Foods On Thanksgiving Dinner Ranked From Best To Worst

Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full-on food marathon. The foods on Thanksgiving dinner tables are legendary, each with a story, a fan club, and sometimes a heated debate attached. From turkey to pies, every dish earns its spot differently. Some foods are icons, holding down tradition for generations, while others only hang around because, well, it wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without them.

This ranking is about more than just flavor—it’s about tradition, vibe, and how each dish actually performs when it’s time to eat. Some thanksgiving dishes hit like a champion, making you want seconds before you’ve even finished your plate. Others are overrated, messy, or just there to make the table look full. And let’s be honest: food styling can trick you, but messy plates and overloaded forks are the true heart of the meal.

So grab your fork and get ready for some hot takes. From turkey glory to pie wars, I’m breaking down the Thanksgiving dinner menu from best to worst. Some dishes deserve crowns, others deserve shade, and a few probably need to retire already. Agree with me or not, that’s the fun—just don’t fight me for the last dinner roll.

1. Turkey: The Star of the Show

Turkey is the face of food on Thanksgiving dinner, the dish people picture when they hear “holiday meal.” The thanksgiving turkey sits in the center of the holiday table, golden brown, roasted to perfection, and brought out with enough drama to make everyone stop talking and start drooling. It’s the whole bird moment, the one that makes the traditional Thanksgiving dinner feel complete.

But here’s the catch: turkey is a high-risk, high-reward dish. When cooked right—with butter rubbed under the skin, kosher salt sprinkled generously, and patience in the oven—it’s juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable. When overcooked, though? Dry, stringy, and disappointing. Nobody wants to chew cardboard on the biggest food holiday of the year. That’s why gravy is turkey’s best friend. Pour on giblet gravy and suddenly the bird is saved.

Turkey may not win “best flavor” compared to rich stuffing or spiced pumpkin pie, but it’s the symbol of the feast. Even when people try turkey alternatives—ham, chicken, prime rib—nothing replaces the sight of a carved roast turkey. Tradition makes it untouchable, and leftovers make it legendary. Turkey is king, even when it needs a little gravy crown.

2. Stuffing: The True MVP

If turkey is king, stuffing is the power behind the throne. This is the dish that quietly outshines the bird on many plates. Stuffing—savory bread, herbs, onions, and maybe sausage or chestnuts—brings flavor and heart to the Thanksgiving spread. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, it’s essential. Bake it inside the bird and it soaks up juices, or cook it separately and you get that crispy golden top everyone fights over. Either way, it wins.

But let’s be real: stuffing can flop. When it’s bland, soggy, or under seasoned, it falls fast in the rankings. Nobody wants wet bread on their plate. Still, most families have their own stuffing recipe passed down like treasure, and the right one is unbeatable. Cornbread dressing in the South, oyster stuffing on the coast, sausage-loaded pans up North—every version has its loyal fans.

Stuffing isn’t just a side dish. It’s tradition, nostalgia, and the dish people dream about more than turkey itself. On many plates, it’s the first bite and the last bite. Without stuffing, Thanksgiving feels unfinished. And honestly? It deserves MVP more often than it gets.

3. Mashed Potatoes: Comfort in a Bowl

Mashed potatoes are the comfort blanket of food on Thanksgiving dinner. Creamy, fluffy, buttery—they’re simple, but they anchor the plate. Without mashed potatoes, where would the gravy go? They’re the perfect partner to turkey, the neutral base that makes every bite better. On a plate filled with bold flavors, mashed potatoes are steady and dependable.

The recipe is deceptively simple: potatoes, butter, cream, and salt. That’s all you need for greatness. But mashed potatoes can crash hard when done wrong. Lumpy, gluey, watery, or under-seasoned potatoes will tank the dish’s ranking fast. The best versions, though, are dreamy: smooth with just the right seasoning, maybe with roasted garlic or melted cheese for flair.

