Published November 4, 2024
BY DANIELA FOLEY
As the days inch closer and closer to Nov. 28, the beloved Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching. For many, that entails awkward political discussions with a mysterious uncle no one really knows, rehashing shushed family affairs from decades ago or perhaps being forced to partake in a yearly Thanksgiving trot. However, one thing remains the same for most: the feast that awaits in the early evening. From apple pie to cranberry sauce, ranking the classic American Thanksgiving menu that leaves many with bloated bellies and unbuttoned pants may be subjective, but I have put my expert tastebuds to the test to determine the most mouth-watering cuisines sautéed on Thanksgiving day.
A key staple of the holiday’s dinner, turkey is what truly makes or breaks Thanksgiving. Depending on the manner in which it is cooked, it can either be absolutely delectable or a dry disaster. When done right, turkey can be one of the best platters. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. 6/10
Personally, ham is not my favorite dish. Relatively uninteresting and lacking the star quality factor I would anticipate from a Thanksgiving dish, it is a meh out of 10. 5/10
The creamy, buttery contents of mashed potatoes are simply irresistible and possibly one of the best sides on Thanksgiving day. Though they are delectable, one complaint I do have is that they must be eaten in smaller quantities. After a few too many bites, mashed potatoes do have the tendency to lose their spark. 7/10
The sweet, yet tangy taste of cranberry sauce is a flawless combination. The perfect topper to some turkey, I honestly have no complaints. Both tart and sweet, cranberry sauce attracts people with all different sorts of taste preferences. 8/10
While not every family chooses to indulge in macaroni and cheese as a part of their Thanksgiving dinner, every family should. Without a doubt, the delectable crispiness paired with the creamy essence of the cheese is nothing short of perfection. I would not even expect Gordan Ramsay to refuse this dish. 9/10
Though not technically a food item, apple cider is a highlight of any Thanksgiving meal. The perfect holiday drink, apple cider never fails to take the cake. Having the perfect tones of apple, mixed with the perfect amount of carbonation, cider is the ideal drink to sip along Thanksgiving dinner. 8/10
Always a fan favorite, pumpkin pie ties the fall flavors into the tail end of an already wonderful meal. Though most stomachs around the dinner table have already swelled to resemble that of an elephant seal at this point in the night, dinner does not end until the pumpkin pie has been sliced up. While pumpkin pie is absolutely delicious, it is a close second to apple pie. 8/10
Just like pumpkin pie, apple pie really sets the holiday and fall atmosphere with a superb combination of flavors. Worthy of the gods, apple pie is exactly what one would call a little slice of heaven. Having quite the sweet tooth myself, apple pie is an absolutely inviting dish. Just like Mickey Mouse, when I smell that particular sweet treat, I too am floating in the air toward the awaiting pie. 10/10
