The Most Beloved Thanksgiving Food, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most beloved!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:21

At family gatherings around Thanksgiving, there's always a bit of friendly debate about which dish deserves the spotlight. Different preferences emerge, sparking discussions that blend tradition with personal taste. This dynamic can make it challenging to determine which Thanksgiving foods truly capture the hearts of the majority. Through this online ranking, you have the power to share your preferences and see how they stack up against the masses. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of the nation's favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Participating not only adds your voice to the collective chorus but also helps to shape a consensus that extends beyond your own dining table.

What Is the Most Beloved Thanksgiving Food?

1

88
votes
Turkey

The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals, turkey is a beloved food during this holiday. It's often roasted or baked to perfection and served with gravy and stuffing.
Turkey is a large domesticated bird native to North America. It is widely regarded as a delicious and nutritious meat that is commonly consumed during special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The turkey has a distinctive flavor and a tender texture when cooked properly. It has become a popular choice for meat lovers around the world.

Size: Adult turkeys can range in weight from 5 to 30 pounds, with males (toms) being larger than females (hens).

Habitat: Turkeys are adaptable birds found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

Diet: Their natural diet consists of seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and occasionally small reptiles.

Lifespan: In the wild, turkeys typically live for 3 to 5 years, but domesticated turkeys can live up to 10 years.

Breeding: Turkeys are polygamous and have elaborate courtship displays. The female lays around 10 to 12 eggs and incubates them for about a month.
2

48
votes
Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a staple Thanksgiving side dish. They pair well with turkey and gravy, and can be customized with toppings like cheese, bacon, or sour cream.
Mashed potatoes is a classic and beloved Thanksgiving food that consists of boiled potatoes that are mashed and mixed with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. The resulting dish has a creamy and smooth texture, with a rich and savory flavor. Mashed potatoes are often served as a side dish, complementing roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving delicacies.

Potatoes: Boiled, mashed

Butter: Added for richness

Milk: Added for creaminess

Salt: Added for seasoning

Pepper: Added for seasoning
Mashed Potatoes in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular side dish in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular comfort food
3

28
votes
Stuffing

Also known as dressing, stuffing is a mixture of bread, herbs, and vegetables that's cooked inside the turkey or separately. It's a classic Thanksgiving side dish that adds texture and flavor to the meal.
Stuffing is a traditional Thanksgiving dish that consists of a seasoned bread mixture typically cooked inside the turkey or separately as a side dish. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that adds depth to the Thanksgiving feast.

Bread type: Typically made with crusty bread such as white bread, cornbread, or sourdough.

Seasoning: Commonly flavored with a combination of herbs, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary, as well as onions and celery.

Variations: There are numerous regional and personal variations of stuffing, incorporating ingredients like sausage, chestnuts, apples, cranberries, or nuts.

Cooking method: Stuffing can be cooked inside the turkey, called stuffing, or separately in a casserole dish, called dressing.

Texture: The texture of stuffing can be moist or crispy, depending on the cooking method and individual preference.
4

29
votes
Veganbaking.net from USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Cranberry Sauce

Tart and sweet cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to Thanksgiving turkey. It's made by cooking cranberries with sugar, water, and sometimes other ingredients like orange zest or cinnamon.
Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment made from cranberries, a small round fruit native to North America. It is typically served as a side dish or topping during Thanksgiving meals. The sauce has a vibrant red color and a thick, gelatinous consistency, with a balance of sweetness and acidity. It can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, depending on personal preference.

Main Ingredient: Cranberries

Texture: Thick and gelatinous

Color: Vibrant red

Taste: Sweet and tangy

Consistency: Smooth and spreadable
5

20
votes
Rick Kimpel from Spring, TX, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Green Bean Casserole

Dorcas Reilly

This classic casserole is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It's a favorite Thanksgiving side dish that adds a touch of nostalgia to the meal.
Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish, typically served during Thanksgiving. It consists of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions on top. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a savory and comforting combination of flavors.

Main Ingredients: Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions

Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes

Cooking Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Serving Temperature: Hot

Texture: Creamy, soft green beans with crispy fried onions on top
6

7
votes
Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet and savory casserole is made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans. It's topped with marshmallows and baked until golden and bubbly.
Sweet Potato Casserole is a quintessential dish of Thanksgiving. It is a delectable combination of sweet potatoes, baked to perfection, and topped with a delightful mixture of butter, brown sugar, and pecans. The dish is then baked again until the topping turns crispy and golden, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Main ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, pecans

Texture: Creamy and soft sweet potatoes, crunchy pecan topping

Flavor: Sweet and savory combination

Preparation: Baking in the oven

Serving temperature: Hot
7

16
votes
Peggy Greb · Public domain

Pumpkin Pie

A classic Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie is made with a spiced pumpkin filling and a flaky crust. It's often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Pumpkin Pie is a traditional American dessert that is commonly enjoyed during the fall and winter seasons. It is a sweet pastry pie filled with a smooth and creamy pumpkin-based custard. The crust is typically made from a combination of flour, butter, and sometimes sugar. The filling is made by blending cooked and mashed pumpkin with sugar, eggs, milk or cream, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The pie is baked until the filling sets and the crust turns golden brown. It is usually served chilled or at room temperature, often topped with whipped cream.