And let’s not forget food styling magic—a fluffy pile of potatoes with a pat of butter melting into the center is picture-perfect. Kids eat them without fuss, picky eaters dig in happily, and leftovers can be repurposed into fried potato patties. You can eat potatoes year round, but on Thanksgiving, they’re sacred. Mashed potatoes may not be dramatic, but they’re always dependable—comfort in every spoonful, and easily top-tier in the rankings.

4. Gravy: The Liquid Gold

Gravy is the fixer, the savior, the glue that holds the entire Thanksgiving meal together. Without it, turkey risks being dry, mashed potatoes risk being boring, and stuffing risks feeling incomplete. With it? Every bite becomes magic. That’s why gravy ranks so high—it may not be the star, but it’s the dish that rescues the stars.

The secret weapon is giblet gravy. Those turkey drippings mixed with flour and broth create a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and unforgettable. But gravy is a balancing act. Too thin and it’s watery sadness. Too thick and you’re spooning paste. Bad gravy drags the whole meal down, but great gravy? It elevates everything on the plate.

Gravy is also the hero of leftovers. Cold turkey sandwich? Add gravy. Dry stuffing? Gravy. Next-day reheated mashed potatoes? Gravy to the rescue. It’s the one dish that keeps working long after Thanksgiving Day. While it doesn’t sit in the spotlight like turkey or stuffing, gravy earns its place in the top tier by making everything else taste better. Without gravy, the Thanksgiving dinner menu feels broken. With it, even mistakes turn into victories.

5. Sweet Potatoes: The Sweet Rebel

Sweet potatoes are the wild card among food on Thanksgiving dinner. They don’t follow the rules—half side dish, half dessert, fully controversial. Some families roast them simply with butter and herbs. Others go all out with candied yams, topping them with maple syrup, pecans, or a gooey marshmallow crown. Either way, sweet potatoes add drama and color to the table.

But here’s where they slip in the rankings—they’re not for everyone. Some people can’t handle the sweet clash against savory turkey and stuffing. Others complain it feels like eating dessert too early. At their best, though, sweet potatoes balance the heavy richness of the meal with vibrant flavor. At their worst, they taste like candy that wandered onto the wrong plate.

Still, sweet potatoes bring life to the Thanksgiving spread. Their bright orange glow makes food styling look amazing, and their versatility means there’s a version for everyone. They’re not top-tier like stuffing, but they’ve earned a spot near the middle of the pack—controversial, unique, and unforgettable.

6. Cranberry Sauce: The Tart Trouble-Maker

Cranberry sauce is the diva of food on Thanksgiving dinner. Bright, tart, and unapologetically bold, it cuts through the buttery heaviness of the holiday meal like a sharp remark at the dinner table. One spoonful wakes your palate up, refreshing you for another round of turkey and mashed potatoes.

But here’s the problem: cranberry sauce is polarizing. Team Canned loves those jiggly, sliceable cylinders. Team Homemade swears nothing beats simmered cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and maybe maple syrup. And then there’s the group that doesn’t touch it at all. On some tables, it’s the star sidekick. On others, it’s practically decoration.

That love-it-or-hate-it energy is exactly why cranberry sauce sits firmly in the middle of the ranking. It’s not essential like stuffing or gravy, but it’s not forgettable either. At its best, it’s the refreshing contrast every plate needs. At its worst, it sits untouched, waiting to be scraped into leftovers nobody claims. Cranberry sauce is bold, but bold doesn’t always win.

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7. Pumpkin Pie: The Sweet Finale

Pumpkin pie is the undisputed king of food on Thanksgiving dinner desserts. Spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust, topped with whipped cream—it’s tradition baked into a pie pan. Without it, Thanksgiving feels unfinished. That’s why pumpkin pie ranks near the very top of desserts.

The strength of pumpkin pie lies in its consistency. It’s always cozy, always flavorful, and always feels right at the end of a heavy meal. No other dessert carries the same “holiday signature” power. But here’s the honest critique: pumpkin pie can get boring if it’s the only dessert on the table. That’s where pecan or apple pie swoop in to add variety.

