Thanksgiving is known for its gathering of family, but it is possibly known even more for its food.

Family recipes emerge once a year to make an appearance at the Thanksgiving feast. Many foods are common to find on the table, but not all are agreed upon. People have differing opinions as to which foods are good. With that said, here is a review of the six most common Thanksgiving foods.

Green Bean Casserole: 6/10

It seemed that green bean casserole wasn’t as popular this year, but it definitely still made its way to the table. A more soupy consistency may lower the rating for Thanksgiving dinner due to it spreading on the plate. Those who prefer their foods to not touch may have a problem with this. Though a second plate or bowl may be available, there may not be enough room on the table for everyone to have two plates. The casseroles that brought back nostalgic memories were the ones that had all flavors in one bite including the nice crunch of the crispy fried onions on top. Green bean casserole has been a classic Thanksgiving side dish for many years, and many feel that it will not be going away anytime soon. 

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: 9.5/10

The incredible flavors in creamery and warm mashed potatoes were a fan favorite this Thanksgiving. From basic whipped mashed potatoes to savory garlic and even double baked, this year’s mashed potatoes did not disappoint. When it came to the gravy, many families got creative by making it out of the juices from the cooked turkey. Though many like to spread the gravy to multiple sides on their plate, those who like to keep it solely for the potatoes were not disappointed. This classic dish has been a part of Thanksgiving meals for decades and will definitely stick around for a while.

Turkey: 7/10

Known as the most common food and mascot of Thanksgiving, turkey is the favorite dish of many. Over 46 million turkeys were eaten by families all across America this year. It is most commonly eaten with gravy, which is cooked along with the turkey. Turkey has the potential to have a very rich flavor and texture. However, it is very easy to mess up. Turkey is one of the most difficult dishes to cook. It can quickly become dry and flavorless. Many families will also choose to cook a ham instead of a turkey. Most times, it is cooked perfectly, but because of how dry it can get, turkey has to be rated a 7/10.

Stuffing: 9/10

Stuffing is also one of the main staples of Thanksgiving. A combination of bread, egg, vegetables, and seasonings, it seems like an interesting combination of ingredients. At first glance, it may appear to be a terrible dish. However, because everything is cooked inside the turkey, stuffing is infused with amazing texture and flavor. It can be eaten in many different ways as well. It can be eaten plain, with the turkey, or with gravy on top. No matter how it is eaten, it tastes good no matter what. 

Pumpkin Pie: 7/10

When asked what the dessert staple of Thanksgiving is, most immediately say pumpkin pie. It’s no surprise that fifty-million pumpkin pies are baked each year, as this delicious treat is the perfect ending to a Thanksgiving dinner. As a symbol of the harvest time and fall it is made in many variations and often topped with whipped cream. But what makes pumpkin pie so popular is the strong, contrasting opinions that people have about it. Some find it bland while others find it delectable. But whether you enjoy this treat or not, it’s hard to imagine a Thanksgiving dinner table without pumpkin pie.

Sweet Potato Casserole: 4/10

This dish is quite a divisive one: some despise it while others devour it. When made properly, sweet potato casserole is creamy and sweet. It is commonly topped with melted/toasted marshmallows or pecans. However, the texture tends to turn people away due to the mushy consistency. Overall this dish certainly isn’t a favorite, but is still seen as a common side in Thanksgiving dinners.

All in all, Thanksgiving is a great way to gear up for the holidays, spend time with family, but most importantly, indulge in tasty food. But if you’re not a hundred percent sure what to make, we hope this food review will guide you in the right direction!