular Thanksgiving food for a reason. They’re creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated on the day of.
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is a popular dish on the Thanksgiving table. It is usually made with cornbread, celery, onions, and sage. Other ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, or sausage are added to the mix. This dish is usually served as a side dish but can also be the main course.
Ranch-Seasoned Roast Turkey
Ranch-Seasoned Roast Turkey is the most popular thanksgiving food of all time. It’s a classic dish that everyone loves, and it’s easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover turkey you might have from the night before.
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are the number one side dish on Thanksgiving, and for a good reason. They’re filling, comforting, and easy to make. This year, try something new and make your mashed potatoes with brown butter. It’s a simple change that will take your dish to the next level.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods for a reason. They’re creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. Plus, they’re super versatile. You can add all sorts of mix-ins to mashed potatoes to create a unique dish that everyone will love.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that vegans, vegetarians can enjoy, and meat-eaters alike. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any holiday feast. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, making them a delicious and nutritious part of any Thanksgiving feast.
Skillet Green Beans
Green beans are a classic Thanksgiving side dish. They’re easy to make and can be made ahead of time. They’re also budget-friendly, which is always a plus. Skillet green beans are a great way to get your veggies while enjoying all Thanksgiving flavors. Plus, they’re just plain delicious.
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish is a creamy, dreamy, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s also one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods of all time.
This dish ranks fourth on our list of top dishes for the holiday season. Lucky for you, this recipe has only five ingredients and is so easy to make! If you don’t have any sweet potatoes on hand or prefer not to use them, you can substitute mashed potatoes.
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This pie is a riff on the classic pecan pie, but with the addition of dark chocolate and bourbon. The chocolate adds richness to the filling, while the bourbon kicks it.
This pie is sure to be a hit with your guests! It’s even easier than most pies because there’s no need for an unbaked crust.
The crust can be made and frozen before you’re ready to bake it up just before dinner. Plus, this recipe has only six ingredients, so you’ll have plenty of time left to cook other dishes!
Green Bean Casserole
This dish is always a staple on our family’s Thanksgiving table. My mom makes the best green bean casserole ever. It’s a simple dish that only requires a few ingredients, but it’s so delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in!
Stuffing
In the United States, stuffing is a dish traditionally served as part of the Thanksgiving feast. It is usually made with a bread-based mixture, herbs, and spices and often contains chopped onions and celery. Stuffing is typically cooked inside the turkey but can also be baked in a separate dish.
Pie
There’s no denying that pie is one of the most popular Thanksgiving. After all, what would the holiday be without pumpkin pie or apple pie? But did you know that many different pies can be enjoyed on Thanksgiving?
Here are 10 of the most popular pastries, both traditional and modern, that are sure to please everyone at your holiday table.
Sweet Potato Casserole
One of the most popular Thanksgiving foods is sweet potato casserole. This dish is usually made with sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and marshmallows.
Sweet potato casserole is a beloved thanksgiving food because it is delicious and nostalgic. This dish reminds many people of their childhood thanksgiving dinners spent with family.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods for a few reasons:
- It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
- It’s an excellent way to use up cranberries, which are in season during the fall.
- It pairs well with turkey and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
- It’s relatively healthy since it’s made with fruit.
- It can be made in a variety of ways, so there’s something for everyone.
- It’s festive and colorful.
- Leftovers can be used in a variety of recipes.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods for a reason. It’s festive, flavorful, and perfect for the fall season. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic thanksgiving food that has been around for centuries. This dessert is made with a flaky crust and a sweet filling with apples, sugar, and spices. Apple pie is usually served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pecan pie
Pecan pie is a beloved Thanksgiving dessert, and it’s no wonder why. This sweet and nutty pie is the perfect ending to a big holiday meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, which is always a bonus.
According to a recent poll, the most popular Thanksgiving food is turkey. This delicious bird has been a holiday staple for centuries, and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon. Other popular dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin pie.
Conclusion
So whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to mix things up this year, there’s something for everyone on this list.