Still, pumpkin pie is the classic. Even those who claim they don’t like it usually take a small slice “just because it’s Thanksgiving.” That loyalty keeps it from ever slipping in the rankings. At worst, it’s predictable. At best, it’s perfection. Either way, pumpkin pie is the finale Thanksgiving needs.

8. Brussels Sprouts: The Glow-Up Veggie

Brussels sprouts used to be the villain of the dinner table. Bitter, mushy, dreaded by kids everywhere. But then someone roasted them, tossed them with bacon, butter, or maple syrup, and suddenly brussels sprouts became a foodie darling. On Thanksgiving, they’re the veggie that redeemed itself.

Still, let’s not exaggerate their importance. Yes, crispy roasted brussels sprouts can be delicious. Yes, they add much-needed color and freshness to the spread. But no matter how trendy they’ve become, they’re never going to outshine stuffing or mashed potatoes. People may take a scoop, but most are saving room for pie.

Brussels sprouts are ranked mid-to-low for one reason: they’re filler. Good filler, sure, but filler nonetheless. They keep the plate from looking like a beige carb explosion, and they make you feel slightly better about eating three types of pie. That said, they’ll never be the dish people fight over.

9. Cornbread Dressing: Southern Soul with Limits

Cornbread dressing is a regional star. In the South, it’s non-negotiable—a crumbly, buttery, slightly sweet dish that soaks up gravy like a dream. It’s hearty, cozy, and full of flavor. Families that grew up with it swear it outranks traditional stuffing any day.

But here’s the thing—it doesn’t appear on every food on Thanksgiving dinner table. Outside of certain regions, cornbread dressing is more of a novelty than a tradition. That keeps it lower in the overall rankings. It’s delicious, but not universal.

The flavor is rich, the texture rustic, and it pairs beautifully with roast turkey. Food styling also loves it—the golden, crumbly look screams “authentic holiday.” But because it’s not as widespread, it falls short of top-tier. Cornbread dressing is a beloved classic for some, but for others, it’s the dish they’ve only heard about in New York Times articles, not their own kitchens.

10. Dinner Rolls: The Quiet Essential

Dinner rolls are the peacekeepers of food on Thanksgiving dinner. Soft, buttery, and always welcome, they don’t compete for attention like turkey or pumpkin pie. Instead, they sit quietly on the side, waiting to be turned into little flavor vehicles. One roll with butter? Comfort. Two rolls stuffed with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? Pure genius.

But here’s the reality—dinner rolls never steal the spotlight. No one sits down at the table excited about rolls. They’re the backup singers, not the lead vocalist. Without them, you’d notice something’s missing, but with them, you rarely rave about how life-changing they were. That’s why they land in the middle of the rankings: dependable, useful, but not unforgettable.

Still, rolls shine during leftovers. The best day-after Thanksgiving sandwiches are always built with soft, pillowy rolls. That alone boosts their score. Rolls are like the glue of the Thanksgiving meal—necessary, flexible, and always there to soak up gravy. They’re never top-tier, but they’ll never fall to the bottom either.

11. Potato Salad: The Underrated Guest

Potato salad is the wildcard of Thanksgiving. For some families, it’s a regular on the table. For others, it’s a complete curveball. Creamy, tangy, and refreshing, potato salad can be the cool breeze on an otherwise heavy plate of carbs. But here’s the catch—it’s competing with mashed potatoes. And among food on Thanksgiving dinner, mashed potatoes always win.

That competition keeps potato salad from ranking high. It’s delicious, yes, and it balances the meal with mayo-based creaminess and a hint of acidity. But it also feels like the dish that belongs more at a summer cookout than a fall feast. On the Thanksgiving spread, it feels slightly out of place.

