Thanksgiving dinner is a big mix of family traditions, classic recipes, and a lot of opinions about what dishes make the meal complete. From the iconic turkey to the sweet and savory side dishes, everyone has a favorite—or a least favorite. Some dishes, like mac and cheese and sweet potato casserole, stand out as must-haves, while others, like stuffing, don’t always live up to the hype. This guide rates each dish on the world renowned “Boom Meter” to help break down what makes certain foods the stars of the table and which ones might be better left out. So, whether you’re a fan of the classics or like a twist on tradition, here’s our take on the best and worst of Thanksgiving dinner.
Stuffing:
Stuffing is honestly one of our least favorite Thanksgiving dishes, some people love it, but I cannot see why. It is literally just a bread casserole. Maybe I have just never had a good dish of stuffing, but it seems to disappoint me every year. It is always extremely bland and has almost no flavor. It’s basically just soggy bread with some weird herbs mixed in. I try every year to be optimistic about it and give it a try, but every Thanksgiving it disappoints me again and again. There are much better bread dishes at Thanksgiving, like cornbread or just plain rolls. Every time I eat it I get really full and cannot eat anything else. That is probably my biggest problem with it because it seems to fill me up even if I have just one bite. Every year I ask my family to not make it, but someone always insists it is their favorite dish and that we need to make it. Stuffing always is very lackluster at the Thanksgiving table, and because of this we give it a measly 2/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM!
Sweet Potato Casserole:
The classic sweet potato casserole is hard to beat. With mashed sweet potatoes covered in a layer of marshmallows, the simplicity of this dish is probably the best part. Every time I see it taken out of the oven, with the marshmallows bubbling, my mouth begins to water and I grow even more excited for the Thanksgiving feast. This dish can be very sweet, that’s why I recommend only having a little, but there are plenty of other salty dishes to balance it out. Some people like to put pecans and brown sugar over top instead of the marshmallows. I have tried this version only once and I didn’t like it one bit. I think that people probably make this version to be healthy, but it’s Thanksgiving, there’s no point in being healthy. Honestly, it is hard to beat this classic Thanksgiving dish, that’s why we give it a 5/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Green Bean Casserole:
Some people do not include Green Bean Casserole in their Thanksgiving menu and I think this is a crime. My family added it to the dishes we made for the big feast a couple years ago, and I sure am glad we did. It has soon become one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Green bean casserole is honestly super underrated and actually one of the best dishes at Thanksgiving. I know some people think it’s just vegetables, but it’s so much better than it sounds. The green beans get mixed with this creamy, flavorful mushroom sauce that makes everything super rich and comforting. And I can’t forget about the best part, the crispy fried onions on top. They’re crunchy, salty, and add the perfect bit of texture to every bite. The whole dish is warm and gooey but still has that crunchy texture on top, which is awesome. Green bean casserole is one of those dishes that tastes good with pretty much everything on your plate, especially with turkey and mashed potatoes. Honestly, if it’s made right, it’s one of the things I look forward to every year. I’d be pretty bummed if it wasn’t on the table because it just feels like our Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without it. I give this dish a 4/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Mac and cheese:
Thanksgiving might traditionally be all about the turkey, but mac and cheese is a great side dish in its own right. The fresh gooey noodles melt in your mouth and make you crave for more. Mac and Cheese is a star dish and is always one of the first ones to go. Whether made with sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a blend of cheeses, mac and cheese brings rich, indulgent flavor and is loved by nearly everyone. No Thanksgiving meal is complete without some good homemade mac and cheese. Every time I take a bite of this delicious dish, I am transported back to my childhood. I honestly could eat just this dish and be happy for the rest of my life. This classic side gets a 5/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Turkey:
Turkey is the MVP when it comes to Thanksgiving. When you think of Thanksgiving, turkey is the thing that comes to mind. The iconic meat is essential to the table on thanksgiving day. It pairs well with everything especially coupled with the gravy and mashed potatoes. Also, the dish is only served on Thanksgiving and not on any other day which lets it have a non repetitive taste and something to look forward to. Turkey is great but can go wrong whether that is not cooking it enough, frying it causing a fire, or over cooking it. I have had many pieces of dry turkey for past Thanksgivings, and I can say that it ruins much of the meal. But if it is done right, turkey is often the best part of the Thanksgiving feast. For these reasons we give it a 4/5 on the Boom Meter, BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Apple Pie:
