For most families, the turkey is the star of Thanksgiving Day. A lot of times there’s a big presentation, and it takes center stage on the holiday table. But a case can be made that the real stars of the Thanksgiving Day table are the sides.
Depending on your family, you may have the ubiquitous sides of: stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, etc. And then there are different sides based on region and culture. Sides like: pumpkin empanadas, manicotti, collard greens, mac and cheese, plus various salads and casseroles.
We (the GetUp Crew) had a HEATED discussion, both on and off the air, fighting over the best and worst sides. Let’s just say that we almost threw down over the inclusion of rolls. We decided that we were going to each rank our favorite Thanksgiving Day sides.
Try this with your family, friends, or co-workers too. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you if WWIII breaks out.
Ramiro's #5 - Mac & Cheese
“Now here’s my conundrum. All of the other sides can be justified as semi healthy. But mac & cheese??? There’s nothing healthy about it. However, the sh*t is delicious. I’ll even throw a couple scoops on my plate if it’s just Kraft Mac & Cheese.” – Ramiro
Ramiro's #4 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
“I like roasted Brussels sprouts. That’s pretty much it. Throw some bacon bits in there and I’m a happy bitch.” – Ramiro
Ramiro's #3 - Rolls
“It’s a staple. And the chances of having just average dinner rolls for Thanksgiving are slim. The holiday rolls are usually spiced up in some way, shape, or form.” – Ramiro
Ramiro's #2 - Mashed sweet potatoes
“It’s delicious whether it’s plain, mashed or made with marshmallows in a casserole.” – Ramiro
Ramiro's #1 favorite Thanksgiving Day side - Stuffing
“I’ll go further and say that if I can only choose ONE side for Thanksgiving, I’d choose stuffing. This is a staple dish that can be made in a plethora of ways.” – Ramiro
Pebbles' #5 - Cranberry sauce
“When I say cranberry sauce, I’m talking about the blob of sweet deliciousness from the can. If it’s not cold from the fridge with the ridges on it, I don’t want it. SO good!” – Pebbles
Pebbles' #4 - A tie between mashed potatoes and mac & cheese
“I couldn’t pick only one. Mashed potatoes just scream Thanksgiving to me. As far as mac & cheese, I didn’t grow up having it for Thanksgiving. I believe you don’t volunteer to bring the mac & cheese unless you know what you’re doing. I didn’t until several years ago. I’ll be bringing it this year. Mac & cheese is so damn good.” – Pebbles
Pebbles' #3 - Stuffing
“Another side that just screams Thanksgiving to me. I rarely eat it any other time of the year, and that’s what makes it so special to me.” – Pebbles
Pebbles' #2 - My Auntie Dot's "fancy rice"
“My Auntie Dot makes the most delicious rice. We’ve had it since childhood and for some reason we started calling it her “fancy rice.” I’m not sure how it got that name, but it’s stuck. I think it has a pack of Lipton chicken noodle soup in it along with a bunch of other delicious herbs and spices. It’s fancy to us!” – Pebbles
This picture is not the actual rice, but it’s the closest I could find. And this is my Auntie Dot.
Pebbles' #1 favorite Thanksgiving Day side - My mother's jello salad
“Listen, I know everyone is going to say ugh, jello salad? Yes jello salad. It is the absolute favorite, most requested side on Thanksgiving. My mother makes bowls and bowls of them. It’s actually a layered salad that has jello and fruit on the bottom. Then sour cream. Yes, sour cream. And then another layer of jello and fruit. There’s a special way that it needs to be made, and I think I’m going to have to learn how to make it at some point. It’s freaking amazing! Trust me.” – Pebbles
Melissa's #5 - Cranberry Sauce
“I like to mix it with everything for a nice tangy twist.” – Melissa
Melissa's #4 - Corn
“It’s a pretend vegetable but I don’t like actual veggies so this is me pretending to be healthy.” – Melissa
Melissa's #3 - Rolls
It’s a perfect appetizer…drowned with butter.” – Melissa
Melissa's #2 - Mashed Potatoes
“You need that carb with tons of butter.” – Melissa
Melissa's #1 Thanksgiving Day side - Stuffing
“It just tastes like magic in your mouth.” -Melissa
Leroy's #5 - Cranberry Sauce
Leroy's #4 - Cornbread
Leroy's #3 - Collard Greens
Leroy's #2 - Candied Yams
Leroy's #1 Thanksgiving Day side - Mac & Cheese