Still, when done right, it earns respect. Extra pickles, mustard, or even bacon can elevate it. But it’s always playing second fiddle to the more traditional potato dishes. Potato salad is the fun cousin who shows up uninvited and somehow still gets a spot at the table—welcome, but never essential.

12. Carrots: The Bright Pop of Color

Carrots are the reliable background character of the food on Thanksgiving dinner plate. Roasted with herbs, glazed with honey, or served plain, they add a flash of orange to an otherwise beige spread. Visually, they’re a lifesaver. Flavor-wise, they’re fine—but “fine” doesn’t win the holiday.

The problem is carrots rarely excite anyone. People pile on stuffing, potatoes, and turkey first. Carrots get added as a guilt-driven afterthought—“I should have a vegetable.” They’re better than nothing, but they’ll never compete with green bean casserole or brussels sprouts in terms of personality.

That said, carrots do their job. They balance the heaviness of gravy and stuffing with a touch of sweetness, and they’re easy to prepare in big batches. Still, in the rankings, they hover near the bottom. Thanksgiving is a holiday of indulgence, and carrots feel too safe, too healthy, too forgettable. They’re necessary for balance, but not memorable enough to climb higher.

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13. Green Bean Casserole: Creamy Classic or Outdated Relic

Green bean casserole has been riding the food on Thanksgiving dinner wave since the 1950s, but let’s be honest—it’s a dish people feel obligated to serve more than one they actually crave. Creamy mushroom soup base, tender green beans, and crispy onions on top—it’s comfort food by design.

The good? The crispy onions are irresistible, and the creamy texture plays nicely with turkey and stuffing. The bad? Mushy green beans and bland sauce can turn it into a sad beige pile. It’s a dish that ranks differently depending on who you ask. For some, it’s sacred. For others, it’s skippable.

Food styling loves it—the golden topping makes it pop on the holiday table. But truthfully, nobody is storming the kitchen for seconds of green bean casserole when pumpkin pie is waiting. It’s a solid mid-tier Thanksgiving dish: reliable, traditional, but not in the running for best of the best.

14. Pecan Pie & Apple Pie: All-American Comfort

If pumpkin pie is tradition, pecan pie is indulgence. Sticky, nutty, and unapologetically sweet, it’s the dessert that makes you lean back in your chair and say, “Okay, maybe just one more bite.” Pecan pie might not be the default choice for every family, but when it shows up, it’s unforgettable.

Where it loses points is accessibility. Not everyone loves the intensely sweet filling, and the chewy texture can be divisive. It’s also so rich that one slice often feels like enough. But in terms of flavor impact? It ranks high. It’s bold, it’s dramatic, and it earns its seat at the dessert table. Food-wise, pecan pie is the holiday flex. Pumpkin may be the classic, but pecan brings flair. It’s not the most universal, which keeps it from outranking pumpkin, but it consistently lands in the top half of the rankings. Sweet, sticky, and slightly over-the-top—pecan pie knows exactly what it’s doing.

Apple pie isn’t just dessert—it’s comfort food at its finest. Warm spiced apples wrapped in a flaky crust, often topped with vanilla ice cream, make it a strong contender for best Thanksgiving dessert. Unlike pumpkin or pecan pie, apple pie feels lighter, fresher, and more balanced.

But here’s the reason it ranks just below pumpkin and pecan—it’s not unique to Thanksgiving. You can eat apple pie any time of year, and it still feels fitting. Pumpkin pie screams “holiday.” Pecan pie feels indulgent and rare. Apple pie, as good as it is, doesn’t carry that same exclusivity. That said, it’s reliable. Everyone eats it, nobody complains, and it often disappears faster than the other pies because it appeals to all ages. It’s the crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, even if it doesn’t define the holiday. Apple pie earns its high spot not by being flashy, but by being universally loved.

Other Pies: The Unsung Heroes

Other pies deserve recognition, even if they rarely win gold at Thanksgiving. Chocolate cream pie, cherry pie, coconut cream, or even key lime sometimes sneak onto the holiday table. They’re not traditional, but they add variety. And variety is never a bad thing.