Primary ingredients: Pumpkin, sugar, eggs, milk/cream

Crust: Pastry made from flour, butter, sometimes sugar

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves

Serving temperature: Chilled or at room temperature

Topping: Often served with whipped cream
Pumpkin Pie in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Christmas pie
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular pie at Marie Callender's
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beloved dessert in America
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Kit Kat flavor
8

8
votes
Gravy

This savory sauce is made with the drippings from the turkey and thickened with flour or cornstarch. It's an essential part of the Thanksgiving meal, providing moisture and flavor to the turkey and other dishes.
Gravy is a thick, savory sauce that has become an essential component of Thanksgiving feasts. It is typically made from the pan drippings of roasted meat, such as turkey or chicken, combined with flour or cornstarch and broth or stock. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that is often poured over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other Thanksgiving dishes, adding moisture and enhancing their taste.

Ingredients: Pan drippings, flour or cornstarch, broth or stock

Thickness: Varies depending on personal preference, ranging from thin to thick

Flavor: Savory, rich, and often seasoned with herbs and spices

Color: Ranges from light brown to deep brown depending on the drippings used

Usage: Typically poured over roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other Thanksgiving dishes
9

8
votes
Cornbread

Cornbread is a popular side dish in the southern United States, and it's often served at Thanksgiving. It's made with cornmeal and flour, and can be sweet or savory.
Cornbread is a traditional American bread made primarily with cornmeal. It is popular during Thanksgiving and is enjoyed as a side dish or as a base for stuffing. The bread has a rich golden color, a slightly crumbly texture, and a mildly sweet and savory taste.

Main ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and leavening agents

Texture: Slightly crumbly

Color: Golden

Taste: Mildly sweet and savory

Serving style: Served as a square or wedge-shaped slices
10

11
votes
Dan Parsons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Apple Pie

While pumpkin pie is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert, apple pie is a close second. It's made with thinly sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon, and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Apple pie is a classic dessert in America, loved for its warm and comforting flavors. It typically consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a sweet and tart apple filling. The filling is made by combining sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices or flavorings. The pie is typically baked until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. It is often served warm and can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Crust: Flaky pie crust

Filling: Sweet and tart apple filling

Ingredients: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, spices/flavorings

Baking: Baked until golden brown crust and tender apples

Serving: Often served warm
Apple Pie in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beloved dessert in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular pie at Marie Callender's
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Christmas pie
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular dessert in Iowa
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular pie in South Africa
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular food in Kansas

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Ranking factors for beloved food

Taste

The overall deliciousness and flavor profile of the dish, as well as how well it complements other dishes served during Thanksgiving.
Tradition

The importance and prominence of the dish in Thanksgiving history and tradition. Some foods are classic staples of the holiday, while others may be newer additions.
Popularity

How many households typically serve the dish or how popular it is among people celebrating Thanksgiving.
Preparation and presentation

The time and effort needed to prepare and cook the dish, and how well it presents on the table alongside other dishes.
Texture and consistency

The variety of textures and consistency within the dish and how they contribute to the overall eating experience. Some people might prefer foods that are crunchy, while others might prefer more creamy or smooth dishes.
Versatility

How easily the dish can be adapted to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or ingredients (e.g., making it vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free).
Nutritional value

The overall healthiness of the dish, taking into consideration the ingredients, portions, and potential health benefits.
Leftover potential

How well the dish can be repurposed as leftovers in the days following Thanksgiving, and whether it retains its flavor and appeal.
Local or regional significance

If a particular dish is popular or significant in a specific region or culture and contributes to holiday traditions.
Sentimentality

The personal or emotional connection people may have to particular dishes due to family traditions, memories, or other associations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved Thanksgiving food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2369 views
255 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beloved thanksgiving food

Thanksgiving is a time when we come together with our loved ones to share a hearty meal and express gratitude for all the good things in our lives. And speaking of meals, there are few things more iconic to Thanksgiving than the food. From turkey to cranberry sauce to pumpkin pie, there are a plethora of dishes that make up the quintessential Thanksgiving feast. But which dish is the most beloved? That's a question that has sparked lively debates and discussions for decades. Some people swear by the succulent turkey, while others claim that the stuffing is the star of the show. And let's not forget about the sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes, all of which have their own loyal fan bases. Ultimately, the answer to this question is a matter of personal taste. Everyone has their own favorite Thanksgiving dish, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But that's what makes the holiday so special - we all come together to share our favorite foods and create new memories with our loved ones. So whether you're a die-hard turkey fan or a pumpkin pie aficionado, let's all raise a glass (of cider, of course) to the most delicious holiday of the year!