Mac N Cheese is a Thanksgiving Side Dish
Let’s get this out of the way, mac n cheese is a Thanksgiving side dish. And I am kind of shocked at how many people disagree with that statement. Some of the reasons that I have heard why mac n cheese is not include; its not traditional, cheese doesn’t belong on a Thanksgiving table, and the most simple retort: it’s childish. Well allow me to debunk all of those reasons.
It’s Not Traditional
This is not true. According to Ryan W. Owen dating back to 1883 Thanksgiving meals included a dish of boiled noodles, tomato sauce, and grated cheese. Plus, very few items on the table were on the table at the original Thanksgiving. Outside of corn and cranberries everything on our tables we’re not enjoyed by the original Pilgrims and Native Americans. Fish, dried fruit, fowl, and venison were some of the items enjoyed originally. So the “it’s not traditional” doesn’t work here. By that logic take the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and dinner rolls off the table this Thanksgiving.
Cheese Doesn’t Belong
This is perhaps the most annoying of the mac n cheese non-believers come backs. How are you going to say cheese doesn’t belong at Thanksgiving when ever random aunt who comes over has a cheesy green bean casserole? How about a nice cheesy mashed potato to round out your 1st serving? Don’t tell me cheese doesn’t belong when most Thanksgiving dinners/lunches have some sort of cheese present.
It’s Childish
Who are you to tell me it’s childish to have mac n cheese on my Thanksgiving plate. Cheese and turkey have gone together for ever! Have you ever had a turkey sandwich without cheese on it? Of course not. I’ve already talked about the cheesy mashed potatoes and casseroles that include cheese. Not to mention some of the nicest restaurants in the world have gourmet mac n’ cheese. As I’ve laid out, mac n’ cheese is a Thanksgiving side dish and belongs at the table with the rest of your family this Thanksgiving.
Top Ten Thanksgiving Sides In Florida
10. Crescent Rolls
These flaky, buttery, warm rolls always are perfect to have on the table for Thanksgiving. Who doesn’t love them? A big plus to this dish is that it is one of the quickest and convenient things you will make.
Fresh croissants on white background
9. Baked Sweet Potatoes
This dish has just the perfect amount of sweetness to add onto your plate. Personally I would rank this side dish higher, probably even in my top three. My mother makes the best sweet potatoes that makes you want to just get another one.
Homemade Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
8. Green Beans
While this side dish is a staple in almost every house hold, every family has their own spin on green beans. Some add bacon to the dish while some keep it plain and simple. No matter how your family prepares the green beans, it will always be a crowd favorite!
Healthy Homemade Thanksgiving Green Beans in a Bowl
7. Corn on the Cob
Another staple to have on you table for Thanksgiving. While it might be one of the hardest dishes to eat from the list of sides, it is one of the tastiest as well! I would rank this in my top three as well.
Homemade Elote Mexican Street Corn on a plate, side view. Close-up.
6. Green Bean Casserole
This dish is a favorite for many households, including mine as well. My family takes the casseroles very serious for Thanksgiving and it is always gone within the hour. Personally, I never have liked green bean casserole and I would say it is one of the most overhyped sides for Thanksgiving.
Homemade Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Onions
5. Macaroni and Cheese
The best dish that one can make or bring on Thanksgiving. I am always on macaroni duty for my Friendsgiving’s because this is my favorite dish ever. I can not imagine a world that does not have this dish. Its perfect.
macaroni pasta and cheese bake with creamy bechamel sauce.
4. Gravy
Gravy done right- salty, a little sweet, with the perfect amount of balanced spices. While growing up in Oklahoma, I have learned that people do not play about their gravy! I understand why it is so high up in the rankings.
gravy sauce in sauce pod with mashed potato
3. Bread
Taking the third spot is bread. While I found it odd due to my family never just serving bread on Thanksgiving, I can see why other families do. If cornbread is classified in this category then I am very supportive of the rankings. Cornbread is superior and a essential on the table.
Close up of freshly baked homemade corn bread muffins
2. Mashed Potatoes
Another top three for me and Florida is in agreeance as well! This side is always needed at Thanksgiving and goes perfectly with any main entree that your family chooses.
mashed potato compound butter herb baguette thyme rosemary coriander oregano fresh chopped homemade food snack tasty
1. Stuffing
Ranking number one on Florida’s most favorite side dishes. With its rich, moist, savory taste- everyone loves it!
A bowl of cornbread stuffing with celery and turkey chunks