The truth? These pies rank lower not because they taste bad, but because they don’t scream “food on Thanksgiving dinner.” They’re tasty distractions, like the side quest in a video game. Everyone takes a slice, but no one would miss them if they didn’t show up. Still, they shine in one important way: they prevent pie fatigue. After three rounds of pumpkin and pecan, a refreshing cream pie feels like a blessing.

So where do they land? Middle-to-low. They’re fun, they’re welcome, but they don’t define the meal. They’re the surprise backup singers of dessert—pleasant, but not the stars.

Cheese Recipes: Extra Indulgence

Cheese-based recipes—mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, dips—are the rebels of Thanksgiving. Not part of the traditional lineup, yet they’ve muscled their way into many modern spreads. And honestly? They’re delicious. Creamy, gooey, and indulgent, they win over both kids and adults.

But here’s the ranking truth: they feel like guests, not family. Cheese belongs as food on Thanksgiving dinner, but it doesn’t hold the same historic weight as stuffing or pumpkin pie. Some families would riot without mac and cheese. Others see it as completely unnecessary. That divide pushes cheese dishes toward the middle of the rankings.

Still, when done right, cheese recipes elevate the table. They add richness, color, and comfort. But in the grand scheme of Thanksgiving hierarchy? They’re supporting roles, not leads. They’ll never outrank turkey, but they’ll always win applause.

15. Leftovers: The Next-Day Magic

Here’s where I break my own rules. Leftovers aren’t a dish, but they absolutely deserve a spot on this ranking. In fact, they sometimes outrank the feast itself. Think about it—Thanksgiving leftovers mean sandwiches piled high with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Or mashed potatoes fried into patties the next morning. Or pie for breakfast. Pure bliss.

But leftovers rank lower than the main feast for one reason: they’re dependent. Their magic only exists because of the meal before them. On their own, they don’t exist. That reliance keeps them out of the top tier, even though they might secretly be everyone’s favorite part of the holiday.

Leftovers are like the encore at a concert—you don’t go for them, but they’re what you remember. They extend the holiday into the weekend and keep the joy alive. So while they don’t rank highest, they’re the stealth champions of Thanksgiving.

The Battle of Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving isn’t just a dinner—it’s a battlefield of recipes. Every family believes their version is superior. Aunt Linda swears by her stuffing. Uncle Jim insists brussels sprouts need bacon. Cousin Jess experiments with maple syrup in everything. The kitchen becomes an arena of traditions, experiments, and strong opinions.

This competition shapes the rankings. Some recipes climb higher because they’re perfected over generations. Others drop lower because they’re too experimental or don’t fit the food on Thanksgiving dinner vibe. And honestly? That’s the fun. It’s not just about what’s on the table, but whose recipe made it there.

These recipe battles keep Thanksgiving alive and evolving. They make the holiday feel personal and unique. That said, some dishes win consistently—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes. Others, like carrots or potato salad, struggle to hold their ground. The ranking isn’t just food—it’s family history told bite by bite.

Final Thoughts: The Feast That Brings Us Together

So after ranking the foods on Thanksgiving dinner tables from best to worst, what’s the verdict? The stars are clear—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie hold the crown. The middle ranks belong to dependable sides like rolls, gravy, brussels sprouts, and cornbread dressing. The lower spots? Carrots, potato salad, and “other pies” that don’t quite scream Thanksgiving.

But here’s the twist—none of it really loses. Even the lowest-ranked dish still matters. Why? Because Thanksgiving isn’t just about food styling or flavor. It’s about the messy, overloaded plate that somehow brings family and friends together.

At the end of the day, the Thanksgiving spread is more than a meal—it’s tradition, memory, and comfort. Every dish, from the dry turkey to the best slice of pie, plays its role in creating the holiday. So argue, laugh, and load up your plate however you like. Because that, my friends, is the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

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