Ranking Every Thanksgiving Food But the Turkey: The Underrated Stars of the Feast

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the turkey tends to steal the spotlight, there’s a whole chorus of delicious side dishes and desserts waiting to take center stage! In this post, we’ll celebrate the best Thanksgiving foods that aren’t turkey, while giving you the ultimate guide on how to make them shine during your holiday feast.

Why These Dishes Are the MVPs of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and, of course, amazing food! While the turkey traditionally gets the most attention, it’s the sides and desserts that truly make a meal memorable. From creamy mashed potatoes and rich stuffing to zesty green bean casserole and delightful pumpkin pie, these dishes often evoke cherished memories and evoke the flavors of home. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow lineup of Thanksgiving delights that will impress your guests and elevate your festive table!

Ingredients

Here’s a list of some must-have Thanksgiving side dishes to complement your feast—no turkey needed!

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds of potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1/2 cup of milk or cream
• 1/4 cup of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic or herbs for extra flavor

2. Savory Stuffing

• 1 loaf of bread (French or sourdough)
• 1 cup of celery, diced
• 1 cup of onion, diced
• 1-2 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 teaspoons of sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Green Bean Casserole

• 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup of crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: soy sauce for an umami depth

4. Pumpkin Pie

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 can of pumpkin puree
• 1 cup of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Instructions

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks; this ensures even cooking.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash until creamy and smooth.

How to Make Savory Stuffing

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cube the bread and lay it out to dry out; this prevents soggy stuffing!
3. Sauté diced celery and onion in butter until soft. Mix in cooked bread cubes in a large bowl.
4. Add sage, season, and moisten with broth. Bake in a greased casserole dish for about 30 minutes, until golden.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again.
2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes and then cool in ice water.
3. Mix green beans with cream of mushroom soup, half the fried onions, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake in a greased casserole dish for 30 minutes, then top with remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Combine pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and spices in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• Mashed Potatoes: Try adding roasted garlic for a flavorful twist!
• Stuffing: You can add apples or dried cranberries for sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
• Green Bean Casserole: A splash of soy sauce adds an umami punch—don’t skip it!
• Pumpkin Pie: Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving to enhance its visuals and flavor.

Conclusion: Make This Thanksgiving Memorable

Thanksgiving is about togetherness, and preparing these mouth-watering side dishes will ensure everyone leaves with smiles on their faces and full bellies. So this holiday season, go beyond the turkey and let these underrated stars shine on your table.

Try these recipes and let us know how they turned out for you! Happy feasting!