The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal - 10 Must-Have Foods

 It's almost that time of the year again- the day we know as Thanksgiving. A day typically spent with family, friends, loved ones gathered around a table to share a meal that makes everyone want to nap following the massive dinner. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, but a full- contact sport featuring gravy boats, stretchy pants, and some of the best comfort foods known to mankind While families all have their own traditions, we know many of the same foods show up in homes all across America year after year.

Ready to plan your menu? Here are the 10 most non-negotiable foods that will hit most tables this year.  These make a truly traditional Thanksgiving dinner. 

1.Turkey -

      It would not be Thanksgiving without the main attraction. Smoked, roasted, or deep-fried, the turkey is the centerpiece of the meal. Turkey is the symbol of Thanksgiving for a reason. Whether it is deliciously juicy or dry enough to fall apart, it anchors the meal and allows the sides to compliment as they should. 

2.Mashed Potatoes -

        Many times ranked the number one side dish for many meals, creamy mashed potatoes are the" glue" that holds the meal together. Whether you want yours creamy and fluffy or rustic with lumps, mashed potatoes are the essential vehicle for all that delicious gravy that is coming to the table as well. 

3.Stuffing or Dressing- 

     Baked inside the bird (stuffing) or separately (dressing), this dish is pure comfort and the ideal addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Prepared with breadcrumbs, seasonings and celery as well as occasionally with sausage or oysters, it soaks up all the amazingly delicious flavors of the meal and is a hallmark to the meal.

4. Gravy-

      The rich, savory sauce made from the turkey drippings. Gravy is the liquid gold that holds the meal together. Can you imagine a bit of turkey, mashed potatoes, and dressing or stuffing without a delicious savory gravy to go along with it?

5. Sweet Potatoes or Yams -

       These delicious, sweet, dessert-like side is the perfect counterpoint to the meal. Often made into a casserole topped with brown sugar, marshmallows, and pecans, this is almost dessert during dinner.

6. Green Bean Casserole -

      This dish created in 1955 by a Campbells Soup employee, is a retro classic that still makes it way to many tables today. It's blend of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy- fried onions makes this retro dish, a pleasant accent to the dinner.

7. Cranberry Sauce -

      The bright, tart, sometimes jelly-like cranberry sauce, whether homemade or the from the can with iconic rings, this is essential to Thanksgiving dinner. Providing a bit of acidity and color to the meal, it cuts through some of the richness of the other items on the table. 

8. Dinner Rolls -

       Soft, warm, and fluffy dinner rolls are essential for two reasons, one is to soak up more of that delicious gravy and is necessary for those hearty and delicious left- over turkey sandwiches on the following day. 

9. Pumpkin Pie -

      The undisputed champion of Thanksgiving dinner. This spicy custard baked in a pie shell and smothered with Cool Whip is as necessary as the turkey itself.

10. Pecan Pie- 

      Another dessert that simply can't be forgotten on the big day. A rich, gooey Southern dish that has traveled across the country and made its way to tables way out of the south. Made with corn syrup and pecans, it is the perfect alternative or compliment to the pumpkin pie, offering a sweet and crunchy treat. 

These 10 foods offer a foundational menu for millions of Americans each year.  They represent tradition, comfort, and a collective feeling of home no matter where you are. 

How many of these will make it to your table this holiday season? Many will be on ours, but not all of them. I will hopefully share at a later date, what make it to the Funny Farm table.