Apple pie is one of the best Thanksgiving foods because it brings together tradition and fall flavors. The mix of apples and cinnamon makes a dessert that’s tasty without being too sweet. Apples are in season, so the pie feels right for the holiday. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s a nice finish to the meal and captures the simple, comforting spirit of Thanksgiving. Apple Pie gets a 5/5 on the BOOM SCALE BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Mashed Potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are one of the best Thanksgiving foods because they’re super comforting and go with literally everything on the table. They have this creamy, smooth texture that’s perfect with turkey, gravy, and all the other sides. Plus, they’re made with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, and salt, so they taste amazing without being too heavy. Mashed potatoes just bring that warm, cozy vibe that makes Thanksgiving feel complete. We give this a 4/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Pumpkin Pie:
Pumpkin pie is definitely one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect way to end the whole meal. By the time you’ve had all the turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, you need something sweet, and pumpkin pie really hits the spot. The filling is smooth and creamy, and it has all those spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that come together in your mouth and taste amazing. Plus, the crust is buttery and flaky, which is perfect with the soft filling. And honestly, adding a big dollop of whipped cream on top just makes it even better. It’s warm, cozy, and just feels like the holidays. Even if I’m already full, I always make room for a slice of pumpkin pie because it doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving without it. If pumpkin pie isn’t one of the desserts at your Thanksgiving feast, then something is wrong with you. We give pumpkin pie a 5/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Cranberries:
Cranberry sauce is one of the most underrated sides of Thanksgiving. Seeing that cylinder of sugar and cranberries slide out of the can is one of the best things about Thanksgiving. I put this stuff on everything, but it is best when you put some on the turkey. If I ever get a dry piece of turkey, I smother it in this sauce to save it. Sometimes I’ll have a small spoonful of the sauce by itself. The sweet tangy taste balances out all the rich flavors of the rest of the meal. The homemade stuff is good, but you can’t beat that processed flavor of cranberries straight from the can. We give this a 5/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Gravy:
Gravy is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving because it pulls everything on the plate together with its warm, savory flavor. It’s like the glue that brings turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the other sides into one delicious experience. With just a few basic ingredients like pan drippings, broth, and flour, gravy adds richness without being overwhelming, soaking into everything it touches and making each bite even better. Plus, it’s a tradition Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without pouring that golden-brown sauce over everything. Gravy makes the whole meal feel more special, giving the perfect, comforting flavor that’s essential for the holiday. Gravy gets a 5/5 on the boom scale BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Rolls:
Rolls are a must-have at Thanksgiving, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. Soft, fluffy, and often buttery, they perfectly complement every dish, from turkey to mashed potatoes. Whether you’re dunking them in gravy or using them to make a leftover sandwich, rolls never disappoint. They’re simple but essential, adding that perfect touch to the meal. Their ability to pair with everything and satisfy everyone at the table makes them one of the standout dishes of Thanksgiving. For their perfect balance of comfort and versatility, rolls earn a 5/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Carrots:
Carrots at Thanksgiving are one of those side dishes that are often overlooked. While they can add a bit of sweetness and color to the plate, they tend to get lost among the more exciting dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing. Whether they’re roasted or glazed, carrots often don’t stand out enough to be a favorite. They’re fine, but they don’t add much to the overall Thanksgiving experience. For their simple, sometimes bland nature, carrots earn a 3/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Cornbread:
Cornbread is a Thanksgiving favorite that brings a little extra warmth and sweetness to the table. With its crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavor, it’s perfect on its own or paired with gravy, butter, or even a bit of cranberry sauce. Cornbread adds a touch of Southern comfort to the meal, and its slightly sweet taste balances out the savory flavors of turkey and stuffing. It’s a nice change from regular dinner rolls, adding variety and a cozy, homemade feel. For its classic flavor and versatility, cornbread gets a 5/5 on the Boom Meter. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food and family, and as we’ve seen, there’s a wonderful variety of dishes that make up a traditional Thanksgiving meal. From the classic turkey and gravy to sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and even the often-debated stuffing, each dish has a special role in creating the comforting, nostalgic meal we all look forward to. And while everyone has their own favorites and family traditions, Thanksgiving is really about more than just the food on the table. It’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter and stories, and appreciating the time spent together. Each dish, whether it’s a beloved staple like apple pie or a simple side like carrots, contributes to the warmth and joy of the holiday. These foods bring people together, creating a shared experience that brings out the best of family and friendship. So, from us at the Talon, we want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with great food, wonderful company, and the special moments with the family that make this holiday special.
